January 4, 2024 • 45 mins
Mike, Matt, and Merril take a look ahead to the final regular season game for the Steelers as they head down to Baltimore with their playoff hopes hanging on by a thread.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Steelers Preview Show on WDVE Pittsburgh, presented
by unibet. The only thing better than a Steelers win
is a Steelers win that pays double down on your team.
With UNIBT, proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, here are
your hosts, Mike Persuda, Matt Williamson and Merril Hodge.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Steelers Preview
right here on your Steelers flagship one on two point
five DVE and s n R. Mike Persuda and Matt
Williamson with you until eight o'clock tonight. We will welcome
our factor back, Merril Hodge to the program for the
segment number two. As is our habit, we are counting
(00:38):
it down to the Steelers and the Ravens and a
lot of playoff scenarios in play for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
It's a huge game.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
The Baltimore lineup is not going to be what it
otherwise might if this game mattered to the Ravens, which
it does not. It means a great deal to the
Steelers and Matt. If you listen, then you put your
hand up to your ear, you might be able to
hear that trumpet blowing the cavalry charge because perhaps possibly
coming over the hill to help a depleted defense that
(01:08):
has been doing the best at can in the face
of a war of attrition. Landon Roberts questionable and Minka
Fitzpatrick questionable. Those are the official designations. But I talked
to Roberts today and he said, and I quote, I
think I'm ready nice. And this is a guy who
was established himself to.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Be an all in Oh yeah, you know, perfect for
this game.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
I'm playing if I can at all possibly play type
of guy. And as far as Minka Fitzpatrick is concerned,
we talked with Patrick Peterson on Wednesday. He was given
the Chief Award, which is the Media Good Guy Award
named after Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr. And Peterson talked
(01:53):
about Fitzpatrick in the past tense. He said, when Minka
was out, we couldn't do this.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Now it's some fine reporting by you.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
By I mean Pat Pete's a podcaster. He's a pretty
as guy, fella. I think he was trying to tell
us MinC is playing without coming out and saying MINC's playing.
Now that might be me seeing or hearing something that
I want to see or hear, But boy, if they
get those two guys back for this game in particular, this.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Game in particular, I mean familiarity with this opponent, especially
make of Roberts only played them once. But Roberts is
a thumper. I mean he's expanded upon that. But he
was brought here to be the rundown guy. We know
that Baltimore's we depleted, but I also think they're going
to run the ball like crazy short in the game.
Get out of this thing, you know, and it's a
(02:41):
diverse run game. Taking on Patrick Ricard in the hole
and things like that is right up Roberts alley. I'm
big picture. I'm sort of interested to see Roberts and
jack next to each other, and Peterson and Menca next
to each other. Might that be a thing next year?
Who knows, But I mean I'm looking ahead, you know, right.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
Those only the other things that Patrick Peterson said he
believes this safety thing is going to extend his career. Yeah,
you know that's yeah, let's talk about that on the
Baltimore side. If you listen to this show, you're obviously
a Steelers fan, and you obviously knew that Lamar Jackson
was not going to play the Ravens. Also announcing today
Odell Beckham, junior wide receiver out, Kevin Zeitler, guard out,
(03:23):
cornerback Marlon Humphrey out, and a couple other backups on defense,
safety Darryl Worley and linebacker Malik Harrison. Those guys play,
they're not starters. The other four starters Zay Flowers there,
amazing rookie receiver is doubtful and then a.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Foubtful for this game, might as well be out. You
think you would think.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
You would think, and then questionable backup wide receiver Tyland Wallace.
He's not really a factor, but starting cornerback Brandon Stevens
is questionable. A strong safety Kyle Hamilton is questionable. Not
one of those guys played in the Ravens last game,
So they're not bad fighting injury, yeah yeah, yeah, don't think.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
They're too important.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Backup linebacker Malik Harrison, backup cornerback Arthurmlett, and backup cornerback
Ronald Darby also on the questionable side for Baltimore. So
this is gonna be a much different Ravens lineup.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
I would be shocked if Roquan plays much at all.
Their defensive tackle the people and I might not be
familiar with Mattabuque has been tremendous for them. I don't
think either one of those guys should see the field
nearly at all. They're left tackle Stanley, they're right tackle Moses.
They've been rotating those guys. Patch Queen the other really
good inside linebacker. Now he doesn't have a designation. He
(04:41):
was limited Tuesday and Wednesday, and he was a full
participant today.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
But yeah, I'm with you. And if you're John Harball,
you don't by guys at harmble way. You don't make
this type of decision half baked.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
No, you're their injury. You jump in the deep end
of your down.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Ye, you're not playing your quarterback and your wide receivers
are out. Why are you risking anybody at that point?
Speaker 3 (05:01):
So you can only have what seven inactives, So some
of these dudes will be active and maybe just kind
of sitting there with the joking with their buds on
the sidelines, or somebody gets hurt, they get thrown in,
or hey, Matt a bouque clowney. It's their innate go
out there and get a sack if you want. But
you can't sit everybody it's not the preseason. It's not
high school. You know, you still have to put five
(05:23):
offensive linemen out there that aren't Turnstiles. But this is
going to be a shell of the Ravens team that
we're used to.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
And that said, I'm expecting another rock fight.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Oh yeah, it's still something weird is going to happen.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
You know.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
I have a really goofy way of looking at this game, Matt.
The Steelers have beaten the Ravens six out of seven,
seven out of ten, and ten out of fourteen. They
know how to play. This team's remarkable. They know how
to embrace this game, right, Yeah, yeah they do. I
was not afraid of the Steelers having to beat Lamar Jackson,
but nor do I consider it a layup that he's
(05:57):
not playing, right. I've seen the Steelers lose to the
Ravens with Anthony Brown a quarterback. I've seen them lose
with Tyler Huntley quarterback, the guy who is going to
be playing quarterback again. I've seen them lose with Ryan Mallet.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
I mean, yeah, this is just I remember we previewed
him what week five, and I was like skeptical. I was,
I'm like, I've seen all these games too. Maybe I
was in the booth or whatever, and you're like, doesn't matter,
it's Steelers Ravens and you're a hundredercent.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Right, And let's just you know, update everybody on how
these things usually work out. Of the last thirty one
Steelers Ravens games, twenty five have been one score games.
Dating back to John Harbaugh's ascension to the head coaching
position in Baltimore in two thousand and eight, that was
Mike Tomlin's second year, eighteen Steelers Ravens games have been
(06:49):
sided by three or fewer points.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
How about this little nugget, So since twenty twenty, the
Ravens only have a losing record against two teams. After
beating the Dolphins, they're now one and two against Miami,
one in six against the Steelers. They're the only total
only teams on the planet they have losing records against.
I mean, that's remarkable in itself, but the Steelers are
(07:12):
six and one against them.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
In that track, the Steelers have this one figured out.
I mean, not that it's easy, but they they know
each other well.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
And the other compelling thing I think in this game
for Baltimore is we've heard from some of their veteran players,
particularly when they were able to beat Pittsburgh last year.
They talk about how you're not a Raven until you
beat the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Yeah, agotiation Orth. Yeah, there's gonna be some.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Guys playing that maybe aren't in the regular rotations at
their positions, or maybe they're special teamers and now there's
something more. Yeah, maybe they're new to the team, young
guys trying to work.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
That's a little scary though too. One of them might
be the Willie Parker you know.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Yeah, Yeah, they're gonna want to play this game if
you if you want to trade opportunity, if you want
to press that staff and that front office, Yeah, go
get Pittsburgh.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
That's the carrit I'm sure Harbaugh and you're hanging out there.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
That is how you get their attention. That's how you get.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
Your your fraternity letters or whatever. You know, go go
knock them out of the playoffs for us, you know, youngster.
You know, so there's a great opportunity for those guys.
That scares me. Plus if you're Harbaugh, have me mentioned
this all week? No one cares about preseason wins more
than Harbaugh, you know, Like he doesn't like losing. I mean,
they're an ultra competitive family, et cetera. He may do
some weird stuff in this game. You'll go for two
(08:23):
randomly or you know this, what's.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
He of to lose by the way, I don't know
if you have a hard time sometimes if you get
confused because there's two coaches.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Jim and John, which one always ignore their first names?
I get it wrong.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Which one's John and which one's Jim? Yeah, John is
the one who has not been suspended twice this season.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
You're a fan of both, I have a feel like
big fans, big fan No. I'll tell you what. I'm
a huge.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
Fan of this game and this rivalry. I love the
fact that they play twice a year. And I know
Steelers fans hate the Ravens. But guess what you're looking
in the mirror. It's great organization. It's a great organization.
It's a well coached team. It's a knock your socks
off physical team. Yep. It's a focused team. They know
(09:08):
who they are. They do not.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Get de tiered by injury or anything else.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
That comes along the line.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
So I haven't brought this up this week, but I
sure hope ten years from now, eight years from now
there's a Football life, or thirty for thirty with Ozzie
Newsome and Kevin Colbert on a fishing boat going you
stole that guy from me in the draft two seconds
before I did. Yeah, Like they could all just be honest,
or Harvugh Tomlin are invited to come into and they
(09:35):
could all just like pull back the curtain like I
knew you were gonna do this here, or Ray Lewis
did this to me, or Ed Reid blah blah heinz war.
You know, guess going back, the whole thing would be phenomenal.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Can't repeat this stuff enough because it is a little convoluted.
But how do you get to the playoffs from here? Well,
Steelers win and the Colts and Texans tie. They're in
Steelers win and Buffalo loses to Miami. They're in Steelers
win and Jacksonville loses or ties against Tennessee. They're in
(10:06):
Steelers tie the Ravens, Indianapolis and Houston do not tie,
and Jacksonville loses.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
This is where you lose. Steelers are in and the
fifth one.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Steelers lose, but Indianapolis and Houston do not tie. Jacksonville
loses and Denver beats the Raiders.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
All the beginning was easy to follow. Then it gets
a little crazy.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
I think Buffalo loses to Miami.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
I like the fact that Tennessee and Miami are home,
and I do think Rabele's gonna bring it. I mean,
I think I just still know what he's gonna bring.
They don't block anybody.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
That's not a lot.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Yeah, he can bring what he wants.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
I don't know that it's good enough.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Yeah, there's not a lot of bullets in the chamber.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
We shall see when we come back. The aforementioned factor
back Merril Hodge will be joining us here on the
preview Steeers Preview on DVE is brought to you by
uni Bet. The only thing better than the Steelers win
is a Steelers win. That pace double down on your
team with Unibet, a proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We're just getting warmed up and there's a big one
(11:06):
coming up. So keep it here with Matt Williamson, Mike Pursuita.
This is Steelers Preview right here on your Steelers flagship.
One of two point five DVE and SNR.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Back to the Steelers Preview show presented by univet on DVE.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Welcome back to the preview, Mike Pursuita and Matt Williamson'
get you ready for the Steelers and the Ravens Saturday
in Baltimore. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank reminds you
to sack hunger, get food, volunteer or donate at a
Pittsburgh Food bank. Excuse me at Pittsburgh Foodbank dot org.
Time now to take things up several notches and welcome
(11:43):
to the program. Our factor back Merril Hodge and Meryl
so much that's intriguing with this game, even though some
people on both sides aren't going to be taking part
in it. But as people who have been listening to
us for a long time, no. One of the signs
of this show is periodic and regular references to the
(12:04):
nineteen eighty nine season, because if you think about it,
everything always relates back to nineteen eighty nine in some way,
shape or form.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
And that was the year that you guys.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Went down to Tampa and needed a bunch of stuff
to happen. I don't remember exactly how many things, but
you guys beat the Buccaneers and they all did. The
Steelers are not in nearly as dire a situation. They
don't even have to win the game. There's actually a
scenario where they could lose and still make the playoffs.
