1 00:00:01,080 --> 00:00:02,320 Speaker 1: This is the Mark Mannon Show. 2 00:00:02,360 --> 00:00:05,920 Speaker 2: Pensrit MSG tomorrow the world's most famous arena in New York, 3 00:00:05,960 --> 00:00:07,920 Speaker 2: eight pm against the Rangers season opener. 4 00:00:08,600 --> 00:00:08,760 Speaker 3: Here. 5 00:00:08,800 --> 00:00:11,360 Speaker 2: All the action here on the X Hockey Nights Show 6 00:00:11,440 --> 00:00:13,760 Speaker 2: from six till seven. Penguins pre game from seven to 7 00:00:13,840 --> 00:00:15,960 Speaker 2: eight and come what's the game with me at the 8 00:00:15,960 --> 00:00:19,119 Speaker 2: Pittsburgh Brewing Company in Creighton. That's right off for twenty 9 00:00:19,160 --> 00:00:23,239 Speaker 2: eight the biggest big screen TV in time, and give 10 00:00:23,239 --> 00:00:24,079 Speaker 2: me an icy light. 11 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:26,560 Speaker 1: Game starts at eight pm. 12 00:00:26,560 --> 00:00:28,680 Speaker 2: Gonna be given away a lot of stuff, including a 13 00:00:28,760 --> 00:00:32,880 Speaker 2: Penguins jersey and the USA Hockey jersey. Be there at 14 00:00:32,920 --> 00:00:36,479 Speaker 2: seven pm to register to win. You got to be 15 00:00:36,479 --> 00:00:41,440 Speaker 2: excited about about register to win. Everybody wants something free 16 00:00:41,479 --> 00:00:42,559 Speaker 2: and I'm gonna give it to you. 17 00:00:43,479 --> 00:00:44,240 Speaker 1: I'd like your. 18 00:00:44,120 --> 00:00:47,639 Speaker 2: Reaction to the cuts and to the keeps dial. Now 19 00:00:47,680 --> 00:00:52,800 Speaker 2: that's a three three four one two w XDX. I 20 00:00:52,880 --> 00:00:54,520 Speaker 2: look at the Penguins now and I see a non 21 00:00:54,520 --> 00:00:58,160 Speaker 2: playoff team. But I think about the Penguins future and 22 00:00:58,240 --> 00:01:00,560 Speaker 2: I see a start off. It's been in Brunick and 23 00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:04,400 Speaker 2: a star goaltender and morishoff and a potential Genslin Clevenon 24 00:01:05,080 --> 00:01:08,280 Speaker 2: Kendle is amazing At eighteen, I see a team headed 25 00:01:08,720 --> 00:01:13,440 Speaker 2: in the right direction. I've seen far worse in the past, 26 00:01:13,680 --> 00:01:17,319 Speaker 2: like eighty three, eighty four the tank for Lebeu, but 27 00:01:17,440 --> 00:01:20,959 Speaker 2: I've seen stuff just about is worse. I know what 28 00:01:21,080 --> 00:01:24,280 Speaker 2: no hope looks like, I know what no future looks like, 29 00:01:25,760 --> 00:01:27,920 Speaker 2: and it don't look like this. 30 00:01:29,280 --> 00:01:31,480 Speaker 1: So once again, Donaly in eight three three four one 31 00:01:31,560 --> 00:01:33,080 Speaker 1: two w XDX. 32 00:01:32,959 --> 00:01:37,160 Speaker 2: I will say every night you're gonna root for them 33 00:01:37,200 --> 00:01:40,280 Speaker 2: to win as a fan on the night. The biggest 34 00:01:40,280 --> 00:01:43,320 Speaker 2: thing they have to accomplish this year is to get 35 00:01:43,360 --> 00:01:46,800 Speaker 2: a top five pick in that draft. Get balls in 36 00:01:46,880 --> 00:01:50,280 Speaker 2: the lottery for McKenna, because the one thing they lack 37 00:01:50,400 --> 00:01:55,120 Speaker 2: in the system is a star caliber forward prospect. 38 00:01:55,560 --> 00:01:56,840 Speaker 1: Kendall gonna be pretty good. 39 00:01:57,640 --> 00:01:59,560 Speaker 2: He ain't gonna be what's available in the top five 40 00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:06,520 Speaker 2: picks draft, I don't think. Speaking of which, Gavin McKenna, 41 00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:09,840 Speaker 2: the uber kid with Penn State Hockey, the number one 42 00:02:09,880 --> 00:02:12,840 Speaker 2: pick in next year's draft. He made his college debut 43 00:02:12,919 --> 00:02:15,680 Speaker 2: over the weekend two wins for Penn State at Arizona State, 44 00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:19,120 Speaker 2: who were a pretty good hockey team, but Kenna had 45 00:02:19,120 --> 00:02:23,600 Speaker 2: two primary assists. On Friday, Penn State's first two goals 46 00:02:23,639 --> 00:02:25,680 Speaker 2: of the year in fact, so he announced his presence 47 00:02:25,960 --> 00:02:29,480 Speaker 2: with authority. Then he scored the game winning goal late 48 00:02:29,520 --> 00:02:32,920 Speaker 2: on Saturday, Arizona State holds their three fingers up the 49 00:02:32,919 --> 00:02:36,880 Speaker 2: forks thing. McKenna's skated, the student section did forks down 50 00:02:37,320 --> 00:02:39,600 Speaker 2: after taking off a glove. They ever give him a 51 00:02:39,639 --> 00:02:44,200 Speaker 2: hard time, So that's okay. Now. McKenna dominated, but not 52 00:02:44,240 --> 00:02:47,560 Speaker 2: absurdly so, not like he did in junior A last 53 00:02:47,600 --> 00:02:51,400 Speaker 2: year at sixteen. And that's why moving to college hockey 54 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:55,720 Speaker 2: was a good move for McKenna and why Brunick might 55 00:02:55,760 --> 00:02:58,959 Speaker 2: not be served returning to junior A. It's the same 56 00:02:59,000 --> 00:03:02,040 Speaker 2: bruni can't go to Call but he can't he's ineligible 57 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:07,200 Speaker 2: because he's under contract to the Penguins. But McKenna is 58 00:03:07,240 --> 00:03:12,440 Speaker 2: one hundred percent, absolutely the real And after Penn State 59 00:03:12,520 --> 00:03:17,080 Speaker 2: football lost to UCLA on Saturday, maybe Penn State's. 60 00:03:16,720 --> 00:03:17,839 Speaker 1: Just a hockey school now. 61 00:03:23,120 --> 00:03:26,160 Speaker 2: During the pregame show, we talked about Penn State firing 62 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:29,560 Speaker 2: James Franklin. Well, that was a good segue. I didn't 63 00:03:29,560 --> 00:03:31,600 Speaker 2: even realize I did that when I wrote this crap down. 64 00:03:32,639 --> 00:03:35,080 Speaker 2: But he signed through twenty thirty one at eight point 65 00:03:35,160 --> 00:03:38,000 Speaker 2: five million. Dollars per year and his buyot figures fifty 66 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:41,440 Speaker 2: six million, so they're not going to fire him right now. 67 00:03:42,440 --> 00:03:45,680 Speaker 2: And like Tom and I discussed, firing a football coach 68 00:03:45,720 --> 00:03:49,000 Speaker 2: in mid season, never seems to work, never seems to help, 69 00:03:49,520 --> 00:03:52,360 Speaker 2: except with UCLA, I guess, because they fired their coach 70 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:55,920 Speaker 2: and then beat Penn State again. I feel like Franklin 71 00:03:55,960 --> 00:04:00,880 Speaker 2: can save himself by beating Ohio State in Indiana by 72 00:04:00,920 --> 00:04:04,800 Speaker 2: winning out. But if you lose, I feel like either 73 00:04:04,840 --> 00:04:07,520 Speaker 2: one of those games, you're definitely done. I'm not sure 74 00:04:07,560 --> 00:04:09,640 Speaker 2: there's anything you can do to save his job after 75 00:04:09,680 --> 00:04:13,040 Speaker 2: that loss. Just think about Loud. That's the worst loss 76 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:15,720 Speaker 2: in Penn State program history. It's the first time a 77 00:04:15,760 --> 00:04:18,480 Speaker 2: top ten team lost to an zero to four team ever, 78 00:04:18,800 --> 00:04:23,120 Speaker 2: and that's a long time. But I think he's going 79 00:04:23,200 --> 00:04:26,360 Speaker 2: to finish the season. I do, And if it were 80 00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:31,640 Speaker 2: my decision, I would have him finished the season. We 81 00:04:31,760 --> 00:04:33,640 Speaker 2: got a great show planning for today. I would say 82 00:04:33,640 --> 00:04:38,360 Speaker 2: that even if it wasn't true. But we got Matt Williamson, 83 00:04:38,400 --> 00:04:41,159 Speaker 2: our football guru, at the bottom of this hour, and 84 00:04:41,240 --> 00:04:43,719 Speaker 2: Chris Latang and the Penguins joins me at four o'clock. 