1 00:00:04,400 --> 00:00:07,600 Speaker 1: Is The Drive with Dale Lolly and Matt Williamson on 2 00:00:08,960 --> 00:00:24,440 Speaker 1: Home of the Black and Gold Steelers Nation Radio. Welcome 3 00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:27,720 Speaker 1: to the Drive. I'm Dale Lollly. He is Matt Williamson, 4 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:31,800 Speaker 1: and it is Friday. The Steelers play the Carolina Panthers 5 00:00:32,600 --> 00:00:38,040 Speaker 1: on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Be there or B Square? Yeah, 6 00:00:38,320 --> 00:00:40,320 Speaker 1: a little chili here. I'm sure you won't mind going 7 00:00:40,360 --> 00:00:42,040 Speaker 1: down to UH. I know it's supposed to be chili 8 00:00:42,080 --> 00:00:45,680 Speaker 1: there too. That is not the Deep South, that is 9 00:00:45,720 --> 00:00:50,559 Speaker 1: the mid South, flick in pools, and it won't be 10 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:54,600 Speaker 1: like we were in Atlanta. I noted to Uh. There 11 00:00:54,600 --> 00:00:57,480 Speaker 1: were a few of us out having a a beverage 12 00:00:57,520 --> 00:01:02,680 Speaker 1: watching U watching the conference championship games, and we sat 13 00:01:02,720 --> 00:01:06,640 Speaker 1: out on a deck basically and watched the game on 14 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:08,640 Speaker 1: a TV. And little jealous of that. I could go 15 00:01:08,680 --> 00:01:10,440 Speaker 1: for that, right about it, I said the guy. Fellas, 16 00:01:10,440 --> 00:01:13,240 Speaker 1: it's December and we're sitting outside watching football. There you go, 17 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:15,600 Speaker 1: I'm not going to be quite the same situation. And 18 00:01:15,640 --> 00:01:17,280 Speaker 1: when there was going to be an issue across the 19 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:20,560 Speaker 1: league this week, So yes, it is. This is an 20 00:01:20,600 --> 00:01:22,759 Speaker 1: interesting game to me. I mean, I just think that 21 00:01:23,520 --> 00:01:26,800 Speaker 1: similar formulas you know. I mean I think that you know, 22 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:29,399 Speaker 1: there's some matchups I don't love for the Steelers. I 23 00:01:29,400 --> 00:01:31,640 Speaker 1: think there's things they need to prove. I have some 24 00:01:31,680 --> 00:01:35,039 Speaker 1: concerns about playing three very physical teams in a row 25 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:36,720 Speaker 1: and then you know, the last one being on the road. 26 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:39,720 Speaker 1: Let's let's talk about that for a second. So everybody's 27 00:01:39,760 --> 00:01:42,560 Speaker 1: been talking about what a great rushing performance that was 28 00:01:42,640 --> 00:01:45,440 Speaker 1: last week for the Carolina Panthers against the Seattle and 29 00:01:45,520 --> 00:01:49,000 Speaker 1: it was. It was a solid form. After watching the 30 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:51,960 Speaker 1: Seahawks try to stop the run last night, I'm not 31 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:55,520 Speaker 1: so impressed. That's a good point. They don't stop to 32 00:01:55,600 --> 00:01:59,200 Speaker 1: run at all. They're they've really fallen back to earth. Yeah, 33 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:02,640 Speaker 1: I mean team and now Locke's hurt. Like as a fan, 34 00:02:02,840 --> 00:02:05,840 Speaker 1: I'm hoping Seattle doesn't end up in the playoffs, but 35 00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:07,440 Speaker 1: someone in the NFC is gonna end up in the 36 00:02:07,440 --> 00:02:09,560 Speaker 1: playoffs that I don't want to see. Period. But I 37 00:02:09,560 --> 00:02:11,800 Speaker 1: think it's give me the Lions. I think they get 38 00:02:11,840 --> 00:02:14,000 Speaker 1: the Jets this week. They got they get Wilson starting 39 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:16,840 Speaker 1: at quarterback. Now for the Jets, they're losing. Yeah, I 40 00:02:16,840 --> 00:02:18,760 Speaker 1: think Panthers could win their Division two and I'd rather 41 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:24,600 Speaker 1: see them than Tampa. Tom Brady. Yeah, I don't. I 42 00:02:24,600 --> 00:02:26,520 Speaker 1: don't think the guys. Still don't think the Panthers are 43 00:02:26,520 --> 00:02:29,399 Speaker 1: a great football team. No, I don't think they're great. Um, 44 00:02:29,440 --> 00:02:31,280 Speaker 1: but I look at that game now that they had 45 00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:34,800 Speaker 1: last week against against Seattle, and I'm like, all right, 46 00:02:36,760 --> 00:02:38,519 Speaker 1: they can't stop the run at all, and they can't 47 00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:41,040 Speaker 1: stop there. They were awful. Their front sevens a disaster 48 00:02:41,160 --> 00:02:43,799 Speaker 1: at this point. The defense as a whole, Seattle's is 49 00:02:43,840 --> 00:02:47,399 Speaker 1: a real problem. And these guys, well they guess they did. 50 00:02:47,600 --> 00:02:50,160 Speaker 1: Don't have a McCaffrey, you know. I mean, their their 51 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:55,000 Speaker 1: backs are kind of just dudes. But they're dedicated to it. Yeah, 52 00:02:55,040 --> 00:02:57,000 Speaker 1: I mean that's the key. Yeah, that is the key. 53 00:02:57,000 --> 00:02:59,959 Speaker 1: And again I don't expect the Steelers to shut down 54 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:02,160 Speaker 1: the running game of the Carolina Country. They're not going 55 00:03:02,200 --> 00:03:04,320 