1 00:00:04,200 --> 00:00:07,480 Speaker 1: This is the Drive with Dale Lolly and Matt Williamson 2 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:13,000 Speaker 1: on your home of the Black and Gold Steelers Nation Radio. 3 00:00:26,920 --> 00:00:30,800 Speaker 1: Welcome to the Drive, im Dale Lolly. He is Matt Williamson, 4 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:34,360 Speaker 1: and it is Thursday as the Steelers prepare to get 5 00:00:34,360 --> 00:00:37,320 Speaker 1: ready to go down and play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. 6 00:00:37,960 --> 00:00:41,120 Speaker 1: U what is that? That's Mercedes Benz Stadium than it was. 7 00:00:41,240 --> 00:00:43,720 Speaker 1: I think it's still there's the weird thing about the Falcons. 8 00:00:43,760 --> 00:00:45,919 Speaker 1: So I've seen I just think I've seen the Steelers 9 00:00:45,920 --> 00:00:50,480 Speaker 1: play the Falcons in like five different venues over the years, 10 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:54,440 Speaker 1: really because I've seen him in three races. Rivers Hinesfield 11 00:00:55,040 --> 00:01:00,560 Speaker 1: one year, uh, the year Hinesfield opened the Falcon, they 12 00:01:00,560 --> 00:01:03,320 Speaker 1: played the Falcons in their opener, the preseason opener. Hines 13 00:01:03,320 --> 00:01:06,560 Speaker 1: Field wasn't ready yet, so they played Town. I remember 14 00:01:06,560 --> 00:01:09,039 Speaker 1: that because I was a pit and we played the 15 00:01:09,080 --> 00:01:11,640 Speaker 1: first real game in hines Field. Actually that was my 16 00:01:11,720 --> 00:01:14,240 Speaker 1: first year of pit and I saw I remember, I 17 00:01:14,240 --> 00:01:16,400 Speaker 1: was touring people as I was getting through. Actually, so 18 00:01:16,440 --> 00:01:19,240 Speaker 1: would be six fields. I've seen the Falcons play in 19 00:01:19,280 --> 00:01:22,560 Speaker 1: the Georgia Dome, Okay. Then I then they played at 20 00:01:22,560 --> 00:01:25,640 Speaker 1: their last field, which was I wouldn't know that, and 21 00:01:25,720 --> 00:01:27,920 Speaker 1: now that how the Marcedes Benz this will be number six, 22 00:01:27,920 --> 00:01:30,679 Speaker 1: This will be number six. That's weird, and they don't 23 00:01:30,680 --> 00:01:32,600 Speaker 1: play that often all. The other one that I can 24 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:35,039 Speaker 1: think of that's similar to that is I've seen him 25 00:01:35,040 --> 00:01:38,680 Speaker 1: play the Titans slash Oilers in a bunch of different places. 26 00:01:38,840 --> 00:01:40,440 Speaker 1: Next year, you're gonna see him in the super Bowl. 27 00:01:44,920 --> 00:01:47,360 Speaker 1: Had another one to the yeah, right right, But it's 28 00:01:47,360 --> 00:01:49,480 Speaker 1: just it's just strange that you know that. I mean, 29 00:01:49,800 --> 00:01:51,920 Speaker 1: either I've been doing us a real long time or 30 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:56,960 Speaker 1: that's weird. That's weird, or yeah, yeah, that is strange, though, 31 00:01:57,000 --> 00:02:00,360 Speaker 1: I mean it's not you can understand the Ravens moved 32 00:02:00,480 --> 00:02:03,880 Speaker 1: or honestly, I think i've seen it playing a different venue. 33 00:02:04,120 --> 00:02:07,120 Speaker 1: Have you ever seen the same one twice? Probably hines Field, 34 00:02:07,680 --> 00:02:11,000 Speaker 1: I would assume imagine it's every eight years, right, Yeah, 35 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:13,960 Speaker 1: so I end to have seen them play twice at Hinesfield. 36 00:02:14,840 --> 00:02:17,280 Speaker 1: But other I mean, it's just strange that you'd see 37 00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:19,040 Speaker 1: the next time they come here it won't be hines Field. 38 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:22,079 Speaker 1: It's at least the same venue. That was the same venue. 39 00:02:21,960 --> 00:02:24,200 Speaker 1: You have a different name, and I was Acre Stadium, 40 00:02:24,200 --> 00:02:27,480 Speaker 1: but it's weird. It's just a weird one that that, 41 00:02:27,680 --> 00:02:31,480 Speaker 1: you know, they've had three different stadiums now and obviously 42 00:02:31,720 --> 00:02:34,519 Speaker 1: weason one and that preseason super Bowl is going to 43 00:02:34,600 --> 00:02:37,520 Speaker 1: be different too, and right, of course, no, I think so. 44 00:02:37,520 --> 00:02:41,639 Speaker 1: I've seen the forty niners a Candlestick and then their 45 00:02:41,720 --> 00:02:45,040 Speaker 1: current stadium, and I saw them in Barcelona when the 46 00:02:45,040 --> 00:02:47,400 Speaker 1: Steelers played them over there. Have you ever counted how 47 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:49,200 Speaker 1: many stadiums you've been to? I did you know? I 48 00:02:49,240 --> 00:02:52,760 Speaker 1: did that one night and I was up over seventy. 