January 11, 2024 • 38 mins
Mike, Matt, and Merril get you ready for the wild card round featuring the Steelers and Bills on Sunday with two hours of conversation and special guests!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Ford Steelers Preview Show on wdv E Pittsburgh.
Here are your hosts, Mike Persuda, Matt Williamson, and Merril Hodge.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Good evening and welcome to a special two hour edition
of the Ford Steelers Preview Show right here on the
Steelers flagship one of two point five DVE and SNR.
Mike Persuda and Matt Williamson here to get you ready
for the Steelers and the Bills one o'clock Sunday in Buffalo.
Playoff football has returned to Steeler Nation and part of
(00:32):
our extra special twice as nice type of program tonight,
we will have Meryl Hodge, our factor, back, joining us
for the second segment as we always do. But in
nowur number two got a couple of special guests lined
up for you. Bick Carucci, who has covered the Buffalo
Bills forever for just about every media outlet imaginable, is
(00:53):
going to join us. Vick will give us a real
precise breakdown on the Bills, and then we're also going
to speak with a longtime friend of mine, Rick Goslin,
the legendary football writer for the Dallas Morning News. Rick
is kind of enjoying the retired life right now, but
he's still a Hall of Fame voter and he's still
got some irons in the fire in terms of covering
(01:13):
the NFL. So I'll look forward to talking to both
of those guys, but Matt before we get there. All
season long, we've kind of opened up with the practice
participation report and all eyes on the Bills. Wide receiver
Gabe Davis knee did not practice for the second consecutive day.
Linebacker Terrell Dodson's shoulder was limited today he had not
(01:37):
practiced yesterday, And cornerback Russeull Douglas knee did not practice
for the second consecutive day. Obviously, the compelling context here
is that Tredavius White and Matt Mulano cornerback and linebacker,
are on the reserve injured list. So the Bills are
already getting thin at those two positions, and they might
get thinner, it.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Sure seems that way. And those two are a big blow,
of course, and then they let Levi Wallace go, they
go use a first round pick on Kyri Etlam. He
hasn't really worked out for them that much, so corner
has been a problem area. At the trade deadline, they
trade for Douglas. He's got a bunch of picks as
a Bill since Halloween or whatever.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
They got I think four and nine game.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
I mean, w guy, I'm sure some people are familiar
with them. He's a traitz, big corner that's played really
well for them. Would be a huge loss. And sure
doesn't sound like Davis is gonna play either.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Yeah, I actually think I had that reversed on Dods
and he was limited Wednesday and didn't practice today.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Okay, so the Big he plays a lot of snaps
for them too.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
The Big Three in terms of the injured guys of
Buffalo would love to get into the lineup. None of
them practice today. And also they're left tackle Dion Dawkin's hand.
He was limited on Wednesday, didn't practice today. At the
tail end that Bill's Miami regular season finale, he had
to leave the game briefly and they were doing some
feverish work on his hand.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
It was pretty messy. There's a lot of blood in vault.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
They did get him back in the game, but I'm
wondering if that's gonna be a problem because there's no
experience behind him.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
No, no, there really isn't. They do use a sixth
offensive lineman a very high percentage. I assume they would
throw him in the mix. Edwards is his name, but
he's nothing like Dawkins. Dawkins is their best player. And
what I don't think you didn't mention, but I had
noticed earlier there were two or three players, including Dawkins,
that missed practice with an illness. So he's got a
(03:24):
hand and there might be some kind of flu bug
going through their facility.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Yeah, that would include Dawson Knox. Yeah, tight End Deontae Hardy,
the return guy, was excused for personal reasons today. You
never know. This time of year, there's a lot of
stuff going around for the Steelers. The injury news is
relatively encouraging. I say relatively because we know TJ. Watt
is not going to play, but make a Fitzpatrick confirmed
(03:51):
he's playing today. Landon Roberts, who continues to deal with
that peck injury. You know, he showed up and played
the last game. I have no doubt that he will
do the same this game. Some other guys are getting
some you know, maintenance days off here and there.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
But relatively healthy.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Other than what, yeah, and do you look at it,
You know they haven't had Fitzpatrick for the last three.
Now you get him back, but you lose what get
back as well, Demante Kz, you know, safety back from suspension.
What kind of trade off is Kz and Fitzpatrick for what?
Speaker 3 (04:25):
See? Obviously it's not one for one. I mean you
lost your best player, maybe a defensive player of the year.
He'd be my vote. However, I do think you're the
best You've been in at least a month in your
back seven. You know, like Roberts played last week, but
all four of their linebackers played about the same snaps
where I expect him to take the bulk of the
work like he usually does. Minke has got a massive
(04:49):
ripple effect now too. You know, Rose got more time
with the team. I think Peterson now goes back to corner.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
So then you know, corner on first down subpackage guy, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Yeah, I mean he's your slot. I mean your back
seven is in really good shape all things considered, which
I think could pay off for you. I originally thought, well,
you're hurting on pass rush. Maybe you're better in the
back seven. Maybe it blitz like crazy. I had gone
the other direction. I mean, Alan really does a good
job against the blitz, So I don't think that's the process.
But I mean Mika maybe on Kincaid. You know, I
(05:21):
think you's see a lot of that. You know you're
gonna see Porter on digs. I don't think they match
up too poorly. Of course you love dev one.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Yeah, I'm not thinking blitz is the way to go either.
I actually want Josh Allen throwing from the pocket. As
crazy as that sounds, that I think he's when he
gets out on the wing, it starts running or throws
it on the run. You don't know what's gonna happen.
Maybe you get a pick, but maybe he throws a
dagger and kills you with the play that nobody could
see coming.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
I'd even consider some drop eight stuff. Yeah, and just
getting a lot of tackling and a lot of these
bad weather games. Sometimes it's one mistackle, somebody slips, and
then there's your big play.
Speaker 4 (05:57):
You know.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Ford Steel's preview on DV is brought to you by
UNI bet. The only thing better than a Steelers win
is a Steelers Winn's pace double down on your team
with Uni better prop partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We're
just getting warmed up tonight, so keep it here. We
will be breaking down Steelers and bills for you until
nine o'clock tonight with Matt Williamson, Mike Pursuita. Mer Meryl
Hodge is next right here on the Ford Steelers Preview
(06:22):
show on your Steelers Flagship one a two point five
d V E and S n R.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Back to the Ford Steelers Preview Show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Welcome back. This is the Ford Steelers preview show right
here on your Steelers Flagship one of two point five
DVE and S n R. Mike Pursuda and Matt Williamson
with you until nine o'clock tonight. We have a doubt
additional hour because it's a big one coming up Sunday
in Buffalo. But here in our number one, we're gonna
(06:55):
keep running the same place because they've been working, and
that means we're gonna turn it over now to our
factor back, Merril Hodge, who has joined us all season
for segment number two and does so again tonight. Merril,
how are you tonight?
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Man? Gentlemen? I am great.
Speaker 5 (07:12):
Ten weeks ago if I said Mason Rudolf will be
your starting quarterback, you guys are going to actually be
in somewhat of a rhythm, and you're gonna be in
the playoffs.
Speaker 4 (07:21):
We've been laughed off the air four weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Yeah, let's just say ten weeks ago.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Generous.
Speaker 4 (07:28):
Yeah, yea, yeah, yeah yeah, But you know, what the heck?
What Dan? What the heck?
Speaker 5 (07:33):
But I'm telling you it's interesting, This massive is very interesting.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Actually, let's start with Mason Rudolph, because uh, I can
certainly confirm that when I ventured to Indianapolis after watching
the Steelers lose to two win teams twice in five days,
then I watched them not play very well offensively against
the Colts. I watched George Pickens not block for Jalen Warren,
and I watched the Colts take the ball in the
(07:58):
fourth quarter and run third team consecutive times on the
way to get another field goal. That just piled on.
I was not thinking playoffs. I was thinking the wheels
were off? Did did Mason Ruoff put them all back
on by himself and just start driving the bus?
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Here?
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Meryll, what what happened?
Speaker 5 (08:16):
Well, let me just tell you this, what they what
makeson realoff has done will always share validity to the quarterback,
can make a spark we make a change there.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
That's why they don't change the left guard or the
right guard.
Speaker 5 (08:33):
They changed they changed the quarterback, you know, thinking that
that's going to create an offensive spark.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Now, I will tell you this, the majority of the
time you don't see it to this degree.
Speaker 5 (08:43):
I just you know, there's a lot of things that
fell into place, and I and the majority of the
stems from what Mason has done to be prepared to
be in this position. Because I know I mentioned it
when he first played. I'm going to reemphasize it because
the validity is critical and it might be the thing
that separates this particular game. You don't know whether it
(09:05):
be a particular issue, but that aside, the way makes
the Rudolph has structurally played from the pocket is extraordinary,
and everybody wants to talking about, well, the ability to
run and your ability.
Speaker 4 (09:20):
To extend playing. Okay, at the end of the day, a.
Speaker 5 (09:24):
Person that can function from the pocket fast and efficient
will outweigh and will be more consistent than somebody that
is extending the play.