But whin and Miami beats Buffalo and you're in. Win
(12:33):
and Tennessee beats Jacksonville and you're in. Those are the
simple ones. What's it like to get ready for a game,
particularly a rivalry game like this a battle royal that
Steelers Ravens always becomes, and still have that stuff kicking
around in the back of your head.
Speaker 5 (12:51):
Well, honestly personally from experience in it, I mean that
is I mean, that's just that's how you want a game.
You'll have hope, But the builtimately part of the whole
process that you just mentioned, you still got to win,
you know, And I know that you said they have
a chance if they lose still get in, which is
actually crazy. We didn't and.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
They're not looking at it like that either. There must win,
trust me.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
Yeah, and I get that, But that's honestly, it's a
much better way to end the season than to know, Okay,
this is the last game of the year.
Speaker 4 (13:26):
It's over.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So that's not distracting at all, or it's not a
potential complication that that you need help.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
Now now, I'll tell you this.
Speaker 5 (13:36):
In nineteen eighty ninety the one thing that we needed.
I don't remember the games. I just know there was
three games and all the teams that were favored had
to lose. I do remember that, and so they're like,
what's the odds of that? And the two of the
games were being played at the same time we were playing,
and so.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
We were watching the scoreboard.
Speaker 5 (13:56):
You peak up there every now and then, but it
didn't distract on how we played.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Let me stop you real quick. I apologize, but I mean,
do you think it's an advantage that they're the first
game and it's a standalone game? You can't even look
to scoreboard, you know?
Speaker 4 (14:07):
Well yeah, I mean, well one's my in Buffalo.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Sunday Night, the last yeah, last game.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
Yeah, they don't play, Yeah they don't. That's really now hey,
I'll answer, well, yeah, I agree with you, Matt. I mean,
then that's.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
Irrelevant then our games there there was a couple of
one o'clock games and we're all playing at one and
so we were watching the score because I remember the
Raiders for one of them.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
For they're playing, So.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
I can't remember where they were playing, but so that
would be relevant, you know, that won't be a factor in.
It wasn't a factor for us either, because we knew
we still had to win that game. And then and ironically,
that ended up being one of the coldest days in
Florida history. This cold front come out of nowhere. The
game was like thirty thirty forty degrees.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
I believe Wolf mentioned the other day that it's look
at a couple of flurries.
Speaker 4 (14:55):
Yeah, well, I wouldn't be surprised at that. And if
I remember, make.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
The playoffs when it snows.
Speaker 5 (15:01):
In when we did so, they and ironically, we didn't
pack as if it was going We packed as if
it was Florida. We didn't pack as it was going
to be winter with it. So when we can walk
out of the tunnels, you know, to get ready of
the game, Like we had no long sleeve shirts on.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
We had nothing. I mean, they were bundled up. They
look like they just come from the North Point. And
I remember I remember them looking across.
Speaker 5 (15:27):
Later on they were talking about like, man, I there
some tough dudes.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
Man, No, we didn't bring didn't even think about it.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
Yeah, there some tough dudes, like we know, actually forgot
our stuff.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
We had no choice. But you know, Kate confirmed that.
You said, so Miami has to beat Buffalo. I thought
Buffalo had to beat Miami.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Now, for the Steelers perspective, they need Buffalo to lose
and that would be lost number seven, and then Buffalo
would lose the tiebreaker to Pittsburg on the conference record.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Or the jag still if they want or.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Jacksonville loses or ties, uh, and Pittsburgh wins, Pittsburgh is in.
Here's a couple more for you, Merril, you'll love this.
If Pittsburgh ties, if Indianapolis and Houston do not tie,
and if Jacksonville loses, Steelers are in and the Steelers
are in with a loss. Uh, if Indianapolis and Houston
do not tie, if Jacksonville loses, and if Denver beats
(16:28):
the Raiders obviously.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
All right, So that's it. We went from first grade
math to geometry.
Speaker 4 (16:37):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely, Well, here's the bottom line.
Speaker 5 (16:43):
You gotta win, and you do that, then you know
it's not a far pitch thing that one of those
things or a couple of things won't happen. You know, the
one one of the things that they do need to
happen won't happen. And I think it's a they have
a better chance actually than we did in eighty nine.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
You think about it.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Much more direct path.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Yeah, they got the two pretty simple ones. Win the
game and Buffalo loses, or win the game and Jacksonville
doesn't win.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
Yeah. The one concern I have though, is that.
Speaker 5 (17:15):
Or the biggest concern is that Okay, Lamar Jacksons not playing,
some of the stars not being playing, so that means
we're gonna win. That that would be my bigger concern.
Then all that other stuff and oh you know watching
the Clocker or you know, getting ahead of stuff that
to me would be is this is the biggest concern
in this one, because they still have their system alone
(17:37):
creates problems, and it creates problems for guys that are
playing out of position or haven't played.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
A lot and then maybe have maybe even.
Speaker 5 (17:46):
Never really played against the Ravens and their system. And
let's just let's just I'll give you an example of it.
You know, they do so much misdirection.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
And they can fool you.
Speaker 5 (17:58):
Your eyes can be fooled, and if you don't stay
truly disciplined, like if this is every cliche game of
do your job that would fit, this would be it.
I mean, it always fits, but this one you have
to be truly disciplined in the process because I'll give
you one play and let's go from a defensive perspective.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
So you're looking at the offense.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
They'll pull, they'll pull the left guard and left tackle
and pull them to the right. Okay, so that's one
visual that you're seeing in the box from a linebacker perspective.
At a box perspective, then they're doing the jet suite
to the left and a back action to the left,
and Lamar Jackson is.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
Orchestrating all of this. So now let's go to.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Packers Peterson, who's a safety and he has a run
fit or support somewhere. Okay, this is the first time
he's seen all this traffic and type of misdirection, you know,
probably ever his career. From that visual or that perspective,
you know, not to get lost in things and caught
up in the misdirection. Is this is the real problem,
you know, and our linebackers are you know, there's a
(18:59):
lot of guys haven't played a lot of reps, and
I don't know much many of them have played against
the Ravens, and it's it's gonna be a challenge that
that box and that third level will have a Really
they got the hands full with just how the system
that they run is executed regardless of Lamar.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
Being there, because they can still execute the offense.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
They might have the dynamics of Lamar, but they have
the dynamics of that offense.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
So this is optimistic. I mean, it's Thursday, but there's
a chance of Landon Roberts and or Mika Fitzpatrick play.
I mean, by the way you're phrasing that, I think
that would go a long way, don't you think big time? Yeah,
that big time.
Speaker 5 (19:39):
That's a lot that you know, what they do is
going because I was just I'm using the pack of
peers and I'm not I'm not.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Listen safety for two days or two weeks or something.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
You're right, right, and he's now going to play. You know,
he sees things, he's never seen things from that perspective,
you know, so this is all new learning for him.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
I don't care how long he's played in the league.
On advantage, she's playing in.
Speaker 4 (19:58):
A different position.
Speaker 5 (19:59):
And I mentioned that the touchdown round the Seattle had
the one running touches on the head. That was his
run fit, I mean, but he was still trying to
identify what formation they were. He didn't even know the
hand of the ball off until he was about five
yards over the boy.
Speaker 4 (20:18):
And I can see what is going on his head.
He's say, you know, he's he's like to snap where
they are. Oh that's too tight end. Oh my gosh.
You know, I was like, he's already.
Speaker 5 (20:25):
He's already back here, you know, because he was trying
to process things because he hasn't seen things from that perspective.
He's been on the perimeter, played out there. That's a
different visual.
Speaker 4 (20:34):
You know.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
It's funny you bring that up, Merrill, because he talked
about the one touchdown pass to the back of the
end zone that got over him when he was jumping
to try to get the ball, and he said they
saw that play and practice in the red zone, but
it was a different spot on the field. It was
four yards different than how they had practiced it. And
he got himself in the wrong spot, like he flashed
(20:56):
back to practice. Oh I got this, and then hell,
wait no, I know it's over my head. Yeah, And
he acknowledged that you know these things are going to
happen because he's new to that view.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
Yeah, I'll get that.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
This is not Listen, he's done a heck of a
job and he's been the best he can. I mean,
that's especially just the nature of the beach.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
That's what I'm saying. That's to me. There's there's your
there's probably okay, it's clean game.
Speaker 5 (21:19):
There's probably how well they can play in that area
will be the deciding factor if they can win. Makes
sense probably coming down in those areas. So they have
a new offensive coordinator, Todd Monkin. They have a great
offense this year. The numbers back that up. Lamar is
probably gonna win the MVP, et cetera.
Speaker 2 (21:36):
Todd Monkin, by the way, must be a genius because
he was able to score points with Georgia and with
Lamar Jackson.
Speaker 3 (21:44):
But it sounds like you're pretty impressed with the scheme overall.
You know what they took from last year, captain, you
know what they've expanded on it.
Speaker 5 (21:53):
Well, can I tell you something. It's always the one
thing I look for and coaching. I think it is
the smartest thing and coaching and somebody that doesn't have it.
Speaker 4 (22:01):
I would never hire them. I wouldn't even want a
part of my staff. And that is this.
Speaker 5 (22:05):
There's coaches that have a system and and this system wins,
and you're gonna do system, and you're gonna do the system,
and you're.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Gonna do system. And then there's a coach who has
a system, but he's.
Speaker 5 (22:17):
Gonna mold it around what everybody else does and he's
going to adapt to him.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
And that's exactly what he has done. You know. I'd
heard that about it. I didn't know a lot about.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
Him, and then as I started studying them, I'm like,
you know, really, are they a lot different? Not really,
but there are some things that they do do in
the passing game that are very you know, challenging, but
they all are. They're all a product of what Lamar
does well, you know, and he's helped him grow from
(22:49):
that perspective. You know, throwing the football, you know, Lamar's
not you know, there's like three phases like in throwing
the football, you know, like Joe Montanna was great in
the first day, you know, playing pantherrows. Lamar's not necessarily
a plan throw guy.
Speaker 4 (23:03):
He might, but he's really good in.
Speaker 5 (23:04):
The second and third phase of stuff, which actually goes
to the thing that's probably been overlooked about this offense
is their offensive line is awesome. I mean just awesome.
I mean, this is probably the only team I watch,
because I watched the entire league that there he he
literally stands there for three seconds and there.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
Is nobody remotely close to him. Nobody. I mean on
like twenty per play.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
That's a lot in the National Football League, and.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
You do a lot of damage when you have that
type of time.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
And he's with his head cut off. He's just standing.
Speaker 4 (23:40):
He knows that.
Speaker 5 (23:40):
And I think they've helped him and done a lot
of things too with checkdowns and outlets and different ways
to go with the football for him to be disciplined
in doing that. And he's, to his credit, he is
he's evolved in that area.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
Maril.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
What did you see, uh from the Steelers running game
that was so effective in seatle They Uh, it's talking
to some of the guys after the game, and this
week they really have a taste for it. Now they
want more of this and uh, you know, the tight
ends really are are stepping up, uh, and and you know,
(24:15):
even pushing the pile the way they did that one
play where they got Harrison in the end zone in
the backs are running hard, and even George Pickens got
a wide receiver block on the Jayalen warre and touchdown.
