November 14, 2024 • 43 mins
The most anticipated Preview Show of the year thus far! Mike, Matt, and Merril prepare you for the greatest rivalry in sports as the Steelers are set to take on the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to the Steelers Preview show on WDVE Pittsburgh, brought
to you by your neighborhood Ford Store. The F one
fifty is the official truck of the Pittsburgh Steelers by
Brian Patton and associates. It's all about the benefits and
by the Steelers Pro Shop. Get it to wreck from
the team at shop dot Steelers dot com. And now
here are your hosts, Merril Hodge, Matt Williamson, and Mike Persuda.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Steelers Preview
right here on your Steeler slag chip one oh two
point five DVE and the Steelers Audio Network. Mike Pursuda
along with Matt Williamson Merril Hodge. Our factor back will
be long directly as we do our best to get
you ready for the Steelers and the Ravens. But Matt,
(00:43):
you know, maybe people are going to glean some schematics
out of this show or some matchup stuff that they
might not.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
There's a lot of that fun stuff too.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Otherwise been aware, But I don't think we're getting anybody
fired up for this one. I think everybody is already there.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Yeah, and both these team seasons are going great. There's
a lot of the line, but it'll as we say
this twice a year every year, sometimes more, it doesn't
matter when these teams get together. It just doesn't. I
don't know if this is gonna be thirty nine or
if it's gonna be forty to thirty eight.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Though probably will be a close game though, And you know,
before we get to the injury stuff from today, in
the practice participation, which is how we always open the show,
I just want to pay homage to Steelers Ravens. The
rivalry a little bit, be pretty awesome. It is fantastic.
I'm so appreciative of these two games every year, and
you know, lately what we've seen is pretty representative. The
(01:33):
last eight meetings between Pittsburgh and Baltimore decided by seven
points or fewer, including five decided by four points or fewer.
Now the Steelers have won six of the last seven.
They're one in three. Excuse me. Lamar Jackson is one
and three against Pittsburgh in four starts. But I don't
factor a lot of that in it. I just think
(01:55):
I do think it's gonna be a close game, yeah,
but I think it's got a lot better chance to
be in the third than what we saw last year.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
I'm leaning that way too, And that's more of a
Ravens commentary than Steelers because their offense is I think
it's the best unit in the league offense or defense.
It's unbelievable. And their defense is problematic. And now with
Wilson as your quarterback, I think you can attack that
defense the way you want to attack that defense, you
know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
So they're not bringing a knife to a gunfight, right
the gun Yeah, and.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
It's going to be a gunfight though, I mean they
have a Bazuka on offense.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
The other thing I think is really cool about this matchup,
Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh have faced each other at
thirty five times, including the playoffs. This is going to
be career meeting number thirty six between these two guys,
and I don't think either one of them slowing down. Nope,
we're going anywhere anytime soon. Matthew might be getting better.
The only other head coaching matchup that has played out
(02:52):
more frequently in NFL history Curley Lambeau of Green Bay.
They named a field after him. They may have heard
of it. Lambeau Field and George hallis one of the.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
They named the hall after him, right.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
One of the founders, hellas all or the very stream,
one of the founders of the league. They met forty
nine times.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
How many are Harbor and Tomlin out again?
Speaker 2 (03:13):
This will be thirty six.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
They can beat it.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
They got a shot. That's a chance, especially if they
pay at three this year. They keep meeting in the
playoffs every now and then. But I just I love it.
It's historic. And you know, both of these guys. I
think they're both going to the Hall of Fame.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
I do to, but I think they're done now. They're
both the on the Hall of Fame.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Both of these organizations to me, are the same, and
that's what makes it so fascinating. The way they think,
the way they want to play, the way they draft. Yeah,
it's it's it's like looking in the mirror and you
hate that team. No matter what side you're on, you
hate the other team, but you have to respect it
because they're you.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Yeah. Absolutely, And I joke, but I really don't because
I hope it happens that someday NFL Films does a
special with either Tomlin and Harbaugh or Ozzie and Kevin
on a boat fishing as older men telling truce about
you stole this guy from me in the draft, or
(04:11):
I was about to pick him, or you know, just
telling it all the way that they you know, they
have battled it out over the years.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Maybe include Bill Cower and Brian Billick.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
No, there's plenty of particular that can be invited a bit.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Of the players.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
My way of looking at is the GMS, you know,
the team building stuff, draft day.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
You know. Let's take a look at the practice participation
from today for the Steelers. Najie Harris back at it
full participant after sitting out yesterday with an ankle. Cornerback
Dante Jackson hamstring didn't work Wednesday, limited today, so it
looks like he's trending in the right direction. Nick herbig hamstring.
Full participant was the second consecutive day. That's a big deal.
(04:48):
The Steelers also starting the twenty one day clock on
cornerback Corey Trice Junior good to return from the reserve
injured list.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Don't imagine I wasn't thrilled with how the corners played.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yeah, I don't know if that. I don't know if
the factors in UH this week or not.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Probably not guess and that's down the road.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
But he was a full participant today and he had
carved out a little spot for himself into subpack and
stuff before getting hurt.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Yeah, I think he's got a chance to be pretty good.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
So we'll see where that goes up Baltimore, I think
the real.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
Quick it sounds like high Smith and Warren are the
ones we should heismiss out. But I mean Warren's the
one we're a little worried about that.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Warrens showed up with a back today, did not practice.
You know, sometimes guys take a day. Maybe he hasn't
earned veteran day off yet, but if it's something bogging,
hopefully hopefully it's nothing serious there. For Baltimore, I think
the arrow is starting to point up for Kyle Hamilton.
They're do everything safety ankle missed half the Bengals game
(05:44):
a week ago, didn't practice yesterday, limited today.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
What a player he is.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
I think he's their best player on defense.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
I do to Matta Bouquet is really good the defensive tackle,
but Hamilton is asked to do so much.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Clearly they're most versatile.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I think he's right there with Meko is the best
safety in the league.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
And tight end Isaiah Likely hamstring went from limited Wednesday
to full today. He did not play against Cincinnati, but a.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Good player too.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
That guy and Andrews are formidable combination.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
They throw so much at you offensively in terms of
just personnel groupings, extra offensive linemen, recard the fullback might
as well be an extra offensive lineman, three hundred pound
battering ram, all the tight ends they use. And now
Deonta is in the mix, Well, he's run seven rounds.
N you know, is he gonna they gonna come out
three wide? I don't know, Probably not, you know.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
One of the things I wanted to hit on, and
we're talking great to tail with Merril Hodge about the
Ravens problems covering the past and why they deserve to
be ranked last in the NFL and pass defense.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
But I think there's several reasons.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
The company line here in Pittsburgh this week from Mike
Tomlin on Tuesday and again from Arthur Smith today, the
offensive coordinator, they are expousing the theory that oh no, no, no,
pay no attention to those numbers. They've given up a
lot of passing yards because they're ahead all the time
and teams have to throw. It's a lot of relatively
meaningless yard age, and.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
No it is not, and I get numbers the tape.
None of that confirms that at all.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Two games against Cincinnati, Okay, Baltimore won them booth forty
one to thirty eight in overtime in October and thirty
five thirty four a week ago, the Bengals Joe Burrow
passed for a combined eight hundred and twenty yards with
nine touchdowns and one interception. The Bengals were leading the
first game thirty one to twenty one in the fourth quarter,
(07:40):
and they were leading the second game twenty one to
seven in the third quarter. So they weren't chasing the
game and throwing.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
No, that's what they were doing.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
They were dictating the game by throwing.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
And they're the heaviest pass percentage team in the league.
And you know what else happened in that game, which
reflects pretty well on George Pickens. Jamar Chase set the
record for receiving yardage against an opponent in a season.
In those two games combined, it was like four hundred
and seventy receiving yards for Jamar Chase.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
Overtown it was only four sixty seven. Okay, it was
four off five touchdowns.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
Yeah, not bad. Pickens might feast.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
And here's the other thing, all right, it was Borrow
and Chase they had they had.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Higgins is even in the game.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
But you know, Jamar Chase is the gold standard and
Joe is awesome. Yeah, Joe Barr's pretty good. Chase Brown,
the running back had nine catches on Thursday night.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
I wanted to bring that up. We were talking about Warren.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Three tight ends, two of them you may not have
heard of, combined for eleven catches. Okay, everybody was open
when he could get the ball off.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Yeah, it's Oprah one for you, one
for you, one for you. Right, yeah, but yeah, the
past defense is poor, even the linebackers. You know, rokewe
Smith's been great, but his past defense has been problem out.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
There and not there. And the other guy, uh Simpson
twenty three, he looks lost of time. I don't think
he's effective. Kyle van Ney fifty three, I think he's
on fumes, had a great career, won a lot. Yeah,
but you know, this defense I think is problematic other
than that front which can get there.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
And one thing I think is a cause of it
because you'll see a lot of their communication problems. You'll
see guys look at each other with the palms in
the air. You'll see a lot of penalties. You'll see
them late to get play calls in. Their defensive coordinator
became the head coach of the Seahawks, and then two
of their assistants became defensive coordinators elsewhere, so they lost
like their three best guys.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
A little trickle down there. Yeah, keep that in mind
as you watch Steelers Ravens Sunday at Actressure. Steelers Previews
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just getting warmed up and when we return, we will
kick it into gear with our factor back Merril Hodge,
who will really heat things up for us, as he
(10:15):
always does, So keep it right here with Matt Williamson
on Mike Persuda. You're listening to Steelers Preview right here
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Speaker 1 (10:28):
Back to the Steelers Preview show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Welcome back to the preview, Mike Pursuda and Matt Williamson
getting you ready for Armageddon otherwise known as the Steelers
and the Ravens. Time now to welcome our factor back
to the program, Meryl Hodge, Merril, I'm guessing you're as
fired up as I am for this one. I think
they could play it right now and I'd be just
fine with that.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
Ill bet you both teams still want a few more
days to prepare because it's not an easy preparation for
either team. But it's got all the all the makeup
of a good one. Let's put it that way.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
You'd said something on your weekly visit with the DV
Morning Show that really got my attention this week. Not
that everything you say doesn't always fascinate me, but you
put it out there that you thought the Steelers could
run on the Baltimore Ravens and I'm looking at my
statuet here and oh, look at that. The Ravens are
(11:29):
number one in the NFL in rushing yards per game
against at seventy three point zho. They allowed over one
hundred to Denver and they allowed over one hundred to Tampa.