Speaker 1: to force them to pass on first and ten time 56 00:03:04,360 --> 00:03:06,200 Speaker 1: and time again. But they're not running for two twenty 57 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:08,919 Speaker 1: three either. But we've said this all week. They're gonna 58 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:11,040 Speaker 1: get their hunt. Yeah, and I mean that market down 59 00:03:11,080 --> 00:03:13,680 Speaker 1: and if it's one fifty, it's not even gonna necessarily 60 00:03:13,919 --> 00:03:15,800 Speaker 1: there's not a magic number, no, you know, just they 61 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:18,880 Speaker 1: can't control the game. Can't control the time of possession 62 00:03:19,000 --> 00:03:22,440 Speaker 1: all that stuff and play the way they want to play. 63 00:03:22,600 --> 00:03:26,399 Speaker 1: I mean, just looking at this again, they're they're game 64 00:03:26,440 --> 00:03:30,320 Speaker 1: by game stats. The Panthers have run the ball effectively 65 00:03:30,360 --> 00:03:32,760 Speaker 1: against a really bad run defense. That's a good point. 66 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:36,680 Speaker 1: I mean it's it was one against the Giants. Well, 67 00:03:36,680 --> 00:03:40,720 Speaker 1: the Giants are giving up five point four yards offenses. Yeah. 68 00:03:40,760 --> 00:03:42,920 Speaker 1: The Saints run defense, we saw that coming out of 69 00:03:42,920 --> 00:03:45,040 Speaker 1: the bus. It's it's okay, but it's not great. They 70 00:03:45,040 --> 00:03:47,160 Speaker 1: had one forty five and net game they had won 71 00:03:47,280 --> 00:03:49,680 Speaker 1: seventy three against the Bucks. Well we've learned now that 72 00:03:49,720 --> 00:03:54,640 Speaker 1: the Bucks are not a strong run defense. Yeah, um, 73 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:57,760 Speaker 1: one s and to thirty two against the Falcons, Well, 74 00:03:57,800 --> 00:04:00,880 Speaker 1: we saw that Falcons defense. They can't there either. And 75 00:04:00,880 --> 00:04:03,800 Speaker 1: then on against the Broncos. The Broncos really good against 76 00:04:03,800 --> 00:04:08,160 Speaker 1: the pass, not as good against the run. The Broncos too, 77 00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:10,560 Speaker 1: is their offense. Their offense, they're never on the field, 78 00:04:10,560 --> 00:04:13,320 Speaker 1: like they're never gonna make you know, Carolina play left 79 00:04:13,360 --> 00:04:18,320 Speaker 1: handed ever so, and then three against that Seahawks defense 80 00:04:18,360 --> 00:04:21,160 Speaker 1: that again can't stop the run. Right, I don't think 81 00:04:21,200 --> 00:04:24,400 Speaker 1: the Steelers are the best run defense in the Steelers 82 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:26,919 Speaker 1: have a great case, but I know that they're I 83 00:04:26,920 --> 00:04:30,280 Speaker 1: don't think they're bottom ten. They're not bottom. I don't 84 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:34,320 Speaker 1: think they're not the Giants, They're not Houston. And in 85 00:04:34,400 --> 00:04:37,080 Speaker 1: the end, I mean, I thought the Ravens were the 86 00:04:37,080 --> 00:04:41,400 Speaker 1: better team in despite the the interceptions, because they controlled 87 00:04:41,400 --> 00:04:44,080 Speaker 1: the line of scrimmage. But in the end, the Ravens 88 00:04:44,160 --> 00:04:47,160 Speaker 1: rushing numbers weren't insane. No, I mean they were. They 89 00:04:47,160 --> 00:04:50,320 Speaker 1: were fine, but they weren't insane. Yeah, we can the 90 00:04:50,600 --> 00:04:53,279 Speaker 1: old if you throw out the forty four yard game, 91 00:04:53,320 --> 00:04:57,320 Speaker 1: which you can't get it. It's a typical Ravens rushing game. 92 00:04:57,800 --> 00:04:59,400 Speaker 1: And even with the forty four yard or I mean 93 00:04:59,440 --> 00:05:01,200 Speaker 1: they didn't put a lot of points. Yeah, they didn't 94 00:05:01,240 --> 00:05:03,520 Speaker 1: score a lot off of it, but they did control 95 00:05:03,560 --> 00:05:05,240 Speaker 1: the football. They did, they did, and they were more 96 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:08,400 Speaker 1: physical and they deserve to win. Even with that, the 97 00:05:08,400 --> 00:05:11,440 Speaker 1: game was highly winnable, of course, you know, of course 98 00:05:11,560 --> 00:05:15,040 Speaker 1: if if not, you know, don't make that mistake. We've 99 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:16,720 Speaker 1: said this many times this week. I mean, I think 100 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:20,000 Speaker 1: if they make the field goal instead of getting blocked 101 00:05:20,120 --> 00:05:23,200 Speaker 1: or one of the three interceptions doesn't occur, they end 102 00:05:23,279 --> 00:05:25,080 Speaker 1: up winning. And I think on Monday, I'll be like, 103 00:05:25,160 --> 00:05:26,480 Speaker 1: I don't think they were a better team, but they 104 00:05:26,480 --> 00:05:28,839 Speaker 1: got to win, you know what I mean. So that's 105 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:32,320 Speaker 1: that's how this league works. It is that this game 106 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:35,200 Speaker 1: is gonna be very much like that. Uh, this is 107 00:05:35,240 --> 00:05:37,440 Speaker 1: not a team that scores a bunch of points. This 108 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:39,760 Speaker 1: is not a team that converts a lot of third downs. 