I mean, it wasn't devastating, but it's what wide receivers
do on corners who aren't fighting back all that hard either.
I mean, they seemed locked in right now, like they
(24:38):
took them a while to get here, but I think
they got to where they want to be.
Speaker 3 (24:42):
And along those lines. You don't see NFL defenses get
beat up to that extreme too often, you know. I
mean it was a favorable opponent.
Speaker 5 (24:49):
I would say, yeah, yeah, yeah, not even with you know,
Devin Bush in the lineup, you know which anybody who's
blocking him.
Speaker 4 (24:56):
I did not give him that, you know, I didn't
seventeen hanging out there there you go.
Speaker 5 (25:07):
That reminds me that that reminds me of the kid
coming out from Texas A and M.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
I can't remember his name.
Speaker 5 (25:13):
The Dallas Cowboys end up drafting me, but I remember
he was talked about it's like he is like.
Speaker 4 (25:17):
All worlds right, and uh.
Speaker 5 (25:19):
I went and watching it on tape and online, and
he had all these tackles too, but he led the
country and tackles and I'm like, yeah, after I got
to watching it, I'm like, you.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
Know what he he does.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
He leaves the country in tackles that are five yards
or longer because he never makes any tackle at the
line beyond They are always.
Speaker 4 (25:36):
On the other side of the line career. Which is
a good point, Matt, that that you make.
Speaker 5 (25:39):
You know, you say it, you saying it jokingly, but
you you know, you both know how important it is.
Where did you tackle the guy? You know from a
linebacker is where are you? Are you playing at the
blind scrimmers on the other side of the line screamer?
Are you always catching stuff? And he might be the
best in the history of catching stuff that Jalen Warrens touchdown.
Speaker 4 (25:59):
I don't think he did not move.
Speaker 5 (26:02):
Devin Bush stood there just like he used to do
when he played in Pittsford. He stood there the whole
as their fill on the whole. I think it was gosh,
who was it was six seventy eight to come off
and where he just chielded him all he is stood
in front, stood stood by him, and then Jentleen ran
behind him just didn't make an effort.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
More More and Daniels were the second level blocks on that.
Speaker 4 (26:24):
Yeah, yeah, and so but you know, listen to to
the off. The line does have a great feel for
what's going on.
Speaker 5 (26:30):
Still, you know, aside from Devin Bush, you gotta you
got some other real football players in there. He got
a handle in the handle them. They just literally mauled
the core of their defense and that hadn't happened to Seattle.
I bought Seattle to play a lot. I want to
play against San Francisco and some other team Tennessee.
Speaker 4 (26:46):
They didn't, you know, they didn't get mald like that,
you know, they they I mean, the seat.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
Was absolutely manhaw And you know, the tight ends we've
they've taken some heat, I mean rightfully so because they
have not they haven't even been willing to participants at
times and as a whole aside from having they still
brought that.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
Up after the game.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
By the way, he didn't mention you by name, but
he said we had He said we had some things
we had to prove to people.
Speaker 5 (27:10):
Yeah, well guess so, yeah, you know he didn't have
to prove to me, because I believe that could be awesome.
Speaker 4 (27:16):
Tight end.
Speaker 5 (27:16):
I think he could be one of the most complete
tight ends of football if he wanted to be. He
is the only one that's holding himself back. He holds
himself back. Could he better be a better blocker?
Speaker 4 (27:26):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (27:27):
And that's how I mean, ma old people when you
just talk about molled people. But listen, it's getting the
job done. Sometimes it's hilleding the guy, it's just staying
with the guy. But it's getting your job done.
Speaker 4 (27:36):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (27:37):
He could actually be one of the most complete tight
ends in football. He's a better route runner than we've seen.
Speaker 4 (27:42):
I've saw him the.
Speaker 5 (27:42):
Penn Stay there were sometimes Penn State was a better
route runner. He is not approved there and he can
prove there. He could be one of the best tight
ends in all of football in all phases if he
chose to be. And you know, they don't have to
prove anything to me. You know, that's that's right. When
you're a pro, that's your up, you know. And to
play like they had been playing is unacceptable. Now that
(28:05):
they've played to this level, well then we know.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
You can play at that level, so you need to
do that.
Speaker 5 (28:11):
So but I thought they did aside from some miscommunication stuff,
which can happen at any time.
Speaker 4 (28:16):
I don't care how good you are. They are doing
a heck of a job. And as a whole and a.
Speaker 5 (28:21):
Back always has a responsibility to compliment the effort that
they are getting up front. If you're gonna move people
and you're gonna give me a running lay here and
you steal here, steal there, and a dig out there,
then I got to compliment that. And both those backs
have complimented it. And that's a that's a wicked phase
to their office, to their team right now. You know
(28:42):
that's permeating to the other side of the ball and
to be a critical part of this game. You know,
I mentioned those what I thought comes down to the
winner loss in this game.
Speaker 4 (28:52):
You know, I'll just add the other caveat this running game.
Speaker 5 (28:54):
If it can't perform and have some productivity like it
has had the last couple of weeks, that'll be a
game changer in winning this game.
Speaker 3 (29:03):
Where you had on Rudolph after two games. I mean,
obviously the numbers are there, are the big plays. I mean,
it's you know, I go.
Speaker 5 (29:10):
To I'll tell you this, he's processed things well. I
still go back to the thing that stood out in
the first game, and it was magnified in the second game.
His pocket presence and his ability to throw with dirt
around him was incredible.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
That corner raped me through the George Picketts I think
in the second half, big time throw.
Speaker 5 (29:28):
Okay, that if you go back and look at that play,
that's the epitome of how you play. I have to
play in our league with people around you. He did
not blink and he made that throw. And that's those
that you have to make, and that's those that separate
you from being a backup to a potential starter in
this league. You have to make throws like that, and
he has done that and back to back weeks. Now
(29:50):
they grant nobody plays a perfect game. You know, they
played empty Okay, the time that we kicked the field
goal when we were downscoring territory and they third down
and they went empty.
Speaker 4 (30:02):
And I don't know if Jalen.
Speaker 5 (30:04):
I don't think Jalen was supposed to stay in and block,
but he was like, they're up in the up back
position and he ran into the flat and he missed
him because they brought six uncovered Warren. Yeah, yeah, And
I don't know, you know, if he missed him because
I can't.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
I can't.
Speaker 5 (30:19):
I can't imagine that you're asking Jalen Warren to block,
because the way they ran.
Speaker 4 (30:24):
Their stunch, they would he would.
Speaker 5 (30:25):
Have to orchestrate his blocking scheme with the obos line
and that's a lot of work like that. You're to
be asking of your back in that position. If you blitched,
you would just say you're the hot guy. But we
we already know how the hot thing has been in
that that system, so I don't even know where that stands.
But that was a miscue, you know, and I don't,
but I don't understand the protection. Who was always possible
(30:45):
for something, but they had five blockers and they brought six.
Now they stunted themselves into running into each other, so
it was a.
Speaker 4 (30:55):
Non factor. But they eventually got enough pressure line.
Speaker 5 (30:58):
I can't remember if they said, yeah, this hacky back
take the exacting and if you know, if you have
seen the I just think he missed.
Speaker 4 (31:05):
I mean the war was wide open. I mean they
didn't cover him.
Speaker 5 (31:07):
So I don't know what that that read was or
that process he was. But but okay, he made more
good throws and did more good things than he did
bad things. I mean, at the end of the day,
if that's that's the football game for you, If you win,
it's just we did more good things than they than
we did bad on that day, or we did more
good things than they did, which.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
Is what it comes down to.
Speaker 5 (31:28):
And in his two games, they have, you know, just
confirmed Cincinnati was not a joke or was not an accident.
All the things that you wanted to see that he
does do and that you have to do be consistent
in this league, He's executed. Now this is going to
be a great test. This the playoff team, maybe the
best team in the FC, maybe the best team in
the entire NFL, you know, and it will be a
great test for him to be able to function and
(31:51):
play like he has the last two weeks. And I
expect him to because those things are not done by accident.
He has a great feel and presence and arms train
and a confidence about himself.
Speaker 4 (32:02):
So I expect him to play well.
Speaker 2 (32:04):
Marrol. Last thing I got for you, I thought Mike
Tomin gave him the rubber stamp seal of approval. Two
minutes left fall on the Seattle forty four yard line.
They have two timeouts left. I'm thinking run, run, run,
make him use the two timeouts. Punted deep and he
comes out throwing. I mean, if you don't trust your
quarterback and the guy on the other end of it
(32:26):
for that matter, you don't make that call, right, I
mean that that was pedaled down. We're beating them right now.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
I agreed, agreed.
Speaker 5 (32:35):
You know, men to listen some some of this is
a little desperation too. You know, you can't afford to lose,
you know, you would get nothing else.
Speaker 4 (32:41):
You've got nothing. We've got nothing to lose. We so
I agret.
Speaker 5 (32:45):
I agree with that, Mike, And but he has earned that,
you know.
Speaker 4 (32:50):
In two games. You know, just the way he is,
he's played.
Speaker 5 (32:54):
So I'm telling you the stuff that he's done is
not an accident. And you can't fake that. You know,
he can't get and do what he's done.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
That is that's work and it's it's skill and it's
and it's was being put on display.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
Meryl. We're supposed to do this again if they make
the playoffs. So uh, talk talk team next week.
Speaker 4 (33:17):
I both lovely voices next week.
Speaker 3 (33:22):
If not, it's been a great maryl Yes, sir.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
Talk you next year, all right, see you guys.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
Thanks man, Merril Hodges the fact that I joining us
on the preview. You can gear up with the latest
Sideline apparel, hats or jerseys of your favorite players, authentic memorabilia,
custom items, and exclusives you can only find directly from
the team at one of the official Steelers pro shops.
Those are located at Akroscher Stadium, the Grove City Premium Outlets,
and the Tanger Outlets. You can also visit us online
(33:50):
at shop dot Steelers dot com. One more segment to go,
so keep it here. Matt Williamson and Mike pursuita getting
you ready for the brawl to settle in the Steelers
and the Ravens Saturday in Baltimore. This is Steelers Preview
right here on your Steelers flagship. One of two point
five d V and s n R.
Speaker 1 (34:11):
Back to the Steelers Preview Show presented by Uni bet
On DVE.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
Welcome back, my pursuiter in Matt Williamson with you until
eight o'clock tonight is we continue getting you ready for
the Steelers and the Ravens.
Speaker 4 (34:24):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
I knew Merrill was gonna be most appreciative of that
Steeler running game and most respect Yes, most respectful of
that Ravens running game.
Speaker 3 (34:32):
I'm a little regretful though, because missed the opportunity to
bring up your davy. Yeah, and he's actually playing well.
I was gonna say yeah.
Speaker 2 (34:40):
I don't know that that was an oversight.
Speaker 3 (34:42):
I think I was hoping that to see if we
Merrill would can actually say, wow, he's playing well. I
didn't know if it was in his DNA to dude,
and he was.
Speaker 2 (34:50):
Kind of starting to get it.
Speaker 3 (34:51):
Yeah. I mean that's a good defensive I mean it's
good coaching staff, but that their defensive coordinators and we
head coaching.
Speaker 2 (34:56):
Since is an opportunity. What to expect is brought to
you by Brian and associates. It's all about the benefits.
And you know we talked about this already, Matt, but
I expect a rock fight. And I just want to
run some numbers by you here because I know you're
beach scats guy. It's a statistical mismatch.