That's the list. Why is it that you think Pittsburgh
can penetrate that wall?
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Okay? I answered that in a second. And tell me
what they're where they rank in past defense?
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Baltimore first, thirty two, you know, horrendous. You know why
they're thirty second because there aren't three teams.
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Right, Okay, So see, now here's what this always happens. Okay,
because they look at stats and they're like, yeah, you
a band. Their secondary is bad. I mean the past
defensive beast. Let's throw on them. Okay, that is not
what you do. That is not what you've done. This
is how you've been able to win games, and every
one of the games that you want, even the ones
(12:24):
that you've you've lost. You you've committed to this, but
you've committed to run on the football in a variety
of ways, and you're good at it. Okay. The last
thing that you want to do and that is not
let me just finish. That doesn't mean okay, that's why
the students can run on them. The reason they can
run on them is that the way they go about it.
(12:45):
You know, that's a lot to handle from it for
any defense to handle. You know, this isn't like who's
a game the Cincinnati Bengals. Okay that they they have
one run, you know, they're not focused on the running
game based on the back and their their personnel. But
this team has to be able to run. And if
(13:05):
they are able to run, which I do believe they'll
have success, are they gonna turn and fifty yards on them?
I don't think so. But if they do that, they
make their weakness even weaker. Okay, like for the Ravens
for example. I don't. I don't even know if you
guys know this. I don't Hambleton's playing.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
He was limited today, which I bet.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
He seems like he's trending toward playing. I don't know
how effective.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Yeah, yeah, and so okay, this is even if he plays,
is probably gonna be that effective based on you know,
the injury that he had. That guy's a problem in
the box makes a lot of place for that you
know that makes a difference in their running attack. I
was gonna tell you that right there. It's gonna make
a difference as a whole on their defense. And with
the commitment to do that, you do you have enough
(13:53):
success at it, you're gonna make their weakness even weaker.
And that's their ability to cover the pass in the
all the stuff that they have to do. And you
know I've done this. I mean when I played, I
can't tell me. Coaches would talk to us about. You know,
these are the mistakes that are made. You know, they
don't got a good pass defense. That's the last thing.
(14:15):
That's the last thing that you want to do is
go this. We want to spread all all the place
and throw it all over the bar, all the part.
That's not what you've been doing. First of all, that's
not what your quarterback is good at. Either. You got
to keep him in the strength and in the lane
that he is really good at. He's a great compliment
and that's right. And the way they can run the football,
the way they have run the football, they'll be able
(14:36):
to run it on the ravens enough to be successful.
And Russell Doug put him in positions to compliment that
and be successful throwing the football. The last thing, if
you see him come out in the five wide, look yourself,
put your hands in your face, like, no way now now,
Now that may be that just for like, you know,
(14:57):
for fun. I just don't see it. That's just that's
not who they are.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
They've gotta do once for you, maryl. They're gonna know,
just one. They're gonna call it the thirty three everybody.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Maybe they come out, they come out and empty and
I'm like, oh my gosh, they not doing this. I mean,
you know, I just mistaff is much smarter than that.
Got too much experience. They're talking about the same thing.
You know, listen, this is who we are, This is
what gets us going. This is what we need to
do to control the tempo game. And this is the
best way to compliment our quarterback and he compliments it. Great.
We don't want we'll stay at that formula. That doesn't
(15:28):
mean we don't expand you don't keep growing your offense.
I'm not saying that at all, because they are continually
doing that and they will do that. But massive mistake
to come out and think we'll throw all over the
park on it because of their thirty second in the
National FOOTBA League.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
Against the past, maryl I gotta get your factor back.
Scouting report on Derrick Henry. Is he an all time great?
Is he right there with Christian McCaffrey, is best back
of this generation? Is he overrated?
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Me?
Speaker 3 (15:55):
What do you think about Well?
Speaker 4 (15:57):
I uh, I have plastic applaud him in his commitment
to his strength and building on that strength and sticking
to that strength. And here's what I mean. If you
remember when he first got in the league, he was
he was drafting the second round, and I saw him
at the combine actually because he was mad at me
because I had I pointed out in Alabama that he
(16:21):
had more negative runs than any Beck I'd ever seen.
And the reason for that is because he's just not
he doesn't have dynamic feet. He's not can't he can't
go lateral. If you get his feet to stop, he's done.
And that's ultimately the goal what you try to do
with him. Yes, But so anyway, he comes in the
(16:42):
league and he really, I mean struggled.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:45):
In fact, that was some golfing with Eddie George, and
Eddie George is the guy who probably got through to
him quicker and better than anybody. He's like, he listened
because Eddie was kind of like this. You know. Eddie
was like, once you get going, you got to just
hit it. Once you make your commitment, hit it. You
can't dance, you can't move sideways, just hit it. And
(17:05):
when he really listen, I'll go back to what I remember. Chuck. No,
I was right after my I know I've told this before,
but it is true no matter who ends up being
the runner and when they come out of college, this
is what you have to adapt to and you have
the ways you have to play with the hash marks
moved in the game. In the NFL's played in the middle,
(17:25):
whereas hashmarks are wider in college. That's why you can
play on the perimeter and it's it's such a different
game because of those hash marks. That being said, I
remember Chuck was right after we played the Redskins. At
that time, the Commanders now had a big game. I
had some good runs and in practice I was doing
I was dancing a little bit, you know. I felt
good game and he blew the whistle one day and
(17:48):
he's like, what are you doing? First of all, I
thought it was a trick question. So I didn't answer.
I said, well, then then he goes, do you want
to make big runs? And okay, now another truck question.
Answer that one either I'm not. I'm gonna answering any
of these. He goes, here's how you're gonna get big
runs in this league. You get to play in this league.
(18:09):
When you get to the point of attack, hit it, okay,
if there is a scene there, corrector hit it okay.
You're gonna get a yard or two yards. That's what
your responsibility to do to compliment them doing. Okay, if
they create a bigger hole for you. If they got
two yards, give me four yards. Okay. At some point
you're gonna hit a big run. It could not be
more true. And how you have to run in this league?
(18:31):
How you have to playing this league. So to answer
your question, I think he's done that and and maximized
his skill set at almost like a Hall of Fame level,
you know, I mean, I don't know that I'm on
the back that's bigger, as big as him, as fast
as he is the lore. Yes, and he can steal
(18:52):
a haul man. You know, you just can't let him
get going. And and that's not easy. You know that's
that now have done a good job of that in
the past. You know, they went down to Nashville last
time they played, and I think it was last time
was in Nashville, and I think and they were they
were destroying people too, by the way, I think at
that point. And they did a really good job to
(19:13):
shut him down, you know. But I think he's he's
so much different than McCaffrey. He doesn't create any matchups
for you. You know, he McCaffrey. He's all over the field,
and you know, he's a different type of runner.
Speaker 3 (19:25):
I like it's a beach ball.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
Yeah, that's not what they try to do with the him.
They will throw it to him clearly, try to get
him on the perimeter real quick. But see, I think
Saquon Barkley is the best pure runner in football, but
this guy is the most powerful runner in all of football,
and especially if he gets going. So I'll tell you
the team that did a really good job against him,
(19:51):
the Raiders. Splain was all over the place, you know,
and obviously has a good field for how they run
the football. And Crosby. They could not hand of those two.
There was a constant penetration which I do see is
an advantage with the Steelers to do with you what
does that all the time. He's probably one of the
best in football penetrating and disrupting. You know, that's what
(20:11):
you got to do, especially the point of attack is
and your interior defensive line are going to be big
this week. You know, you can do some things that
their offensive line they don't handle quickness very well. I'm
going to give up a lot of penetration from slants
and stunts. You know. The problem with doing it too
much is if you get out of position and they
block you, then he's out the gate. Yeah, that's the
(20:33):
danger with it. But but you play straight up with
him and you get back quick enough. Like I've always said,
the penetration is the number one killing the running game.
It defines the runner and where he's got to go.
And just from playing that position for twenty few years,
I'm just telling you it's the worst thing is to
have your have your options taken away from you and
to find where to go. And you would agree limited, yeah,
(20:58):
you know so yeah, but they you know, they know
how to play these guys and they've and that's what
really interesting about it. I always thought about divisional opponents.
You know, there's a lot of things that you got
to ignore that some other teams did, or the way
that what they did to some other teams just based
on how they know, how they know each other, and
(21:19):
how they know about how to play each other merrily.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
You had told that Chuck Nole's story before, but you
tell it so well. I just I enjoyed it, even
though I knew well it was a good outcome, right,
But I did want to get back to the passing game.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Now.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
I am not advocating five wides. I'm not advocating fifty
five passing attempts. But I look at this Ravens defense,
not just looking at the stats, but watching their games.
I haven't watched as many as you have, but I'm
of the opinion number twenty one starting corner Brandon Stevens
can be had. I'm of the opinion that free safety
(21:58):
Marcus Williams, number thirty two can be had. Of the
opinion that cornerback Marlon Humphrey number forty four three years ago,
I'd argue, he's yeah, as good as anybody in the game.
I don't think he's that anymore. Not that he's terrible,
but he's not among the elite. Their linebackers can't cover
the past. I think they've got this thirty second pass
(22:18):
writing ranking on merit, and I would I would attack them,
you know, periodically.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
Well, and they blow a lot of coverages and communicate.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Really, the point I'm blaboring to make is I don't
want to try to win this one. Thirteen to eleven, No,
and Arthur Malexa's slot and Arthur.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Yeah, and I listen, those are all great points of
grad that we were continuing the conversation because listen, you'd
be crazy not to attack it, you know. I think
what was misunderstood is you don't want to come out
and just throw the ball over the place. You want
to come out and be who you are. But to
your point, Mike, that's I know. That's what's happening in
those meetings, is they're dialing different ways and to grow
(23:00):
their offense and to take advantage of what they have seen.
