PTI Podcast Summary — "Are We Surprised by the JETS struggles?"
Date: October 14, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Frank Isola (filling in for Michael Wilbon)
Guest Analyst: Jeff Saturday
Overview
In this episode of PTI, Tony Kornheiser and guest co-host Frank Isola examine the recent NFL games, with a focus on the Chicago Bears’ comeback win over Washington and the ongoing struggles of the New York Jets. The podcast also covers the surprising Atlanta Falcons, major moments in MLB playoffs, and gets in-the-trenches NFL insights from analyst Jeff Saturday. The latter half touches on challenges with Miami Dolphins leadership, emerging rookies, and some quick-hitting sports news from around the world.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Chicago Bears Narrow Win Over Washington Commanders
Segment Start: 00:45
- Tony and Frank dissect the Bears’ 25-24 win chalked up by a late field goal, capitalized by a Commanders’ fumble.
- Frank Isola (01:38):
“This is the kind of game that the Bears lost last year and the kind of game the Commanders would have won.”
- The Bears have transitioned to finding ways to win close games, now on a three-game win streak after a dire 10-loss run after last year’s “Hail Mary” defeat.
- Questions about the Commanders’ decline while noting the Bears’ improvements under new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and young quarterback Caleb Williams.
Key Stats & Insights:
- Bears now averaging 25 points per game (10th in the league).
- Caleb Williams: 9 TDs, 2 INTs, on pace for 4,000 yards—a Bears first (02:28).
Tony Kornheiser (02:28):
“The Bears are significantly better… hiring Ben Johnson seems to produce something.”
2. Commanders’ Turnover Issues and Playoff Hopes
Tony Kornheiser (02:28):
“Washington should have won that game and they were undone by three turnovers... that one is on Jaden Daniels.”
- Commanders now 3-3, regressing from last year’s NFC Championship run.
- Cited parallels to Houston’s disappointing falloff after high expectations.
- Close-game margins are highlighted as pivotal for playoff hopes (Frank Isola, 04:12).
3. Falcons Shock the Bills — Legit or Not?
Segment Start: 05:12
- Falcons defeat the Bills with explosive performances, notably from Bijan Robinson (238 yards) and a staunch defense.
- QB Michael Penix Jr. claims post-game that the Falcons are "really legit."
- Tony Kornheiser:
“Not yet... They’re 0-2 in their division. So what is the path to ‘really legit’ when you’re 0-2 in that division?” (05:12)
- Frank notes the Falcons’ league-best defense (253 yards allowed per game), roots of success in fundamentals over flash (06:09).
- Skepticism about the Bills’ contender status and the AFC power shift.
Frank Isola (06:09):
“You don't need the great quarterback... they're doing it on defense.”
4. Baseball Playoffs — Mariners & Dodgers Shine
Segment Start: 07:05
- Mariners hit 3 homers, destroy Toronto, and gain a 2–0 series lead.
- Dodgers’ Blake Snell dominates Brewers, throwing 8 innings with one hit and picking off the only runner he allowed.
- Historic defensive play: First ever 8-6-2 (center fielder–shortstop–catcher) double play in postseason (07:56).
Tony Kornheiser (08:59):
“Blake Snell... faces the minimum amount of batters possible in eight innings. And you know the last guy who did that in a postseason game? It’s Don Larsen. Hello.”
5. NFL Deep-Dive with Jeff Saturday
Segment Start: 11:53
Baker Mayfield as MVP Candidate (12:15)
- Tony pegs Mayfield as MVP frontrunner for his resilience and emotional leadership.
- Jeff Saturday praises Mayfield’s passion and grit on a third-and-14 scramble:
“How about that run? ... he stretches forward, he gets the first down. The best part... when he gets up talking trash, you know, he’s flexing to himself ... He plays with his emotions, right? … With all the injuries... he keeps finding ways to get his team in positions to win.” (12:15)
Jets’ Struggles & Advice for Winless Teams (13:20)
- Frank highlights Jets’ 0–6 start; Jeff draws from experience as an interim coach:
“Talk about the future... here are the foundational stones that we’re going to build this organization on... Trust me, the long term vision of this is the way we need to head.” (13:20)
- Suggests aggressiveness and reviving locker room energy for morale.