85 00:04:44,560 --> 00:04:49,279 Speaker 2: Little talk about the opening of hockey season. I'd like 86 00:04:49,320 --> 00:04:52,800 Speaker 2: to wish a happy birthday yesterday to Mary Lemieux, the 87 00:04:52,800 --> 00:04:54,400 Speaker 2: Big six to zero for the Big six to six, 88 00:04:54,520 --> 00:04:57,880 Speaker 2: the founder of the Feast and the most important figure 89 00:04:57,920 --> 00:05:02,360 Speaker 2: in Pittsburgh sports history, no doubt about him. I'd be 90 00:05:02,400 --> 00:05:06,039 Speaker 2: in Kansas City with the Penguins. Also born on that 91 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:10,440 Speaker 2: day noted author Tom McMillan of the Gettysburg mcmillans, and 92 00:05:10,520 --> 00:05:13,960 Speaker 2: also Josh Showey's mom. And also over the weekend the 93 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:19,760 Speaker 2: sad anniversary for me, the date Brian Pillman, my close 94 00:05:19,760 --> 00:05:24,960 Speaker 2: friend from wrestling, passed away. We lost a lot of talent, 95 00:05:25,040 --> 00:05:27,960 Speaker 2: a lot of energy when Brian left us way too soon. 96 00:05:28,120 --> 00:05:31,920 Speaker 2: And speaking selfishly, I'm assuming he'd be mostly retired from 97 00:05:31,920 --> 00:05:35,000 Speaker 2: wrestling now, which would mean he'd call this show all 98 00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:39,039 Speaker 2: the time, like he'd be in the creative element of it, 99 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:41,280 Speaker 2: I think. But like back when he would just call 100 00:05:41,360 --> 00:05:43,520 Speaker 2: the show like I did, like and he would want 101 00:05:43,520 --> 00:05:46,320 Speaker 2: me to yell at his wife, I want you to 102 00:05:46,440 --> 00:05:49,240 Speaker 2: tell my wife, and the stuff he wanted me to 103 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:50,840 Speaker 2: tell her, I couldn't tell her. I can't even talk 104 00:05:50,839 --> 00:05:55,719 Speaker 2: about it now, you could Dan a little bit, so 105 00:05:55,720 --> 00:05:59,000 Speaker 2: so I missed Brian a great deal, no question. Uh, 106 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:01,760 Speaker 2: like I said that number again, eight three three four 107 00:06:01,800 --> 00:06:06,560 Speaker 2: one two w XDX. By the way, the Steelers have 108 00:06:06,680 --> 00:06:08,840 Speaker 2: opened up his four and a half point favorites at 109 00:06:08,839 --> 00:06:18,600 Speaker 2: home against Cleveland. Uh, that sounds about right. This game 110 00:06:18,720 --> 00:06:21,160 Speaker 2: scares me more than it should. I see Cleveland improving. 111 00:06:21,200 --> 00:06:25,560 Speaker 2: They could have beat Minnesota. I might bet Cleveland to cover, 112 00:06:25,680 --> 00:06:28,880 Speaker 2: but certainly not to win unless they do. We're also 113 00:06:28,960 --> 00:06:31,159 Speaker 2: gonna talk later, but we talked a little bit earlier 114 00:06:31,240 --> 00:06:36,120 Speaker 2: that De Mercado, they running back for Arizona, dropped the 115 00:06:36,160 --> 00:06:38,120 Speaker 2: ball before the goal line, which is a trend in 116 00:06:38,160 --> 00:06:38,719 Speaker 2: the NFL. 117 00:06:39,200 --> 00:06:40,880 Speaker 1: And I wouldn't wonder why, but I know why. It's 118 00:06:40,880 --> 00:06:43,479 Speaker 1: because they're stupid. One oh five ninety X. 119 00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:47,880 Speaker 2: Good mace is always a component of any nice day. 120 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:49,479 Speaker 4: Thank you for making my day. 121 00:06:49,680 --> 00:06:57,600 Speaker 5: Yeah, what you said the ex at one o five nine. 122 00:06:58,240 --> 00:07:00,760 Speaker 1: We almost have too much material today's show. 123 00:07:02,120 --> 00:07:05,960 Speaker 2: But certainly, Penn State losing to UCLA the first time 124 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:08,280 Speaker 2: a top ten team has ever lost to a zero 125 00:07:08,279 --> 00:07:10,600 Speaker 2: and four team, and Penn State's now dropped all the 126 00:07:10,600 --> 00:07:13,720 Speaker 2: way out of top twenty five. And you have to 127 00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:16,760 Speaker 2: say that James Franklin's job as head coach at Penn 128 00:07:16,800 --> 00:07:20,080 Speaker 2: State isn't jeopardale though I don't think so right now. 129 00:07:20,360 --> 00:07:22,600 Speaker 2: I wouldn't see the good and getting rid of him 130 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:26,960 Speaker 2: at mid season. But talk of the devil. Here's James 131 00:07:27,000 --> 00:07:31,760 Speaker 2: Franklin to Penn State coach making excuses for the inexcusable 132 00:07:32,560 --> 00:07:33,720 Speaker 2: that lost to UCLA. 133 00:07:34,800 --> 00:07:38,120 Speaker 5: Obviously, we did not handle last week's loss. 134 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:42,080 Speaker 1: Well, we also lost some players in. 135 00:07:42,080 --> 00:07:49,120 Speaker 5: That game during the week and then everything else, everything else, travel, 136 00:07:50,120 --> 00:07:54,280 Speaker 5: everything else, did not come out with the right energy 137 00:07:54,320 --> 00:07:59,360 Speaker 5: to start the game, and before you know it, obviously 138 00:07:59,400 --> 00:08:02,680 Speaker 5: they get a down drive an on sides kick, and 139 00:08:02,720 --> 00:08:07,080 Speaker 5: now you're fighting. They gained confidence and we're fighting for 140 00:08:07,160 --> 00:08:09,240 Speaker 5: the next three quarters. 141 00:08:09,760 --> 00:08:14,080 Speaker 2: Okay, first off, dummy, Losing to a top flight team 142 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:16,960 Speaker 2: like Oregon should in no way trickle down to how 143 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:21,360 Speaker 2: badly Penn State played at UCLA, and nobody cares about 144 00:08:21,360 --> 00:08:25,640 Speaker 2: the injuries, nobody cares about the travel. If UCLA got 145 00:08:25,680 --> 00:08:30,720 Speaker 2: momentum and confidence, it's because Penn State came on flat 146 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:37,040 Speaker 2: and uninspired. Franklin talked about not having the right energy, Well, 147 00:08:37,040 --> 00:08:40,920 Speaker 2: whose fault is that? That's directly traceable to the head coach. 