Speaker 3 (35:15):
Oh, I look at what they've done today.
Speaker 2 (35:17):
Many levels total offense Baltimore's fourth, Pittsburgh twenty fifth rushing offense,
Baltimore is first.
Speaker 3 (35:24):
Steelers actually a respectable twelfth.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
Now, no, they're moving on a way to the top
ten passing offense, Baltimore is only twenty first. Steelers are
twenty fifth. Points per game Baltimore's second. The Steelers are
twenty seventh total defense Baltimore's fourth, Pittsburgh's twenty second run
defense blah blah.
Speaker 3 (35:42):
On down the loft.
Speaker 2 (35:44):
Now the one area where there's two areas actually where
the Steelers are competitive defensively, which are two pretty good
areas points per game. The Ravens are first at sixteen
point four and Pittsburgh gets seventh at nineteen point six.
And the red zone more is second, only allowing touchdowns
forty point four percent of the time. Pittsburgh is fifth
(36:06):
at forty six point nine. That's probably why the points
per game are down for both, because they don't.
Speaker 3 (36:09):
Sure they hold you to field goals. They'll let you
score touchdowes. But you can take all those numbers their
personal league in sacks or first league and takeaways, I
mean they're first leaking and everything. Take them all and
uh dump them in.
Speaker 2 (36:20):
Yeah, Baltimore Harbor.
Speaker 3 (36:22):
So one number that I did come up with rock Fight,
Rock Fight, for sure. But one number I did come
up with I thought was sort of in the Steelers
favor is in the last seven games, they're allowing one
hundred and twenty five rushing yards per game and five
point two per carry. Like their run defense hasn't the
one area where they've been more. Yeah, and you know
the Steelers, everything starts with the run game. I mean,
(36:43):
so if you do that minus Roque, minus Matabuk, you know,
and then maybe you run have success on the ground.
Speaker 2 (36:51):
I think that's still run game. There was a time
this year where they were getting it going mid season
and then it kind of went away. I think it's back,
and I think it's here to stay.
Speaker 3 (36:58):
I believe in it.
Speaker 2 (37:00):
Impressed with how hard Naji Harris is playing. Uh Jaien
personal man Jalen Warren has been a little ball of
hate all year. To steal the line from my morning
show colleged Bill Crawford, that's a good one. Yeh're taking
credit for it. That's a hockey thing from uh the
guy from Boston, Brad Marsha.
Speaker 3 (37:17):
I believe you, Okay.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
I think they can run the football in these guys,
and if they do that, I think they have a
quarterback now who can take advantage.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
I agree with all those things, and depending how depleted
they are. I still think this might be a more
difficult defense to play against in Cincinnati or Seattle. I
don't I mean, I don't doubt that for at ye,
especially with that coordinating that environment. Yeah, exactly, this might
be at least that that's the last two events.
Speaker 2 (37:43):
Cincinnati and Seattle have cheesy defense. It's gotten soft and cheesy.
Speaker 4 (37:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
I mean, if if you were just viewing things through
the Bengals or Seahawks lenses the last couple of weeks,
it would not be kind. No, I'm not saying, you
know that has earned it. That makes it false.
Speaker 2 (37:58):
That's what you're supposed to do, right, supposed to score
thirty something points and push him around, And they did that.
I mean if nogee Harris doesn't slide, he is three touchdown,
he had to walk into the end zone on that
last run, and it's thirty seven points all that.
Speaker 3 (38:12):
But Tyler Huntley, Yeah, interesting guy.
Speaker 2 (38:16):
I don't think a ton of them. I'm curious what
you think. He doesn't have a ton of starting experience.
Nineteen career games, eight career starts. He's three and five.
The numbers are very mediocre, but he is one and
two against the Steelers. He has played against them more
than anybody else, so he's at least gonna have some
familiarity going for him as he spot starts for Lamar.
Speaker 3 (38:35):
Well, I think there's a reason Josh Johnson, who's been
on every team in the league but as a true professional,
is on the roster, and they went out and grabbing
the league Cunningham off the Patriots practice squad.
Speaker 2 (38:44):
Boy, did I like him last spring? Is like it
is like a seventh round flyer exactly exactly.
Speaker 3 (38:49):
And you probably remember that from all our draft by Yeah,
I sure do. Coming up later in the season two
and I guess Cunningham might even run some routes this
week from what I've been told. But Huntley's a suit
Bowl Lamar backup. Yes, he went to a Pro Bowl,
but that is doesn't mean anything. He throws a lot
of stuff sideways. He doesn't have a real drive the
(39:11):
ball quarterbacking mentality. And here's a big thing is he
takes sacks at an extremely high rate. I mean, like
sacks per dropback is as bad as you'll see. And
I'm sure their offensive tackles will be rotating as they have.
Zeitler's not going to play when right. It's a really
(39:31):
good line, but I would think they should be able
to get after him and hit him quite a bit.
Speaker 2 (39:36):
Also the Ravens. Of course, John Harbaugh came up as
a special teams coach and they're always very good at that.
The Steelers have been. Steelers have been really impactful getting
their hands on kickballs and things of that nature. You know,
these close games they come down to special teams a lot.
The sense of advantage one way.
Speaker 3 (39:56):
Always with Baltimore, Oh yeah, yeah, that good. The Tuck
character is gonna play. I don't think the rest of him,
but he's not having a phenomenal year. Bos has actually
been better.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
This year beyond kicking and punting, just the actual protecting it,
the blocking it, the returning it.
Speaker 3 (40:11):
Yes, they're always that's a Harbaugh trade. They're always the
top three or four in the league every year. They're
one of the only teams that are that way. Steelers
handed out some awards this week.
Speaker 2 (40:22):
Met TJ. Watt the Team MVP. Easy one, easy one there,
Joey Porter Junior Rookie of the Year, and it was
really interesting listening to him chat the other day yesterday.
I think it was just getting back into the swing here,
so days of the week or sometimes.
Speaker 3 (40:38):
A little Saturday games screw up my mind too, and
a couple of holidays running in there.
Speaker 2 (40:41):
And yeah, but you know, Joey Porter Junior started the
season as one of the sixth defensive backs in the
sixth defensive back to time. Yeah, and now he's the
guy who follows DK Metcalf and Jamar Chase, and I
thought maybe they should have gone them a lot sooner
than they did.
Speaker 3 (41:00):
The way it's.
Speaker 2 (41:00):
Worked out, they could argue, hey, we marinated him at
you know, the perfect amount of time, and look at
him now.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
Not hitting a rookie wall too early or.
Speaker 2 (41:07):
In that kind of and that was definitely part of
the plan. They didn't want to expose him to too
much too soon. And Porter also rookies. Porter also said
he wanted to play right away, but as as time passed,
he knew he wasn't ready to and he knew he
knew there.
Speaker 3 (41:21):
Were things that did.
Speaker 2 (41:23):
Yeah, and he's grateful and appreciative that it worked out
the way it did. But boy, you look at this
draft class. Brodick Jones is starting now, and maybe he
moves to the left side next year, Maybe he doesn't
Porter is the shutdown guy. Keanu Benton starting on the nose,
Darnel Washington's getting more playing times. Tight ends are starting
to block. As we talked about. I still think this
(41:45):
guy's an untapped resource in the passing game. Nick Herbig
played two defensive snaps against Seattle and got the sack
strip fumble recovery that really helped them take control of
that game at the end, getting the field goal in
the two score lead.
Speaker 3 (42:00):
And then Corey Trice Junior. I'm still very intrigued.
Speaker 2 (42:04):
He got hurt in camp, but I think that's a
corner with a great physical skill set.
Speaker 3 (42:08):
Yeah, and a lot to see him again.
Speaker 2 (42:10):
You got off side and then Spencer Anderson the other
seventh round or I think he could be here a
long time. It's just I can play anywhere. I don't
know if he's ever going to start, but he could
back up everywhere.
Speaker 3 (42:20):
I bet he plays a long time in the league.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
They knocked it out of the park on his draft class,
didn't they.
Speaker 3 (42:24):
They did, and he doesn't seem to be referenced this way.
But I think Porter should be in the defensive Rookie
of the Year conversation in a very down year, across
the league, and.
Speaker 2 (42:34):
Who would be the other guys in that conversation.
Speaker 3 (42:36):
Jalen Carter, but he's really falled off fell Off Witherspoon
for Seattle. There's a kind of an unsung defensive tackle
for the Rams playing next to Aaron Donald is having
a really good year. But it's a bad group. I mean,
I think Porter belongs, especially what they ask of him.
And I'm sure you'd agree he was an easy selection
for Steelers Rookie of the Year, but eight out of
(42:57):
ten years Benton would have won it, Jones would have it.
I mean, there was years that Patrick Bailey and Supulvido
on it.
Speaker 4 (43:02):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (43:05):
Yeah, I'm aware. What do you think is going to happen?
Other than r aforementioned rock fight references? They pull this off?
Speaker 3 (43:12):
I think so. I mean the news today of who
they've already ruled out to me makes me think that
they're just going to hand it to Melvin Gordon time
and time again, not even Edwards or Hill, and just
try to get out of this thing as fast as
they possibly can. Probably some shenanigans if it gets close,
and there'll probably be a goofy player or two, or
a strange game. But I think the Steelers win this one.
(43:35):
I don't know about the other two games.
Speaker 2 (43:37):
Yeah, I think the Steelers win it if Roberts and
Fitzpatrick can be impacted by I agree Tyler with what
Meryl was saying about how much of a different breed
of cat. This is just just defending this stuff, just
knowing where to go and where the ball is. What
you have to do, responsibility before you get them on
the ground. But I think if they get those guys,
it takes a little pressure off the offense. I don't
(43:59):
know that you go in the ball expecting to score thirty,
but I bet Rudolph can get him into the twenties.
Speaker 3 (44:03):
I think they're twenty plus twenty twenty four group of defense. Yeah,
and maybe they're picking up litz Is okay and not
getting out schemed. Yeah, twenty four to twenty something like that. Yeah,
I'm not sure Baltimore gets a twenty. I mean, I
just think they run it, run it, run and get
out of their business trip.
Speaker 2 (44:18):
Let's well, if they run it, run and run it
and get two first downs, they kick a field goal.
Speaker 3 (44:21):
So I'm not sure with those.
Speaker 2 (44:23):
Great special teams, they're gonna have some opportunities there, but
I think they're gonna get it done. I think Miami's
gonna beat Buffalo. I've not been impressed with Buffalo all year.
But we'll have to wait and see. Maybe we do
this next Thursday, Maybe we don't.
Speaker 3 (44:38):
Maybe if you're the Ravens, though, I would sort of
fear the Browns and Steelers being in the Postseedson absolutely,
just because of familiarity.
Speaker 2 (44:45):
Yeah, yeah, that's two teams I wouldn't want to play.
Steelers Preview on dB is brought to you by Uni Bet.
The only thing better than the Steelers win is the
Steeler win pays double down on your team. With Uni
Bet a proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, that's gonna
do it for us. Thanks to Justin Miller for running
the show as he always does. Thanks to you for
finding us however and wherever you found us. Hopefully we'll
(45:07):
do it again next Thursday before the playoffs. Until then,
for Matt Williams said, I'm Mike Pursuda. This has been
Steelers Preview right here in your Steelers flagship one of
two point five dv Ean Snr
This is the Steelers Preview Show on WDVE Pittsburgh, presented
by unibet. The only thing better than a Steelers win
is a Steelers win that pays double down on your team.