All you guys have seen and explained very well that
will be taking advantage of in some fashion. You just
do within the structure and strength of your team, you know,
And like I've always said this, I mean, you don't
have to I could tell you this, the students that
come out in a heavy run formation very first play
(23:21):
the game, sell hard run action to them and paralyze
that box and all the things you told about linebackers struggling,
safety struggling, corner struggling, and they're miscues and how they
make mistakes. You could hit them for an ad R
touchdown pass right off the bat. I mean, I could
see that happening and in ways that they could go
about trying to attack them to take advantage of those weaknesses.
(23:44):
Because you don't have to really run the football to
get run action. You just a little more effective when
you do it really well. But they still have run
reads regardless of you've run the ball or not. I mean,
I've seen teams that have had five wives for five
straight plays that come out in eye formation, they fake
a hard running, everybody hits the box, and then they
had run the ball the whole game and they give
(24:04):
them for you know, forty yard completion. So I don't
think there's any doubt that they will take advantage of that,
and they'll find ways to do that, and as they
continue to build on their their offense, you know, with
their tight ends with pickens, I mean with everybody, you know,
creating matchups everywhere to try to take advantage of Beau's
not just one area, as you mentioned that they struggle in.
So I'm not gonna be surprised if they they they
(24:28):
fill the football with efficiency. I just think they're going
to go through go about it the same way they've
been going through it the entire year, and they're not
going to change that.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
So we're just talking Ravens Corners and I thought the
All twenty two was not kind to the Steelers Corners
this past week in Cam Sutton. Oh boy, yeah, how
worried are you?
Speaker 4 (24:49):
But they can't do that?
Speaker 2 (24:50):
That was rough.
Speaker 4 (24:52):
They blew. They blew too. I'm telling you is I'm
surprised Jayden Daniels missed both one maybe both I was,
and the one who's Who's.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
Twenty Tam Sutton first came back from Yeah, yeah, I
thought it was really right.
Speaker 4 (25:10):
I don't know what he was I thinking. I mean, like,
when you're playing in the slot, you have a single
high and he stacked over you. The last thing you
do is give free access inside. I'm just telling you,
I mean we as offensive players try to win inside. Okay,
that's where you want to win because now you have
excuse your throat, there's more field access. I mean, especially
(25:33):
you're in the slot. And I believe the Series were
playing a man at that time too. They nobody, yes,
and there was nobody on the backside. I mean, he
hits him, hits a touchdown and that was towards the
end of the game. And I don't that'd have been
by two score league because I think that they held
him because that was the third downpliff I remember right,
and ended up having to punt after that, and the
(25:54):
Series took the lead after that. Okay, they wouldn't even
have a chance to take the lead, it had been
over if you completed that ball, I wouldn't. I was
with you, you know, but I go back to him.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
I didn't think it was Jackson, No man was Yeah.
Speaker 4 (26:10):
Yeah, there's a lot of people, I mean defensively that
they got away with that. They know that, and the
good thing about that is that you get it. You
got away with it with a win, and you can
learn from it and just don't make that mistake this week.
Because the guy they're playing this week and he had
he can be a little erratic, you know. You know,
if you get him in situations where they're throwing it
(26:32):
too much like the Raiders did this okay, and he
can't get into a rhythm where he's you know, a
second and controllable third or controllable you know, he starts
to push things and make some erratic choices and he's
not the same. So if you can get him in
that situation, there's a lot of people can get him there,
you know, because they do such a good job as
(26:54):
a team. But if you can get him there, you're
gonna have some chances. But you don't want to give
him those opportunities because he'll probably get one of them.
And one of them would have been one of it
would have been enough in that game that he hit
one of those Johno. They watched tape on that they're
probably sick. Could be like, holy cow, we had it merrily.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
I got one more theory on the Steelers passing game
against these guys.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
Watching that Bengals game a week ago, Joe Burrow threw
for four hundred and twenty eight yards. I think he
worked about as hard as any quarterback ever has to
throw for over four hundred. Baltimore's pass rush was constantly disruptive.
They they had him scrambling in the pocket to try
to set up a lane or avoid a sack. They
(27:41):
had him breaking out, throwing on the run, running away.
He was under almost constant the rest. It wasn't like
he was sitting back there eating a sandwich. I'll throw
it to this guy, I'll throw it to that guy
and pricking him apart. I mean, I think the game
is going to be won or lost in the Steelers'
pocket if they give Wilson a chance to throw. When
they throw, I think he'll scorch these guys. But if
(28:04):
he does not have enough time to throw it, it's
gonna it's gonna get ugly at times.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Well, that's exactly why I said, do what you've been
doing all year, exactly because what I do is I'll
get two guys out, I get half field reads, I
got I've got max protection. I mean, then I'm not
I can't ask Russell if we That's what I'm saying about.
If you ask Russell Wilson to do it the Cincinnati Bengals,
(28:32):
he's not Joe Burrow. He would have thrown for four
or some yards. They would have probably been two hundred
and maybe a couple of picks and you lose the game.
I mean, I only lost the game, but you really
lose a game you don't even have a shot at it.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
But these guys can rush the passer is my point too?
Like right, so I respect that part of their pass defense.
Speaker 4 (28:50):
Yeah, I completely agree. A better way to neutralize them
is how the students have gone about throwing the football.
It's just a better way, you know, in how they
they have a tighter formations, they do more run action,
they moved the pocket a little bit, yes, and so
that's what I'm saying. You know, you're not gonna do it, Cincinnati, gid,
(29:13):
you know, just because they have a bad pass defense,
And you're right, it's your point. They do get after
the quarterback if you let them. And that's why I'm saying,
what how the Steelers are built, the things they've been
doing all year and how they keep building on it
is problematic for the Ravens based on what they struggle with.
You know, That's why I do believe they'll be able
(29:33):
to run on them and it'll be enough and effective
enough to help that pass And gave me a complimentary
and explosive.
Speaker 3 (29:41):
Meryl, do you think the Steelers pass rush plan will
mimic what they did last week against Daniels.
Speaker 4 (29:48):
Yes, oh, that's somethings. You brought that up because I
thought they were outstanding. If there's one area they were
really good at, they were freaking good there, man, I
mean they were I mean everybody they just pushed. They
didn't give I don't remember an escape route for him vertically.
Maybe it happened, I just don't remember it. You know.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
I think one time when late in the game, number
ninety five made a diving on one handed tackle on
a quarterback draw. He'd still be running if Benton didn't
get him. But that, yeah, that was the only time
that I can recall.
Speaker 4 (30:20):
Yeah, absolutely, No, just just flashed back because I was like,
I remember seeing that from the end zone, going, oh
my gosh, feed them make that tackle. It's over and
that's third down two. Yes, it's that's why really last
week was a plus because it's got a real life
experience versus just practicing to get ready for the Ravens list.
I know they play mult time, but it's really nice
(30:41):
to play a very similar offense, very similar personnel in
one week. It's so much easier to help you get
ready for the next week, and you're gonna be better
than more buttoned up with the mistakes that were made
that you can't make against this team.
Speaker 2 (30:54):
Meryl Enjoyable is always want to remind you, not that
I'm looking past this game, but it's a Thursday night
game next week, so we're doing this on Wednesday.
Speaker 4 (31:04):
I'll be ready. Maybe it doesn't matter. You call me anytime, no.
Speaker 2 (31:09):
AFC North Football.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
Great stuff, Bro, We'll talk to you next week, right
you guys.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
Merril Hodge bringing it as he always does. You know,
I think I've always been a little bit more leaning
to the past, and he's always steadfast leading to the run.
I think he miss interprets sometimes when I start talking
about the past, right, I don't think it's I really
don't want them to throw it fifty five times.
Speaker 3 (31:31):
Neil O'Donnell going four wide and you know in the Yeah,
of course they're going to do what they do, but
they gotta be a little more pass heavy than usually
got it.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
Attack a little bit furner down the field, makes them
hay Because I think this team, I don't. I think
Baltimore I got great respect for the organization. Yeah, I
think this defense is a problem.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Oh I do, I do, and starkily different than the offense.
And the past defense is starkly different than the run defense.
Speaker 2 (31:57):
We shall see if you know the way this plays out.
You know, you look at the four units, and maybe
it's Pittsburgh's defense. Although the offense isn't as good as Baltimore's,
Pittsburgh's defense is way better than Baltimore's. And maybe that's
the difference.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
What actually on the drive today day and I ranked
the six units including special teams, and had the Steelers two, three,
and four on that list. You know, maybe that's enough,
but that Raveno is one.
Speaker 2 (32:30):
We still have some more to discuss, so you're gonna
want to keep it here with Matt Williamson on Mike Persuda.
This is Steelers Preview right here on your Steelers flagship
one of two point five DVE and the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (32:42):
Back to the Steelers preview show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (32:47):
Who Merril fire COUNDU Let's go. He never wants you
to forget that you have to run the ball.
Speaker 3 (32:54):
No, but Snoel comes up there, Henry, I mean all
kinds of old school let's go, But it's not wrong wrong,
and he sold me a little more than before the
segment that the Steelers can have success on the ground.
Speaker 2 (33:05):
He did me as well, though. I don't think they're
gonna rush for two fifty either.
Speaker 3 (33:09):
No, it's gonna be tough sledding.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
I do think the better they run, the more effective
they will be passing. But they're not going to score
the points they need to score without effective passing.
Speaker 3 (33:21):
I think eating clock is important here too. You don't
want that Ravens offense on the field.
Speaker 2 (33:25):
What to expect is brought to you by Brian Patton
and associates. It's all about the benefits, and I'll segue
thanks to your setup here that here's what I expect.
I expect Lamar Jackson to do something that makes my
jaw drop in amazement.
Speaker 3 (33:41):
I think he's better than ever. He won the MVP
last year, and I think he's so much better this year.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
He is remarkable. I'm not even gonna bore you with
the statistics. They're all off the charts. It's just it's
video game stuff. But he made a play.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
Here's one just to sum it up. His passer rating
is the best ever.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Yeah, pretty good. Yeah, I take notes on these opponents
as I watched their game or games, depending on what maving.
Usually it's the most recent game, sure, because hey, I
got other stuff to do.