49 00:02:52,919 --> 00:02:56,160 Speaker 1: This was probably eight or nine years ago. This will 50 00:02:56,240 --> 00:02:59,240 Speaker 1: check off another one today this weekend. Like I bet 51 00:02:59,320 --> 00:03:01,960 Speaker 1: you even forget it, Like I saw them in Atlanta. 52 00:03:02,240 --> 00:03:04,760 Speaker 1: I saw him the preseason before Hines Field was built. 53 00:03:04,800 --> 00:03:06,840 Speaker 1: Like when you did your seventy, you easily could have 54 00:03:06,919 --> 00:03:08,600 Speaker 1: forgot that. Yeah, I mean, I think it could go 55 00:03:08,639 --> 00:03:11,320 Speaker 1: through the obvious ones. But then that was a strange 56 00:03:11,320 --> 00:03:14,280 Speaker 1: one or the like you know, the the oiler Slash Titans. 57 00:03:14,760 --> 00:03:17,560 Speaker 1: You had the Astrodome, then they had the game that 58 00:03:17,600 --> 00:03:20,040 Speaker 1: they played in Memphis, but I don't remember a game 59 00:03:20,080 --> 00:03:22,040 Speaker 1: in the Astrodome in a while. And then there's some 60 00:03:22,080 --> 00:03:24,000 Speaker 1: weird ones. They played in Memphis and they played at 61 00:03:24,080 --> 00:03:27,600 Speaker 1: Vanderbilt Stadium. Then they and then the Titans moved to 62 00:03:27,639 --> 00:03:29,480 Speaker 1: their current stam So I've seen them and four four 63 00:03:29,480 --> 00:03:33,919 Speaker 1: different home stadiums I've seen I mentioned when when when 64 00:03:33,919 --> 00:03:38,040 Speaker 1: the Steelers played Jeff Fisher when he was coaching the Rams. 65 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:41,200 Speaker 1: I've seen Jeff Fisher coaching like six different stadiums, just 66 00:03:41,320 --> 00:03:44,640 Speaker 1: the home as the home. He's coaching like Eddie, George 67 00:03:44,640 --> 00:03:48,680 Speaker 1: and mcgaron those guys and then he's got gard Goff 68 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:52,240 Speaker 1: rookie year or whatever. Yeah, that's funny, imagine. I mean, 69 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:55,480 Speaker 1: I'm sure there's some coaches you've seen a ton of times. 70 00:03:55,840 --> 00:03:59,200 Speaker 1: I mean when I meant with different teams, like coordinators 71 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:02,880 Speaker 1: and things like that. Even yeah, you and him follow 72 00:04:02,880 --> 00:04:05,240 Speaker 1: each other around and don't even know that happens. That 73 00:04:05,280 --> 00:04:07,640 Speaker 1: happens actually quite a bit. You see somebody, well he 74 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:09,680 Speaker 1: was on that staff. I didn't know that. You know, 75 00:04:09,720 --> 00:04:13,000 Speaker 1: he was funny. You know, he was the defensive assistant 76 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:15,200 Speaker 1: or whatever. And then they rise up through and you're like, okay, 77 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:18,760 Speaker 1: and that makes sense. Ye. Like Arthur Smith was was 78 00:04:18,800 --> 00:04:20,719 Speaker 1: talking when we talked to Arthur Smith yesterday, he was 79 00:04:20,839 --> 00:04:22,920 Speaker 1: made him on a conference call and he was talking 80 00:04:22,920 --> 00:04:25,680 Speaker 1: about Danny Smith. He's like, I guess some Danny Smith 81 00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:28,760 Speaker 1: stories we coached together, you know whatever, stop at you, 82 00:04:28,800 --> 00:04:30,960 Speaker 1: I'm back with Washington or whatever. I mean, a lot 83 00:04:30,960 --> 00:04:32,839 Speaker 1: of those guys they'll tell you one of the best 84 00:04:32,839 --> 00:04:35,320 Speaker 1: things for your career is they get fired because you 85 00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:37,760 Speaker 1: met all those people in your staff and they're all 86 00:04:37,800 --> 00:04:39,240 Speaker 1: going to get new jobs. They all get a new 87 00:04:39,320 --> 00:04:41,560 Speaker 1: job and recommend you. Like the web just grows. So 88 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:44,800 Speaker 1: it's like the sixties of Kevin Bacon exactly. Did multiplies 89 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:47,919 Speaker 1: very very quickly. It's like a pyramid scheme. Yeah. Well, 90 00:04:47,960 --> 00:04:50,040 Speaker 1: this is the drive on Steelers Nation Radio. He has 91 00:04:50,040 --> 00:04:51,880 Speaker 1: Matt Williams and I am Dale Lali. I don't remember 92 00:04:51,920 --> 00:04:54,760 Speaker 1: if I introduced us when we came in, but um, 93 00:04:54,920 --> 00:04:57,440 Speaker 1: I think I did. Actually probably had the Steelers injury 94 00:04:57,440 --> 00:05:02,279 Speaker 1: report from today start. Yeah, let's do that. Um a 95 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:07,719 Speaker 1: new one today. Benny Snell limited with a knee issue today. 