Speaker 4 (09:34):
Because then that comes in too.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
Things that are not designed and not structure, and a
lot of it is instinct and luck.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
And I just you know, so look at this particular match.
Speaker 5 (09:47):
Like Josh Allen does not play as much instructure as
they would like.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Okay, he just has a.
Speaker 5 (09:54):
Little wild card to him, and you know he'll leave
the pocket a little soon. If you don't like something,
you know he'll he'll award mission a little quicker than
you would like.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
He leaves the structure of a play.
Speaker 5 (10:07):
Now, he does things that are magical, okay, and sometimes
I guess you know, I haven't looked at taking the
entire year and year after year, and that's what you'd
really need to do to kind of get the evidence
and sit him down and go, hey, listen, or to yourself, Look,
it's okay. We can live with this because he does
so many magical things offsets it. It's way better than
(10:28):
trying to keep them puck because he doesn't function well there.
That actually, to me is is where this could be
the difference in this game. Aside from how well the
students are on the football, I mean that's paramount here.
I mean I'm just saying that they're going to dominate
the lion scrimmage, control the temple. Well, then eventually the
quarterback does have to compliment in some passion.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
I can't. I'm not gonna say Mason Rudolph doesn't have
to make the play, and you know, he just.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
He's gonna have to make plays like he did it
in all the other games. He's gonna have to make
throws and critical throws. He's shown he can do that,
and I just think that they're going to keep an
environment will allow that to happen. And from the quarterback position,
who can play with instructure the best?
Speaker 4 (11:07):
Really oftentimes wins.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
Makes a lot of sense. And you know, Merril, you
considering the area of the country you grew up, and
you mentioned weather than becoming a Pittsford Steeler or Chicago Bear.
I'm sure you've played your share of not optimal weather
games and correct me if I'm wrong. But maybe some
things people don't think about, like I'm extra worried about
Mason Cole's snaps. I mean, can you run ballfakes and
(11:32):
play action as much? I mean, you're not gonna run
flea flickers and double reverses like ball handling and little
things like that. You know, Harvin is a holder. Things
of that nature aren't routine anymore.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Right, Yeah, I guess you're you know, you're right there.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
Are some routine things that you really had to focus
and emphasize. And I think that's important too that you
know when you mentioned snap now this is back.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
You know that this takes me back to you guys
remember it.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
But there was a big debate about the shotgun, like
the studios didn't use the shotgun, you know, when the
shotgun was being implemented in the league, and.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
We finally implemented it.
Speaker 5 (12:14):
And we're in Denver and we're playing in an environment
that is an absolutely like listen, we just got done
playing in Houston beating them in the wildcard round.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
Maybe nice day night, New Year's Eve, the other.
Speaker 5 (12:29):
We always reflect back on at some point at this
particular year, said.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
We were just talking as players. We were just.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Talking in the locker room. Like that was the loudest
environment I had ever been in. It was deafening, Like
we could not hear the play being called.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
I mean we had to just read lips and go
by our you know, just.
Speaker 5 (12:49):
Instincts and a repetition of the game of the of
the offense and stuff.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
And I'm like that there will never be anything like that.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
Okay, same we go to Denver, they talk TV time
out with like two minutes and thirteen seconds left on
the cock. The earth is shaking, It's louder than it
was in Houston. It is absolutely not so well. We're
in the shotgun DERMANI Dawson gets hurt our center. He
leaves Chuck Lands that comes in. They keep him in
the shotgun and he dribbles back a snap and we
(13:20):
lose the ball and we lose the game.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
And I'm gonna skin to this. The TV time out,
We're like, oh my gosh, we're gonna win this game
because there's they.
Speaker 5 (13:28):
Just scored at one point lead and we had two
minutes something left, two timeouts.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
But like it's sober, this is so we all knew
it it was over.
Speaker 5 (13:36):
So just going to your point, Matt, you know, like
a coaching perspective, I think you need to be aware
of that too, and sometimes and it's critical, especially in
Buffalo Man, you know, makes you get.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Under center here.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
You know, maybe let's try to do some things to
alleviate maybe some mistakes that could happen, and think through
those things during the course of the game and be
prepared for them as you enter this game.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
You know, Merrilyn, I can't remember if this happened when
you were already with the team or not. But to
your point about Chuck Noll and his uh, let's just say,
steady consistent opinion on what should and should not happen.
One year they had a couple of skunks get into
Saint Vincent College and they were running around campus thinking
(14:16):
the place up, and everybody was wondering what to do
about them. And somebody said, well, you can't kill them
because Chuck won't let the shotgun in camp.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
Oh dear, keep your day job.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
But eighty six or so, it was kind of funny.
I wanted to follow up on Matt's point about the
weather though here first and foremost, Meryl, because all the
reports were here and you know, high winds, bitter cold,
maybe snow, maybe sideways snow. At what point does the
weather dictate what you can do. What I've always thought
(14:52):
or assumed is that you guys never minded playing in
rain as much as you did wind.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Particularly, it seems like particularly the quarterback and the kickers.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Uh well, let's you know, like the wind. It is
a factor, the wind.
Speaker 5 (15:08):
I mean, you know, if it is ends up being
the type of wind they're talking about, those things, you
just can't be stubborn. You're gonna have to find out
in warm ups. It's like really, and that might not
be easy either because it probably is swirling. There's probably
not gonna be a direct you know, southeast wind, you know,
or something you know where it's has a certain directions.
So you know what, We're gonna have to play a
(15:28):
like this in the first quarter, but we can feel
like this in the second quarter. You know, there's half
the game we're i have to play differently based on
the wind. I uh, you know, you would walk through
those things. That wind becomes a critical component of you know,
what we can do, what we can throw, and what's
going to be feasible to us now.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Snow and rain. Honestly, that is like that to me.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Is all about embracing it. You know, I'm telling you
I played, so I'm gonna play Miami. Shoot one of
the it was like an absolute monsoon, and it was
it was it was probably it was the football God's
actually saving us because Dan Marino had had two passes
and it was fourteen to nothing like that, and then it.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
Rained and we hit him. He went left the game
and never came back, and then we beat him. Like
thirty five to fourteen.
Speaker 5 (16:12):
But how you embrace weather too, you know, and what
you feel you know, snow those type of things if
you like it, if you used to playing it, you
understand the footing it's not as big a factor as
the wind is. And that's why, you know, listen, the
buffalo will believe it makes them. I don't think it's
(16:33):
enough credit for this arm strength he has, you know,
he has good his arms pretty strong, you know, and
he throws a tight ball, which is another important thing
to rip through wind. So you know, only day we'll
be able to really assess those particular conditions.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
And then how do we go about operate and.
Speaker 5 (16:49):
What can we possibly do here to be most efficient
in our passing our passing game accompliment what we hope
to do in the running game.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
And I would imagine, I mean, if you're a mid
field or you're in normal field goal range and the
wind's blowing right in your face. Sin it's third and eight.
I'm sure Tomlin and the play callers are on the
headset saying, kicking or punting here? Does this no good?
You know, run it twice, you know, I mean, get
to fourth and two or you know, I mean, I'm
sure you have to just accordingly with everything you do.
Speaker 5 (17:21):
Yeah, you know, Matt, that's your right fill position and
what's what are the wind is where it's coming from?
Speaker 4 (17:28):
Whereas how's your defense really playing? You know, what is
the advantage to gain fifteen more yards? You know?
Speaker 5 (17:33):
With that Josh Allen and their offense and what they're doing,
because you're how Josh Allen plays and this will be extremely.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Interesting, you know.
Speaker 5 (17:44):
I they dug themselves out of a hole, and what's
helped them is that office you play caller, you know,
kind of like the Steers having a different approach, Like
their running game is a lot better.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
They gleaned on their runner more than they have in
the pass versus jobs. Yeah. Yeah, he just he's still.
Speaker 5 (18:02):
You know, he's been built up to be this assuming,
superhuman like player, and I.
Speaker 4 (18:08):
Just think there's moments where he takes it too far.
Speaker 5 (18:11):
He you know, he forgets the teams win championships, the
quarterback doesn't win them.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
There are moments where he is that guy though, aren't.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
There there is?
Speaker 5 (18:20):
And then you know that that would be a hard
thing to harness as a head coach. You know, you
don't want to you don't you want to break the guy,
you know, but you got to help, you know, harness
him a little bit and help him see the entire production,
you know, and the value and all these other.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
Things, and where we are as.
Speaker 5 (18:41):
A team, and games in time, game scenarios. Because the
Miami game, my gosh, how they dug themselves out of
the two things he did in that game.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
I'm just like, holy cow, man.
Speaker 5 (18:53):
I mean, in the playoffs, you don't, you usually don't
get that lucky, you.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
Know, you usually those those those can to send you home.
But and he doesn't. You know, he'll he'll do them there.
There's some games he doesn't occasionally.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
So you know it'll be that's where the real structure
of how what discipline, how where they play defensively will
be obviously, I think important cause sometimes if you can,
if you can force an three and out or two
on him, then he tends to get there a little.
Speaker 4 (19:23):
Quicker, you know, if they're moving.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
The ball a little bit, you know, they ponte, he
doesn't go there quite as fast. Well, then if you
get two three and outs, you'll be like, okay, that's enough.