148 00:08:41,800 --> 00:08:45,040 Speaker 2: As I mentioned, it's the first time ever, and that's 149 00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:48,840 Speaker 2: a long time too. First time a top ten team 150 00:08:49,240 --> 00:08:53,000 Speaker 2: ever lost to an owned fourteen ever to me. For 151 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:55,120 Speaker 2: James Franklin to keep his job, like I said, he's 152 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:59,600 Speaker 2: got to win out beat Ohio State and Indiana because that, 153 00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:03,679 Speaker 2: to UCLA is a fireable offense. 154 00:09:04,679 --> 00:09:05,520 Speaker 1: By itself. 155 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:11,040 Speaker 2: As I mentioned a moment ago the Steelers, I'll get 156 00:09:11,080 --> 00:09:13,280 Speaker 2: your calls in now. I keep forgetting to plug the 157 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:16,959 Speaker 2: new number eight three three, four, one thirty nine. Get 158 00:09:16,960 --> 00:09:19,840 Speaker 2: your calls in now. Although we do have Matt Williamson 159 00:09:19,840 --> 00:09:22,240 Speaker 2: at the bottom of the hour. I like the show 160 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:24,040 Speaker 2: with minimal time for you to call because I think 161 00:09:24,040 --> 00:09:27,520 Speaker 2: most of you were stupid. As I mentioned, the Steelers 162 00:09:27,520 --> 00:09:30,360 Speaker 2: are four and a half point favorites at bet Parks 163 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:32,959 Speaker 2: to be Cleveland at Acress or Sunday. 164 00:09:33,960 --> 00:09:36,280 Speaker 1: I'll be at Big Fellas in Cannonsburg for that game. 165 00:09:36,600 --> 00:09:39,280 Speaker 2: Be sure to catch me there. That's a happening place, boy, nuts. 166 00:09:40,600 --> 00:09:44,720 Speaker 2: The Steelers will beat the Cleveland Bronze on Sunday. But 167 00:09:44,800 --> 00:09:49,080 Speaker 2: the Cleveland Brons are better coached than the Steelers. And 168 00:09:49,160 --> 00:09:51,320 Speaker 2: I'm not just saying that because Kevin Stefanski is a 169 00:09:51,320 --> 00:09:55,360 Speaker 2: two time NFL Coach of the year. I'm saying because 170 00:09:55,400 --> 00:09:57,959 Speaker 2: the Brons know how to get better. Whether they ever 171 00:09:57,960 --> 00:10:00,920 Speaker 2: get good enough, that's another debate. But the Brons is 172 00:10:00,960 --> 00:10:06,960 Speaker 2: starting five rookies, a bunch of rookies sub in our buddy, 173 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:10,480 Speaker 2: not McMillan. He's up there in the defensive backfield the bitkit. 174 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:16,800 Speaker 2: The Brons want to improve, and Stefanski will take risk 175 00:10:17,040 --> 00:10:21,800 Speaker 2: to do so. Judkins is off the good started running 176 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:24,120 Speaker 2: back second round pick from Ohio State one hundred and 177 00:10:24,200 --> 00:10:28,160 Speaker 2: ten yards yesterday in the lost of Minnesota. Dylan Gabriel 178 00:10:28,280 --> 00:10:31,120 Speaker 2: is in a quarterback now. He looked okay in his 179 00:10:31,280 --> 00:10:35,280 Speaker 2: NFL debut yesterday. Mason Graham, their first round pick out 180 00:10:35,280 --> 00:10:38,600 Speaker 2: of Michigan, jumps right in and starts at defensive tackle. 181 00:10:38,640 --> 00:10:42,920 Speaker 2: Although you got Harmon doing that here too in Pittsburgh. 182 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:46,520 Speaker 2: But mostly when you compare that to the Steelers that 183 00:10:47,200 --> 00:10:54,559 Speaker 2: confidence in talented rookies. The Steelers have taken Caleb Johnson 184 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:59,000 Speaker 2: and Roman Wilson their last two third round picks and 185 00:10:59,080 --> 00:11:01,920 Speaker 2: put them on the side of pilk Cartons. And why 186 00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:05,840 Speaker 2: so Kenneth Gainwell and Jalen Warren could start at running back. 187 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:09,000 Speaker 2: Gainewell had four starts in four years before this year. 188 00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:15,000 Speaker 2: Warren had no starts in three seasons, but their veterans 189 00:11:16,080 --> 00:11:20,640 Speaker 2: kind of second string veterans, and the Steelers brought and 190 00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:24,640 Speaker 2: Broderick Jones and ruined him, drafted him in the first 191 00:11:24,760 --> 00:11:28,079 Speaker 2: round and ruined him, moved him the right tackle, made 192 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:31,600 Speaker 2: him a swing tackle, did the dozy doe positionally, which 193 00:11:32,160 --> 00:11:35,240 Speaker 2: I think messed him up mentally and certainly confidence wise. 194 00:11:35,760 --> 00:11:38,079 Speaker 2: And why do they do it? So Dan Moore junior, 195 00:11:38,520 --> 00:11:42,880 Speaker 2: a slug could keep playing. A veteran keep playing and 196 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:48,160 Speaker 2: keep sucking. And if Johnson Wilson Jones aren't good enough, 197 00:11:48,160 --> 00:11:51,200 Speaker 2: and I hear some Steelers stooge media say. 198 00:11:51,080 --> 00:11:53,120 Speaker 1: That, well, just not good enough. What they're supposed to do. 199 00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:54,720 Speaker 3: Well. 200 00:11:54,760 --> 00:11:57,599 Speaker 2: If they're just not good enough to draft better players. 201 00:11:58,120 --> 00:12:00,840 Speaker 2: If they're not good enough, that doesn't speak well. If 202 00:12:00,840 --> 00:12:06,040 Speaker 2: the Steelers drafting and developing. If Stefanski coached these Steelers, 203 00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:11,680 Speaker 2: that team could really go places. The Steelers might win 204 00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:13,680 Speaker 2: the division this year and might win a playoff game 205 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:17,840 Speaker 2: under Tomlin. But Tomlin and the organization are clueless, and 206 00:12:17,880 --> 00:12:21,160 Speaker 2: part of it is no risk, it, no biscuit. 207 00:12:22,280 --> 00:12:24,079 Speaker 1: The Steelers settle for the Mushi middle. 208 00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:29,440 Speaker 2: Having a non losing season the Steelers almost always play 209 00:12:29,480 --> 00:12:33,080 Speaker 2: it safe with veterans that there are exceptions, like na 210 00:12:33,160 --> 00:12:38,920 Speaker 2: Gie Harris Harmon this year, but they are exceptions, and 211 00:12:39,520 --> 00:12:42,880 Speaker 2: they imagine their method to be a lot more complicated 212 00:12:42,920 --> 00:12:45,160 Speaker 2: than it is. I think it's one of the easiest 213 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:47,960 Speaker 2: ways to play football. It's Neanderthal, it's prehistoric, it's Pop 214 00:12:48,000 --> 00:12:49,440 Speaker 2: Warner stuff their scheme. 