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Carmen and Jurko

ESPN Chicago

Join ten-year NFL veteran John "Jurko" Jurkovic & Carmen DeFalco weekdays as they host the most entertaining sports talk roundtable in town.

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59 episodes
Avg 44 min
English

Episodes 59

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Yesterday · 44 min
10/6 11AM: Thayer on Packer Week & Bagent | Jeff Meller on How Sustainable This Sox Run Is
Carmen and Jurko close Tuesday’s show with Tom Thayer joining to preview Bears-Packers and discuss Tyson Bagent, Green Bay’s offensive line, Jordan Love, Dennis Allen’s blitz packages and the Bears’ commitment to the run. The guys also keep the White Sox conversation rolling as Chicago sits one win away from the ALCS. Jeff Meller joins in studio to break down the Game 3 pitching options, including Hagan Smith, Davis Martin, Eric Fedde, Noah Schultz, Jordan Hicks, Sean Newcomb and Grant Taylor. The hour also highlights Miguel Vargas’ strong plate appearances, the Sox’ pitching chaos and why this postseason run has pulled in plenty of Chicago baseball fans. Plus, Anthony Rizzo says Cubs fans should be rooting for the White Sox, and callers debate what it means to support Chicago when one side of town is still playing.
Yesterday · 40 min
10/6 10AM: Packer Week & Venable vs. Counsell
Carmen and Jurko continue celebrating the White Sox being one win away from the ALCS while breaking down how they got there. The guys discuss Sean Burke, Grant Taylor, Sean Newcomb, Miguel Vargas’ strong at-bats, Munetaka Murakami’s Japanese call and Will Venable’s steady approach in October. They also talk White Sox futures tickets, whether fans should cash out, the Yankees’ messy loss to Tampa and how the Sox have won 10 of their last 12 games. Bears-Packers week remains part of the conversation as callers weigh in on Green Bay fans, the Bears being favored at Lambeau and whether Chicago can beat any NFC team when healthy. The Brunch Rush covers ESPN’s NFL power rankings, Will Venable versus Craig Counsell and Jack’s review of Dog Day Afternoon.
Yesterday · 47 min
10/6 9AM: White Sox One Win From the ALCS
Carmen and Jurko open Tuesday still buzzing after the White Sox beat Cleveland in Game 2 and move one win away from the ALCS. The guys break down Sean Burke’s incredible relief work, Grant Taylor’s continued postseason dominance, Brenton Doyle’s game-ending catch and the tense final innings against the Guardians. They also discuss why this White Sox team feels so likable, from the clubhouse chemistry to Chris Getz changing the group dynamic after previous Sox teams fell apart. The hour includes calls from White Sox fans enjoying the ride, a look ahead to the chance to clinch at Rate Field and the possibility that even casual Chicago sports fans are starting to embrace the Sox. Carmen and Jurko also mix in Packer week energy, including whether “Green Bay sucks” chants belong at a White Sox playoff game.
Monday · 48 min
10/5 11AM: Ben Johnson Starts Packer Week With Quarterback News
Ben Johnson joins Jeff Joniak to review the Jets win, explain why Tyson Bagent will start against Green Bay and discuss the Bears’ red-zone execution, turnovers, Kyle Monangai, Theo Benedet and the defense’s selfless approach. The guys react to Johnson’s comments and debate how real the Bears defense is after another dominant performance. They also take calls on Bagent, Caleb Williams, DeAndre Swift, Monangai and whether the Bears can keep winning with a backup quarterback. The show wraps with Waddle and Silvy crosstalk on Bears-Packers, White Sox-Guardians Game 2, Chase Meidroth and the Sox pitching staff.
Monday · 44 min
10/5 10AM: Sox Win Game 1 & Bears Own the North?
Carmen and Jurko keep Bears Victory Monday rolling while also celebrating the White Sox stealing Game 1 from the Guardians in Cleveland. The guys discuss Munetaka Murakami’s massive home run, Grant Taylor’s incredible four-inning performance, Hagan Smith’s early work and how the Sox can attack Gavin Williams in Game 2. They also get into Michael Antonacci’s ice cream story, Tommy Pham’s near-homer, Miguel Vargas’ baserunning mistake and the growing belief that the White Sox are becoming one of baseball’s best stories. On the Bears side, the guys debate how real the defense is, whether the Bears should consider adding help, and why Green Bay suddenly looks very beatable. The Brunch Rush hits the NFC North picture, the Lions’ defensive problems, the Vikings’ soft schedule, the Packers’ struggles and Chicago’s red-zone issues.