96 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:11,000 Speaker 1: Most weeks that wouldn't seem like a big game. Most 97 00:05:11,040 --> 00:05:13,760 Speaker 1: weeks that would not like. But he was limited. He 98 00:05:14,080 --> 00:05:15,919 Speaker 1: wasn't a d MP. So that's a good you know, 99 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:21,720 Speaker 1: it's not it is Thursday that is uh well noteworthy 100 00:05:21,760 --> 00:05:26,120 Speaker 1: because Naja Harris did not practice again today. Uh, but 101 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:29,880 Speaker 1: Warren did it. Was a full participant again today. So 102 00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:33,440 Speaker 1: mixing and matching there. Obviously Anthony McFarlane not on the 103 00:05:33,480 --> 00:05:35,360 Speaker 1: injury list at all. Yeah, but he better be ready, 104 00:05:35,520 --> 00:05:39,400 Speaker 1: shady stuff. He'll be coming. Like he reverted back to 105 00:05:39,440 --> 00:05:43,120 Speaker 1: the practice squad after the game, the game because he 106 00:05:43,200 --> 00:05:45,200 Speaker 1: was a call up. You get that. You can do 107 00:05:45,240 --> 00:05:47,719 Speaker 1: that three times for people that didn't know. You get 108 00:05:47,720 --> 00:05:50,120 Speaker 1: three guy's on the practice would you call him up 109 00:05:50,120 --> 00:05:52,560 Speaker 1: and then he reverts back onto the practice squad the 110 00:05:52,640 --> 00:05:55,040 Speaker 1: day after the game. You can do that three different times. 111 00:05:55,400 --> 00:05:57,200 Speaker 1: Then the third time that you do it, he has 112 00:05:57,240 --> 00:06:00,400 Speaker 1: to stay on the active roster or you or you releasing. 113 00:06:00,600 --> 00:06:02,720 Speaker 1: Yeah right, okay, but you can't put him back to 114 00:06:02,800 --> 00:06:04,720 Speaker 1: the practice You can't. Course of the year. You can 115 00:06:04,720 --> 00:06:07,839 Speaker 1: do again next year with the same player, right, Okay, Yeah, 116 00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 1: it's three times in a year. That way, you don't 117 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:12,640 Speaker 1: get a team just trying to yeah, jop the system 118 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:15,000 Speaker 1: by I don't want pay this guy, you know, So 119 00:06:15,040 --> 00:06:17,680 Speaker 1: I've pulled him up back and forth every day sixteen 120 00:06:17,720 --> 00:06:20,480 Speaker 1: times or whatever, you know, and that gets a little Yeah, 121 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:22,760 Speaker 1: I mean it gets convoluted. Now now you actually are 122 00:06:22,800 --> 00:06:26,360 Speaker 1: playing with a man roster, right, that's their way around 123 00:06:26,400 --> 00:06:30,039 Speaker 1: that around. Okay, understood. So the other issues A Miles 124 00:06:30,040 --> 00:06:33,400 Speaker 1: Boykin a full participant, he's got he's gotten a blique. 125 00:06:33,440 --> 00:06:36,479 Speaker 1: It's the same injury that Naji Harris has. So that 126 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:40,320 Speaker 1: kind of gives you maybe an idea. They say it's 127 00:06:40,320 --> 00:06:42,960 Speaker 1: not a it's not a serious one. So maybe he 128 00:06:43,040 --> 00:06:45,160 Speaker 1: misses this game. We'll see tomorrow, you know, whether he's 129 00:06:45,200 --> 00:06:48,640 Speaker 1: able to practice or not. Yeah, but boy can miss 130 00:06:48,720 --> 00:06:50,920 Speaker 1: just the one game with that, and now he looks 131 00:06:50,920 --> 00:06:52,839 Speaker 1: like he's on track to come back this week. So 132 00:06:53,279 --> 00:06:57,280 Speaker 1: do you agree with me that White was the fill 133 00:06:57,360 --> 00:07:01,280 Speaker 1: in for he's the specialty, is a tough guy. That's 134 00:07:01,320 --> 00:07:04,160 Speaker 1: why that's why that move is made. Yeah, he's not. 135 00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:06,719 Speaker 1: If Sims would be down, you don't grab White. I 136 00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:10,120 Speaker 1: mean like he's the boy potentially, potentially you could, you know, 137 00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:12,520 Speaker 1: because he's the next he's he's your next receiver up 138 00:07:13,440 --> 00:07:17,640 Speaker 1: um and then you move Gunner Olszewsky into the return role. Yeah, 139 00:07:17,680 --> 00:07:19,520 Speaker 1: stuff like that. Yeah, and then he gives you a 140 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:22,680 Speaker 1: guy that's capable of coming stepping in and playing. I 141 00:07:22,680 --> 00:07:24,880 Speaker 1: know it's not a ton it's usually between like five 142 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:27,440 Speaker 1: and ten snaps a game, but they want Boykin in 143 00:07:27,480 --> 00:07:30,040 Speaker 1: the offense. I mean, he's a blocker, he's a big body, 144 00:07:30,160 --> 00:07:32,600 Speaker 1: he's not a liability as a receiver. And I saw 145 00:07:32,640 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 1: White being used exactly the same exactly the same way. Absolutely. 