Speaker 3 (34:11):
Hey last Thursday, everybody watched them.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
I'm sure you know. But I made an entry in
my notes here and it's entitled stupid human trick. Second
and nine from the Cincinnati eleven, Jackson retreats from pressure,
retreats from pressure, retreats from pressure, runs to the boundary.
He's at the thirty one yard line. Now, this was gold.
This started at the eleven.
Speaker 3 (34:32):
Yeah, it wasn't like twenty yards twenty yards deep.
Speaker 2 (34:36):
And he starts tight roping the sideline and making guys
miss while he's doing it. He ends up at the
one yard line. Yeah, Al Michaels had the jaw drop
moment that I'm anticipating Sunday. He asked Kirk kurb Street.
Those guys were doing the game. He said, name somebody
else right now who can do that, and herb Street
said nobody.
Speaker 3 (34:56):
Yeah, superman, I.
Speaker 2 (34:58):
Mean this guy again, and this is all the reason
for needing plays to be made on offense. I think
the Steelers defense is very good. I think their second
in the league ranking in points against is very good.
I think it's a unit. It's not dependent on Mika
Fitzpatrick getting a bunch of interceptions, thank god, because he
(35:20):
has none. That's not a shot, I mean, right, But
Terrell Austin, the coordinator, has emphasized him taking away the
deep post and playing center field is really good for him.
So he's doing a very important job. It's not dependent
on TJ. Watt getting five sacks a game. It's the unit.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
Everybody doing their job right, right.
Speaker 2 (35:38):
But that said, there's only so much he can do
in this day and age. And to expect this defense
or any defense to walk out there against Baltimore and
hold the Ravens to ten points, fourteen points, seventeen points,
it ain't happening.
Speaker 3 (35:52):
It didn't happen. They're gonna get yardage, they're gonna get points.
Steelers red zone defense has been remarkably good. Maybe they
can make them kick afew that they normally wouldn't, but
they are going to move the football and they're gonna
end up in the end zone. And anyone could, mister
McGoo could tell you that that's a good rushing team,
you know, I mean they Lamar Jackson, they have Derrick Henry.
But anyone that thinks that Jackson is not an elite
(36:15):
passer of the football is nuts. I mean, this guy
is a phenomenal thrower to all levels, to all of
his weapons. Their offense is a joy to watch. Yeah,
it's not a joy to play, yet it's something else.
I love the recard aspect of it. The mobile massive
full back. Yeah, you know when he gets in real trouble,
(36:37):
he finds Mark Andrews. Yeah, the safety blanket guy.
Speaker 2 (36:39):
You need to play. You need a touchdown, you need
a first down. We even brought Jay Flowers name up.
He's amend this year lately, gotten incorporated. No one that
Deontay Johnson can't get a ball.
Speaker 3 (36:49):
Yeah, not know why they traded for it. Sounds like
likely he's gonna play too enough.
Speaker 2 (36:52):
Weapons already too. So I mean, I think the Steelers
are good enough to keep a relative lid on Baltimore.
When I say lid, maybe hold him into twenties.
Speaker 3 (37:02):
And I think there is something too. If you look
at Lamar versus thirty one other teams, it's much or
thirty is much better than versus Steelers. I know it's
only four games, and he's better now than then. But
the splits are ridiculous. But the splits are insane. I
mean his worst team. I mean, I think playing against
him a lot, and having a pass rush plan and
(37:22):
having TJ. Watten Caam Hayward sure helps, and the coach familiarity.
Speaker 2 (37:26):
You know a couple other things I wanted to address
before we get out of here. You know, the Ravens
have a reputation and they deserve to have one. They've
earned it. Offensively, it's growing. But I think when you
think of Baltimore, you never think of the thirty second
ranked pass defense. No, you never think of giving up
sixty seven yard pass touchdowns and seventy yard pass touchdowns
(37:48):
and all this stuff.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
You don't think that's justin Tucker missing kick? And yeah,
how about that.
Speaker 2 (37:53):
You don't think. I mean he's three for ten the
last two seasons, average kicker fifty yards plus.
Speaker 3 (37:59):
Yep, he's the best kicker than ever in my opinion.
Speaker 2 (38:01):
You used to watch these guys playing. If they got
to their own forty one yard line, you'd be like,
oh man, they get right, they got a shot. They're
gonna score.
Speaker 3 (38:09):
The whole league's making fifty yarders like they're two points
and he can't anymore. It wouldn't shock me if he's
not back next year.
Speaker 2 (38:15):
No wonder, you know. I mean, the bar is raising
in the kicking world, and he's not keeping up.
Speaker 3 (38:21):
And now he's starting to slip real quick along those lines.
One spot or three spots if we think this is
gonna be a close game, which it always is. Steelers
are much better in penalties. The Ravens are the most
penalized team in the league. They're much better on special teams,
and they're much better in turnovers. Now that doesn't mean
that'll happen for those sixty minutes, but that's where you
win in the margins and tight games.
Speaker 2 (38:42):
Yeah, the penalty thing. Eleven against Cincinnati a week ago.
Six of them were on the offensive line. Dale pre
have some research pre snap stuff lining up wrong. Yeah,
not on the line of scrimmage, false start.
Speaker 3 (38:56):
This group of officials calls the most holding calls league.
I think that helps the Steelers too.
Speaker 2 (39:01):
No, TJ. Watt probably draws a few. He was happy
to hear that. Here's another thing you don't think of
when you think of Baltimore, but you maybe have to
start thinking about it. Blowing leads in the fourth quarter.
Speaker 3 (39:14):
That's what they do, a lot of it unheard of, Right, Yeah,
you think they just run like crazy and close you out.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
Since twenty twenty three, five losses when leading in the
fourth quarter. That ties for the second most in the league.
In those circumstances, they've allowed this year eight point one
No since twenty three excuse me, they've allowed eight point
one points per game in fourth quarters. That's thirty first
in the NFL. And they've allowed ninety nine point six
(39:41):
yards per game in fourth quarters. Wow, that's thirtieth in
the NFL. They can't close anymore.
Speaker 3 (39:46):
That's shocking. You would think they'd just eat time and
possession handed to Henry a thousand times in a row
and just choke you out like Bill Coward did with Battest.
Or it's not what they do.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
Or Jackson would do something spectacular and then Tucker would
kick a seventy five yard field goal and they beat
you that way.
Speaker 3 (40:01):
Yeah, exactly, That's not how it's been at all.
Speaker 2 (40:04):
So I'm looking at this game, Matt and Steelers at
three point underdogs, and I think that's the wrong way
to handicap.
Speaker 3 (40:14):
I just know that if in this game, whether it's
twenty twenty four or two thousand and eighteen. If you're
going to give me three points at home for either team,
I'll take it, you know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (40:26):
You know what traditionally that has cashed. What did you
think of Mike Williams? And do you think he is
going to be a lot more impactful than we thought?
Or do you think as I do that what we
saw in landover Maryland not necessarily nine snaps, But I
(40:46):
thought when they acquired him, Okay, this guy will gets
you a first down maybe when you really need one,
or a touchdown when you really need one. I wasn't
anticipating the game winning store laid in the fourth quarter.
But I don't think we're going to see a lot
of eight catches for ninety three yards from Mike Williams.
Speaker 4 (41:01):
No.
Speaker 3 (41:01):
I think he plays a certain role.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
I think they need him to show yeah and impact
games yep.
Speaker 3 (41:07):
And along those lines at the trade deadline, I don't
think it's an accident that they got two people that
are really big for their respective position for AFC North Football.
Speaker 2 (41:15):
Yeah, you know, I got to play football. I gotta
be honest. I wasn't looking at inside linebacker fortifying that,
but uh, maybe when they saw who was out there
at the end of the game against the New York
Football Giants when they had two outside linebackers, neither one
of them named t. J. Watter or alex Is Smith.
Speaker 3 (41:32):
Yeah, they played too many snaps to begin with.
Speaker 2 (41:34):
Or maybe that got somebody's attention.
Speaker 3 (41:35):
Good thing they did, because they didn't know Hoghswooths was
gonna get hurt the next game. Yeah, you know what
what was you read on Preston Smith? I mean real good.
I mean he's a power player. He fits the scheme well,
got acclimated right away, really long arms. You know, him
and herbig are gonna man the the high Smith role now.
And they couldn't be any more different. I mean they're
kind of like the Connor, Hayward and Washington of the
(41:58):
you know, they go same position room, but they don't
look at all alike, you know what I mean, they
can do some different things.
Speaker 2 (42:04):
Yeah, and it's it's at least experience.
Speaker 4 (42:07):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (42:07):
The guys. The guy's played in the leg a long time.
He's seen a lot of things, and he seems, you know,
really all in.
Speaker 4 (42:15):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (42:16):
I guess he was getting disenchanted in Green Bay because
he didn't think he fit their their four three. But
I don't know if you heard Mike Tomlin on Tuesday,
but he talked about newcomers to this rivalry and he said,
I want them to I challenge them to find their
space in it. In other words, stick your hand into
Stevens Steelers Ravens pile and make an impact. And when
(42:38):
we talked to Preston Smith this week, he said, I
want to make some highlights. So when they turned turned
the game on that's years from now, and you see
Steelers Ravens, you see me making some big plays.
Speaker 3 (42:49):
Like I hadn't thought other than those new guys. I
was thinking Russell Wilson, I was thinking Arthur Smith. I
was thinking Queen and Elliott being on the other side
of it. You know, I think that's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (42:59):
That's pretty cool as well. This's gonna be another chapter
in what has been a fascinating and on going story,
the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday at Acasuer Stadium.