With UNIBT, proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, here are
your hosts, Mike Persuda, Matt Williamson and Merril Hodge.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Steelers Preview
right here on your Steelers flagship one on two point
five DVE and s n R. Mike Persuda and Matt
Williamson with you until eight o'clock tonight. We will welcome
our factor back, Merril Hodge to the program for the
segment number two. As is our habit, we are counting
(00:38):
it down to the Steelers and the Ravens and a
lot of playoff scenarios in play for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
It's a huge game.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
The Baltimore lineup is not going to be what it
otherwise might if this game mattered to the Ravens, which
it does not. It means a great deal to the
Steelers and Matt. If you listen, then you put your
hand up to your ear, you might be able to
hear that trumpet blowing the cavalry charge because perhaps possibly
coming over the hill to help a depleted defense that
(01:08):
has been doing the best at can in the face
of a war of attrition. Landon Roberts questionable and Minka
Fitzpatrick questionable. Those are the official designations. But I talked
to Roberts today and he said, and I quote, I
think I'm ready nice. And this is a guy who
was established himself to.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Be an all in Oh yeah, you know, perfect for
this game.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
I'm playing if I can at all possibly play type
of guy. And as far as Minka Fitzpatrick is concerned,
we talked with Patrick Peterson on Wednesday. He was given
the Chief Award, which is the Media Good Guy Award
named after Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr. And Peterson talked
(01:53):
about Fitzpatrick in the past tense. He said, when Minka
was out, we couldn't do this.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Now it's some fine reporting by you.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
By I mean Pat Pete's a podcaster. He's a pretty
as guy, fella. I think he was trying to tell
us MinC is playing without coming out and saying MINC's playing.
Now that might be me seeing or hearing something that
I want to see or hear, But boy, if they
get those two guys back for this game in particular, this.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Game in particular, I mean familiarity with this opponent, especially
make of Roberts only played them once. But Roberts is
a thumper. I mean he's expanded upon that. But he
was brought here to be the rundown guy. We know
that Baltimore's we depleted, but I also think they're going
to run the ball like crazy short in the game.
Get out of this thing, you know, and it's a
(02:41):
diverse run game. Taking on Patrick Ricard in the hole
and things like that is right up Roberts alley. I'm
big picture. I'm sort of interested to see Roberts and
jack next to each other, and Peterson and Menca next
to each other. Might that be a thing next year?
Who knows, But I mean I'm looking ahead, you know, right.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
Those only the other things that Patrick Peterson said he
believes this safety thing is going to extend his career. Yeah,
you know that's yeah, let's talk about that on the
Baltimore side. If you listen to this show, you're obviously
a Steelers fan, and you obviously knew that Lamar Jackson
was not going to play the Ravens. Also announcing today
Odell Beckham, junior wide receiver out, Kevin Zeitler, guard out,
(03:23):
cornerback Marlon Humphrey out, and a couple other backups on defense,
safety Darryl Worley and linebacker Malik Harrison. Those guys play,
they're not starters. The other four starters Zay Flowers there,
amazing rookie receiver is doubtful and then a.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Foubtful for this game, might as well be out. You
think you would think.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
You would think, and then questionable backup wide receiver Tyland Wallace.
He's not really a factor, but starting cornerback Brandon Stevens
is questionable. A strong safety Kyle Hamilton is questionable. Not
one of those guys played in the Ravens last game,
So they're not bad fighting injury, yeah yeah, yeah, don't think.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
They're too important.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Backup linebacker Malik Harrison, backup cornerback Arthurmlett, and backup cornerback
Ronald Darby also on the questionable side for Baltimore. So
this is gonna be a much different Ravens lineup.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
I would be shocked if Roquan plays much at all.
Their defensive tackle the people and I might not be
familiar with Mattabuque has been tremendous for them. I don't
think either one of those guys should see the field
nearly at all. They're left tackle Stanley, they're right tackle Moses.
They've been rotating those guys. Patch Queen the other really
good inside linebacker. Now he doesn't have a designation. He
(04:41):
was limited Tuesday and Wednesday, and he was a full
participant today.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
But yeah, I'm with you. And if you're John Harball,
you don't by guys at harmble way. You don't make
this type of decision half baked.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
No, you're their injury. You jump in the deep end
of your down.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Ye, you're not playing your quarterback and your wide receivers
are out. Why are you risking anybody at that point?
Speaker 3 (05:01):
So you can only have what seven inactives, So some
of these dudes will be active and maybe just kind
of sitting there with the joking with their buds on
the sidelines, or somebody gets hurt, they get thrown in,
or hey, Matt a bouque clowney. It's their innate go
out there and get a sack if you want. But
you can't sit everybody it's not the preseason. It's not
high school. You know, you still have to put five
(05:23):
offensive linemen out there that aren't Turnstiles. But this is
going to be a shell of the Ravens team that
we're used to.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
And that said, I'm expecting another rock fight.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Oh yeah, it's still something weird is going to happen.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
You know.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
I have a really goofy way of looking at this game, Matt.
The Steelers have beaten the Ravens six out of seven,
seven out of ten, and ten out of fourteen. They
know how to play. This team's remarkable. They know how
to embrace this game, right, Yeah, yeah they do. I
was not afraid of the Steelers having to beat Lamar Jackson,
but nor do I consider it a layup that he's
(05:57):
not playing, right. I've seen the Steelers lose to the
Ravens with Anthony Brown a quarterback. I've seen them lose
with Tyler Huntley quarterback, the guy who is going to
be playing quarterback again. I've seen them lose with Ryan Mallet.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
I mean, yeah, this is just I remember we previewed
him what week five, and I was like skeptical. I was,
I'm like, I've seen all these games too. Maybe I
was in the booth or whatever, and you're like, doesn't matter,
it's Steelers Ravens and you're a hundredercent.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Right, And let's just you know, update everybody on how
these things usually work out. Of the last thirty one
Steelers Ravens games, twenty five have been one score games.
Dating back to John Harbaugh's ascension to the head coaching
position in Baltimore in two thousand and eight, that was
Mike Tomlin's second year, eighteen Steelers Ravens games have been
(06:49):
sided by three or fewer points.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
How about this little nugget, So since twenty twenty, the
Ravens only have a losing record against two teams. After
beating the Dolphins, they're now one and two against Miami,
one in six against the Steelers. They're the only total
only teams on the planet they have losing records against.
I mean, that's remarkable in itself, but the Steelers are
(07:12):
six and one against them.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
In that track, the Steelers have this one figured out.
I mean, not that it's easy, but they they know
each other well.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
And the other compelling thing I think in this game
for Baltimore is we've heard from some of their veteran players,
particularly when they were able to beat Pittsburgh last year.
They talk about how you're not a Raven until you
beat the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Yeah, agotiation Orth. Yeah, there's gonna be some.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Guys playing that maybe aren't in the regular rotations at
their positions, or maybe they're special teamers and now there's
something more. Yeah, maybe they're new to the team, young
guys trying to work.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
That's a little scary though too. One of them might
be the Willie Parker you know.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Yeah, Yeah, they're gonna want to play this game if
you if you want to trade opportunity, if you want
to press that staff and that front office, Yeah, go
get Pittsburgh.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
That's the carrit I'm sure Harbaugh and you're hanging out there.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
That is how you get their attention. That's how you get.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
Your your fraternity letters or whatever. You know, go go
knock them out of the playoffs for us, you know, youngster.
You know, so there's a great opportunity for those guys.
That scares me. Plus if you're Harbaugh, have me mentioned
this all week? No one cares about preseason wins more
than Harbaugh, you know, Like he doesn't like losing. I mean,
they're an ultra competitive family, et cetera. He may do
some weird stuff in this game. You'll go for two
(08:23):
randomly or you know this, what's.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
He of to lose by the way, I don't know
if you have a hard time sometimes if you get
confused because there's two coaches.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Jim and John, which one always ignore their first names?
I get it wrong.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Which one's John and which one's Jim? Yeah, John is
the one who has not been suspended twice this season.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
You're a fan of both, I have a feel like
big fans, big fan No. I'll tell you what. I'm
a huge.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
Fan of this game and this rivalry. I love the
fact that they play twice a year. And I know
Steelers fans hate the Ravens. But guess what you're looking
in the mirror. It's great organization. It's a great organization.
It's a well coached team. It's a knock your socks
off physical team. Yep. It's a focused team. They know
(09:08):
who they are. They do not.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Get de tiered by injury or anything else.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
That comes along the line.
Speaker 3 (09:15):
So I haven't brought this up this week, but I
sure hope ten years from now, eight years from now
there's a Football life, or thirty for thirty with Ozzie
Newsome and Kevin Colbert on a fishing boat going you
stole that guy from me in the draft two seconds
before I did. Yeah, Like they could all just be honest,
or Harvugh Tomlin are invited to come into and they
(09:35):
could all just like pull back the curtain like I
knew you were gonna do this here, or Ray Lewis
did this to me, or Ed Reid blah blah heinz war.
You know, guess going back, the whole thing would be phenomenal.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Can't repeat this stuff enough because it is a little convoluted.
But how do you get to the playoffs from here? Well,
Steelers win and the Colts and Texans tie. They're in
Steelers win and Buffalo loses to Miami. They're in Steelers
win and Jacksonville loses or ties against Tennessee. They're in
(10:06):
Steelers tie the Ravens, Indianapolis and Houston do not tie,
and Jacksonville loses.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
This is where you lose. Steelers are in and the
fifth one.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Steelers lose, but Indianapolis and Houston do not tie. Jacksonville
loses and Denver beats the Raiders.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
All the beginning was easy to follow. Then it gets
a little crazy.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
I think Buffalo loses to Miami.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
I like the fact that Tennessee and Miami are home,
and I do think Rabele's gonna bring it. I mean,
I think I just still know what he's gonna bring.
They don't block anybody.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
That's not a lot.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Yeah, he can bring what he wants.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
I don't know that it's good enough.
Speaker 3 (10:42):
Yeah, there's not a lot of bullets in the chamber.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
We shall see when we come back. The aforementioned factor
back Merril Hodge will be joining us here on the
preview Steeers Preview on DVE is brought to you by
uni Bet. The only thing better than the Steelers win
is a Steelers win. That pace double down on your
team with Unibet, a proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We're just getting warmed up and there's a big one
(11:06):
coming up. So keep it here with Matt Williamson, Mike Pursuita.
This is Steelers Preview right here on your Steelers flagship.
One of two point five DVE and SNR.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Back to the Steelers Preview show presented by univet on DVE.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Welcome back to the preview, Mike Pursuita and Matt Williamson'
get you ready for the Steelers and the Ravens Saturday
in Baltimore. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank reminds you
to sack hunger, get food, volunteer or donate at a
Pittsburgh Food bank. Excuse me at Pittsburgh Foodbank dot org.
Time now to take things up several notches and welcome
(11:43):
to the program. Our factor back Merril Hodge and Meryl
so much that's intriguing with this game, even though some
people on both sides aren't going to be taking part
in it. But as people who have been listening to
us for a long time, no. One of the signs
of this show is periodic and regular references to the
(12:04):
nineteen eighty nine season, because if you think about it,
everything always relates back to nineteen eighty nine in some way,
shape or form.
Speaker 3 (12:11):
And that was the year that you guys.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Went down to Tampa and needed a bunch of stuff
to happen. I don't remember exactly how many things, but
you guys beat the Buccaneers and they all did. The
Steelers are not in nearly as dire a situation. They
don't even have to win the game. There's actually a
scenario where they could lose and still make the playoffs.