Speaker 4 (19:33):
That could be dangerous on both sides. You know, it's a.
Speaker 5 (19:37):
He's a heckular player but fun to watch, but he
can he can surely do some things that that hurts
your team to help your team merrily.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
You mentioned at the outset here that there's some things
about this matchup that intrigue you. I'm assuming the Steelers'
ability to potentially run the ball on Buffalo is one
of them. What else are you seeing that kind of
gives you a reason to believe that this is doable.
Speaker 5 (20:03):
But that that alone gives them a chance. And you
know I've said this.
Speaker 4 (20:07):
Before, but it is foundationally true. I mean from Chuck Noll, Bill.
Speaker 5 (20:11):
Purselves, John Gruden, Jimmy Johnson, Marty Schotttheimer, Bill Cower, go
on and on and on. If you in the conversations,
all the things that are important in offense, all the
things you know, explosive wide receiver, you know, curly the quarterback,
good offense, team line, man, it all comes back to
and actually super Bowl proofs is out.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
Every single year proves this out.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
How the offensive line plays and therefore how well can
you control the temple of the game. And about ninety
nine percent of the time that is foundation.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
About running the ball.
Speaker 5 (20:47):
When you can do that, it just offsets some other
deficiencies you might have on your team.
Speaker 4 (20:53):
Okay, we got a guy that's in.
Speaker 5 (20:54):
Best because the player football is not playing. Okay, is
that a Does that hurt? Absolutely? How can you neutralize that?
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Right?
Speaker 5 (21:01):
Give Buffalo sixty five snaps you know total? You know
the Punnets keep them in the fifty fifty five sixty snaps,
you know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (21:10):
Jeez, that would be enormous. That's what the running game
allows you to do. It does.
Speaker 5 (21:15):
It does help you dictate to the defense what they
have to do, because they get tired.
Speaker 4 (21:21):
Of you run the football, so they have to surrender.
Do something.
Speaker 5 (21:23):
Once you do that, well, now I have now for
my tendency aspect, I pretty much know what you're gonna do.
Speaker 4 (21:29):
Not much easier to throw the football. So that's why
I just give them such am. Even if the weather's.
Speaker 5 (21:35):
Okay, they still get that this is not like Okay,
the buffle Bills are just gonna just smack.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Them around and that you know they want and done.
It's not like that. This this scenario does not set
up like that.
Speaker 5 (21:48):
In fact, the way they are run the football, you know,
watching the Miami Dolphin games, they struggle with a lot
of the runs, especially the power in the middle of
the field runs they struggle with. The type of runs
of those are very good at. So it'll be interesting
to see how do they go about handling that, because
they did not handle it well against Miami and they
haven't handled it well at times of teams that are
(22:11):
willing and will do that to them.
Speaker 3 (22:13):
So merrill along those lines. This team's been very successful
over the last five years. Josh Allen McDermott era, but
I've been very critical of how they build their team,
you know, like I think they I know they're they're quarterbacks,
a big, physical runner, but it shocks me they don't
have a Jerome battist Mike Alstat type, you know, I mean,
(22:34):
somebody that plays to their environment late in the season.
But even more so on defense, They're leading tacklers are
all one hundred and ninety pounds or two hundred and
twenty pound linebackers and they live in nickel, you know,
they never get big and physical and the.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Nickel guys playing linebacker some of the time.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
They're all speed guys. Though there are a bunch of
Ferraris out there, even they're d linemen or first round
picks that aren't that are athletes, you know. I mean
I would have built a team like the Belichick Patriots
in the North.
Speaker 4 (23:03):
Of the East.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
You know, I think that they don't fit their environment.
Speaker 5 (23:06):
Well yeah, I've always thought to your point, Matt Man,
if they just had but they have kind of done it.
That's the effects to what has reset them and stabilized them.
They did creating just to their running game. And Cook,
we cannot ignore him. He's dynamic. It's truly dynamic. I
think everybody knows that. I'm not going to get into that.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
But that phase if he you know, and then that comes.
Speaker 5 (23:31):
Down to Josh too. Josh got to buy into that.
You know, You've got to buy into that that value there.
And I agree with you.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
I've always thought, you know, boy, they just don't have
a thumper. Man, they just don't have a thumper. Where
if they did with with.
Speaker 5 (23:43):
His enormous talent, the primter players, the tag Ins that
are the young kids out in Utah. You know, they
got great route runnerund when I watched him in you
every now and then you run up to a Cayer
fire booth is kind of like this. I'm like, that
would be better in the NFL because the quarterback is
going to be better. You want to have College is terrible,
and I'm like, when they getting the NFL, holy cow,
these guys are gonna be dynamic because of the quarterbacks
(24:07):
are can compliment what they do. So that's that's uh,
that's a good thing for the Steelers actually, but you
don't have that. You know that that does play a
role in here, and I think you just as a defense,
I'm sure they've talked about it, you know, obviously not
giving up big plays.
Speaker 4 (24:23):
That's like captain obvious.
Speaker 5 (24:24):
That's that's that's like number one for every defense in football.
I'm gonna make some plays, just we just can't give
up those explosive plays, make those mistakes.
Speaker 4 (24:32):
If we make them work on stuff.
Speaker 5 (24:34):
We can get them where they can get a little
they want to play fast and get a little head
of themselves.
Speaker 4 (24:39):
And that's around Josh. You know, we can get him
out of his comfort zone and he and he's gonna
maybe give.
Speaker 5 (24:45):
Us a couple of times at the ball if we
do that. So you just got to hang together and defensively,
you know, listen, Dave just gotten better and better and better.
You know, Matt, you mentioned that the Colt game. You know,
when I talk about how demoralizing the running game is, well,
if you I mean I saw our defense, I mean
in the fourth quarter, I mean shoulders were sagging. I
(25:06):
mean they were I mean dragging themselves back to the
hull and dragging.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
Themselves to the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter.
I mean they were just beat down. That's what the
running game does. You now, they they clearly don't have
that that body language, just sense that game.
Speaker 5 (25:23):
And that goes to what's happened on the other side
of the ball and how they haven't played as many STAPs.
Speaker 4 (25:27):
You know, some was there like fifty eight sixty eighth
last week? Was it last week they had?
Speaker 5 (25:33):
I might get computed with others, but they're not playing
as many snaps as they were, which is a critical
part of being a great defense.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
They're not allowed to field this much anymore.
Speaker 2 (25:41):
Merril I did actually want to get a little detailed
on Cook. If we do all know he's dynamic, he
is a yards from scrimmage gaining machine. But is he
a between the tackles guy. Is he a sloppy field guy,
or is he more you know, get outside the tackle
get to the edge and turn it up guy.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
Heck of a receiver.
Speaker 4 (26:01):
Yes, well yeah, you know I talk I called him
perier guy.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
And a match match, a matchmak guy, or you know
you create matchups with him.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
He's a matchup guy and a preimer guy. And he's
not afraid to run inside.
Speaker 5 (26:14):
You know, he running side. That's not his forte, that's
not his strength. But they don't run like power, you know,
the type of runs value stuff where you get on
the edge.
Speaker 4 (26:23):
And he can bounce it, which is another important thing
of this. Like, okay, let's she's we talked about t J. Watt.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
I think everybody thinks about saxax acts, you know, disruption quarterback.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
But t J. Watt plays the runout as good as anybody.
You know, he avoids tackles.
Speaker 5 (26:37):
Makes we tackles in the backfield. Nobody holds contained and
he holds the edge. You gotta hold the edge on
this kid. You gotta make he bounces. You got to
make him lose ground and then you gotta you gotta
be on the preiter quick or ain't the corner on you?
And then the passing game could be a big concern
in this one. Based on our linebackers and who's gonna
play safety?
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Could be any kind of fact other than pushing Josh
Allen on the short yard of sneaks. I mean, he's
got a handful of carries. He's been there a little while.
He's done it before, but not lately.
Speaker 4 (27:12):
You know, shoot, I'm glad you mentioned that because you know,
when I was watching that, I'm like, oh my gosh,
that's why they got Matt. I mean, Matt, That's why
they got Leonards.
Speaker 5 (27:19):
You know that you can tell that they're trying to
try to create a physical presence. They don't have that days,
they don't have a physical presence, and I think that's
what they're trying.
Speaker 4 (27:26):
To ask of Leonard Fournette.
Speaker 5 (27:30):
Now, the scary thing about Leonard Fournette, he does bring that,
and the more reps that he gets and the more
they mean on him, the better chance to.
Speaker 4 (27:37):
Get that going. You know. But that that does tell
you that they they're not ignoring where they're weak and
nor that they need to get better. If I using
him and trying.
Speaker 5 (27:48):
To put him in no situations, so you know, you
just want That's why I go back to you know,
you keep them the sixty steps again, Leonard Fournette.
Speaker 4 (27:57):
Probably it's not gonna be evolved too much in it. Now,
let's start getting in the eighties. That's not good, and.
Speaker 5 (28:06):
Then he could be a formula where they're where they
have that phase, they get that phase going. So I said,
the fewer snaps you have unless you see the Leonard Poornette.
