1 00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:05,640 Speaker 1: At least. He's The Drive with Dale Lolly and Matt 2 00:00:05,680 --> 00:00:25,640 Speaker 1: Williamson on Home of the Black and Gold Steelers Nation Radio. 3 00:00:25,680 --> 00:00:29,160 Speaker 1: Welcome to the Drive. I'm Dale Lolly here with Matt Williamson, 4 00:00:29,240 --> 00:00:32,400 Speaker 1: and it is a Tomlin Tuesday, and I'm Mike Tomlin 5 00:00:32,880 --> 00:00:36,280 Speaker 1: coming out today and announcing, well, Kenny Pickett will be 6 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:40,040 Speaker 1: his starting quarterback this week against the Buffalo Bills, and 7 00:00:40,080 --> 00:00:42,760 Speaker 1: we can safely assume the rest of the starting this 8 00:00:42,960 --> 00:00:46,440 Speaker 1: or the rest of the season if things go, you know, 9 00:00:46,479 --> 00:00:50,040 Speaker 1: if if he stays upright and healthy all that good stuff. Yeah, 10 00:00:50,120 --> 00:00:52,479 Speaker 1: I mean, it's a new era. I think the time 11 00:00:52,920 --> 00:00:56,720 Speaker 1: is timing is fine. I I'll be honest. I mean, 12 00:00:56,760 --> 00:00:59,560 Speaker 1: I know that no one cares about feelings in football 13 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:01,640 Speaker 1: and all that, but Trubisky kind of got the short 14 00:01:01,720 --> 00:01:04,920 Speaker 1: end of the stick. It's much like Mason runoff before him, 15 00:01:05,040 --> 00:01:07,200 Speaker 1: you know, right right. I mean, I thought Trubisky might 16 00:01:07,200 --> 00:01:08,880 Speaker 1: have been playing his best game when he got yanked. 17 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:11,520 Speaker 1: But hey, I mean, I think the new era is 18 00:01:11,600 --> 00:01:14,800 Speaker 1: upon us, and I am for it. Um talked about 19 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:17,039 Speaker 1: this before, I actually wrote an article about it last night, 20 00:01:17,120 --> 00:01:19,720 Speaker 1: that these next four games are going to be very, 21 00:01:19,800 --> 00:01:23,240 Speaker 1: very challenging. And they might be ugly, but they would 22 00:01:23,240 --> 00:01:26,560 Speaker 1: have been challenging if Ben Roethlisberger with the quarterback, no 23 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:29,480 Speaker 1: doubt about, no doubt about it. But you know, I 24 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:32,160 Speaker 1: kind of used the tough tough love kind of analogy. 25 00:01:32,240 --> 00:01:34,200 Speaker 1: I mean, I think pick it, can withstand it, and 26 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:36,440 Speaker 1: then you go to your by and I think you 27 00:01:36,480 --> 00:01:38,800 Speaker 1: have a really good grasp of where he in the 28 00:01:38,840 --> 00:01:41,360 Speaker 1: offense are at that point, and then I think it's 29 00:01:41,400 --> 00:01:44,000 Speaker 1: a whole new season. Yeah. Um, you know, you just 30 00:01:44,040 --> 00:01:45,679 Speaker 1: maybe you have to steal one or two of these 31 00:01:45,720 --> 00:01:47,760 Speaker 1: games and see what you can do because you've given 32 00:01:47,800 --> 00:01:51,639 Speaker 1: a couple of away here. Say that's the Steelers since 33 00:01:51,640 --> 00:01:56,280 Speaker 1: the vent NFL merger and tim when they've started a 34 00:01:56,360 --> 00:02:03,200 Speaker 1: rookie quarterback at fifteen and one in one year, right, Yeah, 35 00:02:03,200 --> 00:02:06,040 Speaker 1: they were fourteen to know that year with Rothlisberger. But 36 00:02:06,080 --> 00:02:09,400 Speaker 1: that's also Hodges. That's also Terry Bradshaw when he was 37 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:13,480 Speaker 1: a rookie, but they've started some other he did not know. Um, 38 00:02:13,520 --> 00:02:18,080 Speaker 1: so uh yeah, that is the best. That is the 39 00:02:18,120 --> 00:02:21,959 Speaker 1: best winning percentage for a team with a rookie quarterback 40 00:02:22,760 --> 00:02:26,840 Speaker 1: since the nineteen seventy NFL merger. Yeah. Well, I mean 41 00:02:26,840 --> 00:02:29,320 Speaker 1: I think this guy is legit. I mean I like 42 00:02:29,440 --> 00:02:31,680 Speaker 1: him more now than I ever have, you know, even 43 00:02:31,680 --> 00:02:34,040 Speaker 1: as a prospect and all those things. I thought he 44 00:02:34,040 --> 00:02:36,720 Speaker 1: handled himself very well in this past game. I think 45 00:02:36,720 --> 00:02:40,239 Speaker 1: his demeanor and his calmness and his poise are obvious. 46 00:02:40,480 --> 00:02:44,080 Speaker 1: So we'll see. I mean he's folks, He's not the savior. 47 00:02:44,200 --> 00:02:46,280 Speaker 1: I mean, he's not gonna throw for five yards a 48 00:02:46,320 --> 00:02:48,200 Speaker 1: game and never throw another pick. I mean it's gonna 49 00:02:48,240 --> 00:02:50,480 Speaker 1: be a rocky road, as it is for all rookies. 50 00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:53,520 Speaker 1: Look at Trevor Lawrences rookie season and many many other instances. 51 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:56,000 Speaker 1: But I'm excited to see what he does. I was asked, 52 00:02:56,000 --> 00:02:58,000 Speaker 1: I used to a hit with Mark Madden, and I was. 53 00:02:58,120 --> 00:03:01,639 Speaker 1: He asked me what aid I would give Picket for 54 00:03:01,720 --> 00:03:04,720 Speaker 1: his performance against the Jets, and I said a B 55 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:07,200 Speaker 1: minus and he said that's what he had given him 56 00:03:07,200 --> 00:03:08,799 Speaker 1: as well, and he was getting a lot of of 57 00:03:09,560 --> 00:03:13,200 Speaker 1: pushback from fans on that. I'm like, well, I mean, overall, 58 00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:18,240 Speaker 1: it wasn't bad, but he had a pitch that he 59 00:03:18,280 --> 00:03:21,440 Speaker 1: threw at Jalb Warren's feet that could have been a turnover. 