146 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:42,320 Speaker 1: Uh a Kello Weatherspoon was a d MP. Um mentioned 147 00:07:42,360 --> 00:07:46,320 Speaker 1: Jylem Warm with the ham Yeah. Yeah, um, he's starting 148 00:07:46,360 --> 00:07:48,800 Speaker 1: to ramp up a little bit, um and I think 149 00:07:48,800 --> 00:07:54,200 Speaker 1: they're gonna you don't need him this week. Oh if 150 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:58,480 Speaker 1: there's a week and I think Pierre played well, you 151 00:07:58,560 --> 00:08:01,960 Speaker 1: know right, and frankly, I don't know where Spoon would 152 00:08:01,960 --> 00:08:04,440 Speaker 1: slot in right now. I mean it would be nice 153 00:08:04,480 --> 00:08:07,920 Speaker 1: to have the full compliment there and even big picture, 154 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:11,840 Speaker 1: I'd love to get Jackson, Waller, Spoon, Pierre all out 155 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:13,880 Speaker 1: there and say, Okay, I want to bring him back. 156 00:08:13,920 --> 00:08:15,280 Speaker 1: I don't want to bring him back, you know what. 157 00:08:15,280 --> 00:08:18,120 Speaker 1: I mean, to figure that stuff out, uh. Making Fitzpatrick 158 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:20,440 Speaker 1: with the ribs, was a full participant today. He was 159 00:08:20,480 --> 00:08:24,840 Speaker 1: limited yesterday. Robert Speleane limited again today with his oblique. 160 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:29,000 Speaker 1: So that is definitely one of my pregame notes is 161 00:08:29,280 --> 00:08:33,280 Speaker 1: if he plays, has he lost his dime back backer 162 00:08:33,440 --> 00:08:35,640 Speaker 1: job or I don't think he did. Are they going 163 00:08:35,679 --> 00:08:39,120 Speaker 1: to go back to the three linebacker rotation? I don't know. 164 00:08:39,160 --> 00:08:41,959 Speaker 1: I'm starting to really warm up the bushes playing every snap, 165 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:45,200 Speaker 1: And I think the thing one of the things that 166 00:08:45,240 --> 00:08:48,000 Speaker 1: they like about Splene is the communication. So maybe Bush 167 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:50,400 Speaker 1: has gotten better at that. I don't know. That's something 168 00:08:50,480 --> 00:08:52,760 Speaker 1: I'd have to doesn't seem to be Jack's strong suit 169 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:59,360 Speaker 1: on the rocks. You know, Uh, he did not practice 170 00:08:59,360 --> 00:09:02,440 Speaker 1: today because of his knee. He was limited yesterday, but 171 00:09:02,520 --> 00:09:05,959 Speaker 1: I expect that the much. Yeah, just a day of rest. 172 00:09:06,360 --> 00:09:08,760 Speaker 1: He probably will probably a lot of Wednesdays, he doesn't 173 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:12,440 Speaker 1: do much. Look at this practice more like a Wednesday practice. 174 00:09:13,160 --> 00:09:16,760 Speaker 1: You know. This is this was like the first physical 175 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:19,160 Speaker 1: practice as a week. Yeah, so you let some of 176 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:22,040 Speaker 1: those guys, Yeah, treat it like a Wednesday. That's smart 177 00:09:22,040 --> 00:09:24,920 Speaker 1: way looking. Yeah, because yesterday was tip was actually kind 178 00:09:24,920 --> 00:09:28,480 Speaker 1: of a walkthrough, so guys could could be considered limited 179 00:09:28,520 --> 00:09:32,400 Speaker 1: that but yeah, what they didn't want to do is 180 00:09:32,440 --> 00:09:34,439 Speaker 1: have a guy's list of guys full participant and then 181 00:09:35,120 --> 00:09:39,280 Speaker 1: uh did not participate the air on that side obviously, Yeah, 182 00:09:39,360 --> 00:09:41,400 Speaker 1: so I listed him as limited instead. But it wasn't 183 00:09:41,440 --> 00:09:47,920 Speaker 1: like eleven on eleven right, right, Mason Colet the foot 184 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:51,160 Speaker 1: was limited again today, but you expect him to play 185 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:53,320 Speaker 1: come back the same thing. We're going for like too much. Yeah, 186 00:09:53,679 --> 00:09:56,840 Speaker 1: we're playing through And I will say this, Um, you know, 187 00:09:56,920 --> 00:10:00,120 Speaker 1: most weeks the day after the game he would was 188 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:03,200 Speaker 1: in a walking boot. Wasn't in the walking boot this week, 189 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:05,439 Speaker 1: So maybe they're I'm starting to get a little bit 190 00:10:05,440 --> 00:10:09,320 Speaker 1: better with that. It's hindering them. Uh. T J Watt 191 00:10:09,360 --> 00:10:12,120 Speaker 1: with his ribs limited again today, but I don't think 192 00:10:12,120 --> 00:10:15,120 Speaker 1: that's going to be an issue. Cam Heyward did not practice. 