Speaker 3 (28:15):
So Merrill just guessing, you know, from our conversation now
and reading between the lines a little bit. I don't
mean to speak from you, but it sounds like you
would take a Philip Rivers or a burrow over the
wild stallion. That's Josh Allen that he's not your style, correct, Okay,
(28:36):
the roller coaster.
Speaker 4 (28:37):
Yes, his history has proven that, you know. And this
goes this goes back to even when.
Speaker 5 (28:43):
To evaluate people, there's just somethings you can't change, you
can't fix.
Speaker 4 (28:48):
You know. I always say you can't fix stupid.
Speaker 5 (28:50):
Not just what I'm saying is, if you've got players
that aren't smart, you're not fixing that.
Speaker 4 (28:56):
For some reason, everybody's like, no, I'm making smart, No,
you know I can do this, and some guy doesn't
have Actually, no, I'll fix that. Now, I'll fix that.
And then they're fired. Two years.
Speaker 5 (29:05):
There's some things that just can't fix they Now, I'll
tell you what probably helped me more than anything in
understanding that.
Speaker 4 (29:12):
Is like spending twenty some years and.
Speaker 5 (29:15):
Coaching, especially eight eighteen, watching initial group of kids that
you would coach for a decade and seeing their initial
skill set and then watching things evolve in over a
decade and kids the record, kids that were tough, were tough,
kids that had quick just said kids had speed, had speed,
(29:36):
Like he didn't change, like one kid, you didn't want
to have one kid one day, go min he wasn't fast.
Speaker 4 (29:40):
Now he's fast. You know it was it was it
was you are who you are.
Speaker 5 (29:46):
And there's some instincts and things you know, like everybody
will to clearly go, you can't teach speech. There's so
many things you can't teach either, but yet so many
people think you can and you make the mistake. And
somebody who can play in structure at something. I keep
going back to Mason. I marvel at how well he
orchestrates the pocket, and I'm telling you it is a
(30:07):
wicked tool.
Speaker 4 (30:08):
When you can do that at.
Speaker 5 (30:09):
Our league, it is where you have to function from,
and you have to function when it's clean when there's time,
and when it's dirty, and I can play. It was
like three phases in the passing game. He plays well
in the first phase. Josh Allen can play well in
the first phase, but he can escape the first phase,
and he likes to get to the second one and
the third.
Speaker 4 (30:29):
One, and he could play well in those two.
Speaker 5 (30:30):
Don't get me wrong, but if you looked at his
overall consent, he's still better in phase one. When you
can get the ball out timing where it's supposed to be, uh,
you process things, and the balls it is well I shoot.
Last year, probably the one bet the best displays I've
seen that in quite some time was the Bengals when
(30:52):
they went into Buffalo and how Joe Burrow executed during
the snow, during all these inclement and clime at bad
weather better word bad weather, and he's like dark, dark, dark, precise,
price precise, I mean, and did not deviate from that
bucket and shredded him Meryl.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
That type play quarterback tremendous stuff is always Hopefully we'll
be doing this again next week before Steelers Ravens.
Speaker 5 (31:19):
Well, Okay, what I know this time, I'm not gonna
be shocked because they do.
Speaker 4 (31:23):
This is not oh they're just gonna their blow doors blowing.
They It doesn't have that still at all. It doesn't
sell like that at all in this.
Speaker 2 (31:31):
One outstanding Meryl. We we'll talk to you next week hopefully. Okay,
Meryl hard is our factor. Back here on the Ford
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Speaker 1 (32:17):
Back to the Ford Steelers Preview Show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (32:23):
Welcome back to the Ford Steelers preview show right here
on your Steelers flagship one of two point five DVE
and SNR Matt Williamson and Mike Pursuda getting you ready
for the Steelers and the Bills Sunday in Buffalo. The
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank reminds you to sack Hunter,
get food, volunteer or donate at Pittsburgh Foodbank dot org.
And Matt, this is usually the what to Expect segment.
(32:46):
Even though we are going to go an extra hour tonight,
we might as well get that Oneaturday night. Although I
got to point out before we go any further, I thought, uh,
Meryl could have filled that extra hour all by himself.
Speaker 3 (32:57):
He's up tonight playoff form. I love it.
Speaker 2 (33:01):
Hopefully it's not the last time, as he usually is.
What to Expect is brought to you by Brian Patton
and associates. It's all about the benefits and I'm gonna
kind of pick up where Merrill left off a little bit.
I think this is going to be a hard fought,
close game. I know the Steelers haven't done very well
in the playoffs lately. People probably still have nightmares about
(33:24):
the Kansas City game and the Cleveland game. And the
Jacksonville game, and the Bills are ten point favorites, but
I think Pittsburgh is going to try to run the
ball and can run the ball. I think conditions are
going to help keep a little bit of a lid
on that Buffalo passing game. I think this goes into
the fourth quarter and we're still not going to be
(33:44):
relatively sure who's gonna win it.
Speaker 3 (33:46):
I tend to agree. I mean, sure, I wish Watt
was there, but I do think the Steelers can hang
with all their big people on both lines of scrimmage,
particularly running the football. As you mentioned, the way Nauseys
play and I think fits this environment extremely well. We
kind of like you just mentioned, I think the weather
is a great equalizer. I mean, it sounds like it's
gonna be extreme. I mean in terms of throwing the football,
(34:09):
kicks every little aspect of it, and to me, that
always favors the underdog, you know, I mean, it just
levels a playing field a little bit. I'm sure Alan
will cut the wind better than Rudolph. But I also think,
as Merrill mentioned, and I'm a big Josh Allen fan,
he will, you know, write some checks that he can't
cash too you know. I mean like he might look
(34:30):
at that thing and be like, you're gonna give me
one on one on digs. I'm gonna try to drive
this ball across the field and the wind, and I
would bet he throws one at least to the other team,
maybe several. He's scary as could be, but I think
the Steelers will be in this.
Speaker 2 (34:43):
Yeah. The track record is that he turns the ball
over with less frequency at home than he does on
the road for whatever reason. But you know, they certainly
got to be ready and catch it if he throws
it to them. I just like Harris in this environment,
you know. Yeah, you hit on this a little bit
with Merrill from the Buffalo side and from the Pittsburgh side,
(35:05):
But if you're going to play in this part of
the country at this time of the year, you need
to have this guy. And Eddie faulk through the Steelers
interm offensive coordinator slash running backs coach was talking today.
He was asked several times about Harris' resurgence. You've been
saying all along you thought he was having a good year.
He's been great.
Speaker 3 (35:23):
You're taking up a notch during this three game.
Speaker 2 (35:24):
Winning streak, and man does he not look like the
right guy in the right place at the right time
for what's got to get done.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
On exactly and you know the way the old lines
blocking for him as well, their trap games starting to
really come around, which I think is a great approach
for this attacking D line. But Harris has been the
trend center. I mean, he's looks like that Bama back
that was a first round pick that you know, is
winning national championships and putting teams on his back, you know,
a finisher. I mean, we've seen those backs over the
(35:52):
years here and they really come to shine late. And
it's a mentality along with the you know, the gifts
that he has, and I think it fits perfect. He's
peaking at the exact right time.
Speaker 2 (36:02):
You know, the big play from Mason Rudolph to Deontay
Johnson on the third and four first play the fourth quarter,
that's what won the game down in Baltimore ultimately, But
I thought Nagie Harris play positioned them. I would get
to a point where one big play can win it
for you.
Speaker 3 (36:19):
And take a step further. I agree, But I think
the last three games he's gotten them to the point
where they can hit Pickings for the bomb, hit Johnson
for the bomb. You make a big play on defense,
even just setting the tone. I know some of these
cliches get thrown around too much, but I think he
absolutely fits it.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
Yeah, and it's you know, he's not doing it by himself.
Speaker 4 (36:39):
Course.
Speaker 2 (36:40):
I think he's got that line convinced that if they
just keep going, he's gonna award them, and it's just
all falling into place, and every once in a while
get the three tight ends pushing from behind. Yeah, stuff's
happening with that ground game. And I look at Buffalo
and statistically that's a vulnerable run defense. And to your
point about light and that's that's not how you stop power.
Speaker 3 (37:02):
No, I mean, I think that's an absolute massive key
to this game is they love being in Nickel and
all their players are more sports cars than they are
dump trucks, you know what I mean. And I think
the Steelers just keep bringing in more and more heavy
personnel to see will they go to their base, will
they start bringing in bigger people or are they going
(37:23):
to stick a nickel Because unless you get down heavy early,
I don't mind run run, run punt, run, run, run punt,
and just big and you know a lot of Washington
and maybe even Chukes and big people out there, because
I don't know the Buffalo will counter with their big people.
Speaker 2 (37:38):
Yeah, and you know the trend has been since Rudolph
took over that you get that run established and then
when somebody has to load up to stop that. Now
you got a one on one matchup outside or over
the middle if you find it and you'll exploit it.