60 00:03:22,160 --> 00:03:24,720 Speaker 1: That then that forced then the next play, which was 61 00:03:24,720 --> 00:03:28,239 Speaker 1: the past to Firemouth, which shouldn't have been thrown. That 62 00:03:29,200 --> 00:03:31,640 Speaker 1: was not on Friarmouth for not making a play there. 63 00:03:31,919 --> 00:03:34,840 Speaker 1: That's on they can't make that pass. He can't throw 64 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:38,520 Speaker 1: that ball. I think the Claypool one, I don't blame 65 00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:41,680 Speaker 1: him for that. He threw it a little bit. Yeah, 66 00:03:41,760 --> 00:03:43,000 Speaker 1: That's what I was gonna say is I didn't think 67 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:44,240 Speaker 1: it was a great pass. I didn't think it was 68 00:03:44,280 --> 00:03:49,480 Speaker 1: a bad decision Clay. It's one on one down the field, right, um, 69 00:03:49,520 --> 00:03:51,600 Speaker 1: But I didn't like how the ball hung. To be 70 00:03:51,720 --> 00:03:55,280 Speaker 1: very honest, the Friarmouth one never should happen. And frankly, 71 00:03:55,280 --> 00:03:58,280 Speaker 1: whenever we got together yesterday before I kind of forgot 72 00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:01,240 Speaker 1: about the war and you know, you know gaff before 73 00:04:01,280 --> 00:04:04,480 Speaker 1: that and that's bad. I mean you can't have that. Um. 74 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:05,920 Speaker 1: You know, this is a time of week when I 75 00:04:05,920 --> 00:04:09,280 Speaker 1: get real statueeky, and you know we mean time in 76 00:04:09,320 --> 00:04:14,000 Speaker 1: a week. I did see today, though, I mean it's 77 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:17,200 Speaker 1: only a half of football. His average depth of target 78 00:04:17,279 --> 00:04:19,600 Speaker 1: was the highest in league this week. I mean he 79 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:21,680 Speaker 1: was chucking it down the field. We had the you 80 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:23,479 Speaker 1: know three or four passes where you know, out of 81 00:04:23,600 --> 00:04:27,080 Speaker 1: thirteen that he and one was and one was a 82 00:04:27,120 --> 00:04:32,400 Speaker 1: hail Mary, So you know that's that's sixty yards down field. Yeah, 83 00:04:32,440 --> 00:04:36,840 Speaker 1: I mean Pickens was also a real high with him 84 00:04:36,839 --> 00:04:39,120 Speaker 1: in the game too, you know, but I don't think 85 00:04:39,120 --> 00:04:43,520 Speaker 1: it's gonna be Jamis Winston bombs away no degree with 86 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:47,960 Speaker 1: difficulty there too. Yeah. I you know Mike Tomlins saying 87 00:04:48,000 --> 00:04:50,800 Speaker 1: today that you know, they don't they're not going to 88 00:04:51,560 --> 00:04:53,720 Speaker 1: coddle him or anything like that. They're just gonna run 89 00:04:53,760 --> 00:04:57,800 Speaker 1: their offense. Um. Now, they will cater plays, you know, 90 00:04:57,800 --> 00:04:59,680 Speaker 1: they'll they'll run the plays that he wants to play. 91 00:04:59,680 --> 00:05:03,000 Speaker 1: And that's a thing you know that the offensive coordinator 92 00:05:03,240 --> 00:05:05,480 Speaker 1: in this case, Matt Cannidate. You always as a as 93 00:05:05,520 --> 00:05:08,440 Speaker 1: a coordinator, you go and you sit down with your 94 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:11,599 Speaker 1: your quarterback on Friday after you've run a bunch of 95 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:13,760 Speaker 1: plays during the week and things you've tried some different 96 00:05:13,760 --> 00:05:16,320 Speaker 1: things that these are these are the fifty plays we 97 00:05:16,360 --> 00:05:18,240 Speaker 1: think will work this week. Yeah, this is what's in 98 00:05:18,279 --> 00:05:20,479 Speaker 1: the playbook for the week basically, and then you go 99 00:05:20,520 --> 00:05:23,760 Speaker 1: to the quarterback on on Friday or even Saturday morning. Okay, 100 00:05:23,800 --> 00:05:25,960 Speaker 1: which ones do you like the best? Which one? What's 101 00:05:25,960 --> 00:05:27,680 Speaker 1: your what are your top ten? What are your thought 102 00:05:27,720 --> 00:05:29,520 Speaker 1: ten and how's that changed throughout the game and the 103 00:05:29,880 --> 00:05:32,360 Speaker 1: communication to like, well, I didn't think this would work, 104 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:34,280 Speaker 1: and it's really working. Well. I wasn't comfortable with it 105 00:05:34,279 --> 00:05:37,200 Speaker 1: in practice, but boy, it's a great concept vice versa. 106 00:05:37,279 --> 00:05:40,120 Speaker 1: I mean, obviously, when the game's on the line, you 107 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:42,400 Speaker 1: hope you have a couple go too, you know, or 108 00:05:42,440 --> 00:05:44,760 Speaker 1: what's your favorite two point conversion? You know that those 109 00:05:44,800 --> 00:05:47,240 Speaker 1: type of things as well, So all that communication is 110 00:05:47,240 --> 00:05:50,120 Speaker 1: super important. Yeah, and that's why you know, in those 111 00:05:50,120 --> 00:05:53,520 Speaker 1: short weeks you don't get that right right right right, 112 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:55,240 Speaker 1: You just kind of run what you're on and the 113 00:05:55,240 --> 00:06:02,039 Speaker 1: opponent knows it. Yeah. Um, In terms of this offense 114 00:06:02,279 --> 00:06:04,760 Speaker 1: and what it can look like moving forward, I think 115 00:06:05,279 --> 00:06:07,279 Speaker 1: I you know, I listened to a lot of fantasy 116 00:06:07,640 --> 00:06:10,880 Speaker 1: football radio stuff, and there's a big expectation after what 117 00:06:10,960 --> 00:06:13,000 Speaker 1: George Pickens is going to be the Steelers number one 118 00:06:13,080 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 1: receiver moving forward. He and Kenny Pickett really seemed to 119 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:19,280 Speaker 1: have a a uh, you know, they're on the same wavelength. 