215 00:12:51,400 --> 00:12:52,400 Speaker 1: If not for. 216 00:12:54,240 --> 00:12:56,480 Speaker 2: What they lost in the Watson trade, all them first 217 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:59,640 Speaker 2: round picks, the Bronze would be better than the Steelers 218 00:12:59,640 --> 00:13:02,240 Speaker 2: in no time at all, and I'm not sure it 219 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:03,240 Speaker 2: won't happen anyway. 220 00:13:04,920 --> 00:13:08,760 Speaker 1: Let's go real quick to Dennis. Dennis, what's up, hey. 221 00:13:08,559 --> 00:13:09,640 Speaker 2: Mark, how you doing great? 222 00:13:10,040 --> 00:13:10,880 Speaker 4: Real quick question? 223 00:13:11,080 --> 00:13:16,000 Speaker 5: In college coaches contracts, for the reasons they can get fired, 224 00:13:16,120 --> 00:13:18,440 Speaker 5: is losing a certain amount? 225 00:13:18,679 --> 00:13:21,320 Speaker 4: Do they put those sort of clauses in there? 226 00:13:21,440 --> 00:13:22,680 Speaker 1: I would dot that very much. 227 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:25,959 Speaker 2: I think they would get win bonuses if anything, and 228 00:13:26,040 --> 00:13:26,880 Speaker 2: probably not even that. 229 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:27,800 Speaker 1: No, I don't think so. 230 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:31,680 Speaker 4: Which you'd think they would put that in there protect 231 00:13:31,720 --> 00:13:32,400 Speaker 4: their downside. 232 00:13:32,480 --> 00:13:34,280 Speaker 2: It's gonna cost a lot of money to get rid 233 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:35,800 Speaker 2: of Franklin, but I think at the end of this 234 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:38,199 Speaker 2: year it's gonna be a tough choice. 235 00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:40,240 Speaker 1: But let's let's see how the rest of the season goes. 236 00:13:40,280 --> 00:13:43,920 Speaker 2: But like I said, losing the UCLA is a fireable 237 00:13:43,920 --> 00:13:46,760 Speaker 2: offense in and of itself. And if they fired him now, 238 00:13:47,120 --> 00:13:49,800 Speaker 2: I don't think it would help, but I wouldn't blame him. 239 00:13:49,920 --> 00:13:53,240 Speaker 1: Matt Williams The next one oh five to nine, the 240 00:13:53,280 --> 00:13:56,520 Speaker 1: only show weekday mornings at six wherever you are and. 241 00:13:56,520 --> 00:13:59,800 Speaker 2: Totally free on the iHeartRadio app one. 242 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:03,720 Speaker 1: Here's what's trending from the Iheartsports Network, presented by Matthews, 243 00:14:03,760 --> 00:14:04,880 Speaker 1: Wallanker and Waterproofing. 244 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:07,040 Speaker 3: We'll start with football, where Week five of the NFL 245 00:14:07,080 --> 00:14:10,000 Speaker 3: season will wrap up tonight. It's an AFC clash between 246 00:14:10,040 --> 00:14:12,640 Speaker 3: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jags on 247 00:14:12,679 --> 00:14:15,599 Speaker 3: Monday Night Football. With their bye weekend the books, the 248 00:14:15,640 --> 00:14:18,840 Speaker 3: Steelers are now preparing to host rookie quarterback Dylan Gabriel 249 00:14:18,960 --> 00:14:21,520 Speaker 3: and the Browns that one Sunday, and the Pucks about 250 00:14:21,520 --> 00:14:24,400 Speaker 3: to drop on the NHL season. Penguins will visit former 251 00:14:24,440 --> 00:14:27,440 Speaker 3: boss Mike Sullivan and the Rangers. It's Tomorrow night. I'm 252 00:14:27,440 --> 00:14:28,360 Speaker 3: Scott David said. 253 00:14:28,520 --> 00:14:30,800 Speaker 1: If you're selling your home and have a wet basement 254 00:14:30,920 --> 00:14:34,480 Speaker 1: or cracks in your walls. Call Matthews because it's true. 255 00:14:34,680 --> 00:14:35,560 Speaker 1: It's damn true. 256 00:14:35,600 --> 00:14:38,600 Speaker 4: Hey, Mark, love the show. Thank you for making my day. 257 00:14:38,760 --> 00:14:41,400 Speaker 1: Yeah, the exit one oh five nine. 258 00:14:42,680 --> 00:14:45,800 Speaker 2: Steelers hosting Cleveland on Sunday. They're a four and a 259 00:14:45,800 --> 00:14:47,680 Speaker 2: half point favorite. Joining me out to talk about that 260 00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:50,960 Speaker 2: game and about the NFL, it's our football guru pro 261 00:14:51,080 --> 00:14:55,080 Speaker 2: and college Scott Matt Williamson. Matt, like I said, Steelers 262 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:58,760 Speaker 2: play Cleveland, is it just mearors Cleveland getting better? 263 00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:00,880 Speaker 1: I felt like they could have beaten a Sody yesterday. 264 00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:05,600 Speaker 4: Yeah, one hundred percent agree. And I think there's actually 265 00:15:05,640 --> 00:15:09,360 Speaker 4: some reason for optimism in Cleveland. I mean, they have 266 00:15:09,480 --> 00:15:12,880 Speaker 4: played the most rookie snaps of any team in the league. 267 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:16,640 Speaker 4: I don't know what to think of Gabriel after one shouting, 268 00:15:16,760 --> 00:15:20,000 Speaker 4: but he didn't, you know, look terrible. And a lot 269 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:22,440 Speaker 4: of their rookie class is playing well. They have a 270 00:15:22,520 --> 00:15:25,360 Speaker 4: really really good defense. And I was talking about this 271 00:15:25,400 --> 00:15:29,400 Speaker 4: on the drive earlier today that considering where the division 272 00:15:29,480 --> 00:15:32,200 Speaker 4: is right now, I actually think the Browns are the 273 00:15:32,280 --> 00:15:34,920 Speaker 4: second best team right this minute in the division. 274 00:15:35,480 --> 00:15:37,560 Speaker 2: I agree, right the second, I think they're number two 275 00:15:37,600 --> 00:15:40,680 Speaker 2: behind the Steelers. You didn't mention Judkins at running back, 276 00:15:40,720 --> 00:15:44,440 Speaker 2: but he's doing well carrying the ball, and it makes 277 00:15:44,480 --> 00:15:46,840 Speaker 2: me wonder if Caleb Johnson should get more carries for 278 00:15:46,880 --> 00:15:50,600 Speaker 2: the Steelers. It's not like Johnson sitting behind Franco and Rocky, 279 00:15:50,680 --> 00:15:50,880 Speaker 2: is it. 280 00:15:52,160 --> 00:15:55,000 Speaker 4: No, that's true, and I'll be honest. I mean, when 281 00:15:55,000 --> 00:15:58,120 Speaker 4: I did the pregame show in Dublin, as soon as 282 00:15:58,200 --> 00:16:01,920 Speaker 4: he was announced that Warren was inactive, I thought, maybe 283 00:16:01,920 --> 00:16:04,720 Speaker 4: they'll just take Caleb Johnson and give them twenty carries 284 00:16:04,760 --> 00:16:06,240 Speaker 4: and throw them in the deep end and see how 285 00:16:06,280 --> 00:16:09,360 Speaker 4: it goes. Because I didn't think gain Well getting that 286 00:16:09,440 --> 00:16:13,120 Speaker 4: kind of workload made much sense. Now that sounds foolish. 