109 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:44,040 Speaker 1: This is not a team then their third down conversion 110 00:05:44,440 --> 00:05:47,159 Speaker 1: might be I can't remember seeing one lower than that 111 00:05:47,200 --> 00:05:50,280 Speaker 1: at this point, this point in a season. I mean, like, oh, 112 00:05:50,320 --> 00:05:52,520 Speaker 1: it's getting a lot better trending up, But like, that's 113 00:05:52,560 --> 00:05:55,520 Speaker 1: not That's who they are. That's who they are. Uh 114 00:05:55,560 --> 00:05:58,360 Speaker 1: So you know, I just look at that, Um, if 115 00:05:58,400 --> 00:06:01,200 Speaker 1: they can force Sam Donald into making a mistake, well, 116 00:06:01,279 --> 00:06:03,000 Speaker 1: then you know, I think that would go a long 117 00:06:03,040 --> 00:06:06,320 Speaker 1: way towards helping them win this game. I mean, history 118 00:06:06,320 --> 00:06:08,960 Speaker 1: shows he's very mistake prone. I mean, he's he's played 119 00:06:08,960 --> 00:06:10,360 Speaker 1: two games in a row where they've asked him to 120 00:06:10,440 --> 00:06:13,880 Speaker 1: do nothing, but all the stuff before that, I'll put 121 00:06:13,880 --> 00:06:17,560 Speaker 1: a little more weight on than these two games game. 122 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:20,880 Speaker 1: Looking at the Steelers injury report and Mike Tomlin coming 123 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:23,359 Speaker 1: out today and saying that Kenny Pickett is doubtful to 124 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:26,560 Speaker 1: play in this game, because of that concussion. He could 125 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:30,719 Speaker 1: be cleared tomorrow, but he's not. He hasn't practiced all week. 126 00:06:31,120 --> 00:06:34,119 Speaker 1: He's tried to see he's runs some scout team stuff 127 00:06:34,120 --> 00:06:37,720 Speaker 1: and things of that nature. Josh Jackson made it back 128 00:06:37,760 --> 00:06:42,000 Speaker 1: the cornerback. He was limited today super quick. Note. I 129 00:06:42,040 --> 00:06:44,400 Speaker 1: hope he comes to camp next year, you know, like yeah, 130 00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:48,000 Speaker 1: I think he's they found him for nothing. He's been 131 00:06:48,080 --> 00:06:49,560 Speaker 1: kind of a pleasant little son. I think that's why 132 00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:51,800 Speaker 1: they've kept him on the roster, right he has some value. 133 00:06:51,800 --> 00:06:53,760 Speaker 1: I think somebody would grab him if he moved on 134 00:06:53,839 --> 00:06:58,520 Speaker 1: from him. Deante Johnson back limited today, has no designation, 135 00:06:59,600 --> 00:07:03,880 Speaker 1: uh Orders Johnson, Cam Sutton no designation, a full participant today, 136 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:10,240 Speaker 1: Naji Harris full participations a no designate injury designation. Pat 137 00:07:10,280 --> 00:07:13,600 Speaker 1: farmouth limited today but no designation. He's expected to play. 138 00:07:15,280 --> 00:07:17,760 Speaker 1: Cam Hayward full participant today, but he was a coach's 139 00:07:17,840 --> 00:07:20,760 Speaker 1: day off yesterday, so he is ready to go, as 140 00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:24,280 Speaker 1: is Larry Ogan. Joe By a full participant today, ready 141 00:07:24,320 --> 00:07:27,200 Speaker 1: to go. The only other guy on the injury list 142 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:33,120 Speaker 1: is Miles jack who was limited today but is doubtful. Interesting. 143 00:07:33,440 --> 00:07:36,160 Speaker 1: I mean, all you need all your front seven bodies 144 00:07:36,200 --> 00:07:38,400 Speaker 1: you can in this one, he would probably play quite 145 00:07:38,400 --> 00:07:41,480 Speaker 1: a bit. I assume it will be Spillane and Bush 146 00:07:41,560 --> 00:07:43,400 Speaker 1: just about every snap then, Yeah, I mean I don't 147 00:07:43,400 --> 00:07:46,200 Speaker 1: think they're gonna be in dime you gon Nickel and Dim. Yeah, 148 00:07:46,600 --> 00:07:48,640 Speaker 1: those guys are gonna have to play a lot. Could 149 00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:51,440 Speaker 1: Mark Robinson get a I would assume he'll get it, 150 00:07:51,480 --> 00:07:55,240 Speaker 1: he'll get a helmet anyways. Yeah, A little intrigued by him. 151 00:07:55,280 --> 00:08:02,040 Speaker 1: I wouldn't expect to get action unless somebody gets hurt. Probably. Yeah. 152 00:08:02,240 --> 00:08:03,560 Speaker 1: I don't think he is either. I don't know what 153 00:08:03,600 --> 00:08:07,160 Speaker 1: he is, but yeah, um, buddy at least would know 154 00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:10,280 Speaker 1: what to do. Yeah, he's been on the block, right, Yeah, Um, 155 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:13,520 Speaker 1: I just don't know that Robinson is at that point 156 00:08:13,560 --> 00:08:16,120 Speaker 1: in his career yet. If you get him on the field, 157 00:08:16,120 --> 00:08:19,440 Speaker 1: he's gonna get manipulated. Yeah, he's a true red shirt guy. Yeah, 158 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:22,800 Speaker 1: but he was a linebacker for one year in college. Right. 159 00:08:23,360 --> 00:08:25,400 Speaker 1: I'm excited about him for next game. Yeah, that's that's 160 00:08:25,400 --> 00:08:28,440 Speaker 1: the next year thing. Um so, but he'll actually get 161 00:08:28,480 --> 00:08:31,440 Speaker 1: valuable special teams that's probably. Yeah. You know he's never 162 00:08:31,520 --> 00:08:33,960 Speaker 1: run down on kickoff in NFL game, you know, Yeah, 163 00:08:34,160 --> 00:08:37,480 Speaker 1: that gun be both good and Bed too. He's good 164 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:43,400 Speaker 1: at it. Right. Um, Mike Tomlin declining to name a 165 00:08:43,480 --> 00:08:48,760 Speaker 1: starter today doesn't have to. Uh, they'll make a designation. 