But whin and Miami beats Buffalo and you're in. Win
(12:33):
and Tennessee beats Jacksonville and you're in. Those are the
simple ones. What's it like to get ready for a game,
particularly a rivalry game like this a battle royal that
Steelers Ravens always becomes, and still have that stuff kicking
around in the back of your head.
Speaker 5 (12:51):
Well, honestly personally from experience in it, I mean that
is I mean, that's just that's how you want a game.
You'll have hope, But the builtimately part of the whole
process that you just mentioned, you still got to win,
you know, And I know that you said they have
a chance if they lose still get in, which is
actually crazy. We didn't and.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
They're not looking at it like that either. There must win,
trust me.
Speaker 5 (13:18):
Yeah, and I get that, But that's honestly, it's a
much better way to end the season than to know, Okay,
this is the last game of the year.
Speaker 4 (13:26):
It's over.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So that's not distracting at all, or it's not a
potential complication that that you need help.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
Now now, I'll tell you this.
Speaker 5 (13:36):
In nineteen eighty ninety the one thing that we needed.
I don't remember the games. I just know there was
three games and all the teams that were favored had
to lose. I do remember that, and so they're like,
what's the odds of that? And the two of the
games were being played at the same time we were playing,
and so.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
We were watching the scoreboard.
Speaker 5 (13:56):
You peak up there every now and then, but it
didn't distract on how we played.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Let me stop you real quick. I apologize, but I mean,
do you think it's an advantage that they're the first
game and it's a standalone game? You can't even look
to scoreboard, you know?
Speaker 4 (14:07):
Well yeah, I mean, well one's my in Buffalo.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Sunday Night, the last yeah, last game.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
Yeah, they don't play, Yeah they don't. That's really now hey,
I'll answer, well, yeah, I agree with you, Matt. I mean,
then that's.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
Irrelevant then our games there there was a couple of
one o'clock games and we're all playing at one and
so we were watching the score because I remember the
Raiders for one of them.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
For they're playing, So.
Speaker 5 (14:32):
I can't remember where they were playing, but so that
would be relevant, you know, that won't be a factor in.
It wasn't a factor for us either, because we knew
we still had to win that game. And then and ironically,
that ended up being one of the coldest days in
Florida history. This cold front come out of nowhere. The
game was like thirty thirty forty degrees.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
I believe Wolf mentioned the other day that it's look
at a couple of flurries.
Speaker 4 (14:55):
Yeah, well, I wouldn't be surprised at that. And if
I remember, make.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
The playoffs when it snows.
Speaker 5 (15:01):
In when we did so, they and ironically, we didn't
pack as if it was going We packed as if
it was Florida. We didn't pack as it was going
to be winter with it. So when we can walk
out of the tunnels, you know, to get ready of
the game, Like we had no long sleeve shirts on.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
We had nothing. I mean, they were bundled up. They
look like they just come from the North Point. And
I remember I remember them looking across.
Speaker 5 (15:27):
Later on they were talking about like, man, I there
some tough dudes.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
Man, No, we didn't bring didn't even think about it.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
Yeah, there some tough dudes, like we know, actually forgot
our stuff.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
We had no choice. But you know, Kate confirmed that.
You said, so Miami has to beat Buffalo. I thought
Buffalo had to beat Miami.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Now, for the Steelers perspective, they need Buffalo to lose
and that would be lost number seven, and then Buffalo
would lose the tiebreaker to Pittsburg on the conference record.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
Or the jag still if they want or.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Jacksonville loses or ties, uh, and Pittsburgh wins, Pittsburgh is in.
Here's a couple more for you, Merril, you'll love this.
If Pittsburgh ties, if Indianapolis and Houston do not tie,
and if Jacksonville loses, Steelers are in and the Steelers
are in with a loss. Uh, if Indianapolis and Houston
do not tie, if Jacksonville loses, and if Denver beats
(16:28):
the Raiders obviously.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
All right, So that's it. We went from first grade
math to geometry.
Speaker 4 (16:37):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely, Well, here's the bottom line.
Speaker 5 (16:43):
You gotta win, and you do that, then you know
it's not a far pitch thing that one of those
things or a couple of things won't happen. You know, the
one one of the things that they do need to
happen won't happen. And I think it's a they have
a better chance actually than we did in eighty nine.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
You think about it.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Much more direct path.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Yeah, they got the two pretty simple ones. Win the
game and Buffalo loses, or win the game and Jacksonville
doesn't win.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
Yeah. The one concern I have though, is that.
Speaker 5 (17:15):
Or the biggest concern is that Okay, Lamar Jacksons not playing,
some of the stars not being playing, so that means
we're gonna win. That that would be my bigger concern.
Then all that other stuff and oh you know watching
the Clocker or you know, getting ahead of stuff that
to me would be is this is the biggest concern
in this one, because they still have their system alone
(17:37):
creates problems, and it creates problems for guys that are
playing out of position or haven't played.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
A lot and then maybe have maybe even.
Speaker 5 (17:46):
Never really played against the Ravens and their system. And
let's just let's just I'll give you an example of it.
You know, they do so much misdirection.
Speaker 4 (17:56):
And they can fool you.
Speaker 5 (17:58):
Your eyes can be fooled, and if you don't stay
truly disciplined, like if this is every cliche game of
do your job that would fit, this would be it.
I mean, it always fits, but this one you have
to be truly disciplined in the process because I'll give
you one play and let's go from a defensive perspective.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
So you're looking at the offense.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
They'll pull, they'll pull the left guard and left tackle
and pull them to the right. Okay, so that's one
visual that you're seeing in the box from a linebacker perspective.
At a box perspective, then they're doing the jet suite
to the left and a back action to the left,
and Lamar Jackson is.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
Orchestrating all of this. So now let's go to.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Packers Peterson, who's a safety and he has a run
fit or support somewhere. Okay, this is the first time
he's seen all this traffic and type of misdirection, you know,
probably ever his career. From that visual or that perspective,
you know, not to get lost in things and caught
up in the misdirection. Is this is the real problem,
you know, and our linebackers are you know, there's a
(18:59):
lot of guys haven't played a lot of reps, and
I don't know much many of them have played against
the Ravens, and it's it's gonna be a challenge that
that box and that third level will have a Really
they got the hands full with just how the system
that they run is executed regardless of Lamar.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
Being there, because they can still execute the offense.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
They might have the dynamics of Lamar, but they have
the dynamics of that offense.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
So this is optimistic. I mean, it's Thursday, but there's
a chance of Landon Roberts and or Mika Fitzpatrick play.
I mean, by the way you're phrasing that, I think
that would go a long way, don't you think big time? Yeah,
that big time.
Speaker 5 (19:39):
That's a lot that you know, what they do is
going because I was just I'm using the pack of
peers and I'm not I'm not.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Listen safety for two days or two weeks or something.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
You're right, right, and he's now going to play. You know,
he sees things, he's never seen things from that perspective,
you know, so this is all new learning for him.
Speaker 5 (19:55):
I don't care how long he's played in the league.
On advantage, she's playing in.
Speaker 4 (19:58):
A different position.
Speaker 5 (19:59):
And I mentioned that the touchdown round the Seattle had
the one running touches on the head. That was his
run fit, I mean, but he was still trying to
identify what formation they were. He didn't even know the
hand of the ball off until he was about five
yards over the boy.
Speaker 4 (20:18):
And I can see what is going on his head.
He's say, you know, he's he's like to snap where
they are. Oh that's too tight end. Oh my gosh.
You know, I was like, he's already.
Speaker 5 (20:25):
He's already back here, you know, because he was trying
to process things because he hasn't seen things from that perspective.
He's been on the perimeter, played out there. That's a
different visual.
Speaker 4 (20:34):
You know.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
It's funny you bring that up, Merrill, because he talked
about the one touchdown pass to the back of the
end zone that got over him when he was jumping
to try to get the ball, and he said they
saw that play and practice in the red zone, but
it was a different spot on the field. It was
four yards different than how they had practiced it. And
he got himself in the wrong spot, like he flashed
(20:56):
back to practice. Oh I got this, and then hell,
wait no, I know it's over my head. Yeah, And
he acknowledged that you know these things are going to
happen because he's new to that view.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
Yeah, I'll get that.
Speaker 5 (21:07):
This is not Listen, he's done a heck of a
job and he's been the best he can. I mean,
that's especially just the nature of the beach.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
That's what I'm saying. That's to me. There's there's your
there's probably okay, it's clean game.
Speaker 5 (21:19):
There's probably how well they can play in that area
will be the deciding factor if they can win. Makes
sense probably coming down in those areas. So they have
a new offensive coordinator, Todd Monkin. They have a great
offense this year. The numbers back that up. Lamar is
probably gonna win the MVP, et cetera.
Speaker 2 (21:36):
Todd Monkin, by the way, must be a genius because
he was able to score points with Georgia and with
Lamar Jackson.
Speaker 3 (21:44):
But it sounds like you're pretty impressed with the scheme overall.
You know what they took from last year, captain, you
know what they've expanded on it.
Speaker 5 (21:53):
Well, can I tell you something. It's always the one
thing I look for and coaching. I think it is
the smartest thing and coaching and somebody that doesn't have it.
Speaker 4 (22:01):
I would never hire them. I wouldn't even want a
part of my staff. And that is this.
Speaker 5 (22:05):
There's coaches that have a system and and this system wins,
and you're gonna do system, and you're gonna do the system,
and you're.
Speaker 4 (22:12):
Gonna do system. And then there's a coach who has
a system, but he's.
Speaker 5 (22:17):
Gonna mold it around what everybody else does and he's
going to adapt to him.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
And that's exactly what he has done. You know. I'd
heard that about it. I didn't know a lot about.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
Him, and then as I started studying them, I'm like,
you know, really, are they a lot different? Not really,
but there are some things that they do do in
the passing game that are very you know, challenging, but
they all are. They're all a product of what Lamar
does well, you know, and he's helped him grow from
(22:49):
that perspective. You know, throwing the football, you know, Lamar's
not you know, there's like three phases like in throwing
the football, you know, like Joe Montanna was great in
the first day, you know, playing pantherrows. Lamar's not necessarily
a plan throw guy.
Speaker 4 (23:03):
He might, but he's really good in.
Speaker 5 (23:04):
The second and third phase of stuff, which actually goes
to the thing that's probably been overlooked about this offense
is their offensive line is awesome. I mean just awesome.
I mean, this is probably the only team I watch,
because I watched the entire league that there he he
literally stands there for three seconds and there.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
Is nobody remotely close to him. Nobody. I mean on
like twenty per play.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
That's a lot in the National Football League, and.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
You do a lot of damage when you have that
type of time.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
And he's with his head cut off. He's just standing.
Speaker 4 (23:40):
He knows that.
Speaker 5 (23:40):
And I think they've helped him and done a lot
of things too with checkdowns and outlets and different ways
to go with the football for him to be disciplined
in doing that. And he's, to his credit, he is
he's evolved in that area.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
Maril.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
What did you see, uh from the Steelers running game
that was so effective in seatle They Uh, it's talking
to some of the guys after the game, and this
week they really have a taste for it. Now they
want more of this and uh, you know, the tight
ends really are are stepping up, uh, and and you know,
(24:15):
even pushing the pile the way they did that one
play where they got Harrison in the end zone in
the backs are running hard, and even George Pickens got
a wide receiver block on the Jayalen warre and touchdown.
I mean, it wasn't devastating, but it's what wide receivers
do on corners who aren't fighting back all that hard either.