193 00:10:15,160 --> 00:10:17,920 Speaker 1: That was a coach's decision. He always gets Thursday. He 194 00:10:17,920 --> 00:10:22,040 Speaker 1: always gets thursdays off usually and then Larry Ogenjobi with 195 00:10:22,080 --> 00:10:25,360 Speaker 1: a toe, uh did not practice. He was limited yesterday 196 00:10:25,400 --> 00:10:27,280 Speaker 1: as well. He's always been. He's on the injury report 197 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:30,040 Speaker 1: like every week. Yeah something veteran guy who's played a 198 00:10:30,080 --> 00:10:34,200 Speaker 1: hundred career games. Yeah, but Ogenjobi and camer Key this week? Yeah, 199 00:10:34,280 --> 00:10:36,520 Speaker 1: you do. You want to get those guys as much 200 00:10:36,559 --> 00:10:38,840 Speaker 1: rest as possible. I mean you don't want them fatigued 201 00:10:38,840 --> 00:10:40,720 Speaker 1: at all. I think you're gonna see a lot of 202 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:44,319 Speaker 1: base three four, not much Nickel hardly any time. I 203 00:10:44,360 --> 00:10:46,280 Speaker 1: don't even know about big nickel. Yeah, the only time 204 00:10:46,320 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 1: he would like, maybe you want to go some nickel 205 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:51,400 Speaker 1: to get Arthur Malett on the field because he's a 206 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:54,800 Speaker 1: good run stopper something like that. If they they'll play 207 00:10:54,840 --> 00:10:58,640 Speaker 1: a level they'll yeah right, yeah, so, but I don't 208 00:10:58,679 --> 00:11:01,080 Speaker 1: know that it's more heavy guy, Yeah, you know than 209 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:04,199 Speaker 1: it is a bunch of defensive backs lining around. Yeah. Absolutely. 210 00:11:04,280 --> 00:11:06,559 Speaker 1: In fact, I looked it up today. The uh, the 211 00:11:06,600 --> 00:11:10,880 Speaker 1: Falcons almost the exact opposite of every other team in 212 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:19,440 Speaker 1: the league not named the Bears. Bears run past split. 213 00:11:20,760 --> 00:11:23,880 Speaker 1: I mean, they're running the ball, and they're really heavy 214 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:27,080 Speaker 1: on early down you know, I mean they run so much. 215 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:30,520 Speaker 1: I mean, I hate to sum it up like this, 216 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:34,320 Speaker 1: but the biggest key to this game, and the biggest 217 00:11:34,360 --> 00:11:36,440 Speaker 1: key to the Falcons next game and last game and 218 00:11:36,480 --> 00:11:39,719 Speaker 1: three games from now is stopping the Falcons running, right, 219 00:11:39,760 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 1: I mean, it just is. That's who they are. It's 220 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:43,839 Speaker 1: not even a Steeler thing. And see what's happening to 221 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:45,720 Speaker 1: be good at it? Yeah they have. They have three 222 00:11:45,800 --> 00:11:49,160 Speaker 1: hundred ninety rushing attempts already this year, already this year. 223 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:55,800 Speaker 1: It just hit me, now, the Steelers last year, all 224 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:58,800 Speaker 1: of last season, I believe are right around three against them, 225 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:00,400 Speaker 1: and they had to winch them and they had the 226 00:12:00,400 --> 00:12:03,000 Speaker 1: worst run defense in the league. I thought you're gonna 227 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:04,520 Speaker 1: say they ran the ball three and ninety times, and 228 00:12:04,559 --> 00:12:06,720 Speaker 1: maybe they didn't know because I remember I remember looking 229 00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:08,920 Speaker 1: up that number. I'm like, I wonder how that compares 230 00:12:09,040 --> 00:12:11,240 Speaker 1: other seasons, And that was like the most rushing attempts 231 00:12:11,280 --> 00:12:13,320 Speaker 1: to Steelers that had against them since in like the 232 00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:17,040 Speaker 1: last twelve years. Yeah, like the last twelve years. Uh, 233 00:12:17,080 --> 00:12:19,960 Speaker 1: these guys have already run it three nine times. Yeah, 234 00:12:20,280 --> 00:12:22,679 Speaker 1: and they've only attempted two hund seventy six passes. It's 235 00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:26,600 Speaker 1: I sent you my stat pack. I mean, it's there's 236 00:12:26,679 --> 00:12:31,280 Speaker 1: crazy things like their opponent out passes them by way 237 00:12:31,320 --> 00:12:33,680 Speaker 1: over a hundred yards every game by game. You know. 238 00:12:33,800 --> 00:12:37,640 Speaker 1: Just it's very very one dimensional and odd in