166 00:08:48,800 --> 00:08:52,280 Speaker 1: I guess tomorrow. He said, I'll release a depth chart 167 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:55,480 Speaker 1: tomorrow and or he'll What he'll do is he'll make 168 00:08:55,480 --> 00:08:57,280 Speaker 1: a depth chart tomorrow and then he'll give it to 169 00:08:57,280 --> 00:09:01,320 Speaker 1: his public relations department and then maybe whether they release 170 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:03,960 Speaker 1: it or not. Yeah, you might have to show up 171 00:09:03,960 --> 00:09:05,520 Speaker 1: on game day to find out who's starting. I have 172 00:09:05,559 --> 00:09:07,800 Speaker 1: a pretty good idea who I think is starting. I mean, 173 00:09:07,800 --> 00:09:09,760 Speaker 1: I think the world thinks it's Mitch at this point. 174 00:09:10,200 --> 00:09:12,280 Speaker 1: He was He's been the two all year. I don't 175 00:09:12,280 --> 00:09:15,720 Speaker 1: get the people, and you will not find as you 176 00:09:15,760 --> 00:09:19,160 Speaker 1: can attest somebody who has been in Mason Rudolph's corner 177 00:09:19,240 --> 00:09:22,640 Speaker 1: more than me. Oh, you've been definitely a supporter, no doubt. 178 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:26,120 Speaker 1: I mean, but I am not right right, But I'm 179 00:09:26,160 --> 00:09:29,160 Speaker 1: not starting him over Mitched Risky in this game. I'm 180 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:32,640 Speaker 1: not either. I mean you said this really well the 181 00:09:32,640 --> 00:09:35,480 Speaker 1: other day. I mean everyone's making Oh he's getting of 182 00:09:35,520 --> 00:09:37,320 Speaker 1: the snaps. I mean, first of all, who's charting that? 183 00:09:37,360 --> 00:09:39,040 Speaker 1: By the way, I mean, is anyone out there really 184 00:09:39,080 --> 00:09:41,880 Speaker 1: charting the really an even split. I bet it's not. 185 00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:45,120 Speaker 1: I'm not down there you are, who knows um? But 186 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:48,000 Speaker 1: you have to get him ready. You gotta get him 187 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:50,720 Speaker 1: snaps and real snaps, like with Johnson and Pickens and 188 00:09:50,720 --> 00:09:53,400 Speaker 1: Friarmouth and the starting O line. Because there's a chance 189 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:56,800 Speaker 1: he's gonna play. You're one injury away, as they just 190 00:09:56,840 --> 00:09:58,880 Speaker 1: found out last week, right, and the Ravens are on 191 00:09:58,920 --> 00:10:01,720 Speaker 1: their third quarterback. There's teams all over the place, especially 192 00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:05,880 Speaker 1: with the way that these concussion protocols are now looked at, 193 00:10:06,400 --> 00:10:08,120 Speaker 1: Like if a guy takes a hit to the head, 194 00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:10,720 Speaker 1: they're pulling him out of the game to look at him. Yeah, right, 195 00:10:10,760 --> 00:10:13,920 Speaker 1: right right, Like there's no ifs wall. He looks yeah. No, 196 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:16,280 Speaker 1: he's not saying no, I'm good, I'm good. No, that's 197 00:10:16,280 --> 00:10:19,520 Speaker 1: not the way it works. Now. Two questions for your quarterback. Wise, 198 00:10:20,679 --> 00:10:23,400 Speaker 1: if Pickings or Picket, I'm sorry, everyone does that. I'm 199 00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:26,400 Speaker 1: in the work. If Pickett happens to get cleared, would 200 00:10:26,440 --> 00:10:28,720 Speaker 1: he be the two? I don't. I don't believe so. 201 00:10:28,800 --> 00:10:30,240 Speaker 1: I mean, he's a rookie's never play. If it was 202 00:10:30,480 --> 00:10:32,960 Speaker 1: would be different, been around the block. I just don't 203 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:36,280 Speaker 1: know that he's done enough at practice this week. I mean, 204 00:10:36,280 --> 00:10:41,400 Speaker 1: he's not scrimmage against the opponent. You know, basically, if 205 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:47,559 Speaker 1: Mitch throws two early picks, could he get the pool? Sure, Yeah, 206 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:50,360 Speaker 1: I don't. I don't think that's outside or beyond the 207 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:52,480 Speaker 1: realm of possibility. I would think it should be a 208 00:10:52,480 --> 00:10:56,120 Speaker 1: little short. Yeah, because you've gotten You've gotten Mason Rudolph 209 00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:58,559 Speaker 1: ready over the course of the week, and Mason is 210 00:10:58,600 --> 00:11:00,360 Speaker 1: not duck. Believe it or not. They want to win 211 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:03,520 Speaker 1: this game. Win this game. Some people out there'd be 212 00:11:03,520 --> 00:11:06,240 Speaker 1: a worse thing. Don't win this game. They're gonna try 213 00:11:06,280 --> 00:11:08,720 Speaker 1: to win the game. I thought. Tarrell Austin put it well. 214 00:11:09,120 --> 00:11:13,600 Speaker 1: He was asked yesterday the Steelers defensive coordinator, you know, 215 00:11:13,679 --> 00:11:15,560 Speaker 1: is it time maybe you need to get take a 216 00:11:15,559 --> 00:11:17,760 Speaker 1: look at some guys out there, Just take it to 217 00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:19,280 Speaker 1: put some guys in there and take a look at them, 218 00:11:19,280 --> 00:11:21,160 Speaker 1: see what they can do. He says. I'm in the 219 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:24,120 