287 00:16:13,120 --> 00:16:15,680 Speaker 4: I shouldn't admit those things because they only needed them 288 00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:17,640 Speaker 4: really for one game. And then there's the buy and 289 00:16:17,720 --> 00:16:20,400 Speaker 4: it sounds like Warren is on at least on pace 290 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:23,280 Speaker 4: to get back in the mix. But I can pretty 291 00:16:23,320 --> 00:16:26,240 Speaker 4: much promise you at some point this year they're gonna 292 00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:29,800 Speaker 4: have to at least turn to Johnson in some capacity, 293 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:31,680 Speaker 4: and it'd be nice to know what you have in 294 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:32,040 Speaker 4: the guy. 295 00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:32,680 Speaker 3: See. 296 00:16:32,720 --> 00:16:38,280 Speaker 2: I don't understand the attachment to Gainwell and Warren. Neither 297 00:16:38,560 --> 00:16:42,080 Speaker 2: was a proven starter during their entire combined NFL ten 298 00:16:42,160 --> 00:16:45,520 Speaker 2: years before, and again I look at Judkins, I look 299 00:16:45,560 --> 00:16:48,600 Speaker 2: at Johnson being a better fit for that offense than 300 00:16:48,640 --> 00:16:51,800 Speaker 2: two third dombacks. I just don't see the logic in 301 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:52,800 Speaker 2: the Steelers approach. 302 00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:58,560 Speaker 4: I hear what you're saying, and I wonder if it's 303 00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:01,040 Speaker 4: just an indictment on Johnson, you know, like if what 304 00:17:01,160 --> 00:17:02,040 Speaker 4: they've seen. 305 00:17:02,000 --> 00:17:06,200 Speaker 2: Awful early to conclude that Matt, what's that awful. 306 00:17:05,880 --> 00:17:06,919 Speaker 1: Early to conclude that. 307 00:17:07,920 --> 00:17:10,439 Speaker 4: Yeah, And I'm not saying he's a bust. He stinks 308 00:17:10,480 --> 00:17:13,600 Speaker 4: he's never going to be any good. But the thing 309 00:17:13,640 --> 00:17:16,159 Speaker 4: that always there's two things that keep rookie, you know, 310 00:17:16,240 --> 00:17:19,760 Speaker 4: good running backs off the field is either they struggle 311 00:17:19,760 --> 00:17:22,760 Speaker 4: in protection or they fumble a lot, or you can't 312 00:17:22,760 --> 00:17:25,280 Speaker 4: be relied on in those capacities. And I just wonder 313 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:28,680 Speaker 4: if they don't trust them in protection because at Iowa 314 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:31,439 Speaker 4: he did very very little of it, and like backs 315 00:17:31,440 --> 00:17:34,560 Speaker 4: on backers and things like that, where he was overwhelmed. 316 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:36,680 Speaker 4: But I'm not sure how else you figure it out. 317 00:17:36,800 --> 00:17:39,320 Speaker 4: I Mean, he's a negma to me because I do 318 00:17:39,440 --> 00:17:41,960 Speaker 4: like the player, I like the draft pick, but for 319 00:17:42,119 --> 00:17:45,440 Speaker 4: him to be successful, he needs a lot of carries. 320 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:48,000 Speaker 4: He needs a lot of snaps, But how do you 321 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:51,120 Speaker 4: give that to him now, not knowing where he is, 322 00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:53,280 Speaker 4: you know, and you don't need him right this minute. 323 00:17:53,720 --> 00:17:55,040 Speaker 1: Yeah, but maybe you do, Matt. 324 00:17:55,119 --> 00:17:57,960 Speaker 2: It's like the bronze playing rookies, no riskt no biscuit. 325 00:17:58,000 --> 00:18:00,639 Speaker 2: They're taking chances to try to get now they're in 326 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:01,720 Speaker 2: a different situation. 327 00:18:01,840 --> 00:18:03,640 Speaker 1: I guess with the much younger team. 328 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:08,120 Speaker 4: That's the thing is. I mean, the Browns goals are 329 00:18:08,160 --> 00:18:10,480 Speaker 4: I mean after the Watching trade, They've had like no 330 00:18:10,680 --> 00:18:13,320 Speaker 4: draft picks for three years in a row until this one, 331 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:16,879 Speaker 4: so they finally have a young base to start growing 332 00:18:16,920 --> 00:18:19,720 Speaker 4: on and they don't have Kem Hayward and Watt and 333 00:18:19,840 --> 00:18:21,880 Speaker 4: Rogers and all these older guys that they are trying 334 00:18:21,920 --> 00:18:25,040 Speaker 4: to win now. But your points valid on Johnson. I mean, 335 00:18:25,640 --> 00:18:27,960 Speaker 4: the bottom line is you just wish you knew more 336 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:32,200 Speaker 4: pretty well into October now, and you know basically the 337 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:33,679 Speaker 4: same thing you do when you drafted the. 338 00:18:33,680 --> 00:18:38,880 Speaker 2: Guy, Matt. The Steelers should be Cleveland. I think it'll 339 00:18:38,880 --> 00:18:41,080 Speaker 2: be tight and I think they'll win. And the Steelers 340 00:18:41,160 --> 00:18:44,399 Speaker 2: Joseph Darnell Washington, tight end and the extra line than 341 00:18:44,440 --> 00:18:45,440 Speaker 2: with Spencer Anderson. 342 00:18:45,840 --> 00:18:47,560 Speaker 1: I think that's going to contain Miles Garrett. 343 00:18:47,600 --> 00:18:51,800 Speaker 2: Minnesota did that sum too yesterday to a degree, and 344 00:18:51,920 --> 00:18:54,680 Speaker 2: Garrett's instinct is to go way wide when he's lined 345 00:18:54,760 --> 00:18:55,240 Speaker 2: up wide. 346 00:18:55,560 --> 00:18:57,119 Speaker 1: I'm not sure he has a change up when he 347 00:18:57,160 --> 00:18:57,800 Speaker 1: lines up there. 348 00:18:59,680 --> 00:19:03,119 Speaker 4: I'll say about Garrett, he's playing better now than he 349 00:19:03,200 --> 00:19:06,800 Speaker 4: ever has, which is an amazing accomplishment. He wasn't phenomenal 350 00:19:06,840 --> 00:19:09,800 Speaker 4: in London, but up until that game, he's been far 351 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:11,639 Speaker 4: and away the best defensive player in the league. 352 00:19:11,680 --> 00:19:12,160 Speaker 1: No question. 353 00:19:12,520 --> 00:19:16,040 Speaker 4: They they have a great defense, and they'll move them around. 