120 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:21,839 Speaker 1: I'm like, I can't judge it off a third team 121 00:06:22,000 --> 00:06:26,200 Speaker 1: passes and a half. Well, Pickens was targeted I think 122 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:28,479 Speaker 1: three times in the first two drives. Like I think 123 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:31,760 Speaker 1: it was a goal of the team knowing who the 124 00:06:31,760 --> 00:06:34,520 Speaker 1: pickets even regardless of who the quarterback was they wanted to. 125 00:06:34,760 --> 00:06:38,719 Speaker 1: We talked about it last week. The Jets corners are tiny, yeah, right, 126 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:41,320 Speaker 1: And I think everyone upon the planet knows Pickens need 127 00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:43,720 Speaker 1: to get more involved, a supreme talent, and they were 128 00:06:43,800 --> 00:06:46,520 Speaker 1: under using him. It's hard to feed them all. I 129 00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:48,720 Speaker 1: don't think Deante's usage is going to go down as 130 00:06:48,760 --> 00:06:50,760 Speaker 1: a result at all. That The problem is when someone 131 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:52,640 Speaker 1: goes up, Someone's go down. I mean, it's still only 132 00:06:52,680 --> 00:06:55,719 Speaker 1: so many snaps in the game. Um, I've heard this 133 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:59,279 Speaker 1: one too. This is kind of a national analyst. Well, 134 00:06:59,320 --> 00:07:01,840 Speaker 1: they both were second team rookies. They got a rapport 135 00:07:01,920 --> 00:07:05,120 Speaker 1: going together. I'm like Pickens lasted about four seconds with 136 00:07:05,160 --> 00:07:07,960 Speaker 1: the second team, you know, like he was catching from 137 00:07:07,960 --> 00:07:12,960 Speaker 1: Mitch pre season. He ran In fact, because Deante Johnson 138 00:07:13,000 --> 00:07:17,120 Speaker 1: and Claypool Deonte Johnson wasn't practicing early in training camp 139 00:07:17,160 --> 00:07:20,280 Speaker 1: and Claypool was banged up, Pickens was their de facto 140 00:07:20,360 --> 00:07:23,679 Speaker 1: number one receiver throughout training right right, I mean training 141 00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:27,760 Speaker 1: camp he was a one. Pickens caught a thousand passes 142 00:07:27,840 --> 00:07:31,040 Speaker 1: from from from Mitch Drobiskie in training camp. Yeah, that 143 00:07:31,120 --> 00:07:33,280 Speaker 1: one just assumes, well, they both were backups and they've 144 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:35,200 Speaker 1: spent a lot of time together with the two That's 145 00:07:35,600 --> 00:07:37,720 Speaker 1: really the way it worked. Yeah. I always, you know, 146 00:07:37,840 --> 00:07:40,239 Speaker 1: I always listen for things like that when I'm listening 147 00:07:40,280 --> 00:07:43,760 Speaker 1: to somebody talk about the Steelers, because that then tells 148 00:07:43,760 --> 00:07:45,600 Speaker 1: me whether I can just put them on the pay 149 00:07:45,680 --> 00:07:48,680 Speaker 1: no mind list when they're talking about other teams. If 150 00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:53,400 Speaker 1: they're giving me information that I know is incorrect, then 151 00:07:53,480 --> 00:07:55,440 Speaker 1: I don't think I I don't. I don't think you 152 00:07:55,480 --> 00:07:57,800 Speaker 1: know anything about the other thirty one teams either, because 153 00:07:57,840 --> 00:08:00,920 Speaker 1: I know I know this one, right, I'm there everyday 154 00:08:00,920 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 1: in practice, and you know these people aren't. And if 155 00:08:02,960 --> 00:08:05,600 Speaker 1: they're making things up as they go along, well they 156 00:08:05,600 --> 00:08:07,560 Speaker 1: probably are doing the same for the other thirty one. Yeah, 157 00:08:08,200 --> 00:08:10,240 Speaker 1: it's just like the stuff that you know, I've seen 158 00:08:10,280 --> 00:08:13,640 Speaker 1: some quote unquote reports out there that this, you know, 159 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:18,080 Speaker 1: the Steeler's offensive players are ready to mutiny against Matt Canada. 160 00:08:18,440 --> 00:08:20,440 Speaker 1: First of all, I don't even know what that means, right, 161 00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:22,960 Speaker 1: And how would you even do it? I don't I 162 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:25,640 Speaker 1: don't want Yeah, I don't know what that entails. What 163 00:08:25,720 --> 00:08:29,600 Speaker 1: was walking into Mike Tomlin's office and demanding the offensive 164 00:08:29,600 --> 00:08:33,040 Speaker 1: coordinator be replaced. It's not gonna happen. Good luck with that. 165 00:08:33,200 --> 00:08:37,080 Speaker 1: Yeah right, I hadn't even heard that, but I mean 166 00:08:37,960 --> 00:08:40,600 Speaker 1: I pay that no mind. List quickly, you know, right, 167 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:44,199 Speaker 1: It's just not the way the Steelers operate. Um. You know, 168 00:08:44,240 --> 00:08:45,880 Speaker 1: when you when you cover this team or