Speaker 1: business winning games now. I'm not not seeing who's gonna 220 00:11:24,160 --> 00:11:26,960 Speaker 1: be varsity next year, next years, next year. I mean, 221 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:29,040 Speaker 1: if the owner comes and knocks on your doors and says, 222 00:11:29,520 --> 00:11:32,760 Speaker 1: put some guys in there, Okay, that's what we'll do. 223 00:11:32,920 --> 00:11:36,040 Speaker 1: But the job at hand is doing ever you can 224 00:11:36,120 --> 00:11:37,400 Speaker 1: to beat the Panthers. I don't even know who you 225 00:11:37,400 --> 00:11:40,559 Speaker 1: would put in there. No, I hear you. I mean, 226 00:11:40,600 --> 00:11:42,559 Speaker 1: are you gonna Are you gonna throw Mark Robinson into 227 00:11:42,559 --> 00:11:44,240 Speaker 1: the into the deep water and see if he can 228 00:11:44,280 --> 00:11:48,280 Speaker 1: swim to be It's a different world if and when 229 00:11:48,320 --> 00:11:52,360 Speaker 1: you're eliminated. Maybe I'd play some staffs with Robinson. But 230 00:11:53,160 --> 00:11:55,320 Speaker 1: if I'm not in the room, I'm not his linebacker coach. 231 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:56,840 Speaker 1: If he has no clue what he's doing, that you 232 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:59,920 Speaker 1: can't just throw him out there. That's that that put 233 00:12:00,040 --> 00:12:02,520 Speaker 1: these guys in and see what they can do suggestion. 234 00:12:03,360 --> 00:12:06,280 Speaker 1: They've never been in a position room, right, You know 235 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:10,160 Speaker 1: these guys are These coaches see these guys practice every day. 236 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:14,000 Speaker 1: They've seen them practice every day since last May. And 237 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:16,400 Speaker 1: unlike everyone listening, they speak to them and know what 238 00:12:16,440 --> 00:12:19,040 Speaker 1: their personality is. There in the meeting rooms with them 239 00:12:19,520 --> 00:12:23,120 Speaker 1: every day since May. They know who's ready to play 240 00:12:23,120 --> 00:12:25,839 Speaker 1: and who's not. And if they thought that these guys 241 00:12:25,840 --> 00:12:28,600 Speaker 1: could help them win games, they would be playing them. 242 00:12:29,559 --> 00:12:31,280 Speaker 1: It's not just to throw them in there and see 243 00:12:31,280 --> 00:12:33,640 Speaker 1: what he can do. That's for the fans. The fans 244 00:12:33,679 --> 00:12:35,840 Speaker 1: want to see what he can do. The coaching staff 245 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:38,439 Speaker 1: knows what he can do. That happened in the preseason, 246 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:43,480 Speaker 1: right when wins and losses don't get you fired and matter, right, 247 00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:45,320 Speaker 1: And they saw what he could do, and they didn't 248 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:46,960 Speaker 1: think he could do. They didn't think it was good 249 00:12:47,040 --> 00:12:49,400 Speaker 1: enough to be to be what those other guys could do. 250 00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:52,160 Speaker 1: That's how this works. I mean, we do know people 251 00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:55,640 Speaker 1: get opportunities late in the year throughout the league, typically 252 00:12:55,800 --> 00:12:58,520 Speaker 1: based on injury or something like that. But no, but 253 00:12:58,840 --> 00:13:00,760 Speaker 1: you think the forty one of the one of the 254 00:13:00,840 --> 00:13:02,800 Speaker 1: play bruck Purty just to see what he could do, 255 00:13:04,559 --> 00:13:07,079 Speaker 1: they had to do it. Or even the Rams want 256 00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:10,040 Speaker 1: to play Aaron Donald's replacement, you know, just some dude 257 00:13:10,040 --> 00:13:11,679 Speaker 1: that they picked in the fifth round or whatever. No, 258 00:13:11,840 --> 00:13:14,320 Speaker 1: they want to put put their guys out there and 259 00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:16,880 Speaker 1: see what they can do. That they have a pretty 260 00:13:16,880 --> 00:13:18,960 Speaker 1: good idea of what they can do. They've seen it 261 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:21,440 Speaker 1: all year long. They're also paying these people pretty well 262 00:13:21,559 --> 00:13:23,800 Speaker 1: to do a job, so they wanted to do the job. Yeah, 263 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:25,480 Speaker 1: that's why I saw some people out there. They should 264 00:13:25,520 --> 00:13:27,160 Speaker 1: just shut t J. Watt down for the rest of 265 00:13:27,200 --> 00:13:29,679 Speaker 1: the year. Are you on your mind right? I mean, 266 00:13:29,720 --> 00:13:32,600 Speaker 1: that's different if it's like Matthew Stafford. Yeah, if he's 267 00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:35,719 Speaker 1: got something that that is and he's going to reach 268 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:39,120 Speaker 1: surgery on right. If he's a non effective player, it 269 00:13:39,160 --> 00:13:42,320 Speaker 1: could get much worse by being out there. Totally different 270 00:13:42,440 --> 00:13:45,440 Speaker 1: once you're eliminated. But I don't think that's the case here, 271 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:49,440 Speaker 1: and I'm playing my guys. I don't know, because once 272 00:13:49,480 --> 00:13:51,559 Speaker 1: you go down that road of well, we're gonna shut 273 00:13:51,559 --> 00:13:53,040 Speaker 1: this guy