354 00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:19,120 Speaker 4: But I'm with you. I think in a game like this, 355 00:19:19,840 --> 00:19:22,080 Speaker 4: which I do expect to be closer than people think, 356 00:19:22,119 --> 00:19:24,879 Speaker 4: and I have some you know, good vibes coming out 357 00:19:24,920 --> 00:19:28,159 Speaker 4: of Cleveland that I would do everything possible just to 358 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:33,360 Speaker 4: be super physical. Employ that sixth offensive line Washington package, 359 00:19:33,800 --> 00:19:35,760 Speaker 4: see what they can do about it. Because they want 360 00:19:35,760 --> 00:19:37,760 Speaker 4: to play a nickel a lot. They're not going to 361 00:19:37,800 --> 00:19:40,159 Speaker 4: be a nickel against that big of a beefy set. 362 00:19:40,720 --> 00:19:43,280 Speaker 4: And if you can have that many big bodies, especially 363 00:19:43,280 --> 00:19:46,199 Speaker 4: on Garrett's side, it makes all the sense in the 364 00:19:46,200 --> 00:19:46,679 Speaker 4: world to me. 365 00:19:46,760 --> 00:19:51,040 Speaker 2: With this group, it is very uh Germaine to do 366 00:19:51,119 --> 00:19:51,960 Speaker 2: that in this game. 367 00:19:52,080 --> 00:19:53,159 Speaker 1: I agree, Yeah, but. 368 00:19:55,480 --> 00:19:58,040 Speaker 4: Her too. I mean, if Austin's heard, maybe have one 369 00:19:58,600 --> 00:20:00,760 Speaker 4: one receiver on the field to hype percent of the time. 370 00:20:01,080 --> 00:20:04,560 Speaker 2: But that said, and agreed upon, friar Mouth and John 371 00:20:04,640 --> 00:20:07,119 Speaker 2: and were disappearing. I did not see that coming. 372 00:20:08,480 --> 00:20:14,439 Speaker 4: I didn't either, And I think friar Mouth blowing the 373 00:20:14,440 --> 00:20:18,080 Speaker 4: field goal protection assignment and put him in the doghouse. 374 00:20:18,200 --> 00:20:21,800 Speaker 4: But still his usage over the last basically during the 375 00:20:21,920 --> 00:20:27,040 Speaker 4: Arthur Smith era isn't a resounding, you know, vote of 376 00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:29,480 Speaker 4: confidence that they love the guy. I mean, he's a 377 00:20:29,480 --> 00:20:33,679 Speaker 4: below average blocker, a good player, but not a special player. 378 00:20:33,880 --> 00:20:35,920 Speaker 2: They shouldn't have kept him, Matt, they shouldn't have kept 379 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:37,520 Speaker 2: him at that price. Same with high Smith. 380 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:41,280 Speaker 4: Really, I wonder if both those guys could be had 381 00:20:41,320 --> 00:20:43,440 Speaker 4: in trade in the off season. I mean, not now, 382 00:20:43,640 --> 00:20:46,520 Speaker 4: not before the deadline. John, who I don't know what 383 00:20:46,560 --> 00:20:49,479 Speaker 4: to think of. I still have high hopes for him 384 00:20:49,520 --> 00:20:52,640 Speaker 4: as a mismatch receiver, and he hasn't been here long 385 00:20:52,760 --> 00:20:55,720 Speaker 4: enough for me to really write his book. I think 386 00:20:55,800 --> 00:20:59,320 Speaker 4: that the Austin injury might open up some more opportunities 387 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:02,280 Speaker 4: for him to make you run fifteen more routes than 388 00:21:02,280 --> 00:21:02,640 Speaker 4: he did. 389 00:21:04,400 --> 00:21:07,240 Speaker 1: Now, what about Roman Wilson, who can't get on the field. 390 00:21:07,840 --> 00:21:10,320 Speaker 2: He's not backing up Swan and Stalwarth, He's backing up 391 00:21:10,359 --> 00:21:12,080 Speaker 2: Schronic and Miller at this point. 392 00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:17,600 Speaker 4: Yeah, and when Austin got injured, it was pretty close 393 00:21:17,680 --> 00:21:22,000 Speaker 4: to a one for one replacement in Dublin of Miller 394 00:21:22,160 --> 00:21:25,119 Speaker 4: just being the backup. Miller just became Austin, which I 395 00:21:25,160 --> 00:21:27,920 Speaker 4: didn't think was a resounding you go to conference for 396 00:21:28,000 --> 00:21:32,639 Speaker 4: Wilson either. However, I think they view Wilson as only 397 00:21:32,680 --> 00:21:35,600 Speaker 4: a slot So if there's only two receivers on the 398 00:21:35,600 --> 00:21:40,080 Speaker 4: field and he's not an outside guy, and they rarely 399 00:21:40,160 --> 00:21:46,800 Speaker 4: used three receivers against the Vikings, so I leaned towards 400 00:21:46,800 --> 00:21:49,320 Speaker 4: he's disappointing. I mean because, like you said, the people 401 00:21:49,320 --> 00:21:51,720 Speaker 4: ahead of him on the depth chart just aren't great. 402 00:21:52,600 --> 00:21:56,639 Speaker 4: But he also just doesn't His usage isn't great for 403 00:21:56,720 --> 00:21:58,600 Speaker 4: this offense because they're never in three y. 404 00:22:00,560 --> 00:22:03,600 Speaker 1: Now four games in. Is the O line any better? 405 00:22:03,680 --> 00:22:06,520 Speaker 2: Do you see anything tangible you can cite Matt or 406 00:22:06,600 --> 00:22:09,160 Speaker 2: is it just strengthen numbers with Washington and Anderson. 407 00:22:11,320 --> 00:22:14,520 Speaker 4: I would say the starting five had their best day 408 00:22:15,440 --> 00:22:19,639 Speaker 4: in the last game, so that's encouraging. I think both 409 00:22:19,720 --> 00:22:24,359 Speaker 4: tackles have been up and down and a little more 410 00:22:24,359 --> 00:22:28,200 Speaker 4: disappointing than I had hoped, although I think Broderick's straightening 411 00:22:28,240 --> 00:22:31,760 Speaker 4: things out, and I do have a lot of confidence 412 00:22:31,760 --> 00:22:33,760 Speaker 4: at Falton, Who's going to be a really, really good 413 00:22:33,760 --> 00:22:38,080 Speaker 4: player the interior. I was hoping Fraser would even be 414 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:41,000 Speaker 4: a little more dominant at this point. He's still good, 415 00:22:41,040 --> 00:22:43,240 Speaker 4: but he's not looking like the best center in the league. 416 00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:46,560 Speaker 2: He has some trouble with Snarks, doesn't he. With the shotgun. 417 00:22:47,600 --> 00:22:50,680 Speaker 4: That's always an issue. I mean, I do that show 418 00:22:50,720 --> 00:22:53,919 Speaker 4: with Wes Yueler, who's a massive WBU fan, and he 419 00:22:53,960 --> 00:22:56,879 Speaker 4: said Fraser three or four times a year WBU would 420 00:22:57,200 --> 00:23:00,159 Speaker 4: botch a shotgun snap. That might just be something get 421 00:23:00,240 --> 00:23:02,800 Speaker 4: used to with them now. I also think the running 422 00:23:02,840 --> 00:23:04,960 Speaker 4: game got a little more diverse, you know. I think 423 00:23:04,960 --> 00:23:08,360 Speaker 4: that they started calling a wider variety of run plays. 424 00:23:09,040 --> 00:23:12,840 Speaker 4: So that, to me is helpful because I think Arthur 425 00:23:12,880 --> 00:23:15,880 Speaker 4: Smith was way too married to the outside zone. 426 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:18,560 Speaker 2: We're talking to our football Grouu, Matt Williamson, and he's 427 00:23:18,560 --> 00:23:20,480 Speaker 2: brought to us by the Steelers Pro Shop Get it 428 00:23:20,520 --> 00:23:23,600 Speaker 2: direct from the team at shop dot Steelers dot com. 429 00:23:23,680 --> 00:23:26,920 Speaker 2: Matt are the Steelers now heavy favorites doing the AFC North. 