around this 169 00:08:45,920 --> 00:08:47,600 Speaker 1: team long enough, or if you're a fan of this team, 170 00:08:47,600 --> 00:08:51,679 Speaker 1: you should understand how this team. It's pretty strong track 171 00:08:51,720 --> 00:08:53,960 Speaker 1: record of how they do business. Yes, and it doesn't 172 00:08:54,080 --> 00:08:57,200 Speaker 1: change willy nilly or I saw something shiny. Let's just 173 00:08:57,320 --> 00:08:59,920 Speaker 1: change things quickly. I think all of us list, anyone 174 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:03,320 Speaker 1: listening should know that unless you're very new to the game, 175 00:09:03,320 --> 00:09:08,199 Speaker 1: and if so, welcome, Yes, welcome. Um. Steelers also dealing 176 00:09:08,200 --> 00:09:13,480 Speaker 1: with some injuries. Yeah noah, Kello Weatherspoon again this week. 177 00:09:13,520 --> 00:09:15,719 Speaker 1: Mike Tomlin has already said he pretty much you can 178 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:18,240 Speaker 1: declare him out for this game. That hurts? It does? 179 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:20,200 Speaker 1: I mean, because we touched on this yesterday. I think 180 00:09:20,200 --> 00:09:23,360 Speaker 1: it's not that boy Witherspoon's such a great player. It's 181 00:09:25,400 --> 00:09:28,720 Speaker 1: now Sutton's on the slot as much Milette is and 182 00:09:28,760 --> 00:09:32,679 Speaker 1: that's a little worrisome. Yeah. Um. Sutton also banged up 183 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:35,040 Speaker 1: he's got the he had the the groin injury that 184 00:09:35,360 --> 00:09:37,720 Speaker 1: cropped up late last week, and then he also is 185 00:09:37,760 --> 00:09:41,120 Speaker 1: now dealing with the hamstring. Um, we'll see how how 186 00:09:41,160 --> 00:09:43,560 Speaker 1: well he's able to get back on the field. Uh, 187 00:09:43,640 --> 00:09:47,000 Speaker 1: Troy Edmunds still in the concussion protocol. We'll see where 188 00:09:47,040 --> 00:09:50,679 Speaker 1: that goes this week. That's obviously outside of anyone's control. 189 00:09:51,280 --> 00:09:53,559 Speaker 1: Make if it's Patrick dealing with a knee issue that 190 00:09:53,800 --> 00:09:56,520 Speaker 1: he left the game briefly, came back in and finished 191 00:09:56,520 --> 00:09:58,360 Speaker 1: the game with it, but we'll see where that leads him. 192 00:09:59,440 --> 00:10:01,679 Speaker 1: And then Cam, Hey, we're dealing with both elbow and 193 00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:06,280 Speaker 1: ankle injuries that uh, we're slowing him down. So that's 194 00:10:06,320 --> 00:10:10,920 Speaker 1: I mean, that's five defensive starters started against Like, by 195 00:10:10,960 --> 00:10:13,120 Speaker 1: the way, I already didn't have t J. Watt and 196 00:10:13,160 --> 00:10:15,000 Speaker 1: he won't be back for this He's not coming back 197 00:10:15,040 --> 00:10:17,400 Speaker 1: for this game. Is CAZy available this game? And I 198 00:10:17,520 --> 00:10:19,480 Speaker 1: see that yesterday I didn't think so you're not getting 199 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:23,720 Speaker 1: any relief from anywhere. That's problematic, no doubt. Um. Again, 200 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:26,400 Speaker 1: I've really dug into the Bills and they have a 201 00:10:26,400 --> 00:10:30,200 Speaker 1: phenomenal passing game. I mean, they absolutely do. They have 202 00:10:30,320 --> 00:10:33,800 Speaker 1: a phenomenal quarterback, and they have a phenomenal number one 203 00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:35,959 Speaker 1: receiver in Stefon Diggs. I mean, I don't think I'm 204 00:10:35,960 --> 00:10:39,080 Speaker 1: breaking any news with any of those statements, but there 205 00:10:39,080 --> 00:10:42,840 Speaker 1: other Whiteouts aren't real sturdy right now. They're a little 206 00:10:42,840 --> 00:10:46,120 Speaker 1: banged up right now to Mackenzie's in the concussion protocol. 207 00:10:46,360 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 1: They just lost Jamison Crowder. He's done for the year 208 00:10:48,920 --> 00:10:51,839 Speaker 1: of the broken ankle. Gabriel on the other side of 209 00:10:52,640 --> 00:10:55,559 Speaker 1: Davis or Gabe Davis, I should say, on the other side, 210 00:10:55,559 --> 00:10:57,440 Speaker 1: has been dealing with an ankle injury the last couple 211 00:10:57,440 --> 00:10:59,920 Speaker 1: of weeks, just one game. He's played a ton of snaps, 212 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:02,160 Speaker 1: but he's not doing anything. They're not even throwing them 213 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:05,000 Speaker 1: the ball. It's kind of a decoy out there. And 214 00:11:05,000 --> 00:11:06,680 Speaker 1: then a guy we liked a lot in the draft, 215 00:11:06,920 --> 00:11:09,920 Speaker 1: Shakier got a role last week for the first time 216 00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:12,559 Speaker 1: with the slot injuries. But they're kind of searching a 217 00:11:12,640 --> 00:11:15,280 Speaker 1: wide receiver. I mean, no matter which way he cut it, 218 00:11:15,280 --> 00:11:17,040 Speaker 1: it's not the week to be short on defensive back. 219 00:11:17,080 --> 00:11:19,960 Speaker 1: So no, and it's not Josh Allen will test that 220 00:11:21,280 --> 00:11:26,319 Speaker 1: is he the biggest quarterback threat in the league. I'll 221 00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:29,559 Speaker 1: do respect to Lamar Jackson who's a different animal. It's 222 00:11:29,559 --> 00:11:31,800 Speaker 1: a different animal. You mean as a runner. I just 223 00:11:31,840 --> 00:11:34,079 Speaker 1: talked about the total pack. I'm talking about the total package. 