down, but we're not going to shut that 274 00:13:53,080 --> 00:13:57,720 Speaker 1: guy down. So it becomes that, you know, that situation 275 00:13:57,720 --> 00:14:00,960 Speaker 1: when you start pulling starters out of a blowout. Well, 276 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:03,400 Speaker 1: I'm gonna I'm gonna tell this guy he's more important 277 00:14:03,440 --> 00:14:05,880 Speaker 1: than that guy, and then I get to explained to 278 00:14:05,920 --> 00:14:09,000 Speaker 1: that guy while why he is more important. And because 279 00:14:09,040 --> 00:14:11,520 Speaker 1: I pulled this guy out, the other one can't get 280 00:14:11,559 --> 00:14:16,480 Speaker 1: pulled out because you know, we don't you have att 281 00:14:16,559 --> 00:14:18,600 Speaker 1: six man roster on game day, there's only so many 282 00:14:18,640 --> 00:14:20,800 Speaker 1: spots to put eleven men on the field. Every play 283 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:24,520 Speaker 1: that is preferred. Yeah, you could try. Not doing that 284 00:14:24,840 --> 00:14:30,360 Speaker 1: would be an aggressive move. That's a fireball offense. It 285 00:14:30,520 --> 00:14:34,680 Speaker 1: is easier said and done. So let's there. You know 286 00:14:34,800 --> 00:14:36,960 Speaker 1: you shut you Okay, We're gonna shut t J want down, 287 00:14:37,200 --> 00:14:40,440 Speaker 1: and can Cam Hayber says, what a second, I'm playing 288 00:14:40,480 --> 00:14:42,840 Speaker 1: with a bunch of stuff here. Why when I get 289 00:14:42,840 --> 00:14:45,160 Speaker 1: shut down? Or maybe he says, I'm out here on 290 00:14:45,240 --> 00:14:47,760 Speaker 1: busting my butt, right, we mean we're shutting him down, 291 00:14:47,840 --> 00:14:49,920 Speaker 1: like I'm not cool with anybody shutting down right right right? 292 00:14:50,000 --> 00:14:52,320 Speaker 1: And then you shut him down and Ogan Joe, he says, 293 00:14:52,320 --> 00:14:54,400 Speaker 1: I've been fighting this to every Wednesday and Thursday, and 294 00:14:54,480 --> 00:14:57,000 Speaker 1: then you're playing with the Davis brother Yeah, I mean, 295 00:14:57,600 --> 00:14:59,960 Speaker 1: I mean you want you play football, to play the game. 296 00:15:00,080 --> 00:15:03,720 Speaker 1: M try going to t J. Watton's who loves to 297 00:15:03,720 --> 00:15:05,280 Speaker 1: play the game, and say, hey, t J, you're not 298 00:15:05,280 --> 00:15:07,000 Speaker 1: playing this week because we're gonna shut you down. For 299 00:15:07,040 --> 00:15:10,400 Speaker 1: the rest of you, you can be like, get out 300 00:15:10,440 --> 00:15:12,760 Speaker 1: of here. You only have so long to play the game. 301 00:15:13,200 --> 00:15:15,440 Speaker 1: This isn't like you can play until your forty five. 302 00:15:16,080 --> 00:15:18,720 Speaker 1: You know, unless you're Tom Brady, You've you've got a 303 00:15:18,760 --> 00:15:20,720 Speaker 1: certain number of games in which you can play in 304 00:15:20,760 --> 00:15:22,440 Speaker 1: your career, and you're gett paid to do it, and 305 00:15:22,440 --> 00:15:24,720 Speaker 1: you're getting paid very well to do it. Quite well, 306 00:15:24,800 --> 00:15:29,320 Speaker 1: I want you want to be on the field. I mean, 307 00:15:30,480 --> 00:15:34,320 Speaker 1: if week team is a meaningless game. I don't even 308 00:15:34,320 --> 00:15:37,000 Speaker 1: know the names to do it. But Okay, Connor, Heyward, 309 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:39,200 Speaker 1: we're gonna give you thirty snaps, not twelve. You know, 310 00:15:39,280 --> 00:15:42,280 Speaker 1: things guys that have played, not just we're gonna pull 311 00:15:42,320 --> 00:15:44,240 Speaker 1: someone off of someone's practice squad throw them out there, 312 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:47,560 Speaker 1: you know, like we're searching for That's what That's what 313 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:51,360 Speaker 1: losing franchises do. That's that's you know, that's the Browns 314 00:15:51,360 --> 00:15:54,400 Speaker 1: are having tryouts late in the year many years, trust me, 315 00:15:54,440 --> 00:15:56,640 Speaker 1: I mean we did that with the Browns. We knew 316 00:15:56,680 --> 00:15:59,160 Speaker 1: we were bad. We brought in guys every week hoping 317 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:04,480 Speaker 1: he's got to be better than the backup card. We 318 00:16:04,760 --> 00:16:08,440 Speaker 1: we've been coaching everywhere player, maybe we can find an 319 00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:12,080 Speaker 1: NFL player. Yeah, I mean, that's that's just the reality 320 00:16:12,080 --> 00:16:16,520 Speaker 1: of the situation here. I don't think despite what many 321 00:16:17,040 --> 00:16:20,680 Speaker 1: fans might feel, um and I get the fandom of 322 00:16:20,720 --> 00:16:23,320 Speaker 1: it all in, but I don't think this team is 323 00:16:23,360 --> 00:16:27,760 Speaker 1: far far away from competing. No. I mean, I think 324 00:16:27,760 --> 00:16:30,680 Speaker 1: a strong offseason and quarterback development. I think the quarterback 325 00:16:30,680 --> 00:16:32,880 Speaker 1: development goes a long way, goes a long way. Again, 326 00:16:33,040 --> 00:16:35,360 Speaker 1: one of the things that we talked about all last 327 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:39,920 Speaker 1: off season was Okay, yeah, Ben Roethlisberger was a limited 328 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:45,600 Speaker 1: quarterback in in But how do you replace Ben Roethlisberger 329 00:16:45,640 --> 00:16:49,920 Speaker 1: in the fourth quarter? Yeah? What quarter? Ben was pretty 330 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:52,720 Speaker 1: damn good, right, right? Right? I