430 00:23:26,960 --> 00:23:29,640 Speaker 2: The bookies don't think so, but I feel like ten 431 00:23:29,680 --> 00:23:32,000 Speaker 2: and seven now would be a lock to win it. 432 00:23:32,200 --> 00:23:34,280 Speaker 2: And they're still going to play six division games against 433 00:23:34,320 --> 00:23:36,560 Speaker 2: teams that look pretty much terrible. 434 00:23:37,840 --> 00:23:41,399 Speaker 4: I'm a little baffled that the Ravens are still the 435 00:23:42,280 --> 00:23:43,320 Speaker 4: favorite in Vegas. 436 00:23:43,560 --> 00:23:45,200 Speaker 1: I think it's what happened last year. 437 00:23:45,240 --> 00:23:48,400 Speaker 4: Matt, I get it, I get it, but I mean, 438 00:23:48,440 --> 00:23:50,679 Speaker 4: they're in such a hole right now. And here's what 439 00:23:50,760 --> 00:23:53,240 Speaker 4: the Ravens have in store. They got to play the 440 00:23:53,320 --> 00:23:57,280 Speaker 4: Rams this upcoming week, which I assume they'll be a 441 00:23:57,320 --> 00:24:00,320 Speaker 4: ten point dog because Lamar is not playing a lot 442 00:24:00,320 --> 00:24:02,800 Speaker 4: of those guys that they were missing aren't there, probably 443 00:24:02,840 --> 00:24:05,600 Speaker 4: not going to come back. Maybe a few do. But 444 00:24:05,720 --> 00:24:08,480 Speaker 4: then they go into a buy, which is going to 445 00:24:08,520 --> 00:24:11,119 Speaker 4: be so needed for them, and the rest of their 446 00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:13,480 Speaker 4: schedule is pretty soft if you look at the Ravens 447 00:24:13,520 --> 00:24:16,879 Speaker 4: schedule post by and obviously it heats up in a 448 00:24:16,920 --> 00:24:20,440 Speaker 4: wrong way for the Steelers, but still, I mean, if 449 00:24:20,440 --> 00:24:25,000 Speaker 4: the Steelers win four division games, which seems like almost 450 00:24:25,040 --> 00:24:28,200 Speaker 4: like a lock at this point, if not more, how 451 00:24:28,200 --> 00:24:30,840 Speaker 4: do they not win the division? From where they're sitting now. 452 00:24:31,880 --> 00:24:34,520 Speaker 2: Yeah, I totally agree, And I wonder too if it's 453 00:24:34,560 --> 00:24:36,400 Speaker 2: not too early to think about the number one seed 454 00:24:36,440 --> 00:24:38,760 Speaker 2: in the AFC, because you don't have to be the 455 00:24:38,800 --> 00:24:43,000 Speaker 2: best team to get it. And right now the Stanley's 456 00:24:43,040 --> 00:24:47,919 Speaker 2: reflect the possibility and they play Buffalo at Aquashore on 457 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:48,760 Speaker 2: November thirties. 458 00:24:48,840 --> 00:24:49,840 Speaker 1: What if it's in play then? 459 00:24:51,200 --> 00:24:52,920 Speaker 4: Yeah, I hadn't thought of that angle. That was a 460 00:24:52,920 --> 00:24:54,920 Speaker 4: little more ambitious than I was even going to go. 461 00:24:54,960 --> 00:24:57,800 Speaker 2: Oh, I'm probably full of crap, but the mathematics dictated 462 00:24:57,840 --> 00:24:58,840 Speaker 2: something least possible. 463 00:24:59,720 --> 00:25:02,800 Speaker 4: No, you're not wrong, and especially with the Bills losing 464 00:25:02,880 --> 00:25:06,360 Speaker 4: last night. Like to me, the Bills had a stranglehold 465 00:25:06,400 --> 00:25:08,720 Speaker 4: on that number one season until last now, I hope, 466 00:25:09,800 --> 00:25:12,359 Speaker 4: until last night. But they're still probably gonna win their 467 00:25:12,400 --> 00:25:15,840 Speaker 4: division with ease hear to any other team in the AFC. 468 00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:18,440 Speaker 4: I am a little curious to see what Kansas City 469 00:25:18,440 --> 00:25:20,960 Speaker 4: looks like tonight, though, too. I have a feeling they're 470 00:25:21,040 --> 00:25:21,960 Speaker 4: about to erupt. 471 00:25:23,440 --> 00:25:25,560 Speaker 1: Yeah, I don't know. I think Jacksonville looks pretty good. 472 00:25:25,640 --> 00:25:28,600 Speaker 2: Jacksonville finally, after years of not they played with a 473 00:25:28,600 --> 00:25:29,360 Speaker 2: little bit of edge. 474 00:25:29,440 --> 00:25:31,720 Speaker 1: So I don't know. I think that game's up for grabs. 475 00:25:32,640 --> 00:25:35,200 Speaker 4: Yeah, me too, But I do think Kansas City could 476 00:25:35,880 --> 00:25:38,640 Speaker 4: end up being fourteen and three when it's all said 477 00:25:38,640 --> 00:25:40,239 Speaker 4: and done, and do what they always do. 478 00:25:40,400 --> 00:25:43,160 Speaker 1: Yeah, I don't see it, but tonight we'll tell a tale. 479 00:25:43,480 --> 00:25:44,720 Speaker 1: Are there are there? 480 00:25:44,880 --> 00:25:45,000 Speaker 2: Like? 481 00:25:45,080 --> 00:25:46,080 Speaker 1: That brings up this question? 482 00:25:46,119 --> 00:25:48,840 Speaker 2: Are there are any great teams in the AFC besides Buffalo? 483 00:25:49,119 --> 00:25:52,000 Speaker 2: The LA charters have flashed back into their pan. I 484 00:25:52,040 --> 00:25:55,040 Speaker 2: certainly don't believe in Indie just yet. It feels like 485 00:25:55,119 --> 00:25:58,200 Speaker 2: the conference is up for grabs because of Baltimore being 486 00:25:58,240 --> 00:25:59,920 Speaker 2: in such decline. 487 00:26:00,200 --> 00:26:02,640 Speaker 4: One thousand percent. And I'm with you on the Chargers. 488 00:26:02,720 --> 00:26:05,120 Speaker 4: I think the beginning of the end is near. Their 489 00:26:05,119 --> 00:26:08,360 Speaker 4: offensive line just keeps losing a guy every week, and 490 00:26:08,440 --> 00:26:11,640 Speaker 4: Herbert's just under way too much stress and pressure. Right now, 491 00:26:12,720 --> 00:26:16,080 Speaker 4: we actually went through the AFC, And who would you 492 00:26:16,119 --> 00:26:19,200 Speaker 4: say is definitively better than the Steelers right now? I 493 00:26:19,640 --> 00:26:22,280 Speaker 4: still would say that the Chiefs and Bills to me, 494 00:26:22,600 --> 00:26:27,160 Speaker 4: probably Indie and Denver maybe you know, And then after 495 00:26:27,200 --> 00:26:29,439 Speaker 4: that and I'm not sure that the Steelers could hang 496 00:26:29,480 --> 00:26:30,200 Speaker 4: with Indie or Denver. 497 00:26:30,480 --> 00:26:32,280 Speaker 2: Well, we talk about the top seed. I think the 498 00:26:32,280 --> 00:26:34,760 Speaker 2: Steelers are in good shape to get like the three seed. 499 00:26:36,720 --> 00:26:39,280 Speaker 4: Yes, yes, I mean the fact that they're going back 500 00:26:39,280 --> 00:26:41,359 Speaker 4: to what we talked about before, that they're not the 501 00:26:42,359 --> 00:26:47,240 Speaker 4: odds on you know, division winner champions for Vegas is 502 00:26:47,280 --> 00:26:51,400 Speaker 4: odd to me because that gets you probably the three 503 00:26:51,440 --> 00:26:52,720 Speaker 4: seed if you win a division. 