224 00:11:34,120 --> 00:11:36,560 Speaker 1: I think. Yeah, I think he's the best player in 225 00:11:36,559 --> 00:11:39,000 Speaker 1: the league, best quarterback in the league. And you wait, 226 00:11:39,040 --> 00:11:42,800 Speaker 1: those guys a little differently, including the Homes, including Brady Rogers. 227 00:11:43,400 --> 00:11:46,800 Speaker 1: I absolutely believe he's the most physically gifted and in 228 00:11:46,920 --> 00:11:49,120 Speaker 1: that and that as a as a thrower and I'm 229 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:52,840 Speaker 1: gonna throwing velocity. I'm just talking about, you know, ability 230 00:11:52,840 --> 00:11:55,280 Speaker 1: to make all throws from all platforms. I mean, there's 231 00:11:55,320 --> 00:11:57,680 Speaker 1: others in this league. My homes of course, of course, 232 00:11:57,720 --> 00:12:00,160 Speaker 1: I mean I'm not ignoring my homes. But I've ever 233 00:12:00,200 --> 00:12:03,160 Speaker 1: met Josh Allen. Um, will you be down on the 234 00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:06,000 Speaker 1: field at any point for this one, well before and 235 00:12:06,040 --> 00:12:08,000 Speaker 1: after the game? Yeah, I've heard when you see him 236 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:11,720 Speaker 1: in person, it's a little jaw dropping his size, like 237 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:14,200 Speaker 1: they said that, Like, let's remember, now, I covered Ben 238 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:19,040 Speaker 1: Roethlisberger and stood next to Ben on a thousand times 239 00:12:19,040 --> 00:12:21,720 Speaker 1: over the years, and he's he qualifies to He's not 240 00:12:21,720 --> 00:12:24,160 Speaker 1: as big as Ben Roethlisberger. Oh, I think he is. 241 00:12:24,320 --> 00:12:26,040 Speaker 1: I don't think he is. I think he's six six. 242 00:12:26,559 --> 00:12:29,040 Speaker 1: I don't think he's quite that big. Pull up his 243 00:12:29,120 --> 00:12:31,840 Speaker 1: combine numbers if you would, But I mean, he's a 244 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:36,000 Speaker 1: phenomenal runner. What amazes me. And I love to take 245 00:12:36,040 --> 00:12:38,760 Speaker 1: credit for some of my you know, quarterback calls. Boy, 246 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:41,080 Speaker 1: my homes is my favorite, Lamar is my favorite. I 247 00:12:41,120 --> 00:12:44,120 Speaker 1: thought Alan was a terrible prospect, I really did. His 248 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:48,679 Speaker 1: accuracy was so bad. And to his credit and to 249 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:50,800 Speaker 1: the Bill's credit, and I know he has you know, 250 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:55,400 Speaker 1: quarterback coaches on the side. Every year, he's really improved 251 00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:58,040 Speaker 1: as a passer. He used to be just throw it 252 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:00,800 Speaker 1: hard like a rocket and you know, low down doors. 253 00:13:01,200 --> 00:13:04,280 Speaker 1: But he's come a really long way as a passer 254 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:06,520 Speaker 1: and as a reader of defenses. And by all accounts, 255 00:13:06,520 --> 00:13:09,319 Speaker 1: he is an extremely hard worker and very smart. But 256 00:13:09,559 --> 00:13:11,920 Speaker 1: he is a big, strong dude who is not afraid 257 00:13:11,960 --> 00:13:15,360 Speaker 1: to run. He's accounted for every one of their touchdowns 258 00:13:15,360 --> 00:13:18,200 Speaker 1: this year. Yeah, the very high percentage of all their 259 00:13:18,280 --> 00:13:26,280 Speaker 1: yardage six five seven. Roethlisberger is bigger. Sure, Yeah, Okay, 260 00:13:26,360 --> 00:13:28,640 Speaker 1: I mean I've seen Ben. I've not seen Alan in person. 261 00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:31,600 Speaker 1: The two that people always talk about are Cam Newton 262 00:13:32,040 --> 00:13:34,439 Speaker 1: and Josh Allen. When they walk in the rooms like whoa, 263 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:37,400 Speaker 1: that is a big dude. Not the Ben wasn't. I'm 264 00:13:37,440 --> 00:13:39,840 Speaker 1: just saying I covered again. They didn't call him big 265 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:42,679 Speaker 1: Ben for nothing, is you know? Yeah, you know people 266 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:45,360 Speaker 1: have always talked about his look, how look how heavy 267 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:49,240 Speaker 1: he looks. I'm like, he's big Ben. Like that's like 268 00:13:49,280 --> 00:13:52,840 Speaker 1: he's a big, strong, sturdy fellow. So you have to 269 00:13:52,880 --> 00:13:55,880 Speaker 1: be pretty darn big to impress me as a quarterback. 270 00:13:56,320 --> 00:13:58,760 Speaker 1: You know, I covered one of the best big quarterbacks 271 00:13:58,760 --> 00:14:01,559 Speaker 1: in league history, no doubt. And there are some comparisons. 272 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:04,520 Speaker 1: Oh yeah, that was the comparison, you know when when 273 00:14:04,520 --> 00:14:07,680 Speaker 1: you started hearing about him, and I remember watching Josh Allen. 274 00:14:07,720 --> 00:14:10,840 Speaker 1: I watched probably three full Wyoming games that year, and 275 00:14:10,840 --> 00:14:14,720 Speaker 1: he had nothing around him, and you know, it's like, Okay, 276 00:14:14,720 --> 00:14:17,160 Speaker 1: I see some of the comparisons there. I mean, he's 277 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:20,960 Speaker 1: out there running around and drawing stuff and yeah, um, 278 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:22,840 Speaker 1: I think he's a quarterback at least want to play 279 00:14:22,840 --> 00:14:25,720 Speaker 1: against right now, including Mahomes Rogers. I mean, it's a 280 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:28,720 Speaker 1: there's some great ones obvious, Yeah, but yeah, he's really something. 