Monday · 45 min
10/5 9AM: Bears Roll Jets in Historic Fashion
Carmen and Jurko open Bears Victory Monday after Chicago beats the Jets and moves to 3-1 with another strong offensive performance from Ben Johnson’s group. The guys discuss Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum, Kyle Monangai’s big day, DeAndre Swift’s fumble and the Bears setting a franchise record with 34 first downs. They also debate how real the Bears defense is after shutting down another opponent, while noting the recent stretch of struggling offenses on the schedule. The hour includes Tyrique Stevenson, Dylan Thieneman, the Jets’ ugly offensive day and whether Aaron Glenn already has major problems in New York.
Friday · 49 min
10/2 11AM: Todd Furman's Week 4 Betting Guide | Adam Amin on a Tale of 2 Chicago Baseball Teams | Ben Johnson breaks Bears news
Carmen and Jurko close Bears-Dr. Pepper Football Friday with Todd Furman breaking down Week 4 betting angles across the NFL and college football. Todd talks Bears-Jets, the Browns’ win over the Steelers, the London game, Vikings-Dolphins, Patriots-Bills, Florida-Missouri and gives out his best plays for the weekend. Adam Amin joins to preview Bears-Jets after already calling both teams this season, with insight on Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum, Dennis Allen and Dylan Thieneman. Adam also talks Brewers-Padres, the Brewers’ organizational edge and why the White Sox have become one of the best stories in baseball. The show wraps with Ben Johnson ruling out Caleb Williams, staying quiet on the starting quarterback decision and giving updates on Kyler Gordon, DeAndre Swift, Theo Benedet, Ozzy Trapilo, Colston Loveland and Kenyon Sadiq.
Friday · 43 min
10/2 10AM: Jason McKie & Jurko's Bears-Jets Keys
Carmen and Jurko continue Bears-Dr. Pepper Football Friday with Jason McKie joining to preview Bears-Jets at Soldier Field. McKie discusses Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum, the Bears’ offensive playmakers, Theo Benedet, Ozzy Trapilo, DeAndre Swift and how the defensive line can attack Geno Smith. Jurko also delivers his keys to a Bears win, focusing on controlling the clock, protecting the football, keeping the offense simple and holding up against the run. The hour also includes Kyler Gordon’s practice window opening, the latest Bears stadium conversation, Northwestern’s new Ryan Field and Hagan Smith starting Game 1 for the White Sox against Cleveland. Mike North closes the hour with the bonus play and a few thoughts on where things stand with the Bears stadium talks.
Friday · 46 min
10/2 9AM: Keenum or Bagent? Bears-Jets & Sox-Guardians
Carmen and Jurko kick off a Bears-Dr. Pepper Football Friday with a huge Chicago sports weekend ahead. The guys preview Bears-Jets and discuss why Tyson Bagent appears likely to start if Caleb Williams cannot play, even after Case Keenum’s impressive Monday night performance. They break down Ben Johnson’s possible thinking, the importance of Bagent running the full offense and how the Bears should handle Aaron Glenn’s blitz-heavy Jets defense. The hour also gets into the Browns-Steelers Thursday night game, Deshaun Watson, the Amazon broadcast and Bears-Packers being moved out of the late Fox window. Plus, the guys talk White Sox-Guardians, Hagan Smith starting Game 1, the Cubs’ offseason questions and whether Jed Hoyer can calm frustrated Cubs fans.
Thursday · 37 min
10/1 11AM: Sox to Cleveland, Cubs to Winter
Carmen and Jurko close the show with more reaction to the White Sox sweeping the Astros and moving on to face Cleveland in the ALDS. The guys discuss the Sox bullpen, Jordan Hicks, Chase Meidroth’s huge home run, the double steal that set it up and why Will Venable pushed the right buttons. They also take calls from Cubs fans after a frustrating two-game exit against the Padres, with plenty of focus on the offense, Jed Hoyer and the pitching staff. The hour also includes Kyle Schwarber’s postseason home-run history, Yankees talk and a little Aurelio’s Popperoni celebration in studio. The show wraps with Kyler Gordon’s practice window & Bears-Jets injury notes.