Colts’ Hot Start (14:47)
- Colts are 5–1 with record offensive output. Jeff credits balance, strong O-line, and simple, effective game-planning:
“Their offensive line is on fire. Quentin Nelson’s playing well... They’re a top five team in passing and a top six team in rushing... All those bode really well.” (14:59)
Miami Dolphins’ Locker-Room Drama (16:02)
- Tua Tagovailoa called out teammates for tardiness following a bad loss.
- Jeff Saturday emphasizes leadership communication:
“My wife Karen... has these things... tone, tact and timing. Right. You got to have the three T’s in place and I think Tua missed it a bit, right? The timing on this... Have those conversations with the guys... Don’t address it after a loss.” (16:23)
- Warns that misstep can fracture unity and that both Tua and coach McDaniel mishandled the situation publicly.
6. Quick Hits, Stats, and Notable Quotes
- Emerging NFL Rookies:
- Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers WR): “469 yards, five TDs in six games—presents himself as a candidate for Rookie of the Year.” (19:28)
- Ozzie Newsom’s Legacy:
- Story of ex-Brown’s records and extraordinary executive career with the Ravens (20:23).
- Brady Tkachuk Injury:
- Both Tkachuk NHL brothers now out with injury; could alter Team USA Olympic hockey hopes (21:33).
7. Memorable Quotes & Moments
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Tony on the Bears:
“The Bears are scoring 25 points a game. That's 10th in the league. We don’t look at the Bears lately as an offensive machine. It’s had a great effect, clearly, on Caleb Williams.” (02:28)
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Frank on the Falcons’ D:
“...they've only allowed an average of 253 yards per game. Their defense has that is best in the league. That's how you win in the NFL.” (06:09)
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Jeff Saturday on Jets’ mindset:
“Let the guys kind of have fun with it. Because there's something about energy that breeds commitment...” (14:24)
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Tony on MLB’s rare double play:
“It’s never happened before in the playoffs. An 862 double play. The Dodgers are the victims… and they still go on to win.” (07:56)
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Jeff Saturday, leadership advice for Tua:
“You got to have the three T’s in place: tone, tact and timing. Right. You got to have the three T’s in place and I think Tua missed it a bit, right?” (16:23)
8. Other Sports Headlines (“Happy Time” & Big Finish)
- Ohio State produces another WR star (Frank, 20:12)
- Ozzie Newsom’s rare player-executive legacy (Frank, 21:14)
- Impact of NHL injuries on Olympic hockey hopes (22:04)
- Purdue atop men’s preseason basketball poll; UConn leads women’s (22:33)
- Cape Verde qualifies for the World Cup—second smallest country ever (23:16)
Important Timestamps
- 00:45 — Bears-Commanders breakdown
- 05:12 — Falcons beat Bills–are they “legit”?
- 07:05 — MLB playoffs, Mariners & Dodgers
- 11:53 — Jeff Saturday interview: Mayfield & MVP talk
- 13:20 — Jets winless, coaching approach for tough seasons
- 14:47 — Colts’ offensive surge
- 16:02 — Tua & Miami Dolphins locker-room leadership controversy
- 19:28 — “Happy Time”: Notable player and team milestones
Tone & Style
- Friendly, fast-paced, lightly humorous
- Honest, candid critiques mixed with stats and storytelling
- Jeff Saturday brings practical locker room perspective and empathy for struggling teams
This summary captures the urgency, humor, and insight that define PTI’s unique take on the sports world, spotlighting teams on the rise, the anguish of perennial strugglers like the Jets, and the blend of drama and intricacy that makes for can’t-miss sports talk.