That is going to do it for us tonight. I
hope you're sufficiently stoked. If you're not, can't help you
because you shouldn't shouldn't have needed us to get there
to begin with, but the countdown continues. Can't wait for Sunday,
(43:23):
can't wait for Steelers Ravens programming minor next week. It's
a Thursday game, So we do the show on Wednesday
in advance of Steelers at the Cleveland Browns. Thanks to
Justin Miller for manning the controls and keeping us on
the air. Thanks to Matt and Merril, thank you for
finding us Until next Wednesday, you have been listening to
Steelers Preview right here on the Steelers Flagship one of
(43:45):
two point five DVE and the Steelers Audio Network. Good
Night everyone,
Welcome to the Steelers Preview show on WDVE Pittsburgh, brought
to you by your neighborhood Ford Store. The F one
fifty is the official truck of the Pittsburgh Steelers by
Brian Patton and associates. It's all about the benefits and
by the Steelers Pro Shop. Get it to wreck from
the team at shop dot Steelers dot com. And now
here are your hosts, Merril Hodge, Matt Williamson, and Mike Persuda.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Steelers Preview
right here on your Steeler slag chip one oh two
point five DVE and the Steelers Audio Network. Mike Pursuda
along with Matt Williamson Merril Hodge. Our factor back will
be long directly as we do our best to get
you ready for the Steelers and the Ravens. But Matt,
(00:43):
you know, maybe people are going to glean some schematics
out of this show or some matchup stuff that they
might not.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
There's a lot of that fun stuff too.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Otherwise been aware, But I don't think we're getting anybody
fired up for this one. I think everybody is already there.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Yeah, and both these team seasons are going great. There's
a lot of the line, but it'll as we say
this twice a year every year, sometimes more, it doesn't
matter when these teams get together. It just doesn't. I
don't know if this is gonna be thirty nine or
if it's gonna be forty to thirty eight.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Though probably will be a close game though, And you know,
before we get to the injury stuff from today, in
the practice participation, which is how we always open the show,
I just want to pay homage to Steelers Ravens. The
rivalry a little bit, be pretty awesome. It is fantastic.
I'm so appreciative of these two games every year, and
you know, lately what we've seen is pretty representative. The
(01:33):
last eight meetings between Pittsburgh and Baltimore decided by seven
points or fewer, including five decided by four points or fewer.
Now the Steelers have won six of the last seven.
They're one in three. Excuse me. Lamar Jackson is one
and three against Pittsburgh in four starts. But I don't
factor a lot of that in it. I just think
(01:55):
I do think it's gonna be a close game, yeah,
but I think it's got a lot better chance to
be in the third than what we saw last year.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
I'm leaning that way too, And that's more of a
Ravens commentary than Steelers because their offense is I think
it's the best unit in the league offense or defense.
It's unbelievable. And their defense is problematic. And now with
Wilson as your quarterback, I think you can attack that
defense the way you want to attack that defense, you
know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
So they're not bringing a knife to a gunfight, right
the gun Yeah, and.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
It's going to be a gunfight though, I mean they
have a Bazuka on offense.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
The other thing I think is really cool about this matchup,
Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh have faced each other at
thirty five times, including the playoffs. This is going to
be career meeting number thirty six between these two guys,
and I don't think either one of them slowing down. Nope,
we're going anywhere anytime soon. Matthew might be getting better.
The only other head coaching matchup that has played out
(02:52):
more frequently in NFL history Curley Lambeau of Green Bay.
They named a field after him. They may have heard
of it. Lambeau Field and George hallis one of the.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
They named the hall after him, right.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
One of the founders, hellas all or the very stream,
one of the founders of the league. They met forty
nine times.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
How many are Harbor and Tomlin out again?
Speaker 2 (03:13):
This will be thirty six.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
They can beat it.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
They got a shot. That's a chance, especially if they
pay at three this year. They keep meeting in the
playoffs every now and then. But I just I love it.
It's historic. And you know, both of these guys. I
think they're both going to the Hall of Fame.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
I do to, but I think they're done now. They're
both the on the Hall of Fame.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Both of these organizations to me, are the same, and
that's what makes it so fascinating. The way they think,
the way they want to play, the way they draft. Yeah,
it's it's it's like looking in the mirror and you
hate that team. No matter what side you're on, you
hate the other team, but you have to respect it
because they're you.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Yeah. Absolutely, And I joke, but I really don't because
I hope it happens that someday NFL Films does a
special with either Tomlin and Harbaugh or Ozzie and Kevin
on a boat fishing as older men telling truce about
you stole this guy from me in the draft, or
(04:11):
I was about to pick him, or you know, just
telling it all the way that they you know, they
have battled it out over the years.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Maybe include Bill Cower and Brian Billick.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
No, there's plenty of particular that can be invited a bit.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Of the players.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
My way of looking at is the GMS, you know,
the team building stuff, draft day.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
You know. Let's take a look at the practice participation
from today for the Steelers. Najie Harris back at it
full participant after sitting out yesterday with an ankle. Cornerback
Dante Jackson hamstring didn't work Wednesday, limited today, so it
looks like he's trending in the right direction. Nick herbig hamstring.
Full participant was the second consecutive day. That's a big deal.
(04:48):
The Steelers also starting the twenty one day clock on
cornerback Corey Trice Junior good to return from the reserve
injured list.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Don't imagine I wasn't thrilled with how the corners played.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yeah, I don't know if that. I don't know if
the factors in UH this week or not.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Probably not guess and that's down the road.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
But he was a full participant today and he had
carved out a little spot for himself into subpack and
stuff before getting hurt.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Yeah, I think he's got a chance to be pretty good.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
So we'll see where that goes up Baltimore, I think
the real.
Speaker 3 (05:16):
Quick it sounds like high Smith and Warren are the
ones we should heismiss out. But I mean Warren's the
one we're a little worried about that.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Warrens showed up with a back today, did not practice.
You know, sometimes guys take a day. Maybe he hasn't
earned veteran day off yet, but if it's something bogging,
hopefully hopefully it's nothing serious there. For Baltimore, I think
the arrow is starting to point up for Kyle Hamilton.
They're do everything safety ankle missed half the Bengals game
(05:44):
a week ago, didn't practice yesterday, limited today.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
What a player he is.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
I think he's their best player on defense.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
I do to Matta Bouquet is really good the defensive tackle,
but Hamilton is asked to do so much.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Clearly they're most versatile.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I think he's right there with Meko is the best
safety in the league.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
And tight end Isaiah Likely hamstring went from limited Wednesday
to full today. He did not play against Cincinnati, but a.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Good player too.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
That guy and Andrews are formidable combination.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
They throw so much at you offensively in terms of
just personnel groupings, extra offensive linemen, recard the fullback might
as well be an extra offensive lineman, three hundred pound
battering ram, all the tight ends they use. And now
Deonta is in the mix, Well, he's run seven rounds.
N you know, is he gonna they gonna come out
three wide? I don't know, Probably not, you know.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
One of the things I wanted to hit on, and
we're talking great to tail with Merril Hodge about the
Ravens problems covering the past and why they deserve to
be ranked last in the NFL and pass defense.
Speaker 3 (06:45):
But I think there's several reasons.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
The company line here in Pittsburgh this week from Mike
Tomlin on Tuesday and again from Arthur Smith today, the
offensive coordinator, they are expousing the theory that oh no, no, no,
pay no attention to those numbers. They've given up a
lot of passing yards because they're ahead all the time
and teams have to throw. It's a lot of relatively
meaningless yard age, and.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
No it is not, and I get numbers the tape.
None of that confirms that at all.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
Two games against Cincinnati, Okay, Baltimore won them booth forty
one to thirty eight in overtime in October and thirty
five thirty four a week ago, the Bengals Joe Burrow
passed for a combined eight hundred and twenty yards with
nine touchdowns and one interception. The Bengals were leading the
first game thirty one to twenty one in the fourth quarter,
(07:40):
and they were leading the second game twenty one to
seven in the third quarter. So they weren't chasing the
game and throwing.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
No, that's what they were doing.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
They were dictating the game by throwing.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
And they're the heaviest pass percentage team in the league.
And you know what else happened in that game, which
reflects pretty well on George Pickens. Jamar Chase set the
record for receiving yardage against an opponent in a season.
In those two games combined, it was like four hundred
and seventy receiving yards for Jamar Chase.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
Overtown it was only four sixty seven. Okay, it was
four off five touchdowns.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
Yeah, not bad. Pickens might feast.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
And here's the other thing, all right, it was Borrow
and Chase they had they had.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Higgins is even in the game.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
But you know, Jamar Chase is the gold standard and
Joe is awesome. Yeah, Joe Barr's pretty good. Chase Brown,
the running back had nine catches on Thursday night.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
I wanted to bring that up. We were talking about Warren.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Three tight ends, two of them you may not have
heard of, combined for eleven catches. Okay, everybody was open
when he could get the ball off.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Yeah, it's Oprah one for you, one
for you, one for you. Right, yeah, but yeah, the
past defense is poor, even the linebackers. You know, rokewe
Smith's been great, but his past defense has been problem out.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
There and not there. And the other guy, uh Simpson
twenty three, he looks lost of time. I don't think
he's effective. Kyle van Ney fifty three, I think he's
on fumes, had a great career, won a lot. Yeah,
but you know, this defense I think is problematic other
than that front which can get there.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
And one thing I think is a cause of it
because you'll see a lot of their communication problems. You'll
see guys look at each other with the palms in
the air. You'll see a lot of penalties. You'll see
them late to get play calls in. Their defensive coordinator
became the head coach of the Seahawks, and then two
of their assistants became defensive coordinators elsewhere, so they lost
like their three best guys.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
A little trickle down there. Yeah, keep that in mind
as you watch Steelers Ravens Sunday at Actressure. Steelers Previews
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(09:54):
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just getting warmed up and when we return, we will
kick it into gear with our factor back Merril Hodge,
who will really heat things up for us, as he
(10:15):
always does, So keep it right here with Matt Williamson
on Mike Persuda. You're listening to Steelers Preview right here
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and the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Back to the Steelers Preview show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Welcome back to the preview, Mike Pursuda and Matt Williamson
getting you ready for Armageddon otherwise known as the Steelers
and the Ravens. Time now to welcome our factor back
to the program, Meryl Hodge, Merril, I'm guessing you're as
fired up as I am for this one. I think
they could play it right now and I'd be just
fine with that.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
Ill bet you both teams still want a few more
days to prepare because it's not an easy preparation for
either team. But it's got all the all the makeup
of a good one. Let's put it that way.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
You'd said something on your weekly visit with the DV
Morning Show that really got my attention this week. Not
that everything you say doesn't always fascinate me, but you
put it out there that you thought the Steelers could
run on the Baltimore Ravens and I'm looking at my
statuet here and oh, look at that. The Ravens are
(11:29):
number one in the NFL in rushing yards per game
against at seventy three point zho. They allowed over one
hundred to Denver and they allowed over one hundred to Tampa.