I mean, they seemed locked in right now, like they
(24:38):
took them a while to get here, but I think
they got to where they want to be.
Speaker 3 (24:42):
And along those lines. You don't see NFL defenses get
beat up to that extreme too often, you know. I
mean it was a favorable opponent.
Speaker 5 (24:49):
I would say, yeah, yeah, yeah, not even with you know,
Devin Bush in the lineup, you know which anybody who's
blocking him.
Speaker 4 (24:56):
I did not give him that, you know, I didn't
seventeen hanging out there there you go.
Speaker 5 (25:07):
That reminds me that that reminds me of the kid
coming out from Texas A and M.
Speaker 4 (25:12):
I can't remember his name.
Speaker 5 (25:13):
The Dallas Cowboys end up drafting me, but I remember
he was talked about it's like he is like.
Speaker 4 (25:17):
All worlds right, and uh.
Speaker 5 (25:19):
I went and watching it on tape and online, and
he had all these tackles too, but he led the
country and tackles and I'm like, yeah, after I got
to watching it, I'm like, you.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
Know what he he does.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
He leaves the country in tackles that are five yards
or longer because he never makes any tackle at the
line beyond They are always.
Speaker 4 (25:36):
On the other side of the line career. Which is
a good point, Matt, that that you make.
Speaker 5 (25:39):
You know, you say it, you saying it jokingly, but
you you know, you both know how important it is.
Where did you tackle the guy? You know from a
linebacker is where are you? Are you playing at the
blind scrimmers on the other side of the line screamer?
Are you always catching stuff? And he might be the
best in the history of catching stuff that Jalen Warrens touchdown.
Speaker 4 (25:59):
I don't think he did not move.
Speaker 5 (26:02):
Devin Bush stood there just like he used to do
when he played in Pittsford. He stood there the whole
as their fill on the whole. I think it was gosh,
who was it was six seventy eight to come off
and where he just chielded him all he is stood
in front, stood stood by him, and then Jentleen ran
behind him just didn't make an effort.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
More More and Daniels were the second level blocks on that.
Speaker 4 (26:24):
Yeah, yeah, and so but you know, listen to to
the off. The line does have a great feel for
what's going on.
Speaker 5 (26:30):
Still, you know, aside from Devin Bush, you gotta you
got some other real football players in there. He got
a handle in the handle them. They just literally mauled
the core of their defense and that hadn't happened to Seattle.
I bought Seattle to play a lot. I want to
play against San Francisco and some other team Tennessee.
Speaker 4 (26:46):
They didn't, you know, they didn't get mald like that,
you know, they they I mean, the seat.
Speaker 5 (26:51):
Was absolutely manhaw And you know, the tight ends we've
they've taken some heat, I mean rightfully so because they
have not they haven't even been willing to participants at
times and as a whole aside from having they still
brought that.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
Up after the game.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
By the way, he didn't mention you by name, but
he said we had He said we had some things
we had to prove to people.
Speaker 5 (27:10):
Yeah, well guess so, yeah, you know he didn't have
to prove to me, because I believe that could be awesome.
Speaker 4 (27:16):
Tight end.
Speaker 5 (27:16):
I think he could be one of the most complete
tight ends of football if he wanted to be. He
is the only one that's holding himself back. He holds
himself back. Could he better be a better blocker?
Speaker 4 (27:26):
Absolutely?
Speaker 5 (27:27):
And that's how I mean, ma old people when you
just talk about molled people. But listen, it's getting the
job done. Sometimes it's hilleding the guy, it's just staying
with the guy. But it's getting your job done.
Speaker 4 (27:36):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (27:37):
He could actually be one of the most complete tight
ends in football. He's a better route runner than we've seen.
Speaker 4 (27:42):
I've saw him the.
Speaker 5 (27:42):
Penn Stay there were sometimes Penn State was a better
route runner. He is not approved there and he can
prove there. He could be one of the best tight
ends in all of football in all phases if he
chose to be. And you know, they don't have to
prove anything to me. You know, that's that's right. When
you're a pro, that's your up, you know. And to
play like they had been playing is unacceptable. Now that
(28:05):
they've played to this level, well then we know.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
You can play at that level, so you need to
do that.
Speaker 5 (28:11):
So but I thought they did aside from some miscommunication stuff,
which can happen at any time.
Speaker 4 (28:16):
I don't care how good you are. They are doing
a heck of a job. And as a whole and a.
Speaker 5 (28:21):
Back always has a responsibility to compliment the effort that
they are getting up front. If you're gonna move people
and you're gonna give me a running lay here and
you steal here, steal there, and a dig out there,
then I got to compliment that. And both those backs
have complimented it. And that's a that's a wicked phase
to their office, to their team right now. You know
(28:42):
that's permeating to the other side of the ball and
to be a critical part of this game. You know,
I mentioned those what I thought comes down to the
winner loss in this game.
Speaker 4 (28:52):
You know, I'll just add the other caveat this running game.
Speaker 5 (28:54):
If it can't perform and have some productivity like it
has had the last couple of weeks, that'll be a
game changer in winning this game.
Speaker 3 (29:03):
Where you had on Rudolph after two games. I mean,
obviously the numbers are there, are the big plays. I mean,
it's you know, I go.
Speaker 5 (29:10):
To I'll tell you this, he's processed things well. I
still go back to the thing that stood out in
the first game, and it was magnified in the second game.
His pocket presence and his ability to throw with dirt
around him was incredible.
Speaker 4 (29:23):
That corner raped me through the George Picketts I think
in the second half, big time throw.
Speaker 5 (29:28):
Okay, that if you go back and look at that play,
that's the epitome of how you play. I have to
play in our league with people around you. He did
not blink and he made that throw. And that's those
that you have to make, and that's those that separate
you from being a backup to a potential starter in
this league. You have to make throws like that, and
he has done that and back to back weeks. Now
(29:50):
they grant nobody plays a perfect game. You know, they
played empty Okay, the time that we kicked the field
goal when we were downscoring territory and they third down
and they went empty.
Speaker 4 (30:02):
And I don't know if Jalen.
Speaker 5 (30:04):
I don't think Jalen was supposed to stay in and block,
but he was like, they're up in the up back
position and he ran into the flat and he missed
him because they brought six uncovered Warren. Yeah, yeah, And
I don't know, you know, if he missed him because
I can't.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
I can't.
Speaker 5 (30:19):
I can't imagine that you're asking Jalen Warren to block,
because the way they ran.
Speaker 4 (30:24):
Their stunch, they would he would.
Speaker 5 (30:25):
Have to orchestrate his blocking scheme with the obos line
and that's a lot of work like that. You're to
be asking of your back in that position. If you blitched,
you would just say you're the hot guy. But we
we already know how the hot thing has been in
that that system, so I don't even know where that stands.
But that was a miscue, you know, and I don't,
but I don't understand the protection. Who was always possible
(30:45):
for something, but they had five blockers and they brought six.
Now they stunted themselves into running into each other, so
it was a.
Speaker 4 (30:55):
Non factor. But they eventually got enough pressure line.
Speaker 5 (30:58):
I can't remember if they said, yeah, this hacky back
take the exacting and if you know, if you have
seen the I just think he missed.
Speaker 4 (31:05):
I mean the war was wide open. I mean they
didn't cover him.
Speaker 5 (31:07):
So I don't know what that that read was or
that process he was. But but okay, he made more
good throws and did more good things than he did
bad things. I mean, at the end of the day,
if that's that's the football game for you, If you win,
it's just we did more good things than they than
we did bad on that day, or we did more
good things than they did, which.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
Is what it comes down to.
Speaker 5 (31:28):
And in his two games, they have, you know, just
confirmed Cincinnati was not a joke or was not an accident.
All the things that you wanted to see that he
does do and that you have to do be consistent
in this league, He's executed. Now this is going to
be a great test. This the playoff team, maybe the
best team in the FC, maybe the best team in
the entire NFL, you know, and it will be a
great test for him to be able to function and
(31:51):
play like he has the last two weeks. And I
expect him to because those things are not done by accident.
He has a great feel and presence and arms train
and a confidence about himself.
Speaker 4 (32:02):
So I expect him to play well.
Speaker 2 (32:04):
Marrol. Last thing I got for you, I thought Mike
Tomin gave him the rubber stamp seal of approval. Two
minutes left fall on the Seattle forty four yard line.
They have two timeouts left. I'm thinking run, run, run,
make him use the two timeouts. Punted deep and he
comes out throwing. I mean, if you don't trust your
quarterback and the guy on the other end of it
(32:26):
for that matter, you don't make that call, right, I
mean that that was pedaled down. We're beating them right now.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
I agreed, agreed.
Speaker 5 (32:35):
You know, men to listen some some of this is
a little desperation too. You know, you can't afford to lose,
you know, you would get nothing else.
Speaker 4 (32:41):
You've got nothing. We've got nothing to lose. We so
I agret.
Speaker 5 (32:45):
I agree with that, Mike, And but he has earned that,
you know.
Speaker 4 (32:50):
In two games. You know, just the way he is,
he's played.
Speaker 5 (32:54):
So I'm telling you the stuff that he's done is
not an accident. And you can't fake that. You know,
he can't get and do what he's done.
Speaker 4 (33:02):
That is that's work and it's it's skill and it's
and it's was being put on display.
Speaker 2 (33:12):
Meryl. We're supposed to do this again if they make
the playoffs. So uh, talk talk team next week.
Speaker 4 (33:17):
I both lovely voices next week.
Speaker 3 (33:22):
If not, it's been a great maryl Yes, sir.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
Talk you next year, all right, see you guys.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
Thanks man, Merril Hodges the fact that I joining us
on the preview. You can gear up with the latest
Sideline apparel, hats or jerseys of your favorite players, authentic memorabilia,
custom items, and exclusives you can only find directly from
the team at one of the official Steelers pro shops.
Those are located at Akroscher Stadium, the Grove City Premium Outlets,
and the Tanger Outlets. You can also visit us online
(33:50):
at shop dot Steelers dot com. One more segment to go,
so keep it here. Matt Williamson and Mike pursuita getting
you ready for the brawl to settle in the Steelers
and the Ravens Saturday in Baltimore. This is Steelers Preview
right here on your Steelers flagship. One of two point
five d V and s n R.
Speaker 1 (34:11):
Back to the Steelers Preview Show presented by Uni bet
On DVE.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
Welcome back, my pursuiter in Matt Williamson with you until
eight o'clock tonight is we continue getting you ready for
the Steelers and the Ravens.
Speaker 4 (34:24):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
I knew Merrill was gonna be most appreciative of that
Steeler running game and most respect Yes, most respectful of
that Ravens running game.
Speaker 3 (34:32):
I'm a little regretful though, because missed the opportunity to
bring up your davy. Yeah, and he's actually playing well.
I was gonna say yeah.
Speaker 2 (34:40):
I don't know that that was an oversight.
Speaker 3 (34:42):
I think I was hoping that to see if we
Merrill would can actually say, wow, he's playing well. I
didn't know if it was in his DNA to dude,
and he was.
Speaker 2 (34:50):
Kind of starting to get it.
Speaker 3 (34:51):
Yeah. I mean that's a good defensive I mean it's
good coaching staff, but that their defensive coordinators and we
head coaching.
Speaker 2 (34:56):
Since is an opportunity. What to expect is brought to
you by Brian and associates. It's all about the benefits.