281 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:32,280 Speaker 1: But so you go into this knowing you gotta contain him. 282 00:14:32,320 --> 00:14:34,600 Speaker 1: You're not gonna you're not gonna stop him. I think 283 00:14:34,640 --> 00:14:38,800 Speaker 1: the the injuries that wide receiver are, it's in your 284 00:14:38,840 --> 00:14:41,240 Speaker 1: favor a little bit concerning if you're if you're a 285 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:43,600 Speaker 1: Bills fan, because they don't run the ball. No, they 286 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:45,920 Speaker 1: don't run the ball very much at all. And Singletary's 287 00:14:45,920 --> 00:14:48,440 Speaker 1: really taken over as the lead running back the last 288 00:14:48,440 --> 00:14:51,200 Speaker 1: two weeks. Um Dawson Knox I might have meant to 289 00:14:51,240 --> 00:14:54,240 Speaker 1: mention too, he's kind of been non existent and when 290 00:14:54,240 --> 00:14:56,000 Speaker 1: it has been, fantasy knows. I mean, he has not 291 00:14:56,040 --> 00:14:58,520 Speaker 1: been a focal point of the offense. But really their 292 00:14:58,520 --> 00:15:03,200 Speaker 1: biggest problem. They've gone through a lot of different offensive linemen. Yeah, 293 00:15:03,480 --> 00:15:04,920 Speaker 1: I don't have the numbers in front of me, but 294 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:09,800 Speaker 1: it was like nine or ten have gotten real snaps 295 00:15:10,440 --> 00:15:12,880 Speaker 1: this this year for the on their offensive line, and 296 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:15,160 Speaker 1: that's a little bit of a work in progress. Like 297 00:15:15,160 --> 00:15:17,000 Speaker 1: it wouldn't shock me if their first round pick this 298 00:15:17,080 --> 00:15:19,840 Speaker 1: year is as a tackle or a guard or whatever 299 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:22,760 Speaker 1: kind of searching up front they are. And I think 300 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:26,800 Speaker 1: that's you know he does, that's the thing he does. 301 00:15:26,840 --> 00:15:28,560 Speaker 1: I mean, if you look at that line, it's there's 302 00:15:28,600 --> 00:15:33,320 Speaker 1: no real stud on that offensive line that the horse 303 00:15:33,440 --> 00:15:35,720 Speaker 1: is a real solid center that anyone to be happy, 304 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:38,800 Speaker 1: you know, but Roger Staffold isn't what he used to be. 305 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:41,040 Speaker 1: And he was a big, heavy footing kind of a 306 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:44,640 Speaker 1: mall Spencer Brownett right tackles, okay, coming along, you know, 307 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:46,800 Speaker 1: the second year player, he was kind of a huge 308 00:15:46,840 --> 00:15:49,320 Speaker 1: tight end type body, you know. And Dion Dawkins and 309 00:15:49,360 --> 00:15:52,960 Speaker 1: left tackles and average left but they've had some injuries 310 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:55,800 Speaker 1: and a lot of shuffling and their their own line 311 00:15:55,880 --> 00:15:59,160 Speaker 1: is not set. Yeah. Um, you know, so if the 312 00:15:59,200 --> 00:16:01,960 Speaker 1: Steelers they need to be at a d percent and 313 00:16:01,960 --> 00:16:07,240 Speaker 1: they're not, that's the that's the problem they're yes, you know, 314 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:09,360 Speaker 1: and we saw a week one last year they gave 315 00:16:09,440 --> 00:16:13,840 Speaker 1: Alan and a lot of problems with pressing the password. Yeah. Um, 316 00:16:13,880 --> 00:16:18,160 Speaker 1: you know it's gonna be different. Kept him from they 317 00:16:18,160 --> 00:16:20,640 Speaker 1: didn't let they didn't allow him to feel comfortable in 318 00:16:20,680 --> 00:16:23,440 Speaker 1: the pocket. And you know, if you can do that 319 00:16:23,480 --> 00:16:25,920 Speaker 1: and cover on the back end, you can have success 320 00:16:25,960 --> 00:16:29,680 Speaker 1: against him. Yeahah. And I think you know, if you 321 00:16:29,960 --> 00:16:34,040 Speaker 1: if you want, um, if you want to get a 322 00:16:34,080 --> 00:16:38,240 Speaker 1: feel for how opposing teams feel about Josh Allen right now, 323 00:16:39,440 --> 00:16:42,320 Speaker 1: the buffer the Buffalo Bills are in Baltimore. Last week 324 00:16:43,440 --> 00:16:46,840 Speaker 1: they fall behind twenty to three for them. They didn't 325 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 1: they weren't playing well. They got to score at the 326 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:50,080 Speaker 1: end of the half to make it twenty to ten. 327 00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:55,160 Speaker 1: Snaps in Miami the year the week before. Um, it's 328 00:16:55,200 --> 00:16:58,040 Speaker 1: tied at twenty with about just over four minutes left. 329 00:16:58,160 --> 00:17:01,200 Speaker 1: But I'm just under five minutes, I should say. The 330 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:04,240 Speaker 1: Ravens are facing a fourth and goal from the two, 331 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:06,879 Speaker 1: and instead of instead of kicking a field goal to 332 00:17:06,880 --> 00:17:11,119 Speaker 1: go up, hard Ball goes for it because he doesn't 333 00:17:11,200 --> 00:17:14,000 Speaker 1: feel his team can stop the Bills again from going 334 00:17:14,040 --> 00:17:16,080 Speaker 1: back down the field. He's, uh, you know, I knew 335 00:17:16,119 --> 00:17:18,000 Speaker 1: that if if we scored there, if we scored a 336 00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:20,439 Speaker 1: touchdown there, they need a touchdown just to send it 337 00:17:20,480 --> 00:17:26,760 Speaker 1: into overtime. You don't trust your your defense to get 338 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:29,200 Speaker 1: you know, you've held them the twenty points over over right, 339 00:17:29,560 --> 00:17:31,800 Speaker 1: you know the first fifty six minutes of this game. 340 00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:33,919 Speaker 1: You don't think you can get a stop in that situation. 