504 00:26:54,080 --> 00:26:57,680 Speaker 2: Now, yeah, I totally agree that if you want to 505 00:26:57,720 --> 00:27:00,160 Speaker 2: win a playoff game, if that's the big priority, which 506 00:27:00,200 --> 00:27:02,399 Speaker 2: it is, you don't want to play that roulette by 507 00:27:02,440 --> 00:27:05,320 Speaker 2: having an away game in the wild card. You got 508 00:27:05,359 --> 00:27:08,240 Speaker 2: to give yourself better right now. 509 00:27:08,280 --> 00:27:11,680 Speaker 4: I don't love that the Steelers have such an early buy, 510 00:27:12,040 --> 00:27:16,120 Speaker 4: you know. I mean it's rosy right now and early October, 511 00:27:16,200 --> 00:27:19,560 Speaker 4: and we're getting all these reports that Porter and high 512 00:27:19,600 --> 00:27:22,720 Speaker 4: Smith and Warren should all be back, and that's great. 513 00:27:22,960 --> 00:27:26,000 Speaker 4: But come week twelve, if you're riddled by injuries and 514 00:27:26,040 --> 00:27:29,120 Speaker 4: you're an older team and the meat or your schedule 515 00:27:29,240 --> 00:27:31,960 Speaker 4: is there, we may have a real different tune. I'm 516 00:27:32,080 --> 00:27:32,800 Speaker 4: predicting it. 517 00:27:32,840 --> 00:27:35,200 Speaker 2: If it's early for a team like this, Matt, it's 518 00:27:35,240 --> 00:27:36,879 Speaker 2: like that buy never happened. 519 00:27:37,520 --> 00:27:39,679 Speaker 4: Right exactly. I mean, is Cam Hayward going to be 520 00:27:39,680 --> 00:27:41,840 Speaker 4: thrilled today to buy you know, two months from now? 521 00:27:41,920 --> 00:27:44,040 Speaker 4: I mean, that's gonna be water on the bridge. 522 00:27:44,080 --> 00:27:46,440 Speaker 2: Matt that it's surprise you that a practice today high 523 00:27:46,440 --> 00:27:49,000 Speaker 2: Smith went right back running with the first team. Because 524 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:51,880 Speaker 2: I'm liking her Big, I don't think you should start. 525 00:27:51,920 --> 00:27:53,320 Speaker 2: But I'm liking Jack Sawyer too. 526 00:27:54,920 --> 00:27:57,080 Speaker 4: Yeah. To me, Sawyer is not even in the conversation 527 00:27:57,160 --> 00:27:57,760 Speaker 4: with those guys. 528 00:27:57,760 --> 00:27:59,600 Speaker 2: No, no, not not to start, but I don't mind 529 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:00,600 Speaker 2: him getting snaps. 530 00:28:01,520 --> 00:28:03,639 Speaker 4: No, And he's been a little better and more useful 531 00:28:03,680 --> 00:28:06,520 Speaker 4: than I expected. And I would assume he still is 532 00:28:06,560 --> 00:28:09,920 Speaker 4: in the mix to some degree. Boy, I'm blown away 533 00:28:09,920 --> 00:28:13,400 Speaker 4: by Herbig though. I mean, every time he gets an opportunity, 534 00:28:14,000 --> 00:28:17,560 Speaker 4: he thrives. And I know this might be blasphemous, but 535 00:28:17,600 --> 00:28:20,000 Speaker 4: Herbig might be their best pass rusher. 536 00:28:19,800 --> 00:28:21,800 Speaker 1: Period on the whole teeth he might be so. 537 00:28:21,880 --> 00:28:26,480 Speaker 4: Far he's that effective. And you know, getting ahead of 538 00:28:26,480 --> 00:28:30,480 Speaker 4: ourselves a little. The Browns left tackle situation, it's hideous. 539 00:28:30,560 --> 00:28:32,880 Speaker 4: I mean, that's the weakest spot probably on their entire 540 00:28:32,920 --> 00:28:33,959 Speaker 4: team as left tackle. 541 00:28:35,280 --> 00:28:37,240 Speaker 2: Well, I'm sure you were where a Matt in the business, 542 00:28:37,240 --> 00:28:39,680 Speaker 2: we've chosen getting ahead of ourselves is the best thing 543 00:28:39,720 --> 00:28:40,200 Speaker 2: we can do. 544 00:28:42,280 --> 00:28:44,320 Speaker 1: What do they do now in the defensive back that 545 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:45,360 Speaker 1: without Ramsey? 546 00:28:45,720 --> 00:28:48,160 Speaker 2: Because I think they have adequate depth but he's the 547 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:50,440 Speaker 2: Swiss army knife, and I think he kind of dials 548 00:28:50,480 --> 00:28:52,400 Speaker 2: back their defensive playbooks. 549 00:28:51,840 --> 00:28:54,760 Speaker 4: Some a little bit. I mean that was the beauty 550 00:28:54,800 --> 00:28:56,880 Speaker 4: of trading for him, as it really opened the defensive 551 00:28:56,880 --> 00:29:00,720 Speaker 4: playbook heavily right exact order will come back. I mean, 552 00:29:00,800 --> 00:29:04,560 Speaker 4: this week, it doesn't bother me a ton because rookie quarterback. 553 00:29:05,080 --> 00:29:08,200 Speaker 4: If you watch how they played, almost everything went to 554 00:29:08,240 --> 00:29:12,000 Speaker 4: the tight ends. But two weeks from now you get Cincinnati, 555 00:29:12,040 --> 00:29:13,680 Speaker 4: and I know that they're a train wreck and they 556 00:29:13,720 --> 00:29:16,479 Speaker 4: look worse than the Ravens possibly, but they have two 557 00:29:16,520 --> 00:29:18,840 Speaker 4: big time receivers, and I would sure like Ramsey in 558 00:29:18,840 --> 00:29:22,040 Speaker 4: that mix, because, no matter what, Chase and Higgins are 559 00:29:22,400 --> 00:29:27,600 Speaker 4: really valuable. I think getting quarterback to counteract losing Ramsey 560 00:29:28,400 --> 00:29:30,480 Speaker 4: it makes you pretty decent. And the safeties are in 561 00:29:30,480 --> 00:29:32,840 Speaker 4: a little bit better spot than they've been. I think 562 00:29:32,880 --> 00:29:36,000 Speaker 4: Eccles is a quality player. Yes, now, Ramsey's their best 563 00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:38,920 Speaker 4: defensive back and it'll certainly be missed, but I would 564 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:41,680 Speaker 4: think against these upcoming opponents, it won't sting me it 565 00:29:41,760 --> 00:29:42,560 Speaker 4: too bad. 566 00:29:42,840 --> 00:29:45,120 Speaker 2: Finally, Matt Let's cut right to the Chase. Is there 567 00:29:45,160 --> 00:29:48,800 Speaker 2: any way they lose to Cleveland at home? We both 568 00:29:48,800 --> 00:29:51,080 Speaker 2: said a lot of good things about Cleveland during this segment, 569 00:29:51,120 --> 00:29:52,920 Speaker 2: but I mean, come on, you gotta beat them. 570 00:29:55,040 --> 00:29:58,120 Speaker 4: I think there's a chance in a thirty to nine 571 00:29:58,160 --> 00:30:00,880 Speaker 4: type of game, because I really do think Browns defense 572 00:30:01,000 --> 00:30:03,600 Speaker 4: is in contention for best in the league, and if 573 00:30:03,600 --> 00:30:07,120 Speaker 4: it becomes a rock fight, maybe, But I also think 574 00:30:07,120 --> 00:30:11,520 Speaker 4: it really hurts the Browns to be coming overseas right 575 00:30:11,560 --> 00:30:14,240 Speaker 4: into a road game without a buye. I mean, that 576 00:30:14,320 --> 00:30:17,520 Speaker 4: has to really take a toll after yet another tough loss. 577 00:30:18,320 --> 00:30:21,440 Speaker 4: I'm definitely picking the Steelers, but I would probably take 578 00:30:21,960 --> 00:30:23,080 Speaker 4: the plus four and a half. 579 00:30:24,280 --> 00:30:26,320 Speaker 2: I'll go one step further. I'm pretty sure I am 580 00:30:26,400 --> 00:30:27,920 Speaker 2: taking the plus four and a half. 581 00:30:28,480 --> 00:30:32,160 Speaker 1: Matt, great stuff. I appreciate taking a time. Fantastic insight, 582 00:30:33,080 --> 00:30:35,880 Speaker 1: all right, but take care. That's Matt Williamson, our football guru. 583 00:30:36,080 --> 00:30:36,680 Speaker 1: Up next.