That's the list. Why is it that you think Pittsburgh
can penetrate that wall?
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Okay? I answered that in a second. And tell me
what they're where they rank in past defense?
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Baltimore first, thirty two, you know, horrendous. You know why
they're thirty second because there aren't three teams.
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Right, Okay, So see, now here's what this always happens. Okay,
because they look at stats and they're like, yeah, you
a band. Their secondary is bad. I mean the past
defensive beast. Let's throw on them. Okay, that is not
what you do. That is not what you've done. This
is how you've been able to win games, and every
one of the games that you want, even the ones
(12:24):
that you've you've lost. You you've committed to this, but
you've committed to run on the football in a variety
of ways, and you're good at it. Okay. The last
thing that you want to do and that is not
let me just finish. That doesn't mean okay, that's why
the students can run on them. The reason they can
run on them is that the way they go about it.
(12:45):
You know, that's a lot to handle from it for
any defense to handle. You know, this isn't like who's
a game the Cincinnati Bengals. Okay that they they have
one run, you know, they're not focused on the running
game based on the back and their their personnel. But
this team has to be able to run. And if
(13:05):
they are able to run, which I do believe they'll
have success, are they gonna turn and fifty yards on them?
I don't think so. But if they do that, they
make their weakness even weaker. Okay, like for the Ravens
for example. I don't. I don't even know if you
guys know this. I don't Hambleton's playing.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
He was limited today, which I bet.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
He seems like he's trending toward playing. I don't know
how effective.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Yeah, yeah, and so okay, this is even if he plays,
is probably gonna be that effective based on you know,
the injury that he had. That guy's a problem in
the box makes a lot of place for that you
know that makes a difference in their running attack. I
was gonna tell you that right there. It's gonna make
a difference as a whole on their defense. And with
the commitment to do that, you do you have enough
(13:53):
success at it, you're gonna make their weakness even weaker.
And that's their ability to cover the pass in the
all the stuff that they have to do. And you
know I've done this. I mean when I played, I
can't tell me. Coaches would talk to us about. You know,
these are the mistakes that are made. You know, they
don't got a good pass defense. That's the last thing.
(14:15):
That's the last thing that you want to do is
go this. We want to spread all all the place
and throw it all over the bar, all the part.
That's not what you've been doing. First of all, that's
not what your quarterback is good at. Either. You got
to keep him in the strength and in the lane
that he is really good at. He's a great compliment
and that's right. And the way they can run the football,
the way they have run the football, they'll be able
(14:36):
to run it on the ravens enough to be successful.
And Russell Doug put him in positions to compliment that
and be successful throwing the football. The last thing, if
you see him come out in the five wide, look yourself,
put your hands in your face, like, no way now now,
Now that may be that just for like, you know,
(14:57):
for fun. I just don't see it. That's just that's
not who they are.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
They've gotta do once for you, maryl. They're gonna know,
just one. They're gonna call it the thirty three everybody.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Maybe they come out, they come out and empty and
I'm like, oh my gosh, they not doing this. I mean,
you know, I just mistaff is much smarter than that.
Got too much experience. They're talking about the same thing.
You know, listen, this is who we are, This is
what gets us going. This is what we need to
do to control the tempo game. And this is the
best way to compliment our quarterback and he compliments it. Great.
We don't want we'll stay at that formula. That doesn't
(15:28):
mean we don't expand you don't keep growing your offense.
I'm not saying that at all, because they are continually
doing that and they will do that. But massive mistake
to come out and think we'll throw all over the
park on it because of their thirty second in the
National FOOTBA League.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
Against the past, maryl I gotta get your factor back.
Scouting report on Derrick Henry. Is he an all time great?
Is he right there with Christian McCaffrey, is best back
of this generation? Is he overrated?
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Me?
Speaker 3 (15:55):
What do you think about Well?
Speaker 4 (15:57):
I uh, I have plastic applaud him in his commitment
to his strength and building on that strength and sticking
to that strength. And here's what I mean. If you
remember when he first got in the league, he was
he was drafting the second round, and I saw him
at the combine actually because he was mad at me
because I had I pointed out in Alabama that he
(16:21):
had more negative runs than any Beck I'd ever seen.
And the reason for that is because he's just not
he doesn't have dynamic feet. He's not can't he can't
go lateral. If you get his feet to stop, he's done.
And that's ultimately the goal what you try to do
with him. Yes, But so anyway, he comes in the
(16:42):
league and he really, I mean struggled.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:45):
In fact, that was some golfing with Eddie George, and
Eddie George is the guy who probably got through to
him quicker and better than anybody. He's like, he listened
because Eddie was kind of like this. You know. Eddie
was like, once you get going, you got to just
hit it. Once you make your commitment, hit it. You
can't dance, you can't move sideways, just hit it. And
(17:05):
when he really listen, I'll go back to what I remember. Chuck. No,
I was right after my I know I've told this before,
but it is true no matter who ends up being
the runner and when they come out of college, this
is what you have to adapt to and you have
the ways you have to play with the hash marks
moved in the game. In the NFL's played in the middle,
(17:25):
whereas hashmarks are wider in college. That's why you can
play on the perimeter and it's it's such a different
game because of those hash marks. That being said, I
remember Chuck was right after we played the Redskins. At
that time, the Commanders now had a big game. I
had some good runs and in practice I was doing
I was dancing a little bit, you know. I felt
good game and he blew the whistle one day and
(17:48):
he's like, what are you doing? First of all, I
thought it was a trick question. So I didn't answer.
I said, well, then then he goes, do you want
to make big runs? And okay, now another truck question.
Answer that one either I'm not. I'm gonna answering any
of these. He goes, here's how you're gonna get big
runs in this league. You get to play in this league.
(18:09):
When you get to the point of attack, hit it, okay,
if there is a scene there, corrector hit it okay.
You're gonna get a yard or two yards. That's what
your responsibility to do to compliment them doing. Okay, if
they create a bigger hole for you. If they got
two yards, give me four yards. Okay. At some point
you're gonna hit a big run. It could not be
more true. And how you have to run in this league?
(18:31):
How you have to playing this league. So to answer
your question, I think he's done that and and maximized
his skill set at almost like a Hall of Fame level,
you know, I mean, I don't know that I'm on
the back that's bigger, as big as him, as fast
as he is the lore. Yes, and he can steal
(18:52):
a haul man. You know, you just can't let him
get going. And and that's not easy. You know that's
that now have done a good job of that in
the past. You know, they went down to Nashville last
time they played, and I think it was last time
was in Nashville, and I think and they were they
were destroying people too, by the way, I think at
that point. And they did a really good job to
(19:13):
shut him down, you know. But I think he's he's
so much different than McCaffrey. He doesn't create any matchups
for you. You know, he McCaffrey. He's all over the field,
and you know, he's a different type of runner.
Speaker 3 (19:25):
I like it's a beach ball.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
Yeah, that's not what they try to do with the him.
They will throw it to him clearly, try to get
him on the perimeter real quick. But see, I think
Saquon Barkley is the best pure runner in football, but
this guy is the most powerful runner in all of football,
and especially if he gets going. So I'll tell you
the team that did a really good job against him,
(19:51):
the Raiders. Splain was all over the place, you know,
and obviously has a good field for how they run
the football. And Crosby. They could not hand of those two.
There was a constant penetration which I do see is
an advantage with the Steelers to do with you what
does that all the time. He's probably one of the
best in football penetrating and disrupting. You know, that's what
(20:11):
you got to do, especially the point of attack is
and your interior defensive line are going to be big
this week. You know, you can do some things that
their offensive line they don't handle quickness very well. I'm
going to give up a lot of penetration from slants
and stunts. You know. The problem with doing it too
much is if you get out of position and they
block you, then he's out the gate. Yeah, that's the
(20:33):
danger with it. But but you play straight up with
him and you get back quick enough. Like I've always said,
the penetration is the number one killing the running game.
It defines the runner and where he's got to go.
And just from playing that position for twenty few years,
I'm just telling you it's the worst thing is to
have your have your options taken away from you and
to find where to go. And you would agree limited, yeah,
(20:58):
you know so yeah, but they you know, they know
how to play these guys and they've and that's what
really interesting about it. I always thought about divisional opponents.
You know, there's a lot of things that you got
to ignore that some other teams did, or the way
that what they did to some other teams just based
on how they know, how they know each other, and
(21:19):
how they know about how to play each other merrily.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
You had told that Chuck Nole's story before, but you
tell it so well. I just I enjoyed it, even
though I knew well it was a good outcome, right,
But I did want to get back to the passing game.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Now.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
I am not advocating five wides. I'm not advocating fifty
five passing attempts. But I look at this Ravens defense,
not just looking at the stats, but watching their games.
I haven't watched as many as you have, but I'm
of the opinion number twenty one starting corner Brandon Stevens
can be had. I'm of the opinion that free safety
(21:58):
Marcus Williams, number thirty two can be had. Of the
opinion that cornerback Marlon Humphrey number forty four three years ago,
I'd argue, he's yeah, as good as anybody in the game.
I don't think he's that anymore. Not that he's terrible,
but he's not among the elite. Their linebackers can't cover
the past. I think they've got this thirty second pass
(22:18):
writing ranking on merit, and I would I would attack them,
you know, periodically.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
Well, and they blow a lot of coverages and communicate.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Really, the point I'm blaboring to make is I don't
want to try to win this one. Thirteen to eleven, No,
and Arthur Malexa's slot and Arthur.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Yeah, and I listen, those are all great points of
grad that we were continuing the conversation because listen, you'd
be crazy not to attack it, you know. I think
what was misunderstood is you don't want to come out
and just throw the ball over the place. You want
to come out and be who you are. But to
your point, Mike, that's I know. That's what's happening in
those meetings, is they're dialing different ways and to grow
(23:00):
their offense and to take advantage of what they have seen.