341 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:36,600 Speaker 1: I mean, it was a very controversial call, especially because 342 00:17:36,600 --> 00:17:39,240 Speaker 1: it didn't work. Yeah, I haven't worked. Nobody's talking about 343 00:17:39,240 --> 00:17:41,480 Speaker 1: Aparently Marcus Peters went after him after that. There was 344 00:17:41,480 --> 00:17:44,359 Speaker 1: a big confrontation or whatever, basically saying you don't trust 345 00:17:44,440 --> 00:17:49,359 Speaker 1: us and I don't trust I mean, I mean whether 346 00:17:49,359 --> 00:17:51,800 Speaker 1: there was a factor, but there was a factor. I mean, 347 00:17:52,040 --> 00:17:54,120 Speaker 1: I don't know that to your point, I don't think 348 00:17:54,119 --> 00:17:57,119 Speaker 1: Hardball makes that decision against every quarterback in the league, right, 349 00:17:57,680 --> 00:18:00,600 Speaker 1: although he has made that decision against Steelers several times 350 00:18:00,600 --> 00:18:03,679 Speaker 1: in the last couple of years. Here, I mean, people 351 00:18:04,320 --> 00:18:06,760 Speaker 1: I harp on this, I think fourth quarter defense is 352 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:09,560 Speaker 1: a it's a problems becoming extinct across the league. You know, 353 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:12,280 Speaker 1: you just at that point you maybe you just feel 354 00:18:12,320 --> 00:18:14,840 Speaker 1: like we've thrown everything at this guy that we have. 355 00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:18,320 Speaker 1: We've got nothing left. Yeah, it's exactly how it works, 356 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:21,240 Speaker 1: and it's not it's certainly stamming up can be a 357 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:24,320 Speaker 1: part of it with defenses, but it's more I've run 358 00:18:24,640 --> 00:18:27,359 Speaker 1: sixty plays and I know if I put this receiver 359 00:18:27,440 --> 00:18:29,600 Speaker 1: in motion, you're gonna go to cover two and you 360 00:18:29,600 --> 00:18:31,440 Speaker 1: don't have time to go hit pause on the mad 361 00:18:31,520 --> 00:18:33,840 Speaker 1: machine and go practice. And before we do it to 362 00:18:33,920 --> 00:18:37,040 Speaker 1: you again, get the turbo on your pass rusher who's 363 00:18:37,040 --> 00:18:41,320 Speaker 1: who's already runs exactly like I'm sure hardbod is talking 364 00:18:41,359 --> 00:18:44,840 Speaker 1: to his defensive coordinator, going, they have us figured out. Now, 365 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:46,600 Speaker 1: you know, we got we came in with a great 366 00:18:46,600 --> 00:18:48,760 Speaker 1: game plan. And now they know that, we know that, 367 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:51,280 Speaker 1: they know that, we know. I don't think I can 368 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:53,800 Speaker 1: stop Alan if you're gonna ask me the truth. Yeah, 369 00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:56,879 Speaker 1: he's sure. That's how the conversation went. Yeah, he's a 370 00:18:56,920 --> 00:18:59,679 Speaker 1: scary dude. He's a scary dude. I think the idea 371 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:02,879 Speaker 1: should be, if you're the Steelers, keep him off the field, 372 00:19:03,320 --> 00:19:05,240 Speaker 1: that would be great. You know, if you can run. 373 00:19:05,240 --> 00:19:09,240 Speaker 1: They're gonna play nickel defense the entire game. That's what 374 00:19:09,280 --> 00:19:12,639 Speaker 1: they that's what they play. I come out in a 375 00:19:12,680 --> 00:19:15,879 Speaker 1: big package. I think that we didn't mention this yesterday. 376 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:18,160 Speaker 1: Steelers did at to open the game with what they played. 377 00:19:18,440 --> 00:19:20,399 Speaker 1: What got more snaps in this game than he than 378 00:19:20,440 --> 00:19:24,560 Speaker 1: he hasn't maybe as a as a Steeler um and 379 00:19:24,560 --> 00:19:26,959 Speaker 1: and had some some nice blocks out there, and they 380 00:19:26,960 --> 00:19:29,480 Speaker 1: did some things. They came out early with big people, 381 00:19:29,600 --> 00:19:32,000 Speaker 1: gentry and you all right. I think that's and they 382 00:19:32,119 --> 00:19:35,439 Speaker 1: ran the football effectively. And then we were critical of them, yes, 383 00:19:35,560 --> 00:19:38,119 Speaker 1: you know yesterday for where was that in the fourth quarter? 