We'll see if the Steelers can do that. Jamersonal Douglas
isn't in the mix. I think he would be your
pickings guy, big big variable for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
(38:01):
That's gonna do it for hour number one. But stay
with us because we've got another hour to come as
we continue this playoff preview Steelers. The Ford Steelers Preview
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five d V E and S n r
This is the Ford Steelers Preview Show on wdv E Pittsburgh.
Here are your hosts, Mike Persuda, Matt Williamson, and Merril Hodge.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Good evening and welcome to a special two hour edition
of the Ford Steelers Preview Show right here on the
Steelers flagship one of two point five DVE and SNR.
Mike Persuda and Matt Williamson here to get you ready
for the Steelers and the Bills one o'clock Sunday in Buffalo.
Playoff football has returned to Steeler Nation and part of
(00:32):
our extra special twice as nice type of program tonight,
we will have Meryl Hodge, our factor, back, joining us
for the second segment as we always do. But in
nowur number two got a couple of special guests lined
up for you. Bick Carucci, who has covered the Buffalo
Bills forever for just about every media outlet imaginable, is
(00:53):
going to join us. Vick will give us a real
precise breakdown on the Bills, and then we're also going
to speak with a longtime friend of mine, Rick Goslin,
the legendary football writer for the Dallas Morning News. Rick
is kind of enjoying the retired life right now, but
he's still a Hall of Fame voter and he's still
got some irons in the fire in terms of covering
(01:13):
the NFL. So I'll look forward to talking to both
of those guys, but Matt before we get there. All
season long, we've kind of opened up with the practice
participation report and all eyes on the Bills. Wide receiver
Gabe Davis knee did not practice for the second consecutive day.
Linebacker Terrell Dodson's shoulder was limited today he had not
(01:37):
practiced yesterday, And cornerback Russeull Douglas knee did not practice
for the second consecutive day. Obviously, the compelling context here
is that Tredavius White and Matt Mulano cornerback and linebacker,
are on the reserve injured list. So the Bills are
already getting thin at those two positions, and they might
get thinner, it.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Sure seems that way. And those two are a big blow,
of course, and then they let Levi Wallace go, they
go use a first round pick on Kyri Etlam. He
hasn't really worked out for them that much, so corner
has been a problem area. At the trade deadline, they
trade for Douglas. He's got a bunch of picks as
a Bill since Halloween or whatever.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
They got I think four and nine game.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
I mean, w guy, I'm sure some people are familiar
with them. He's a traitz, big corner that's played really
well for them. Would be a huge loss. And sure
doesn't sound like Davis is gonna play either.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Yeah, I actually think I had that reversed on Dods
and he was limited Wednesday and didn't practice today.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Okay, so the Big he plays a lot of snaps
for them too.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
The Big Three in terms of the injured guys of
Buffalo would love to get into the lineup. None of
them practice today. And also they're left tackle Dion Dawkin's hand.
He was limited on Wednesday, didn't practice today. At the
tail end that Bill's Miami regular season finale, he had
to leave the game briefly and they were doing some
feverish work on his hand.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
It was pretty messy. There's a lot of blood in vault.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
They did get him back in the game, but I'm
wondering if that's gonna be a problem because there's no
experience behind him.
Speaker 3 (03:03):
No, no, there really isn't. They do use a sixth
offensive lineman a very high percentage. I assume they would
throw him in the mix. Edwards is his name, but
he's nothing like Dawkins. Dawkins is their best player. And
what I don't think you didn't mention, but I had
noticed earlier there were two or three players, including Dawkins,
that missed practice with an illness. So he's got a
(03:24):
hand and there might be some kind of flu bug
going through their facility.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Yeah, that would include Dawson Knox. Yeah, tight End Deontae Hardy,
the return guy, was excused for personal reasons today. You
never know. This time of year, there's a lot of
stuff going around for the Steelers. The injury news is
relatively encouraging. I say relatively because we know TJ. Watt
is not going to play, but make a Fitzpatrick confirmed
(03:51):
he's playing today. Landon Roberts, who continues to deal with
that peck injury. You know, he showed up and played
the last game. I have no doubt that he will
do the same this game. Some other guys are getting
some you know, maintenance days off here and there.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
But relatively healthy.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Other than what, yeah, and do you look at it,
You know they haven't had Fitzpatrick for the last three.
Now you get him back, but you lose what get
back as well, Demante Kz, you know, safety back from suspension.
What kind of trade off is Kz and Fitzpatrick for what?
Speaker 3 (04:25):
See? Obviously it's not one for one. I mean you
lost your best player, maybe a defensive player of the year.
He'd be my vote. However, I do think you're the
best You've been in at least a month in your
back seven. You know, like Roberts played last week, but
all four of their linebackers played about the same snaps
where I expect him to take the bulk of the
work like he usually does. Minke has got a massive
(04:49):
ripple effect now too. You know, Rose got more time
with the team. I think Peterson now goes back to corner.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
So then you know, corner on first down subpackage guy, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Yeah, I mean he's your slot. I mean your back
seven is in really good shape all things considered, which
I think could pay off for you. I originally thought, well,
you're hurting on pass rush. Maybe you're better in the
back seven. Maybe it blitz like crazy. I had gone
the other direction. I mean, Alan really does a good
job against the blitz, So I don't think that's the process.
But I mean Mika maybe on Kincaid. You know, I
(05:21):
think you's see a lot of that. You know you're
gonna see Porter on digs. I don't think they match
up too poorly. Of course you love dev one.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Yeah, I'm not thinking blitz is the way to go either.
I actually want Josh Allen throwing from the pocket. As
crazy as that sounds, that I think he's when he
gets out on the wing, it starts running or throws
it on the run. You don't know what's gonna happen.
Maybe you get a pick, but maybe he throws a
dagger and kills you with the play that nobody could
see coming.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
I'd even consider some drop eight stuff. Yeah, and just
getting a lot of tackling and a lot of these
bad weather games. Sometimes it's one mistackle, somebody slips, and
then there's your big play.
Speaker 4 (05:57):
You know.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
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(06:22):
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Speaker 1 (06:28):
Back to the Ford Steelers Preview Show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Welcome back. This is the Ford Steelers preview show right
here on your Steelers Flagship one of two point five
DVE and S n R. Mike Pursuda and Matt Williamson
with you until nine o'clock tonight. We have a doubt
additional hour because it's a big one coming up Sunday
in Buffalo. But here in our number one, we're gonna
(06:55):
keep running the same place because they've been working, and
that means we're gonna turn it over now to our
factor back, Merril Hodge, who has joined us all season
for segment number two and does so again tonight. Merril,
how are you tonight?
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Man? Gentlemen? I am great.
Speaker 5 (07:12):
Ten weeks ago if I said Mason Rudolf will be
your starting quarterback, you guys are going to actually be
in somewhat of a rhythm, and you're gonna be in
the playoffs.
Speaker 4 (07:21):
We've been laughed off the air four weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Yeah, let's just say ten weeks ago.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Generous.
Speaker 4 (07:28):
Yeah, yea, yeah, yeah yeah, But you know, what the heck?
What Dan? What the heck?
Speaker 5 (07:33):
But I'm telling you it's interesting, This massive is very interesting.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Actually, let's start with Mason Rudolph, because uh, I can
certainly confirm that when I ventured to Indianapolis after watching
the Steelers lose to two win teams twice in five days,
then I watched them not play very well offensively against
the Colts. I watched George Pickens not block for Jalen Warren,
and I watched the Colts take the ball in the
(07:58):
fourth quarter and run third team consecutive times on the
way to get another field goal. That just piled on.
I was not thinking playoffs. I was thinking the wheels
were off? Did did Mason Ruoff put them all back
on by himself and just start driving the bus?
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Here?
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Meryll, what what happened?
Speaker 5 (08:16):
Well, let me just tell you this, what they what
makeson realoff has done will always share validity to the quarterback,
can make a spark we make a change there.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
That's why they don't change the left guard or the
right guard.
Speaker 5 (08:33):
They changed they changed the quarterback, you know, thinking that
that's going to create an offensive spark.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
Now, I will tell you this, the majority of the
time you don't see it to this degree.
Speaker 5 (08:43):
I just you know, there's a lot of things that
fell into place, and I and the majority of the
stems from what Mason has done to be prepared to
be in this position. Because I know I mentioned it
when he first played. I'm going to reemphasize it because
the validity is critical and it might be the thing
that separates this particular game. You don't know whether it
(09:05):
be a particular issue, but that aside, the way makes
the Rudolph has structurally played from the pocket is extraordinary,
and everybody wants to talking about, well, the ability to
run and your ability.
Speaker 4 (09:20):
To extend playing. Okay, at the end of the day, a.
Speaker 5 (09:24):
Person that can function from the pocket fast and efficient
will outweigh and will be more consistent than somebody that
is extending the play.
Speaker 4 (09:34):
Because then that comes in too.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
Things that are not designed and not structure, and a
lot of it is instinct and luck.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
And I just you know, so look at this particular match.
Speaker 5 (09:47):
Like Josh Allen does not play as much instructure as
they would like.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Okay, he just has a.
Speaker 5 (09:54):
Little wild card to him, and you know he'll leave
the pocket a little soon. If you don't like something,
you know he'll he'll award mission a little quicker than
you would like.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
He leaves the structure of a play.