All you guys have seen and explained very well that
will be taking advantage of in some fashion. You just
do within the structure and strength of your team, you know,
And like I've always said this, I mean, you don't
have to I could tell you this, the students that
come out in a heavy run formation very first play
(23:21):
the game, sell hard run action to them and paralyze
that box and all the things you told about linebackers struggling,
safety struggling, corner struggling, and they're miscues and how they
make mistakes. You could hit them for an ad R
touchdown pass right off the bat. I mean, I could
see that happening and in ways that they could go
about trying to attack them to take advantage of those weaknesses.
(23:44):
Because you don't have to really run the football to
get run action. You just a little more effective when
you do it really well. But they still have run
reads regardless of you've run the ball or not. I mean,
I've seen teams that have had five wives for five
straight plays that come out in eye formation, they fake
a hard running, everybody hits the box, and then they
had run the ball the whole game and they give
(24:04):
them for you know, forty yard completion. So I don't
think there's any doubt that they will take advantage of that,
and they'll find ways to do that, and as they
continue to build on their their offense, you know, with
their tight ends with pickens, I mean with everybody, you know,
creating matchups everywhere to try to take advantage of Beau's
not just one area, as you mentioned that they struggle in.
So I'm not gonna be surprised if they they they
(24:28):
fill the football with efficiency. I just think they're going
to go through go about it the same way they've
been going through it the entire year, and they're not
going to change that.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
So we're just talking Ravens Corners and I thought the
All twenty two was not kind to the Steelers Corners
this past week in Cam Sutton. Oh boy, yeah, how
worried are you?
Speaker 4 (24:49):
But they can't do that?
Speaker 2 (24:50):
That was rough.
Speaker 4 (24:52):
They blew. They blew too. I'm telling you is I'm
surprised Jayden Daniels missed both one maybe both I was,
and the one who's Who's.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
Twenty Tam Sutton first came back from Yeah, yeah, I
thought it was really right.
Speaker 4 (25:10):
I don't know what he was I thinking. I mean, like,
when you're playing in the slot, you have a single
high and he stacked over you. The last thing you
do is give free access inside. I'm just telling you,
I mean we as offensive players try to win inside. Okay,
that's where you want to win because now you have
excuse your throat, there's more field access. I mean, especially
(25:33):
you're in the slot. And I believe the Series were
playing a man at that time too. They nobody, yes,
and there was nobody on the backside. I mean, he
hits him, hits a touchdown and that was towards the
end of the game. And I don't that'd have been
by two score league because I think that they held
him because that was the third downpliff I remember right,
and ended up having to punt after that, and the
(25:54):
Series took the lead after that. Okay, they wouldn't even
have a chance to take the lead, it had been
over if you completed that ball, I wouldn't. I was
with you, you know, but I go back to him.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
I didn't think it was Jackson, No man was Yeah.
Speaker 4 (26:10):
Yeah, there's a lot of people, I mean defensively that
they got away with that. They know that, and the
good thing about that is that you get it. You
got away with it with a win, and you can
learn from it and just don't make that mistake this week.
Because the guy they're playing this week and he had
he can be a little erratic, you know. You know,
if you get him in situations where they're throwing it
(26:32):
too much like the Raiders did this okay, and he
can't get into a rhythm where he's you know, a
second and controllable third or controllable you know, he starts
to push things and make some erratic choices and he's
not the same. So if you can get him in
that situation, there's a lot of people can get him there,
you know, because they do such a good job as
(26:54):
a team. But if you can get him there, you're
gonna have some chances. But you don't want to give
him those opportunities because he'll probably get one of them.
And one of them would have been one of it
would have been enough in that game that he hit
one of those Johno. They watched tape on that they're
probably sick. Could be like, holy cow, we had it merrily.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
I got one more theory on the Steelers passing game
against these guys.
Speaker 4 (27:18):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
Watching that Bengals game a week ago, Joe Burrow threw
for four hundred and twenty eight yards. I think he
worked about as hard as any quarterback ever has to
throw for over four hundred. Baltimore's pass rush was constantly disruptive.
They they had him scrambling in the pocket to try
to set up a lane or avoid a sack. They
(27:41):
had him breaking out, throwing on the run, running away.
He was under almost constant the rest. It wasn't like
he was sitting back there eating a sandwich. I'll throw
it to this guy, I'll throw it to that guy
and pricking him apart. I mean, I think the game
is going to be won or lost in the Steelers'
pocket if they give Wilson a chance to throw. When
they throw, I think he'll scorch these guys. But if
(28:04):
he does not have enough time to throw it, it's
gonna it's gonna get ugly at times.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Well, that's exactly why I said, do what you've been
doing all year, exactly because what I do is I'll
get two guys out, I get half field reads, I
got I've got max protection. I mean, then I'm not
I can't ask Russell if we That's what I'm saying about.
If you ask Russell Wilson to do it the Cincinnati Bengals,
(28:32):
he's not Joe Burrow. He would have thrown for four
or some yards. They would have probably been two hundred
and maybe a couple of picks and you lose the game.
I mean, I only lost the game, but you really
lose a game you don't even have a shot at it.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
But these guys can rush the passer is my point too?
Like right, so I respect that part of their pass defense.
Speaker 4 (28:50):
Yeah, I completely agree. A better way to neutralize them
is how the students have gone about throwing the football.
It's just a better way, you know, in how they
they have a tighter formations, they do more run action,
they moved the pocket a little bit, yes, and so
that's what I'm saying. You know, you're not gonna do it, Cincinnati, gid,
(29:13):
you know, just because they have a bad pass defense,
And you're right, it's your point. They do get after
the quarterback if you let them. And that's why I'm saying,
what how the Steelers are built, the things they've been
doing all year and how they keep building on it
is problematic for the Ravens based on what they struggle with.
You know, That's why I do believe they'll be able
(29:33):
to run on them and it'll be enough and effective
enough to help that pass And gave me a complimentary
and explosive.
Speaker 3 (29:41):
Meryl, do you think the Steelers pass rush plan will
mimic what they did last week against Daniels.
Speaker 4 (29:48):
Yes, oh, that's somethings. You brought that up because I
thought they were outstanding. If there's one area they were
really good at, they were freaking good there, man, I
mean they were I mean everybody they just pushed. They
didn't give I don't remember an escape route for him vertically.
Maybe it happened, I just don't remember it. You know.
Speaker 2 (30:04):
I think one time when late in the game, number
ninety five made a diving on one handed tackle on
a quarterback draw. He'd still be running if Benton didn't
get him. But that, yeah, that was the only time
that I can recall.
Speaker 4 (30:20):
Yeah, absolutely, No, just just flashed back because I was like,
I remember seeing that from the end zone, going, oh
my gosh, feed them make that tackle. It's over and
that's third down two. Yes, it's that's why really last
week was a plus because it's got a real life
experience versus just practicing to get ready for the Ravens list.
I know they play mult time, but it's really nice
(30:41):
to play a very similar offense, very similar personnel in
one week. It's so much easier to help you get
ready for the next week, and you're gonna be better
than more buttoned up with the mistakes that were made
that you can't make against this team.
Speaker 2 (30:54):
Meryl Enjoyable is always want to remind you, not that
I'm looking past this game, but it's a Thursday night
game next week, so we're doing this on Wednesday.
Speaker 4 (31:04):
I'll be ready. Maybe it doesn't matter. You call me anytime, no.
Speaker 2 (31:09):
AFC North Football.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
Great stuff, Bro, We'll talk to you next week, right
you guys.
Speaker 2 (31:15):
Merril Hodge bringing it as he always does. You know,
I think I've always been a little bit more leaning
to the past, and he's always steadfast leading to the run.
I think he miss interprets sometimes when I start talking
about the past, right, I don't think it's I really
don't want them to throw it fifty five times.
Speaker 3 (31:31):
Neil O'Donnell going four wide and you know in the Yeah,
of course they're going to do what they do, but
they gotta be a little more pass heavy than usually
got it.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
Attack a little bit furner down the field, makes them
hay Because I think this team, I don't. I think
Baltimore I got great respect for the organization. Yeah, I
think this defense is a problem.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Oh I do, I do, and starkily different than the offense.
And the past defense is starkly different than the run defense.
Speaker 2 (31:57):
We shall see if you know the way this plays out.
You know, you look at the four units, and maybe
it's Pittsburgh's defense. Although the offense isn't as good as Baltimore's,
Pittsburgh's defense is way better than Baltimore's. And maybe that's
the difference.
Speaker 3 (32:16):
What actually on the drive today day and I ranked
the six units including special teams, and had the Steelers two, three,
and four on that list. You know, maybe that's enough,
but that Raveno is one.
Speaker 2 (32:30):
We still have some more to discuss, so you're gonna
want to keep it here with Matt Williamson on Mike Persuda.
This is Steelers Preview right here on your Steelers flagship
one of two point five DVE and the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (32:42):
Back to the Steelers preview show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (32:47):
Who Merril fire COUNDU Let's go. He never wants you
to forget that you have to run the ball.
Speaker 3 (32:54):
No, but Snoel comes up there, Henry, I mean all
kinds of old school let's go, But it's not wrong wrong,
and he sold me a little more than before the
segment that the Steelers can have success on the ground.
Speaker 2 (33:05):
He did me as well, though. I don't think they're
gonna rush for two fifty either.
Speaker 3 (33:09):
No, it's gonna be tough sledding.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
I do think the better they run, the more effective
they will be passing. But they're not going to score
the points they need to score without effective passing.
Speaker 3 (33:21):
I think eating clock is important here too. You don't
want that Ravens offense on the field.
Speaker 2 (33:25):
What to expect is brought to you by Brian Patton
and associates. It's all about the benefits, and I'll segue
thanks to your setup here that here's what I expect.
I expect Lamar Jackson to do something that makes my
jaw drop in amazement.
Speaker 3 (33:41):
I think he's better than ever. He won the MVP
last year, and I think he's so much better this year.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
He is remarkable. I'm not even gonna bore you with
the statistics. They're all off the charts. It's just it's
video game stuff. But he made a play.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
Here's one just to sum it up. His passer rating
is the best ever.
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Yeah, pretty good. Yeah, I take notes on these opponents
as I watched their game or games, depending on what maving.
Usually it's the most recent game, sure, because hey, I
got other stuff to do.
