‘Do you have anything good?’ Molly Qerim accuses Stephen A. Smith’s replacement of ‘falling off’ in hilarious cold open

FIRST Take host Molly Qerim has jokingly called out colleague Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo for his lack of preparation.

The ESPN anchor, 40, joined the veteran analyst for a cold open skit ahead of Wednesday’s edition of the sports debate show.

First Take/ESPN

First Take/ESPN

First Take/ESPN

Lead analyst Stephen A. Smith was absent again as Molly and Mad Dog took center stage.

The 56-year-old has missed much of the last month enjoying an extended summer vacation .

Smith is known for his exuberant cold opens , usually beginning the show with an ear-piercing rant.

Wednesday’s broadcast began with Molly walking in on Mad Dog reading a newspaper with his feet on the table in his dressing room.

“Mad Dog, seriously?” the host snapped at the sportscaster.

“You’re reading the newspaper? And how much ankle are going to show today on the show?”

“Can we get you some real dress socks,” she smirked.

Qerim continued her early morning rant by quizzing Mad Dog on his preparation for his What Are You Mad About segment.

“Stephen A. is not here today,” she carried on.

“This doesn’t mean you can just, like, fall off.

“Do you even have anything good for What Are You Mad About today?”

“Nothing! Nothing!” yelled back the veteran sportscaster.

Qerim about turned out of the office without another word as the opening titles rolled.

“Tremendous acting chops on display here,” joked one viewer on X.

Stephen A. Smith's journey through media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.

Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.

“Love @MadDogUnleashed Wednesdays!” said a second.

“When did Molly become a boss?” gasped a third.

Mad Dog recently penned a new extended deal with ESPN.

He has since credited Stephen A. with providing him with a “little career renaissance.

“I love him,” Russo told The Dan Patrick Show last month.

“Stephen A. – he’s a big factor. He’s the reason why I’ve had this little renaissance, and he’s been great to me, so I don’t want to hear it from my fans.

“But, let’s face it, you and I are doing sports talk; it’s a different kind of audience.”

Instagram/mollyqerim

Instagram/mollyqerim