PTI Podcast Summary: "Does AJ Brown Care More About Himself than his Team?!"
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon
Main Theme: Breaking down hot sports topics of the day, with particular focus on AJ Brown's criticisms of the Eagles, NBA headlines, Cy Young Award winners, and NFL/college football storylines.
Episode Overview
Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon dive into the day’s most debated sports stories, kicking off with a heated discussion on whether Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown's public criticism of the offense shows selfishness or concern for the team. The episode also covers notable NBA and MLB moments, then welcomes Booger McFarland for analysis of upcoming NFL and NCAA football games. Iconic "Happy Time" and "Big Finish" segments wrap up the show with rapid-fire commentary on notable news and anniversaries.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. AJ Brown: Team Critique or Self-Interest?
[00:57–02:57]
- Context: AJ Brown, Eagles receiver, aired frustrations with the team’s offense post-victory, saying “you can't keep slapping a band aid over that." Coach Sirianni expressed exhaustion with Brown's behavior.
- Wilbon: Immediately dismisses Brown’s commitment to the team, citing comparable personalities on championship teams (e.g., Dennis Rodman with the Bulls) who required “ignoring” for team cohesion.
“I don't think Brown gives a damn about the team. I mean, in a secondary way, he might, but I'm with Sirianni.” [01:46]
- Kornheiser: Acknowledges Brown’s comments are justified by the team's stats, but believes there’s a personal agenda underneath.
"The hidden agenda here is throw me the ball. Yes, I can fix everything. He's been doing this dance all season long and it is truly about him." [02:57]
- Both agree that, while Brown’s complaints have some merit (Eagles are 25th in passing yards), they’re also self-serving.
2. NBA Potpourri: Biggest Story Last Night
[02:57–07:42]
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A wild night in the NBA with standout performances: Jokic’s 55 points, Steph Curry’s 46, Spurs rookies with triple-doubles, Mavericks’ losing streak, Pistons’ eight straight wins, and Jalen Brunson’s ankle injury.
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Wilbon: Praises Jason Kidd for telling Mavericks fans to “move on” from constant Luka Doncic critique, but hands the night's biggest story to Steph Curry’s impact.
“The warriors needed to win that game, even though we're only approaching mid-November, and they did it and they knew they needed it.” [05:04]
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Kornheiser: Disagrees, spotlighting the potential severity of Brunson’s injury for the Knicks, and sees Detroit's surprising winning streak as more meaningful long-term.
"They are now 10 and 2. They have the best record in the East... if they become a really good team, I'll go back to this thing." [05:39]
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Spirited back-and-forth over Kidd’s public address to Mavs fans:
Wilbon: “Hey, Dallas, front running fans, Cowboy fans, shut up and move on.” [07:24]
Kornheiser: “Not that easy.” [07:42]
3. MLB: Cy Young Winners—Who Was More Significant?
[07:44–10:43]
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NL: Paul Skenes (Pirates) wins Cy Young unanimously; AL: Tarik Skubal (Tigers) repeats the honor.
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Kornheiser: Skenes’ trajectory could be “all time,” highlighting his historic ERA and performance despite low win totals—emphasizing poor run support on a weak team.
“His ERA is 1.96. That's the lowest ever. I mean, we may be looking at an all time guy here... I value wins. He only won 10 games.” [08:13]
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Wilbon: Would’ve voted for Freddie Peralta (NL) and Garrett Crochet (AL) based on win totals and ERA, sticking to a more traditional understanding of pitching greatness.
“Don't tell me 2, 5, 9 has to be sneezed at. I don't want to hear that. So winning 35 games between those two.” [09:26]
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Both hosts ultimately respect Skenes’ unanimous recognition despite differing philosophies on pitching greatness.
Special Guest Segment: Booger McFarland on NFL & College Football
[12:48–18:30]
Patriots’ Offensive Success
[13:16]
- Booger credits OC Josh McDaniels and QB Drake May—“he’s not giving him too much, he's giving him just enough”—for Patriots’ seven-game streak.
“Josh is doing a great job of taking a second year quarterback in Drake May... He's not Josh Allen yet, but he gives you Josh Allen's field...” [13:16]
Chiefs-Broncos: AFC West Implications
[14:27]
- Booger calls Broncos-Chiefs the “premier opportunity” for Denver to claim the division and possibly end the Chiefs’ season.
“You get to, I think, almost put a nail in the coffin of the nemesis, and that is the Kansas City Chiefs.” [15:01]
SEC College Football Showdowns
[15:50]
- Both Georgia and Alabama may be vulnerable, but it depends on the opposing quarterbacks:
“In order for Georgia to get upset, Texas is going to have to play really good football... that means that Arch Manning is going to have to be at his very, very best.” [15:50] “In order to beat [Alabama]... your quarterback is going to have to play at an extremely high level.” [16:22]
Notre Dame at Pitt: Any Threat?
[17:14]
- If Pitt’s coach “doesn’t care,” Booger sees no cause for concern for Irish—barring an outstanding game by Pitt’s freshman QB.
"I think Notre Dame wins out. I think Notre Dame is 10 and 2 and get into the College Football Playoff." [17:56]
Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments
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Wilbon on AJ Brown:
“There's some people you just can't pay attention to. Even on great teams, even on championship teams.” [01:46]
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Kornheiser on Eagles’ offense:
“But the hidden agenda here is throw me the ball. Yes, I can fix everything... it is truly about him.” [02:57]
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Wilbon on Jason Kidd’s candor:
“Let me applaud J. Kidd... for having the Stones to say, enough, enough. You people have whined enough. Now, let's move on.” [04:40]
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Booger McFarland on Broncos’ chance:
“A premier opportunity for the Broncos... to make a statement to basically end Kansas City season and... announce to everyone that they are legitimate championship contenders.” [15:01]
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Booger on Notre Dame’s path:
“It's amazing how they lost the first two. And everybody starts saying, I don't know what's wrong with the Irish. And all they've done is ripped off seven in a row.” [17:56]
Important Timestamps
| Segment | Start Time | |--------------------------------------------|-------------| | AJ Brown/Eagles Discussion | 00:57 | | NBA Highlights/Potpourri | 02:57 | | MLB Cy Young Winners | 07:44 | | Booger McFarland/NFL-College Football | 12:48 | | Patriots’ Offense: Booger's Analysis | 13:16 | | Chiefs-Broncos Division Stakes | 14:27 | | Georgia & Alabama Vulnerabilities | 15:50 | | Notre Dame at Pitt Analysis | 17:14 | | “Happy Time” Anniversaries + Big Finish | 21:17 |
Language and Tone
- Conversational, candid, and sometimes combative exchanges
- Blend of insight, humor, and sports nostalgia
- Frequent playfulness, especially when ribbing fans or referencing sports history
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This episode delivers the quintessential PTI blend: sharp takes on controversial player behavior (AJ Brown’s gripes vs. team unity), quick hits on NBA and MLB news, and informed football analysis courtesy of Booger McFarland. Whether you tune in for heated debate or expert insight, you’ll find both hosts unafraid to disagree—backing up their points with player anecdotes, stats, and the ever-present wisdom that winning, at the end of the day, trumps all egos.