the 239 00:12:37,720 --> 00:12:41,600 Speaker 1: NFL these days. Um now they are wanting to be way. 240 00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:44,600 Speaker 1: They're one dimensional on how they do and what they do. 241 00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:48,280 Speaker 1: They're not necessarily one dimensional on how they approach it. 242 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:50,440 Speaker 1: There's a lot of pre snap motion, a lot of 243 00:12:50,440 --> 00:12:53,960 Speaker 1: it's almost like playing an indie read offense, where there's 244 00:12:53,960 --> 00:12:56,520 Speaker 1: a lot of window dressing before they set up. They 245 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:59,040 Speaker 1: don't just design. They don't just line up and say, okay, 246 00:12:59,040 --> 00:13:00,760 Speaker 1: we're gonna run the ball at you. No, no, no, 247 00:13:00,840 --> 00:13:03,200 Speaker 1: it's they're not base runs all the time. And they're 248 00:13:03,200 --> 00:13:06,040 Speaker 1: a hard run game to prepare for. Use the Ravens 249 00:13:06,080 --> 00:13:10,080 Speaker 1: example similar in that it's not the typical run game 250 00:13:10,160 --> 00:13:12,079 Speaker 1: that you face every week, you know what I mean. 251 00:13:12,160 --> 00:13:14,480 Speaker 1: So they are hard to prepare for that way, and 252 00:13:14,559 --> 00:13:16,560 Speaker 1: a lot of these guys have never seen it. And 253 00:13:16,679 --> 00:13:20,000 Speaker 1: you know what, mind B gap here, mind C gap? 254 00:13:20,080 --> 00:13:21,959 Speaker 1: You know how shoul I take on this this pulling 255 00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:24,360 Speaker 1: tight end at me or whatever it is. But they 256 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:26,319 Speaker 1: do a lot of stuff. Yeah, so there will there 257 00:13:26,320 --> 00:13:30,200 Speaker 1: will be some instances on Sunday where the Falcons are 258 00:13:30,280 --> 00:13:33,040 Speaker 1: running the ball effectively against the Steelers. They do every game. 259 00:13:33,080 --> 00:13:35,000 Speaker 1: They do it against everybody, they do every game. There 260 00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:38,800 Speaker 1: will be stretches, for sure. What the Steelers need to 261 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:44,960 Speaker 1: play for is those holding penalty a false start. Um, 262 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:47,280 Speaker 1: you know, the end the day, given up four point 263 00:13:47,280 --> 00:13:50,079 Speaker 1: four yards to carry. Okay, that's a good day. I 264 00:13:50,080 --> 00:13:52,120 Speaker 1: can handle that. These guys a average as a team 265 00:13:52,160 --> 00:13:54,480 Speaker 1: four point nine, yeah right right. You know, if you're 266 00:13:54,679 --> 00:13:56,760 Speaker 1: four or five ish or better, I'll take that today 267 00:13:56,920 --> 00:13:58,760 Speaker 1: and I don't know if that's enough to win. And 268 00:13:58,800 --> 00:14:02,040 Speaker 1: again you still have to sustain drives. And their ball 269 00:14:02,080 --> 00:14:04,360 Speaker 1: carriers are fine. I don't think it's a great group 270 00:14:04,840 --> 00:14:08,199 Speaker 1: of backs. And Patterson is the only one that's exist. Say, 271 00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:10,120 Speaker 1: I don't know who could even douge you with the 272 00:14:10,160 --> 00:14:13,640 Speaker 1: seventy yard or probably Patterson, you know, right, but you 273 00:14:13,679 --> 00:14:16,640 Speaker 1: know again, the Steeler has been great with that stuff. Yeah, 274 00:14:16,679 --> 00:14:18,840 Speaker 1: So I mean that's what you really have to avoid 275 00:14:19,800 --> 00:14:22,960 Speaker 1: if you, if you if they matriculate the ball down 276 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:26,480 Speaker 1: the field, you have to make them have the twelve 277 00:14:26,560 --> 00:14:29,280 Speaker 1: to four team play drives and you can kind of 278 00:14:29,280 --> 00:14:31,600 Speaker 1: live with that, especially if they're field goals. And you 279 00:14:31,640 --> 00:14:35,120 Speaker 1: know right, you know, because as we've seen, it's difficult 280 00:14:35,160 --> 00:14:37,640 Speaker 1: to put the ball in the end zone doing that. 281 00:14:38,040 --> 00:14:40,040 Speaker 1: Mariotte has never been great in the red zone. You 282 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:42,360 Speaker 1: never got that part, to be honest with you. They 283 00:14:42,360 --> 00:14:46,800 Speaker 1: don't have great explosive receivers either. The one thing, one 284 00:14:46,880 --> 00:14:49,680 Speaker 1: key I would stress though if I were them, and 285 00:14:49,720 --> 00:14:51,640 Speaker 1: I know the numbers have been really poor lately, it's 286 00:14:51,720 --> 00:14:55,240 Speaker 1: Drake London. If you are running the ball and getting 287 00:14:55,760 --> 00:14:57,760 Speaker 1: nine guys in the box and I have one on 288 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:01,040 Speaker 1: ones with London, I'm throwing it against need the Steeler corners. 