Thursday · 46 min
10/1 10AM: Joniak on Bears QB Situation, Sox Joy & Cubs Fallout
Carmen and Jurko talk Bears-Jets with Jeff Joniak as Chicago tries to finish its homestand with another win. Joniak discusses the quarterback situation with Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum, the physicality of Aaron Glenn’s Jets, Ben Johnson’s standards and the Bears defense improving under Dennis Allen. The guys also continue reacting to the White Sox advancing to face Cleveland, with Chase Meidroth already becoming a South Side postseason name to remember. On the Cubs side, they dig into the offense scoring just one run in two games, PCA’s challenge decision and the front office questions after another disappointing finish. The Brunch Rush brings more Sox-Cubs fan reaction, Eric Fedde’s big moment, Tommy Pham, Colson Montgomery, Miguel Vargas and Mike Tomlin’s surprising Minecraft hobby.
Thursday · 48 min
10/1 9AM: Sox Advance, Cubs Done & Connor McKnight Takes Us Inside Sox Celebration
Carmen and Jurko open the show with two very different baseball emotions after the White Sox sweep the Astros and the Cubs get eliminated by the Padres. Carmen celebrates one of the most likable White Sox teams he can remember, while the guys discuss the Sox’s bullpen management, Chase Meidroth’s huge moment, Anthony Kay’s key outs and the team’s smart organizational approach. On the Cubs side, Jurko lays out the disappointment of scoring just one run in two games and the bigger questions facing the front office after another season behind the Brewers. The guys also revisit the Garrett Crochet trade and whether Carmen has to take the L now that Meidroth, Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery have become major pieces for the Sox. Connor McKnight joins from Houston to describe the clubhouse celebration, the team’s chemistry and how the Sox may try to handle Cleveland in the ALDS.
September 30 · 43 min
9/30 11AM: Jesse Rogers & Courtney Cronin. Sox-Cubs Wildcard Stakes
Carmen and Jurko talk playoff baseball with Jesse Rogers as the White Sox try to close out the Astros and the Cubs try to stay alive against the Padres. Jesse breaks down Grant Taylor’s huge Game 1 workload, Sean Burke starting Game 2, the Sox’s strong approach at the plate and the Cubs’ pitching concerns after falling behind in San Diego. The guys also get into Bears-Jets with Courtney Cronin, including the likelihood of Tyson Bagent starting if Caleb Williams cannot play, what Case Keenum showed Monday night and how the Bears defense is developing under Dennis Allen. Courtney also discusses Ozzy Trapilo, Tyrique Stevenson, Cam Lewis and the defensive backfield questions heading into Sunday. The hour wraps with Blackhawks talk, Patrick Kane scoring in his return, Aaron Glenn’s Jets interception drought and a full day of White Sox, Cubs and Bears coverage on ESPN Chicago.
September 30 · 41 min
9/30 10AM: Sox, Cubs, Streaming & Do The Bears Owe Bagent?
Carmen and Jurko continue a loaded Chicago sports Wednesday with the White Sox trying to advance in Houston and the Cubs trying to stay alive in San Diego. The guys reset the day’s ESPN Chicago schedule, preview Jesse Rogers and Courtney Cronin, and discuss whether the Bears are likely to go back to Tyson Bagent if Caleb Williams cannot play against the Jets. Carmen also explains why he moved back to YouTube TV, leading to a full streaming and multi-view debate during a huge time of year for baseball, football and hockey. The hour includes Cubs-Padres star power, White Sox-Astros calls, Paul Konerko’s World Series grand slam and memories of great live sporting events. The Brunch Rush hits the NHL hype video, Bagent’s value to the Bears, and an interesting offensive-line look from Monday night.
September 30 · 45 min
9/30 9AM: Sox Win, Cubs Crushed & Grant Taylor
Carmen and Jurko open a loaded Wednesday by leading with playoff baseball after the White Sox beat the Astros in Game 1 and the Cubs were shut out by the Padres. The guys rave about Grant Taylor emptying the tank for the final seven outs, Hagan Smith delivering as the opener and Sean Burke getting the ball with a chance to send the Sox to Cleveland. They also discuss the Cubs running into a buzzsaw in San Diego, Michael King shutting them down, the Padres’ electric crowd and whether Craig Counsell stuck with Matthew Boyd too long. The hour includes bigger-picture Cubs frustration, questions for Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins, and why the Brewers continue to lap the Cubs in the NL Central. Carmen and Jurko also get into Houston’s dead playoff atmosphere, the Pope’s White Sox letter, the Yankees looking dangerous and whether Carmen’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” moment was fate or an algorithm.