And you know we talked about this already, Matt, but
I expect a rock fight. And I just want to
run some numbers by you here because I know you're
beach scats guy. It's a statistical mismatch.
Speaker 3 (35:15):
Oh, I look at what they've done today.
Speaker 2 (35:17):
Many levels total offense Baltimore's fourth, Pittsburgh twenty fifth rushing offense,
Baltimore is first.
Speaker 3 (35:24):
Steelers actually a respectable twelfth.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
Now, no, they're moving on a way to the top
ten passing offense, Baltimore is only twenty first. Steelers are
twenty fifth. Points per game Baltimore's second. The Steelers are
twenty seventh total defense Baltimore's fourth, Pittsburgh's twenty second run
defense blah blah.
Speaker 3 (35:42):
On down the loft.
Speaker 2 (35:44):
Now the one area where there's two areas actually where
the Steelers are competitive defensively, which are two pretty good
areas points per game. The Ravens are first at sixteen
point four and Pittsburgh gets seventh at nineteen point six.
And the red zone more is second, only allowing touchdowns
forty point four percent of the time. Pittsburgh is fifth
(36:06):
at forty six point nine. That's probably why the points
per game are down for both, because they don't.
Speaker 3 (36:09):
Sure they hold you to field goals. They'll let you
score touchdowes. But you can take all those numbers their
personal league in sacks or first league and takeaways, I
mean they're first leaking and everything. Take them all and
uh dump them in.
Speaker 2 (36:20):
Yeah, Baltimore Harbor.
Speaker 3 (36:22):
So one number that I did come up with rock Fight,
Rock Fight, for sure. But one number I did come
up with I thought was sort of in the Steelers
favor is in the last seven games, they're allowing one
hundred and twenty five rushing yards per game and five
point two per carry. Like their run defense hasn't the
one area where they've been more. Yeah, and you know
the Steelers, everything starts with the run game. I mean,
(36:43):
so if you do that minus Roque, minus Matabuk, you know,
and then maybe you run have success on the ground.
Speaker 2 (36:51):
I think that's still run game. There was a time
this year where they were getting it going mid season
and then it kind of went away. I think it's back,
and I think it's here to stay.
Speaker 3 (36:58):
I believe in it.
Speaker 2 (37:00):
Impressed with how hard Naji Harris is playing. Uh Jaien
personal man Jalen Warren has been a little ball of
hate all year. To steal the line from my morning
show colleged Bill Crawford, that's a good one. Yeh're taking
credit for it. That's a hockey thing from uh the
guy from Boston, Brad Marsha.
Speaker 3 (37:17):
I believe you, Okay.
Speaker 2 (37:19):
I think they can run the football in these guys,
and if they do that, I think they have a
quarterback now who can take advantage.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
I agree with all those things, and depending how depleted
they are. I still think this might be a more
difficult defense to play against in Cincinnati or Seattle. I
don't I mean, I don't doubt that for at ye,
especially with that coordinating that environment. Yeah, exactly, this might
be at least that that's the last two events.
Speaker 2 (37:43):
Cincinnati and Seattle have cheesy defense. It's gotten soft and cheesy.
Speaker 4 (37:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
I mean, if if you were just viewing things through
the Bengals or Seahawks lenses the last couple of weeks,
it would not be kind. No, I'm not saying, you
know that has earned it. That makes it false.
Speaker 2 (37:58):
That's what you're supposed to do, right, supposed to score
thirty something points and push him around, And they did that.
I mean if nogee Harris doesn't slide, he is three touchdown,
he had to walk into the end zone on that
last run, and it's thirty seven points all that.
Speaker 3 (38:12):
But Tyler Huntley, Yeah, interesting guy.
Speaker 2 (38:16):
I don't think a ton of them. I'm curious what
you think. He doesn't have a ton of starting experience.
Nineteen career games, eight career starts. He's three and five.
The numbers are very mediocre, but he is one and
two against the Steelers. He has played against them more
than anybody else, so he's at least gonna have some
familiarity going for him as he spot starts for Lamar.
Speaker 3 (38:35):
Well, I think there's a reason Josh Johnson, who's been
on every team in the league but as a true professional,
is on the roster, and they went out and grabbing
the league Cunningham off the Patriots practice squad.
Speaker 2 (38:44):
Boy, did I like him last spring? Is like it
is like a seventh round flyer exactly exactly.
Speaker 3 (38:49):
And you probably remember that from all our draft by Yeah,
I sure do. Coming up later in the season two
and I guess Cunningham might even run some routes this
week from what I've been told. But Huntley's a suit
Bowl Lamar backup. Yes, he went to a Pro Bowl,
but that is doesn't mean anything. He throws a lot
of stuff sideways. He doesn't have a real drive the
(39:11):
ball quarterbacking mentality. And here's a big thing is he
takes sacks at an extremely high rate. I mean, like
sacks per dropback is as bad as you'll see. And
I'm sure their offensive tackles will be rotating as they have.
Zeitler's not going to play when right. It's a really
(39:31):
good line, but I would think they should be able
to get after him and hit him quite a bit.
Speaker 2 (39:36):
Also the Ravens. Of course, John Harbaugh came up as
a special teams coach and they're always very good at that.
The Steelers have been. Steelers have been really impactful getting
their hands on kickballs and things of that nature. You know,
these close games they come down to special teams a lot.
The sense of advantage one way.
Speaker 3 (39:56):
Always with Baltimore, Oh yeah, yeah, that good. The Tuck
character is gonna play. I don't think the rest of him,
but he's not having a phenomenal year. Bos has actually
been better.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
This year beyond kicking and punting, just the actual protecting it,
the blocking it, the returning it.
Speaker 3 (40:11):
Yes, they're always that's a Harbaugh trade. They're always the
top three or four in the league every year. They're
one of the only teams that are that way. Steelers
handed out some awards this week.
Speaker 2 (40:22):
Met TJ. Watt the Team MVP. Easy one, easy one there,
Joey Porter Junior Rookie of the Year, and it was
really interesting listening to him chat the other day yesterday.
I think it was just getting back into the swing here,
so days of the week or sometimes.
Speaker 3 (40:38):
A little Saturday games screw up my mind too, and
a couple of holidays running in there.
Speaker 2 (40:41):
And yeah, but you know, Joey Porter Junior started the
season as one of the sixth defensive backs in the
sixth defensive back to time. Yeah, and now he's the
guy who follows DK Metcalf and Jamar Chase, and I
thought maybe they should have gone them a lot sooner
than they did.
Speaker 3 (41:00):
The way it's.
Speaker 2 (41:00):
Worked out, they could argue, hey, we marinated him at
you know, the perfect amount of time, and look at
him now.
Speaker 3 (41:06):
Not hitting a rookie wall too early or.
Speaker 2 (41:07):
In that kind of and that was definitely part of
the plan. They didn't want to expose him to too
much too soon. And Porter also rookies. Porter also said
he wanted to play right away, but as as time passed,
he knew he wasn't ready to and he knew he
knew there.
Speaker 3 (41:21):
Were things that did.
Speaker 2 (41:23):
Yeah, and he's grateful and appreciative that it worked out
the way it did. But boy, you look at this
draft class. Brodick Jones is starting now, and maybe he
moves to the left side next year, Maybe he doesn't
Porter is the shutdown guy. Keanu Benton starting on the nose,
Darnel Washington's getting more playing times. Tight ends are starting
to block. As we talked about. I still think this
(41:45):
guy's an untapped resource in the passing game. Nick Herbig
played two defensive snaps against Seattle and got the sack
strip fumble recovery that really helped them take control of
that game at the end, getting the field goal in
the two score lead.
Speaker 3 (42:00):
And then Corey Trice Junior. I'm still very intrigued.
Speaker 2 (42:04):
He got hurt in camp, but I think that's a
corner with a great physical skill set.
Speaker 3 (42:08):
Yeah, and a lot to see him again.
Speaker 2 (42:10):
You got off side and then Spencer Anderson the other
seventh round or I think he could be here a
long time. It's just I can play anywhere. I don't
know if he's ever going to start, but he could
back up everywhere.
Speaker 3 (42:20):
I bet he plays a long time in the league.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
They knocked it out of the park on his draft class,
didn't they.
Speaker 3 (42:24):
They did, and he doesn't seem to be referenced this way.
But I think Porter should be in the defensive Rookie
of the Year conversation in a very down year, across
the league, and.
Speaker 2 (42:34):
Who would be the other guys in that conversation.
Speaker 3 (42:36):
Jalen Carter, but he's really falled off fell Off Witherspoon
for Seattle. There's a kind of an unsung defensive tackle
for the Rams playing next to Aaron Donald is having
a really good year. But it's a bad group. I mean,
I think Porter belongs, especially what they ask of him.
And I'm sure you'd agree he was an easy selection
for Steelers Rookie of the Year, but eight out of
(42:57):
ten years Benton would have won it, Jones would have it.
I mean, there was years that Patrick Bailey and Supulvido
on it.
Speaker 4 (43:02):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (43:05):
Yeah, I'm aware. What do you think is going to happen?
Other than r aforementioned rock fight references? They pull this off?
Speaker 3 (43:12):
I think so. I mean the news today of who
they've already ruled out to me makes me think that
they're just going to hand it to Melvin Gordon time
and time again, not even Edwards or Hill, and just
try to get out of this thing as fast as
they possibly can. Probably some shenanigans if it gets close,
and there'll probably be a goofy player or two, or
a strange game. But I think the Steelers win this one.
(43:35):
I don't know about the other two games.
Speaker 2 (43:37):
Yeah, I think the Steelers win it if Roberts and
Fitzpatrick can be impacted by I agree Tyler with what
Meryl was saying about how much of a different breed
of cat. This is just just defending this stuff, just
knowing where to go and where the ball is. What
you have to do, responsibility before you get them on
the ground. But I think if they get those guys,
it takes a little pressure off the offense. I don't
(43:59):
know that you go in the ball expecting to score thirty,
but I bet Rudolph can get him into the twenties.
Speaker 3 (44:03):
I think they're twenty plus twenty twenty four group of defense. Yeah,
and maybe they're picking up litz Is okay and not
getting out schemed. Yeah, twenty four to twenty something like that. Yeah,
I'm not sure Baltimore gets a twenty. I mean, I
just think they run it, run it, run and get
out of their business trip.
Speaker 2 (44:18):
Let's well, if they run it, run and run it
and get two first downs, they kick a field goal.
Speaker 3 (44:21):
So I'm not sure with those.
Speaker 2 (44:23):
Great special teams, they're gonna have some opportunities there, but
I think they're gonna get it done. I think Miami's
gonna beat Buffalo. I've not been impressed with Buffalo all year.
But we'll have to wait and see. Maybe we do
this next Thursday, Maybe we don't.
Speaker 3 (44:38):
Maybe if you're the Ravens, though, I would sort of
fear the Browns and Steelers being in the Postseedson absolutely,
just because of familiarity.
Speaker 2 (44:45):
Yeah, yeah, that's two teams I wouldn't want to play.
Steelers Preview on dB is brought to you by Uni Bet.
The only thing better than the Steelers win is the
Steeler win pays double down on your team. With Uni
Bet a proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, that's gonna
do it for us. Thanks to Justin Miller for running
the show as he always does. Thanks to you for
finding us however and wherever you found us. Hopefully we'll
(45:07):
do it again next Thursday before the playoffs. Until then,
for Matt Williams said, I'm Mike Pursuda. This has been
Steelers Preview right here in your Steelers flagship one of
two point five dv Ean Snr
Popular Podcasts
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!