Speaker 5 (10:07):
Now, he does things that are magical, okay, and sometimes
I guess you know, I haven't looked at taking the
entire year and year after year, and that's what you'd
really need to do to kind of get the evidence
and sit him down and go, hey, listen, or to yourself, Look,
it's okay. We can live with this because he does
so many magical things offsets it. It's way better than
(10:28):
trying to keep them puck because he doesn't function well there.
That actually, to me is is where this could be
the difference in this game. Aside from how well the
students are on the football, I mean that's paramount here.
I mean I'm just saying that they're going to dominate
the lion scrimmage, control the temple. Well, then eventually the
quarterback does have to compliment in some passion.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
I can't. I'm not gonna say Mason Rudolph doesn't have
to make the play, and you know, he just.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
He's gonna have to make plays like he did it
in all the other games. He's gonna have to make
throws and critical throws. He's shown he can do that,
and I just think that they're going to keep an
environment will allow that to happen. And from the quarterback position,
who can play with instructure the best?
Speaker 4 (11:07):
Really oftentimes wins.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
Makes a lot of sense. And you know, Merril, you
considering the area of the country you grew up, and
you mentioned weather than becoming a Pittsford Steeler or Chicago Bear.
I'm sure you've played your share of not optimal weather
games and correct me if I'm wrong. But maybe some
things people don't think about, like I'm extra worried about
Mason Cole's snaps. I mean, can you run ballfakes and
(11:32):
play action as much? I mean, you're not gonna run
flea flickers and double reverses like ball handling and little
things like that. You know, Harvin is a holder. Things
of that nature aren't routine anymore.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Right, Yeah, I guess you're you know, you're right there.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
Are some routine things that you really had to focus
and emphasize. And I think that's important too that you
know when you mentioned snap now this is back.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
You know that this takes me back to you guys
remember it.
Speaker 5 (12:04):
But there was a big debate about the shotgun, like
the studios didn't use the shotgun, you know, when the
shotgun was being implemented in the league, and.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
We finally implemented it.
Speaker 5 (12:14):
And we're in Denver and we're playing in an environment
that is an absolutely like listen, we just got done
playing in Houston beating them in the wildcard round.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
Maybe nice day night, New Year's Eve, the other.
Speaker 5 (12:29):
We always reflect back on at some point at this
particular year, said.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
We were just talking as players. We were just.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Talking in the locker room. Like that was the loudest
environment I had ever been in. It was deafening, Like
we could not hear the play being called.
Speaker 4 (12:45):
I mean we had to just read lips and go
by our you know, just.
Speaker 5 (12:49):
Instincts and a repetition of the game of the of
the offense and stuff.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
And I'm like that there will never be anything like that.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
Okay, same we go to Denver, they talk TV time
out with like two minutes and thirteen seconds left on
the cock. The earth is shaking, It's louder than it
was in Houston. It is absolutely not so well. We're
in the shotgun DERMANI Dawson gets hurt our center. He
leaves Chuck Lands that comes in. They keep him in
the shotgun and he dribbles back a snap and we
(13:20):
lose the ball and we lose the game.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
And I'm gonna skin to this. The TV time out,
We're like, oh my gosh, we're gonna win this game
because there's they.
Speaker 5 (13:28):
Just scored at one point lead and we had two
minutes something left, two timeouts.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
But like it's sober, this is so we all knew
it it was over.
Speaker 5 (13:36):
So just going to your point, Matt, you know, like
a coaching perspective, I think you need to be aware
of that too, and sometimes and it's critical, especially in
Buffalo Man, you know, makes you get.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Under center here.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
You know, maybe let's try to do some things to
alleviate maybe some mistakes that could happen, and think through
those things during the course of the game and be
prepared for them as you enter this game.
Speaker 2 (13:56):
You know, Merrilyn, I can't remember if this happened when
you were already with the team or not. But to
your point about Chuck Noll and his uh, let's just say,
steady consistent opinion on what should and should not happen.
One year they had a couple of skunks get into
Saint Vincent College and they were running around campus thinking
(14:16):
the place up, and everybody was wondering what to do
about them. And somebody said, well, you can't kill them
because Chuck won't let the shotgun in camp.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
Oh dear, keep your day job.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
But eighty six or so, it was kind of funny.
I wanted to follow up on Matt's point about the
weather though here first and foremost, Meryl, because all the
reports were here and you know, high winds, bitter cold,
maybe snow, maybe sideways snow. At what point does the
weather dictate what you can do. What I've always thought
(14:52):
or assumed is that you guys never minded playing in
rain as much as you did wind.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Particularly, it seems like particularly the quarterback and the kickers.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Uh well, let's you know, like the wind. It is
a factor, the wind.
Speaker 5 (15:08):
I mean, you know, if it is ends up being
the type of wind they're talking about, those things, you
just can't be stubborn. You're gonna have to find out
in warm ups. It's like really, and that might not
be easy either because it probably is swirling. There's probably
not gonna be a direct you know, southeast wind, you know,
or something you know where it's has a certain directions.
So you know what, We're gonna have to play a
(15:28):
like this in the first quarter, but we can feel
like this in the second quarter. You know, there's half
the game we're i have to play differently based on
the wind. I uh, you know, you would walk through
those things. That wind becomes a critical component of you know,
what we can do, what we can throw, and what's
going to be feasible to us now.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Snow and rain. Honestly, that is like that to me.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Is all about embracing it. You know, I'm telling you
I played, so I'm gonna play Miami. Shoot one of
the it was like an absolute monsoon, and it was
it was it was probably it was the football God's
actually saving us because Dan Marino had had two passes
and it was fourteen to nothing like that, and then it.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
Rained and we hit him. He went left the game
and never came back, and then we beat him. Like
thirty five to fourteen.
Speaker 5 (16:12):
But how you embrace weather too, you know, and what
you feel you know, snow those type of things if
you like it, if you used to playing it, you
understand the footing it's not as big a factor as
the wind is. And that's why, you know, listen, the
buffalo will believe it makes them. I don't think it's
(16:33):
enough credit for this arm strength he has, you know,
he has good his arms pretty strong, you know, and
he throws a tight ball, which is another important thing
to rip through wind. So you know, only day we'll
be able to really assess those particular conditions.
Speaker 4 (16:47):
And then how do we go about operate and.
Speaker 5 (16:49):
What can we possibly do here to be most efficient
in our passing our passing game accompliment what we hope
to do in the running game.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
And I would imagine, I mean, if you're a mid
field or you're in normal field goal range and the
wind's blowing right in your face. Sin it's third and eight.
I'm sure Tomlin and the play callers are on the
headset saying, kicking or punting here? Does this no good?
You know, run it twice, you know, I mean, get
to fourth and two or you know, I mean, I'm
sure you have to just accordingly with everything you do.
Speaker 5 (17:21):
Yeah, you know, Matt, that's your right fill position and
what's what are the wind is where it's coming from?
Speaker 4 (17:28):
Whereas how's your defense really playing? You know, what is
the advantage to gain fifteen more yards? You know?
Speaker 5 (17:33):
With that Josh Allen and their offense and what they're doing,
because you're how Josh Allen plays and this will be extremely.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Interesting, you know.
Speaker 5 (17:44):
I they dug themselves out of a hole, and what's
helped them is that office you play caller, you know,
kind of like the Steers having a different approach, Like
their running game is a lot better.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
They gleaned on their runner more than they have in
the pass versus jobs. Yeah. Yeah, he just he's still.
Speaker 5 (18:02):
You know, he's been built up to be this assuming,
superhuman like player, and I.
Speaker 4 (18:08):
Just think there's moments where he takes it too far.
Speaker 5 (18:11):
He you know, he forgets the teams win championships, the
quarterback doesn't win them.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
There are moments where he is that guy though, aren't.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
There there is?
Speaker 5 (18:20):
And then you know that that would be a hard
thing to harness as a head coach. You know, you
don't want to you don't you want to break the guy,
you know, but you got to help, you know, harness
him a little bit and help him see the entire production,
you know, and the value and all these other.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
Things, and where we are as.
Speaker 5 (18:41):
A team, and games in time, game scenarios. Because the
Miami game, my gosh, how they dug themselves out of
the two things he did in that game.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
I'm just like, holy cow, man.
Speaker 5 (18:53):
I mean, in the playoffs, you don't, you usually don't
get that lucky, you.
Speaker 4 (18:58):
Know, you usually those those those can to send you home.
But and he doesn't. You know, he'll he'll do them there.
There's some games he doesn't occasionally.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
So you know it'll be that's where the real structure
of how what discipline, how where they play defensively will
be obviously, I think important cause sometimes if you can,
if you can force an three and out or two
on him, then he tends to get there a little.
Speaker 4 (19:23):
Quicker, you know, if they're moving.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
The ball a little bit, you know, they ponte, he
doesn't go there quite as fast. Well, then if you
get two three and outs, you'll be like, okay, that's enough.
Speaker 4 (19:33):
That could be dangerous on both sides. You know, it's a.