September 29 · 42 min
9/29 11AM: Thayer on the Case Keenum Game
Carmen and Jurko talk with Tom Thayer after the Bears’ 27-7 win over the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Thayer breaks down Case Keenum’s command of the offense, Ben Johnson’s use of two-tight-end looks, Garrett Bradbury’s response after a rough week and Dennis Allen’s defensive plan against Jalen Hurts. The guys also debate whether the Bears should start Keenum again if Caleb Williams cannot play Sunday, while callers weigh in on Colston Loveland, Ben Johnson’s fourth-down decisions and the offense finally looking smooth. The hour shifts to playoff baseball as the White Sox open in Houston with Hagan Smith and Ed Fedde, the Cubs get Matthew Boyd in San Diego and Tony Kornheiser gives the Sox no respect. The show closes with Waddle and Silvy live from Cork and Kerry at the Park, a little Blackhawks talk and a full Chicago sports day on ESPN Chicago.
September 29 · 45 min
9/29 10AM: The Case Keenum Game & Sox Playoff Prep
Carmen and Jurko continue Bears Victory Tuesday by breaking down why Case Keenum was so prepared in the Bears’ 27-7 win over the Eagles. The guys discuss Ben Johnson’s opening script, Keenum’s play-action success, the importance of down and distance, and whether the Bears should go right back to Case if Caleb Williams cannot play against the Jets. They also preview a full day of playoff baseball, with the White Sox opening in Houston behind Hagan Smith and Ed Fedde while the Cubs get Matthew Boyd against Michael King in San Diego. The hour includes reaction to Peggy and Jurko’s postgame chemistry, Khalif Raymond’s touchdown, Ben Johnson’s fourth-down aggressiveness and Rome Odunze’s drops. The Brunch Rush hits the White Sox wild-card roster, the “Case Keenum game,” NFL coaching rankings, quarterback development concerns, Emanuel Acho’s deleted Jalen Hurts tweet and Al Harris’ work with the Bears secondary.
September 29 · 44 min
9/29 9AM: Bears & Keenum SMASH Eagles & October Baseball Begins
Carmen and Jurko celebrate Bears Victory Tuesday after Chicago beat the Eagles 27-7 on Monday Night Football. The guys praise Ben Johnson’s game plan, Dennis Allen’s defense, Case Keenum’s performance and the way the Bears grew into the run game before putting Philadelphia away. They also debate whether Keenum should start again if Caleb Williams misses more time, with Tyson Bagent back healthy enough to be part of the conversation. The hour shifts into a massive day for Chicago baseball as the White Sox open in Houston and the Cubs start late in San Diego, with Carmen riding a “Don’t Stop Believin’” omen into playoff day. The guys also take calls on the Bears’ defense, Kalif Raymond, Case Keenum’s story and whether this could become one of the best Chicago sports days in recent memory.
September 28 · 44 min
9/28 11AM: Jurko’s Bears-Eagles Keys
Carmen and Jurko close Bears Bonanza with Yurko’s Keys for Bears-Eagles on Monday Night Football. The good kid says the Bears need smart football, no penalties, more involvement from the receivers and tight ends, defensive-line movement and a cleaner kicking operation from Cairo Santos. The hour also features an all-time moment when Yurko forgets his own acronym, plus reaction to Caleb Williams’ grade two hamstring strain and how long the Bears may be without their starting quarterback. The guys also discuss the Vikings trading J.J. McCarthy to the Giants, the challenges of winning with Case Keenum and whether the Bears can steal a close one at Soldier Field. The show wraps with Cubs and White Sox playoff excitement, late-night postseason baseball, President’s Cup reaction and Bears-Eagles predictions.
September 28 · 43 min
9/28 10AM: NFL Week 3 Chaos & Most Important Bear Not Named Keenum
Carmen and Jurko continue Bears Bonanza with Case Keenum set to start Monday night against the Eagles while Caleb Williams sits with a grade two hamstring strain. The guys reset the huge Chicago sports schedule, with Bears-Eagles tonight and both the White Sox and Cubs beginning their wild-card series Tuesday on ESPN Chicago. They also go around a wild Week 3 in the NFL, including the Vikings at 3-0, the Packers’ issues, the Lions’ defensive concerns, Baker Mayfield’s injury and Mike Tomlin’s strong TV breakdown of Dallas’ late-game mistakes. The conversation shifts to young quarterbacks, with Drake May struggling, Bo Nix flashing, Justin Herbert frustrating and Caleb’s development paused by injury. The Brunch Rush brings Case Keenum comparisons, the most important Bears player against Philadelphia, Garrett Bradbury’s matchup, Gronk in Buffalo and whether the Raiders’ hot start takes Maxx Crosby off the trade board.

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