mean in terms of 331 00:16:53,200 --> 00:16:55,800 Speaker 1: knowing what all the stuff pick I can't know knowing 332 00:16:55,840 --> 00:16:58,400 Speaker 1: what all the defenses. Okay, I've seen I've seen three 333 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:00,920 Speaker 1: quarters of this. Yeah, I know when I know what 334 00:17:00,920 --> 00:17:03,200 Speaker 1: they're gonna do and when they pictures painted and I 335 00:17:03,280 --> 00:17:06,040 Speaker 1: can read it, right, We're not everyone can, right, No, Yeah, 336 00:17:06,080 --> 00:17:08,159 Speaker 1: that's definitely. I mean, do we think he was the 337 00:17:08,160 --> 00:17:09,880 Speaker 1: same player. Of course he wasn't. I mean, I'm sure 338 00:17:09,880 --> 00:17:13,080 Speaker 1: he'd tell you that, but above the neck, he might not. 339 00:17:15,600 --> 00:17:18,080 Speaker 1: Even Like a Brady above the neck is wonderful that 340 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:21,159 Speaker 1: the other stuff starting to you know, there's Brady has 341 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:23,159 Speaker 1: had a couple of fourth quarter comebacks this year, and 342 00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:26,080 Speaker 1: it's like, well there's the old Tom Brady. Yeah, that's 343 00:17:26,080 --> 00:17:27,959 Speaker 1: what you keep those guys around because they can win 344 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:31,160 Speaker 1: you a game at the end, you know, figuring out 345 00:17:31,200 --> 00:17:33,480 Speaker 1: how to do that. I did even give Mayfield credit, 346 00:17:33,560 --> 00:17:36,440 Speaker 1: you know, like compared to the Wolfords that they're trotting out, 347 00:17:36,600 --> 00:17:39,160 Speaker 1: and he's been been around the block. He started fifty 348 00:17:39,240 --> 00:17:41,840 Speaker 1: or sixty games. He saw I got man coverage on 349 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:43,800 Speaker 1: the last play, He's going to attack it. That's what 350 00:17:43,840 --> 00:17:45,880 Speaker 1: he said. After get I couldn't believe they're they're they're 351 00:17:46,040 --> 00:17:49,560 Speaker 1: pressed man in that situation, right, Yeah, okay, take a shot. 352 00:17:49,680 --> 00:17:51,679 Speaker 1: I'm taking my shot worked, you know, because he's been 353 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:54,359 Speaker 1: around the block. Yeah. So that's just, you know, again, 354 00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:57,520 Speaker 1: the maturation process of the quarterback position. That's what's It's 355 00:17:57,600 --> 00:17:59,440 Speaker 1: kind of disappointing to me to pick a can't play 356 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:01,520 Speaker 1: in this game. He wanted to get him as much, 357 00:18:01,720 --> 00:18:03,879 Speaker 1: you know, playing time. I'm not even certain that he 358 00:18:03,920 --> 00:18:05,959 Speaker 1: gives them the absolute best chance to win. I mean, 359 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:08,359 Speaker 1: that's a debate at least, but I'm certain that I 360 00:18:08,400 --> 00:18:11,120 Speaker 1: want him to get the snaps, right, yeah, because he's 361 00:18:11,160 --> 00:18:15,000 Speaker 1: not getting I mean maybe at this point it doesn't 362 00:18:15,080 --> 00:18:18,160 Speaker 1: hurt him to have played, and they'll take a step 363 00:18:18,200 --> 00:18:24,040 Speaker 1: back and watch a game like that might help Zack Wilson, Right, 364 00:18:24,480 --> 00:18:27,520 Speaker 1: we'll find out. That's that's the situation. This isn't a 365 00:18:27,680 --> 00:18:30,240 Speaker 1: this isn't a benching situation for for Picket like it 366 00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:33,359 Speaker 1: was for for Wilson, But it's almost by Yeah, I mean, 367 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:36,480 Speaker 1: but you get to watch your team perform and you, oh, hey, look, Mitch, 368 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:39,639 Speaker 1: I saw this. You know. Now you can talk to 369 00:18:39,760 --> 00:18:42,000 Speaker 1: Churbisky when he's coming off the field, well, okay, you 370 00:18:42,119 --> 00:18:44,680 Speaker 1: threw it there. I saw this over here where I 371 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:47,479 Speaker 1: would have thrown it, And Mitch Rabisky can then say, well, 372 00:18:47,560 --> 00:18:50,160 Speaker 1: here's why I did this. I took this chance. Absolutely, 373 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:52,919 Speaker 1: you know I haven't. That's why they keep those Matt 374 00:18:53,119 --> 00:18:56,080 Speaker 1: shobs and Josh McCown's. Oh yeah, that's why Joe Flacco 375 00:18:56,160 --> 00:18:59,080 Speaker 1: still employed. Yeah. Absolutely, he can't play anymore. They're play 376 00:18:59,160 --> 00:19:01,520 Speaker 1: Zack Wilson. But I bet Joe is gonna be helpful 377 00:19:01,760 --> 00:19:04,119 Speaker 1: to Zach on game day, you know, is right? So? 378 00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:10,120 Speaker 1: Um yea Panther. No, nothing yet that I've seen anyways. 379 00:19:10,600 --> 00:19:14,800 Speaker 1: Um but yeah, um, I think it's a good I 380 00:19:14,800 --> 00:19:16,320 Speaker 1: think it's gonna be a good game. I think it's 381 00:19:16,320 --> 00:19:18,359 Speaker 1: gonna be a very competitive game. I don't expect a 382 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:20,639 Speaker 1: lot of points. I think there'll be plenty of punts. 383 00:19:20,800 --> 00:19:24,240 Speaker 1: I'm impressed. No, we do have a Panthers. Uh So 384 00:19:24,440 --> 00:19:28,440 Speaker 1: there they list. Brandon Smith is out with that ankle injury. 