Speaker 5 (19:37):
He's a heckular player but fun to watch, but he
can he can surely do some things that that hurts
your team to help your team merrily.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
You mentioned at the outset here that there's some things
about this matchup that intrigue you. I'm assuming the Steelers'
ability to potentially run the ball on Buffalo is one
of them. What else are you seeing that kind of
gives you a reason to believe that this is doable.
Speaker 5 (20:03):
But that that alone gives them a chance. And you
know I've said this.
Speaker 4 (20:07):
Before, but it is foundationally true. I mean from Chuck Noll, Bill.
Speaker 5 (20:11):
Purselves, John Gruden, Jimmy Johnson, Marty Schotttheimer, Bill Cower, go
on and on and on. If you in the conversations,
all the things that are important in offense, all the
things you know, explosive wide receiver, you know, curly the quarterback,
good offense, team line, man, it all comes back to
and actually super Bowl proofs is out.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
Every single year proves this out.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
How the offensive line plays and therefore how well can
you control the temple of the game. And about ninety
nine percent of the time that is foundation.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
About running the ball.
Speaker 5 (20:47):
When you can do that, it just offsets some other
deficiencies you might have on your team.
Speaker 4 (20:53):
Okay, we got a guy that's in.
Speaker 5 (20:54):
Best because the player football is not playing. Okay, is
that a Does that hurt? Absolutely? How can you neutralize that?
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Right?
Speaker 5 (21:01):
Give Buffalo sixty five snaps you know total? You know
the Punnets keep them in the fifty fifty five sixty snaps,
you know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (21:10):
Jeez, that would be enormous. That's what the running game
allows you to do. It does.
Speaker 5 (21:15):
It does help you dictate to the defense what they
have to do, because they get tired.
Speaker 4 (21:21):
Of you run the football, so they have to surrender.
Do something.
Speaker 5 (21:23):
Once you do that, well, now I have now for
my tendency aspect, I pretty much know what you're gonna do.
Speaker 4 (21:29):
Not much easier to throw the football. So that's why
I just give them such am. Even if the weather's.
Speaker 5 (21:35):
Okay, they still get that this is not like Okay,
the buffle Bills are just gonna just smack.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Them around and that you know they want and done.
It's not like that. This this scenario does not set
up like that.
Speaker 5 (21:48):
In fact, the way they are run the football, you know,
watching the Miami Dolphin games, they struggle with a lot
of the runs, especially the power in the middle of
the field runs they struggle with. The type of runs
of those are very good at. So it'll be interesting
to see how do they go about handling that, because
they did not handle it well against Miami and they
haven't handled it well at times of teams that are
(22:11):
willing and will do that to them.
Speaker 3 (22:13):
So merrill along those lines. This team's been very successful
over the last five years. Josh Allen McDermott era, but
I've been very critical of how they build their team,
you know, like I think they I know they're they're quarterbacks,
a big, physical runner, but it shocks me they don't
have a Jerome battist Mike Alstat type, you know, I mean,
(22:34):
somebody that plays to their environment late in the season.
But even more so on defense, They're leading tacklers are
all one hundred and ninety pounds or two hundred and
twenty pound linebackers and they live in nickel, you know,
they never get big and physical and the.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Nickel guys playing linebacker some of the time.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
They're all speed guys. Though there are a bunch of
Ferraris out there, even they're d linemen or first round
picks that aren't that are athletes, you know. I mean
I would have built a team like the Belichick Patriots
in the North.
Speaker 4 (23:03):
Of the East.
Speaker 3 (23:04):
You know, I think that they don't fit their environment.
Speaker 5 (23:06):
Well yeah, I've always thought to your point, Matt Man,
if they just had but they have kind of done it.
That's the effects to what has reset them and stabilized them.
They did creating just to their running game. And Cook,
we cannot ignore him. He's dynamic. It's truly dynamic. I
think everybody knows that. I'm not going to get into that.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
But that phase if he you know, and then that comes.
Speaker 5 (23:31):
Down to Josh too. Josh got to buy into that.
You know, You've got to buy into that that value there.
And I agree with you.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
I've always thought, you know, boy, they just don't have
a thumper. Man, they just don't have a thumper. Where
if they did with with.
Speaker 5 (23:43):
His enormous talent, the primter players, the tag Ins that
are the young kids out in Utah. You know, they
got great route runnerund when I watched him in you
every now and then you run up to a Cayer
fire booth is kind of like this. I'm like, that
would be better in the NFL because the quarterback is
going to be better. You want to have College is terrible,
and I'm like, when they getting the NFL, holy cow,
these guys are gonna be dynamic because of the quarterbacks
(24:07):
are can compliment what they do. So that's that's uh,
that's a good thing for the Steelers actually, but you
don't have that. You know that that does play a
role in here, and I think you just as a defense,
I'm sure they've talked about it, you know, obviously not
giving up big plays.
Speaker 4 (24:23):
That's like captain obvious.
Speaker 5 (24:24):
That's that's that's like number one for every defense in football.
I'm gonna make some plays, just we just can't give
up those explosive plays, make those mistakes.
Speaker 4 (24:32):
If we make them work on stuff.
Speaker 5 (24:34):
We can get them where they can get a little
they want to play fast and get a little head
of themselves.
Speaker 4 (24:39):
And that's around Josh. You know, we can get him
out of his comfort zone and he and he's gonna
maybe give.
Speaker 5 (24:45):
Us a couple of times at the ball if we
do that. So you just got to hang together and defensively,
you know, listen, Dave just gotten better and better and better.
You know, Matt, you mentioned that the Colt game. You know,
when I talk about how demoralizing the running game is, well,
if you I mean I saw our defense, I mean
in the fourth quarter, I mean shoulders were sagging. I
(25:06):
mean they were I mean dragging themselves back to the
hull and dragging.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
Themselves to the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter.
I mean they were just beat down. That's what the
running game does. You now, they they clearly don't have
that that body language, just sense that game.
Speaker 5 (25:23):
And that goes to what's happened on the other side
of the ball and how they haven't played as many STAPs.
Speaker 4 (25:27):
You know, some was there like fifty eight sixty eighth
last week? Was it last week they had?
Speaker 5 (25:33):
I might get computed with others, but they're not playing
as many snaps as they were, which is a critical
part of being a great defense.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
They're not allowed to field this much anymore.
Speaker 2 (25:41):
Merril I did actually want to get a little detailed
on Cook. If we do all know he's dynamic, he
is a yards from scrimmage gaining machine. But is he
a between the tackles guy. Is he a sloppy field guy,
or is he more you know, get outside the tackle
get to the edge and turn it up guy.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
Heck of a receiver.
Speaker 4 (26:01):
Yes, well yeah, you know I talk I called him
perier guy.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
And a match match, a matchmak guy, or you know
you create matchups with him.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
He's a matchup guy and a preimer guy. And he's
not afraid to run inside.
Speaker 5 (26:14):
You know, he running side. That's not his forte, that's
not his strength. But they don't run like power, you know,
the type of runs value stuff where you get on
the edge.
Speaker 4 (26:23):
And he can bounce it, which is another important thing
of this. Like, okay, let's she's we talked about t J. Watt.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
I think everybody thinks about saxax acts, you know, disruption quarterback.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
But t J. Watt plays the runout as good as anybody.
You know, he avoids tackles.
Speaker 5 (26:37):
Makes we tackles in the backfield. Nobody holds contained and
he holds the edge. You gotta hold the edge on
this kid. You gotta make he bounces. You got to
make him lose ground and then you gotta you gotta
be on the preiter quick or ain't the corner on you?
And then the passing game could be a big concern
in this one. Based on our linebackers and who's gonna
play safety?
Speaker 2 (26:58):
Could be any kind of fact other than pushing Josh
Allen on the short yard of sneaks. I mean, he's
got a handful of carries. He's been there a little while.
He's done it before, but not lately.
Speaker 4 (27:12):
You know, shoot, I'm glad you mentioned that because you know,
when I was watching that, I'm like, oh my gosh,
that's why they got Matt. I mean, Matt, That's why
they got Leonards.
Speaker 5 (27:19):
You know that you can tell that they're trying to
try to create a physical presence. They don't have that days,
they don't have a physical presence, and I think that's
what they're trying.
Speaker 4 (27:26):
To ask of Leonard Fournette.
Speaker 5 (27:30):
Now, the scary thing about Leonard Fournette, he does bring that,
and the more reps that he gets and the more
they mean on him, the better chance to.
Speaker 4 (27:37):
Get that going. You know. But that that does tell
you that they they're not ignoring where they're weak and
nor that they need to get better. If I using
him and trying.
Speaker 5 (27:48):
To put him in no situations, so you know, you
just want That's why I go back to you know,
you keep them the sixty steps again, Leonard Fournette.
Speaker 4 (27:57):
Probably it's not gonna be evolved too much in it. Now,
let's start getting in the eighties. That's not good, and.
Speaker 5 (28:06):
Then he could be a formula where they're where they
have that phase, they get that phase going. So I said,
the fewer snaps you have unless you see the Leonard Poornette.
Speaker 3 (28:15):
So Merrill just guessing, you know, from our conversation now
and reading between the lines a little bit. I don't
mean to speak from you, but it sounds like you
would take a Philip Rivers or a burrow over the
wild stallion. That's Josh Allen that he's not your style, correct, Okay,
(28:36):
the roller coaster.