Speaker 3 (34:11):
Hey last Thursday, everybody watched them.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
I'm sure you know. But I made an entry in
my notes here and it's entitled stupid human trick. Second
and nine from the Cincinnati eleven, Jackson retreats from pressure,
retreats from pressure, retreats from pressure, runs to the boundary.
He's at the thirty one yard line. Now, this was gold.
This started at the eleven.
Speaker 3 (34:32):
Yeah, it wasn't like twenty yards twenty yards deep.
Speaker 2 (34:36):
And he starts tight roping the sideline and making guys
miss while he's doing it. He ends up at the
one yard line. Yeah, Al Michaels had the jaw drop
moment that I'm anticipating Sunday. He asked Kirk kurb Street.
Those guys were doing the game. He said, name somebody
else right now who can do that, and herb Street
said nobody.
Speaker 3 (34:56):
Yeah, superman, I.
Speaker 2 (34:58):
Mean this guy again, and this is all the reason
for needing plays to be made on offense. I think
the Steelers defense is very good. I think their second
in the league ranking in points against is very good.
I think it's a unit. It's not dependent on Mika
Fitzpatrick getting a bunch of interceptions, thank god, because he
(35:20):
has none. That's not a shot, I mean, right, But
Terrell Austin, the coordinator, has emphasized him taking away the
deep post and playing center field is really good for him.
So he's doing a very important job. It's not dependent
on TJ. Watt getting five sacks a game. It's the unit.
Speaker 3 (35:36):
Everybody doing their job right, right.
Speaker 2 (35:38):
But that said, there's only so much he can do
in this day and age. And to expect this defense
or any defense to walk out there against Baltimore and
hold the Ravens to ten points, fourteen points, seventeen points,
it ain't happening.
Speaker 3 (35:52):
It didn't happen. They're gonna get yardage, they're gonna get points.
Steelers red zone defense has been remarkably good. Maybe they
can make them kick afew that they normally wouldn't, but
they are going to move the football and they're gonna
end up in the end zone. And anyone could, mister
McGoo could tell you that that's a good rushing team,
you know, I mean they Lamar Jackson, they have Derrick Henry.
But anyone that thinks that Jackson is not an elite
(36:15):
passer of the football is nuts. I mean, this guy
is a phenomenal thrower to all levels, to all of
his weapons. Their offense is a joy to watch. Yeah,
it's not a joy to play, yet it's something else.
I love the recard aspect of it. The mobile massive
full back. Yeah, you know when he gets in real trouble,
(36:37):
he finds Mark Andrews. Yeah, the safety blanket guy.
Speaker 2 (36:39):
You need to play. You need a touchdown, you need
a first down. We even brought Jay Flowers name up.
He's amend this year lately, gotten incorporated. No one that
Deontay Johnson can't get a ball.
Speaker 3 (36:49):
Yeah, not know why they traded for it. Sounds like
likely he's gonna play too enough.
Speaker 2 (36:52):
Weapons already too. So I mean, I think the Steelers
are good enough to keep a relative lid on Baltimore.
When I say lid, maybe hold him into twenties.
Speaker 3 (37:02):
And I think there is something too. If you look
at Lamar versus thirty one other teams, it's much or
thirty is much better than versus Steelers. I know it's
only four games, and he's better now than then. But
the splits are ridiculous. But the splits are insane. I
mean his worst team. I mean, I think playing against
him a lot, and having a pass rush plan and
(37:22):
having TJ. Watten Caam Hayward sure helps, and the coach familiarity.
Speaker 2 (37:26):
You know a couple other things I wanted to address
before we get out of here. You know, the Ravens
have a reputation and they deserve to have one. They've
earned it. Offensively, it's growing. But I think when you
think of Baltimore, you never think of the thirty second
ranked pass defense. No, you never think of giving up
sixty seven yard pass touchdowns and seventy yard pass touchdowns
(37:48):
and all this stuff.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
You don't think that's justin Tucker missing kick? And yeah,
how about that.
Speaker 2 (37:53):
You don't think. I mean he's three for ten the
last two seasons, average kicker fifty yards plus.
Speaker 3 (37:59):
Yep, he's the best kicker than ever in my opinion.
Speaker 2 (38:01):
You used to watch these guys playing. If they got
to their own forty one yard line, you'd be like,
oh man, they get right, they got a shot. They're
gonna score.
Speaker 3 (38:09):
The whole league's making fifty yarders like they're two points
and he can't anymore. It wouldn't shock me if he's
not back next year.
Speaker 2 (38:15):
No wonder, you know. I mean, the bar is raising
in the kicking world, and he's not keeping up.
Speaker 3 (38:21):
And now he's starting to slip real quick along those lines.
One spot or three spots if we think this is
gonna be a close game, which it always is. Steelers
are much better in penalties. The Ravens are the most
penalized team in the league. They're much better on special teams,
and they're much better in turnovers. Now that doesn't mean
that'll happen for those sixty minutes, but that's where you
win in the margins and tight games.
Speaker 2 (38:42):
Yeah, the penalty thing. Eleven against Cincinnati a week ago.
Six of them were on the offensive line. Dale pre
have some research pre snap stuff lining up wrong. Yeah,
not on the line of scrimmage, false start.
Speaker 3 (38:56):
This group of officials calls the most holding calls league.
I think that helps the Steelers too.
Speaker 2 (39:01):
No, TJ. Watt probably draws a few. He was happy
to hear that. Here's another thing you don't think of
when you think of Baltimore, but you maybe have to
start thinking about it. Blowing leads in the fourth quarter.
Speaker 3 (39:14):
That's what they do, a lot of it unheard of, Right, Yeah,
you think they just run like crazy and close you out.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
Since twenty twenty three, five losses when leading in the
fourth quarter. That ties for the second most in the league.
In those circumstances, they've allowed this year eight point one
No since twenty three excuse me, they've allowed eight point
one points per game in fourth quarters. That's thirty first
in the NFL. And they've allowed ninety nine point six
(39:41):
yards per game in fourth quarters. Wow, that's thirtieth in
the NFL. They can't close anymore.
Speaker 3 (39:46):
That's shocking. You would think they'd just eat time and
possession handed to Henry a thousand times in a row
and just choke you out like Bill Coward did with Battest.
Or it's not what they do.
Speaker 2 (39:55):
Or Jackson would do something spectacular and then Tucker would
kick a seventy five yard field goal and they beat
you that way.
Speaker 3 (40:01):
Yeah, exactly, That's not how it's been at all.
Speaker 2 (40:04):
So I'm looking at this game, Matt and Steelers at
three point underdogs, and I think that's the wrong way
to handicap.
Speaker 3 (40:14):
I just know that if in this game, whether it's
twenty twenty four or two thousand and eighteen. If you're
going to give me three points at home for either team,
I'll take it, you know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (40:26):
You know what traditionally that has cashed. What did you
think of Mike Williams? And do you think he is
going to be a lot more impactful than we thought?
Or do you think as I do that what we
saw in landover Maryland not necessarily nine snaps, But I
(40:46):
thought when they acquired him, Okay, this guy will gets
you a first down maybe when you really need one,
or a touchdown when you really need one. I wasn't
anticipating the game winning store laid in the fourth quarter.
But I don't think we're going to see a lot
of eight catches for ninety three yards from Mike Williams.
Speaker 4 (41:01):
No.
Speaker 3 (41:01):
I think he plays a certain role.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
I think they need him to show yeah and impact
games yep.
Speaker 3 (41:07):
And along those lines at the trade deadline, I don't
think it's an accident that they got two people that
are really big for their respective position for AFC North Football.
Speaker 2 (41:15):
Yeah, you know, I got to play football. I gotta
be honest. I wasn't looking at inside linebacker fortifying that,
but uh, maybe when they saw who was out there
at the end of the game against the New York
Football Giants when they had two outside linebackers, neither one
of them named t. J. Watter or alex Is Smith.
Speaker 3 (41:32):
Yeah, they played too many snaps to begin with.
Speaker 2 (41:34):
Or maybe that got somebody's attention.
Speaker 3 (41:35):
Good thing they did, because they didn't know Hoghswooths was
gonna get hurt the next game. Yeah, you know what
what was you read on Preston Smith? I mean real good.
I mean he's a power player. He fits the scheme well,
got acclimated right away, really long arms. You know, him
and herbig are gonna man the the high Smith role now.
And they couldn't be any more different. I mean they're
kind of like the Connor, Hayward and Washington of the
(41:58):
you know, they go same position room, but they don't
look at all alike, you know what I mean, they
can do some different things.
Speaker 2 (42:04):
Yeah, and it's it's at least experience.
Speaker 4 (42:07):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (42:07):
The guys. The guy's played in the leg a long time.
He's seen a lot of things, and he seems, you know,
really all in.
Speaker 4 (42:15):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (42:16):
I guess he was getting disenchanted in Green Bay because
he didn't think he fit their their four three. But
I don't know if you heard Mike Tomlin on Tuesday,
but he talked about newcomers to this rivalry and he said,
I want them to I challenge them to find their
space in it. In other words, stick your hand into
Stevens Steelers Ravens pile and make an impact. And when
(42:38):
we talked to Preston Smith this week, he said, I
want to make some highlights. So when they turned turned
the game on that's years from now, and you see
Steelers Ravens, you see me making some big plays.
Speaker 3 (42:49):
Like I hadn't thought other than those new guys. I
was thinking Russell Wilson, I was thinking Arthur Smith. I
was thinking Queen and Elliott being on the other side
of it. You know, I think that's pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (42:59):
That's pretty cool as well. This's gonna be another chapter
in what has been a fascinating and on going story,
the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday at Acasuer Stadium.
That is going to do it for us tonight. I
hope you're sufficiently stoked. If you're not, can't help you
because you shouldn't shouldn't have needed us to get there
to begin with, but the countdown continues. Can't wait for Sunday,
(43:23):
can't wait for Steelers Ravens programming minor next week. It's
a Thursday game, So we do the show on Wednesday
in advance of Steelers at the Cleveland Browns. Thanks to
Justin Miller for manning the controls and keeping us on
the air. Thanks to Matt and Merril, thank you for
finding us Until next Wednesday, you have been listening to
Steelers Preview right here on the Steelers Flagship one of
(43:45):
two point five DVE and the Steelers Audio Network. Good
Night everyone,
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