385 00:19:28,520 --> 00:19:30,840 Speaker 1: D J. Moore is questionable. He was limited one. I 386 00:19:30,880 --> 00:19:33,359 Speaker 1: was kind of wondering as a legit because he had 387 00:19:33,440 --> 00:19:35,920 Speaker 1: been I think he was. He had a he was 388 00:19:35,960 --> 00:19:41,560 Speaker 1: a full participant yesterday and then limited today. That doesn't 389 00:19:41,640 --> 00:19:44,560 Speaker 1: sound good, Yeah, because he was full on on Wednesday 390 00:19:44,600 --> 00:19:47,080 Speaker 1: as well. So he's a dangerous player, even his numbers 391 00:19:47,119 --> 00:19:50,240 Speaker 1: aren't great. I mean, he's that hurts their chance to 392 00:19:50,280 --> 00:19:53,240 Speaker 1: win if he's out. Xavier Woods was a full participant today, 393 00:19:53,520 --> 00:19:56,440 Speaker 1: the safety, but he has listed as questionable as well. 394 00:19:57,640 --> 00:20:01,040 Speaker 1: I think yeah, Laviska Chanal with that shoulder. Uh, he 395 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:04,680 Speaker 1: was limited again today and he is also questionable. You know, 396 00:20:04,800 --> 00:20:06,879 Speaker 1: it's interesting. I mean I really liked him coming out 397 00:20:06,880 --> 00:20:10,160 Speaker 1: of school. They got him for nothing from Jacksonville. He's 398 00:20:10,200 --> 00:20:12,600 Speaker 1: a tackle breaker, he's an end around guys, a bubble 399 00:20:12,680 --> 00:20:15,000 Speaker 1: screen guy. How about this? I I just saw this 400 00:20:15,080 --> 00:20:17,040 Speaker 1: stat today, but this would have been a good thing 401 00:20:17,119 --> 00:20:21,600 Speaker 1: for your stat package. The Steelers this season have only 402 00:20:21,720 --> 00:20:25,399 Speaker 1: had one wide receiver run against him all season. Really 403 00:20:26,560 --> 00:20:29,560 Speaker 1: for two yards have the biggest discrepancy of wide receiver. 404 00:20:29,800 --> 00:20:33,879 Speaker 1: It's crazy. Everybody in the league has had at least six. 405 00:20:34,160 --> 00:20:35,880 Speaker 1: Every other team in the league has has at least six, 406 00:20:35,960 --> 00:20:38,240 Speaker 1: and some have had many more than that. The Steelers 407 00:20:38,280 --> 00:20:41,120 Speaker 1: have only had one. I wonder if there's a reason 408 00:20:41,200 --> 00:20:44,800 Speaker 1: behind that, like in the olden day, in the Laveau days. Yeah, 409 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:47,920 Speaker 1: those wide edge guys, you know you're trying to get 410 00:20:47,960 --> 00:20:50,440 Speaker 1: them going different. You know they would overpursue or you know, 411 00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:53,840 Speaker 1: nobody's trying it against them. I don't have a great 412 00:20:53,880 --> 00:20:56,720 Speaker 1: reason why. I don't either. If Lavisca is out there, 413 00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:58,680 Speaker 1: he might be number two, he might be number two. Yeah, 414 00:20:58,720 --> 00:21:00,320 Speaker 1: he will do that. And they actually did it with 415 00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:03,280 Speaker 1: d J. Moore last week. He got I think two 416 00:21:03,400 --> 00:21:06,000 Speaker 1: or three carries. This is a team that will do that. 417 00:21:06,440 --> 00:21:08,560 Speaker 1: I mean they're trying to manufacture yardage anyway they can. 418 00:21:08,640 --> 00:21:11,720 Speaker 1: I mean that includes I always called him account Donald 419 00:21:11,800 --> 00:21:13,520 Speaker 1: runs as well. But it was one carry for two 420 00:21:13,600 --> 00:21:17,240 Speaker 1: yards that, sir, that was more. No, I'm talking about 421 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:20,400 Speaker 1: one carrier for two yards against the Steelers receiver runs. 422 00:21:20,480 --> 00:21:24,240 Speaker 1: So it hasn't been especially effective. Scouting reports don't do 423 00:21:24,320 --> 00:21:26,840 Speaker 1: it again. Um, And maybe it's because you know, the 424 00:21:26,960 --> 00:21:30,159 Speaker 1: corners are pretty good tacklers. Corners pretty good tacklers. I 425 00:21:30,200 --> 00:21:33,000 Speaker 1: mean I wouldn't want to do it right at what No. 426 00:21:33,359 --> 00:21:35,960 Speaker 1: You know, in high you know you started doing getting 427 00:21:36,040 --> 00:21:38,840 Speaker 1: the movement in the backfield and you end up losing 428 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:41,920 Speaker 1: ten yards and double reverses and things of that nature. 429 00:21:42,119 --> 00:21:45,840 Speaker 1: So interesting. I didn't. I just I was looking to 430 00:21:45,880 --> 00:21:49,560 Speaker 1: see what I might pick as a you know, uh, 431 00:21:49,880 --> 00:21:51,800 Speaker 1: some of my guarantees this week and they only have 432 00:21:51,960 --> 00:21:56,960 Speaker 1: one one receiver run against him. It was shocking. Into December, Yeah, 433 00:21:57,040 --> 00:22:02,640 Speaker 1: we're pretty I mean, yeah, it's almost over here. Uh, Matt, 434 00:22:02,720 --> 00:22:05,840 Speaker 1: did you know you can now listen to Steelers Nation 435 00:22:05,920 --> 00:22:09,560 Speaker 1: Radio anytime anywhere through your smart speaker. Maybe you'll get 436 00:22:09,600 --> 00:22:12,479 Speaker 1: a smart speaker for Christmas, maybe, who knows. Uh. Then 437 00:22:12,560 --> 00:22:15,159 Speaker 1: you can just say, Alexa, play Steelers Nation Radio from 438 00:22:15,200 --> 00:22:17,680 Speaker 1: my heart, and Alexa will take care of the rest. 439 00:22:17,760 --> 00:22:20,240 Speaker 1: He is Matt Williamson. I am Dale, Lala. You're listening 440 00:22:20,280 --> 00:22:22,879 Speaker 1: to the drive here on Steelers Nation Radio. We'll be 441 00:22:22,960 --> 00:22:24,200 Speaker 1: back with Moore right after this