Speaker 4 (28:37):
Yes, his history has proven that, you know. And this
goes this goes back to even when.
Speaker 5 (28:43):
To evaluate people, there's just somethings you can't change, you
can't fix.
Speaker 4 (28:48):
You know. I always say you can't fix stupid.
Speaker 5 (28:50):
Not just what I'm saying is, if you've got players
that aren't smart, you're not fixing that.
Speaker 4 (28:56):
For some reason, everybody's like, no, I'm making smart, No,
you know I can do this, and some guy doesn't
have Actually, no, I'll fix that. Now, I'll fix that.
And then they're fired. Two years.
Speaker 5 (29:05):
There's some things that just can't fix they Now, I'll
tell you what probably helped me more than anything in
understanding that.
Speaker 4 (29:12):
Is like spending twenty some years and.
Speaker 5 (29:15):
Coaching, especially eight eighteen, watching initial group of kids that
you would coach for a decade and seeing their initial
skill set and then watching things evolve in over a
decade and kids the record, kids that were tough, were tough,
kids that had quick just said kids had speed, had speed,
(29:36):
Like he didn't change, like one kid, you didn't want
to have one kid one day, go min he wasn't fast.
Speaker 4 (29:40):
Now he's fast. You know it was it was it
was you are who you are.
Speaker 5 (29:46):
And there's some instincts and things you know, like everybody
will to clearly go, you can't teach speech. There's so
many things you can't teach either, but yet so many
people think you can and you make the mistake. And
somebody who can play in structure at something. I keep
going back to Mason. I marvel at how well he
orchestrates the pocket, and I'm telling you it is a
(30:07):
wicked tool.
Speaker 4 (30:08):
When you can do that at.
Speaker 5 (30:09):
Our league, it is where you have to function from,
and you have to function when it's clean when there's time,
and when it's dirty, and I can play. It was
like three phases in the passing game. He plays well
in the first phase. Josh Allen can play well in
the first phase, but he can escape the first phase,
and he likes to get to the second one and
the third.
Speaker 4 (30:29):
One, and he could play well in those two.
Speaker 5 (30:30):
Don't get me wrong, but if you looked at his
overall consent, he's still better in phase one. When you
can get the ball out timing where it's supposed to be, uh,
you process things, and the balls it is well I shoot.
Last year, probably the one bet the best displays I've
seen that in quite some time was the Bengals when
(30:52):
they went into Buffalo and how Joe Burrow executed during
the snow, during all these inclement and clime at bad
weather better word bad weather, and he's like dark, dark, dark, precise,
price precise, I mean, and did not deviate from that
bucket and shredded him Meryl.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
That type play quarterback tremendous stuff is always Hopefully we'll
be doing this again next week before Steelers Ravens.
Speaker 5 (31:19):
Well, Okay, what I know this time, I'm not gonna
be shocked because they do.
Speaker 4 (31:23):
This is not oh they're just gonna their blow doors blowing.
They It doesn't have that still at all. It doesn't
sell like that at all in this.
Speaker 2 (31:31):
One outstanding Meryl. We we'll talk to you next week hopefully. Okay,
Meryl hard is our factor. Back here on the Ford
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Back to the Ford Steelers Preview Show on DVE.
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Welcome back to the Ford Steelers preview show right here
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Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank reminds you to sack Hunter,
get food, volunteer or donate at Pittsburgh Foodbank dot org.
And Matt, this is usually the what to Expect segment.
(32:46):
Even though we are going to go an extra hour tonight,
we might as well get that Oneaturday night. Although I
got to point out before we go any further, I thought, uh,
Meryl could have filled that extra hour all by himself.
Speaker 3 (32:57):
He's up tonight playoff form. I love it.
Speaker 2 (33:01):
Hopefully it's not the last time, as he usually is.
What to Expect is brought to you by Brian Patton
and associates. It's all about the benefits and I'm gonna
kind of pick up where Merrill left off a little bit.
I think this is going to be a hard fought,
close game. I know the Steelers haven't done very well
in the playoffs lately. People probably still have nightmares about
(33:24):
the Kansas City game and the Cleveland game. And the
Jacksonville game, and the Bills are ten point favorites, but
I think Pittsburgh is going to try to run the
ball and can run the ball. I think conditions are
going to help keep a little bit of a lid
on that Buffalo passing game. I think this goes into
the fourth quarter and we're still not going to be
(33:44):
relatively sure who's gonna win it.
Speaker 3 (33:46):
I tend to agree. I mean, sure, I wish Watt
was there, but I do think the Steelers can hang
with all their big people on both lines of scrimmage,
particularly running the football. As you mentioned, the way Nauseys
play and I think fits this environment extremely well. We
kind of like you just mentioned, I think the weather
is a great equalizer. I mean, it sounds like it's
gonna be extreme. I mean in terms of throwing the football,
(34:09):
kicks every little aspect of it, and to me, that
always favors the underdog, you know, I mean, it just
levels a playing field a little bit. I'm sure Alan
will cut the wind better than Rudolph. But I also think,
as Merrill mentioned, and I'm a big Josh Allen fan,
he will, you know, write some checks that he can't
cash too you know. I mean like he might look
(34:30):
at that thing and be like, you're gonna give me
one on one on digs. I'm gonna try to drive
this ball across the field and the wind, and I
would bet he throws one at least to the other team,
maybe several. He's scary as could be, but I think
the Steelers will be in this.
Speaker 2 (34:43):
Yeah. The track record is that he turns the ball
over with less frequency at home than he does on
the road for whatever reason. But you know, they certainly
got to be ready and catch it if he throws
it to them. I just like Harris in this environment,
you know. Yeah, you hit on this a little bit
with Merrill from the Buffalo side and from the Pittsburgh side,
(35:05):
But if you're going to play in this part of
the country at this time of the year, you need
to have this guy. And Eddie faulk through the Steelers
interm offensive coordinator slash running backs coach was talking today.
He was asked several times about Harris' resurgence. You've been
saying all along you thought he was having a good year.
He's been great.
Speaker 3 (35:23):
You're taking up a notch during this three game.
Speaker 2 (35:24):
Winning streak, and man does he not look like the
right guy in the right place at the right time
for what's got to get done.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
On exactly and you know the way the old lines
blocking for him as well, their trap games starting to
really come around, which I think is a great approach
for this attacking D line. But Harris has been the
trend center. I mean, he's looks like that Bama back
that was a first round pick that you know, is
winning national championships and putting teams on his back, you know,
a finisher. I mean, we've seen those backs over the
(35:52):
years here and they really come to shine late. And
it's a mentality along with the you know, the gifts
that he has, and I think it fits perfect. He's
peaking at the exact right time.
Speaker 2 (36:02):
You know, the big play from Mason Rudolph to Deontay
Johnson on the third and four first play the fourth quarter,
that's what won the game down in Baltimore ultimately, But
I thought Nagie Harris play positioned them. I would get
to a point where one big play can win it
for you.
Speaker 3 (36:19):
And take a step further. I agree, But I think
the last three games he's gotten them to the point
where they can hit Pickings for the bomb, hit Johnson
for the bomb. You make a big play on defense,
even just setting the tone. I know some of these
cliches get thrown around too much, but I think he
absolutely fits it.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
Yeah, and it's you know, he's not doing it by himself.
Speaker 4 (36:39):
Course.
Speaker 2 (36:40):
I think he's got that line convinced that if they
just keep going, he's gonna award them, and it's just
all falling into place, and every once in a while
get the three tight ends pushing from behind. Yeah, stuff's
happening with that ground game. And I look at Buffalo
and statistically that's a vulnerable run defense. And to your
point about light and that's that's not how you stop power.
Speaker 3 (37:02):
No, I mean, I think that's an absolute massive key
to this game is they love being in Nickel and
all their players are more sports cars than they are
dump trucks, you know what I mean. And I think
the Steelers just keep bringing in more and more heavy
personnel to see will they go to their base, will
they start bringing in bigger people or are they going
(37:23):
to stick a nickel Because unless you get down heavy early,
I don't mind run run, run punt, run, run, run punt,
and just big and you know a lot of Washington
and maybe even Chukes and big people out there, because
I don't know the Buffalo will counter with their big people.
Speaker 2 (37:38):
Yeah, and you know the trend has been since Rudolph
took over that you get that run established and then
when somebody has to load up to stop that. Now
you got a one on one matchup outside or over
the middle if you find it and you'll exploit it.
We'll see if the Steelers can do that. Jamersonal Douglas
isn't in the mix. I think he would be your
pickings guy, big big variable for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
(38:01):
That's gonna do it for hour number one. But stay
with us because we've got another hour to come as
we continue this playoff preview Steelers. The Ford Steelers Preview
on DVE is brought to you by uni Bet. The
only thing better than the Steelers win is the Steelers win.
To pace double down on your team with Unibut, a
proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers Hour coming up, so
(38:21):
keep it here. This is the Ford Steelers preview show
right here on your Steelers flagship. One of two point
five d V E and S n r
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