289 00:15:01,040 --> 00:15:04,480 Speaker 1: Not that that group of corners is bad, but he's 290 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:08,160 Speaker 1: a very pickings, like go up and get contested, guy 291 00:15:08,320 --> 00:15:11,480 Speaker 1: throwing back shoulder stuff one on one. I would stress 292 00:15:11,560 --> 00:15:14,800 Speaker 1: that in the past. I just don't know. It isn't 293 00:15:14,880 --> 00:15:20,520 Speaker 1: it's not his strong That's why I'm kind of surprised 294 00:15:21,720 --> 00:15:24,520 Speaker 1: that they haven't gone the ridder. I'm a little bit 295 00:15:24,520 --> 00:15:27,800 Speaker 1: more shocked to Mariota hasn't been bad, but the game 296 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:30,280 Speaker 1: we watched on Thursday was bad a couple of weeks ago. 297 00:15:30,800 --> 00:15:32,800 Speaker 1: But he has and the only half game out of 298 00:15:32,800 --> 00:15:35,000 Speaker 1: the first place, and I get that, which might not 299 00:15:35,040 --> 00:15:37,360 Speaker 1: be the best thing for the organization, right he'd love 300 00:15:37,440 --> 00:15:39,160 Speaker 1: to know, what Rider, what do you have there with 301 00:15:39,160 --> 00:15:40,880 Speaker 1: with that kid? What you know? I mean, it wouldn't 302 00:15:40,880 --> 00:15:43,160 Speaker 1: shock me if he plays the fourth quarter in this game. Yeah, 303 00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:46,160 Speaker 1: it seems like it's inevitable. But at some point, I mean, 304 00:15:46,280 --> 00:15:48,040 Speaker 1: you know, if if they're getting you know, let's say 305 00:15:48,040 --> 00:15:50,560 Speaker 1: the Steelers happen to blow them out in this game, 306 00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:53,640 Speaker 1: which I mean we haven't seen that. Yeah, we haven't 307 00:15:53,640 --> 00:15:56,240 Speaker 1: seen that all year. Would this be the game where 308 00:15:56,280 --> 00:15:59,560 Speaker 1: they turn it over? Because that would be theirs. That 309 00:15:59,560 --> 00:16:02,000 Speaker 1: would be the lost. I mean, they're they're in that area. 310 00:16:02,040 --> 00:16:03,880 Speaker 1: Now we're starting to say, okay, now we gotta start 311 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:05,720 Speaker 1: getting ready for next year. It reminds me a little 312 00:16:05,720 --> 00:16:08,800 Speaker 1: of the Saints, and that we know what Dalton is, 313 00:16:08,880 --> 00:16:12,040 Speaker 1: we know what Mariotte is. They're not the problem. They're 314 00:16:12,120 --> 00:16:15,120 Speaker 1: keeping the team competitive. But the other guy I want 315 00:16:15,160 --> 00:16:20,120 Speaker 1: to see. And here's the thing. They're bye weeks next week. Yeah, 316 00:16:20,280 --> 00:16:23,200 Speaker 1: you know, so you might see Ridder in this game. 317 00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:28,000 Speaker 1: I've been thinking that too. But again, I mean, they 318 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:30,080 Speaker 1: don't have pits. They don't really have. I know it's 319 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:32,840 Speaker 1: not fair the kid, but you'd have four games left 320 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:35,760 Speaker 1: with this after after this this game with which you 321 00:16:35,840 --> 00:16:37,680 Speaker 1: take them, I think there's a substantial chance that we 322 00:16:37,720 --> 00:16:39,760 Speaker 1: see them. Yeah, I mean I think it's better than 323 00:16:39,800 --> 00:16:42,280 Speaker 1: it would have been two weeks ago. Correct, you know 324 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:44,280 Speaker 1: that would be a finish up the last month of 325 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:47,560 Speaker 1: the season. Realize you're not a contender. Maybe it gives 326 00:16:47,600 --> 00:16:50,440 Speaker 1: you a spark. I don't know. Um, I just look 327 00:16:50,480 --> 00:16:52,960 Speaker 1: at that that game against the Bears two weeks ago 328 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:56,280 Speaker 1: that they played. They rushed for a hundred forty nine yards, 329 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:59,200 Speaker 1: but the Bears rush for Hunter in sixty Um, a 330 00:16:59,200 --> 00:17:02,000 Speaker 1: lot of fields, yea Mariota right. You know that that 331 00:17:02,000 --> 00:17:04,240 Speaker 1: would not be in a twenty seven, twenty four game though, 332 00:17:04,640 --> 00:17:07,400 Speaker 1: which is kind of surprising for if we studied that game, 333 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:12,960 Speaker 1: we might think it's nineteen fifty. I didn't go back 334 00:17:13,000 --> 00:17:15,840 Speaker 1: and look at that. Yeah. Yeah, that may have set 335 00:17:15,880 --> 00:17:19,480 Speaker 1: football back a