384 00:19:38,280 --> 00:19:39,760 Speaker 1: Carries the second in the fourth quarter? R the you 385 00:19:39,840 --> 00:19:41,760 Speaker 1: cann't cut it, you know. I think what happens with 386 00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:44,560 Speaker 1: the Bills because they know that they're gonna you know, 387 00:19:44,600 --> 00:19:47,680 Speaker 1: their ideas, Hey we're gonna score thirty, Um, you gotta 388 00:19:47,680 --> 00:19:49,639 Speaker 1: try to keep up with us. They feel like, hey, 389 00:19:49,640 --> 00:19:51,720 Speaker 1: we're gonna get up two touchdowns on somebody. They're gonna 390 00:19:51,760 --> 00:19:53,159 Speaker 1: quit runn against us. They're not gonna be able to 391 00:19:53,160 --> 00:19:55,679 Speaker 1: stick with it. And their past rush is phenomenal, and 392 00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:57,399 Speaker 1: they've added von Miller, and they have a lot of 393 00:19:57,440 --> 00:20:03,480 Speaker 1: team speed, and they historically are great disallowing the explosive plays. 394 00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:05,720 Speaker 1: They have a lot of too great safety is one 395 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:08,000 Speaker 1: of them is out. They're down Toployer, who happens to 396 00:20:08,080 --> 00:20:10,800 Speaker 1: lead the league interceptions. It's not like he's so shabby either. 397 00:20:11,400 --> 00:20:13,480 Speaker 1: But people end up throwing against them all the time 398 00:20:13,480 --> 00:20:15,800 Speaker 1: and get themselves in a bind. That's what you need 399 00:20:15,840 --> 00:20:19,240 Speaker 1: to avoid because blocking these guys is awful tough too. 400 00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:21,600 Speaker 1: It's gonna be a problem. So you know, if you 401 00:20:21,600 --> 00:20:24,919 Speaker 1: can run the football, if you can possess and and 402 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:28,080 Speaker 1: and you know again, if it's if it's a short 403 00:20:28,119 --> 00:20:30,439 Speaker 1: passing game. You know, if you get into third and 404 00:20:30,480 --> 00:20:34,400 Speaker 1: four and you get five yards, fine, yeah, um take 405 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:36,840 Speaker 1: what they give. You. Don't get yourself in the situations 406 00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:39,600 Speaker 1: when you're in the third and nine in that stadium. Um, 407 00:20:39,600 --> 00:20:43,520 Speaker 1: and just try to possess absolutely, it will be there, 408 00:20:43,520 --> 00:20:45,480 Speaker 1: won't There won't be a lot of Steeler fans there. 409 00:20:45,520 --> 00:20:49,359 Speaker 1: And yeah, um, try to possess a football. Keep that 410 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:51,560 Speaker 1: guy on the other sideline. They were only six and 411 00:20:51,600 --> 00:20:54,399 Speaker 1: three at home though yesterday last year, right, Steelers got 412 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:57,640 Speaker 1: him on. Steelers got him there. They also are very 413 00:20:57,680 --> 00:21:00,439 Speaker 1: aware of the fact that the Steelers got them that 414 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:02,919 Speaker 1: they are aware of that as well. Um, so you know, 415 00:21:03,040 --> 00:21:05,959 Speaker 1: but try to uh, this is what the Steelers need 416 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:08,199 Speaker 1: to do every game. But trying to muddy things up 417 00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:09,880 Speaker 1: a little bit, you know, you want to you want 418 00:21:09,880 --> 00:21:12,760 Speaker 1: to play this game in the in the low twenties 419 00:21:12,840 --> 00:21:15,679 Speaker 1: high teams, absolutely, especially a game like this and this 420 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:18,600 Speaker 1: whole stretch for the rookie quarterback to you know, try 421 00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:22,159 Speaker 1: to make things a little easier on him. Asking Kenny 422 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:25,080 Speaker 1: to behind an average offensive line I think now or 423 00:21:25,240 --> 00:21:27,320 Speaker 1: a decent one. It's not a terrible one, but by 424 00:21:27,320 --> 00:21:29,760 Speaker 1: any means, but hey, bring us back from a two 425 00:21:29,760 --> 00:21:32,800 Speaker 1: score deficit with six minutes left on the block against 426 00:21:32,840 --> 00:21:38,480 Speaker 1: von Miller and good luck that man. Okay, yeah, we'll see, Yeah, 427 00:21:38,520 --> 00:21:40,879 Speaker 1: so we'll see. We'll continue to talk about this and 428 00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:43,720 Speaker 1: how this whole week will go here. But obviously the 429 00:21:43,760 --> 00:21:46,840 Speaker 1: Steelers making the change. I'm a big builder fan. I 430 00:21:46,920 --> 00:21:49,119 Speaker 1: like how they've team built. I mean, I think you know, 431 00:21:49,240 --> 00:21:51,600 Speaker 1: the coaches, good buddies with Tom Lin. I think it's 432 00:21:51,600 --> 00:21:54,320 Speaker 1: a strong organization. I have a lot of respect for him. 433 00:21:54,400 --> 00:21:57,399 Speaker 1: You can subscribe to snr's newest podcast, to Godfather of 434 00:21:57,440 --> 00:22:00,240 Speaker 1: Pittsburgh Sports is talking Nothing but Steelers. It's ever and 435 00:22:00,280 --> 00:22:03,480 Speaker 1: on Steelers. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursday. You 436 00:22:03,520 --> 00:22:06,840 Speaker 1: can subscribe today. They're available on the Steelers mobile app, 437 00:22:06,880 --> 00:22:10,760 Speaker 1: the I Heart Radio app, and wherever you get your podcast. 438 00:22:11,080 --> 00:22:13,560 Speaker 1: He is Matt Williamson. I am Dale Lali. You're listening 439 00:22:13,600 --> 00:22:16,920 Speaker 1: to the drive here on Steelers Nation Radio. It is 440 00:22:16,960 --> 00:22:20,400 Speaker 1: Power Rankings Day, and we'll see how far the Steelers 441 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:23,920 Speaker 1: have fallen. Now this week I would think not yeah, 442 00:22:23,960 --> 00:22:25,679 Speaker 1: but we'll check that out right after this