little because I mean every stat that 336 00:17:19,520 --> 00:17:21,480 Speaker 1: I pulled up, it's the Bears and the Falcons and 337 00:17:21,480 --> 00:17:24,720 Speaker 1: then everybody else. The Falcons and everybody else. But if 338 00:17:24,720 --> 00:17:26,879 Speaker 1: you look at their offense has really been hit and 339 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:30,800 Speaker 1: miss the first month of the season, twenty six points, 340 00:17:30,800 --> 00:17:34,000 Speaker 1: twenty seven points, twenty seven points, twenty three points. I 341 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:35,880 Speaker 1: think they took the league by storm a little bit. 342 00:17:35,920 --> 00:17:40,200 Speaker 1: I mean everyone's worried about Pitts in London, and okay, 343 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:42,520 Speaker 1: the stable of backs doesn't really worry us. They're not 344 00:17:42,520 --> 00:17:45,440 Speaker 1: gonna possibly run the ball fifty times? Are they? They 345 00:17:45,560 --> 00:17:48,840 Speaker 1: had to fifteen one, seventy one, two oh seven and 346 00:17:48,840 --> 00:17:51,160 Speaker 1: then one thirty one against Cleveland. That doesn't look quite 347 00:17:51,160 --> 00:17:55,800 Speaker 1: so good. They beat Cleveland, Cleveland, Cleveland can't stop anybody. Um, 348 00:17:56,160 --> 00:17:59,679 Speaker 1: then you look like the next six games have not 349 00:17:59,760 --> 00:18:03,359 Speaker 1: been very impressive. Uh, they you know, fifteen against Tampa Bay, 350 00:18:03,800 --> 00:18:08,200 Speaker 1: seventeen against the Bengals, seventeen against the Chargers, fifteen against 351 00:18:08,240 --> 00:18:11,399 Speaker 1: the Panthers, thirteen against the Commanders, and they did score one. 352 00:18:11,480 --> 00:18:14,000 Speaker 1: They won that Panthers. Yeah, they scored twenty eight against 353 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:17,359 Speaker 1: San Francisco, and they did have twenty seven against the 354 00:18:17,800 --> 00:18:20,000 Speaker 1: thirty seven I'm sorry against the Panthers, and twenty seven 355 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:22,399 Speaker 1: against the Bears. If you remember that Niner game, that 356 00:18:22,520 --> 00:18:25,560 Speaker 1: stands out, their whole defense was was her They were 357 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:28,760 Speaker 1: playing like an entire backup defensive line. I think the 358 00:18:28,840 --> 00:18:31,679 Speaker 1: Niners thought we could maybe win this because the following 359 00:18:31,680 --> 00:18:34,719 Speaker 1: week everyone came back. Then it was a one o'clock 360 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:37,240 Speaker 1: game on the East Coast exactly. And the Niners have 361 00:18:37,280 --> 00:18:39,159 Speaker 1: had three or four weird games this year. That was 362 00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:41,800 Speaker 1: one of them. Um. But in their last six games, 363 00:18:41,800 --> 00:18:44,720 Speaker 1: they're only wins are against the Bears and Panthers, who 364 00:18:44,880 --> 00:18:46,639 Speaker 1: like seven combined wins this year. I mean, if you 365 00:18:46,680 --> 00:18:50,679 Speaker 1: if you look at the offensive output since that early 366 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:53,879 Speaker 1: portion of the season, to sixty one against Tampa Bay, 367 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:57,440 Speaker 1: to eighty nine in that game against the total total, 368 00:18:57,760 --> 00:19:00,959 Speaker 1: to eighty nine in that game against San Francisco. Yeah, 369 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:06,520 Speaker 1: to fourteen against Cincinnati. Uh four oh six against the Panthers, 370 00:19:07,040 --> 00:19:10,359 Speaker 1: you know, okay, three fifteen against the Chargers, to eight 371 00:19:10,560 --> 00:19:13,560 Speaker 1: five against the Panthers the second time around, to eighty 372 00:19:13,600 --> 00:19:16,000 Speaker 1: in that game against the Bears, and then they had 373 00:19:16,040 --> 00:19:18,960 Speaker 1: three and thirty two against Washington, but they only scored 374 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:23,840 Speaker 1: their team points. Yeah, I mean they they've they've struggled 375 00:19:23,880 --> 00:19:27,159 Speaker 1: to move the football consistently and the rushing the running 376 00:19:27,480 --> 00:19:30,240 Speaker 1: totals haven't been quite as good like since Andie held 377 00:19:30,280 --> 00:19:32,120 Speaker 1: him to a hundred who held them to a hundred 378 00:19:32,160 --> 00:19:34,399 Speaker 1: and seven rushing yards in that game, which if you 379 00:19:34,440 --> 00:19:37,080 Speaker 1: told me that's the output one Sunday, I don't think 380 00:19:37,080 --> 00:19:38,760 Speaker 1: it'll be a close game, right, I mean they had 381 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:42,080 Speaker 1: ninety rushing yards and against the Rams in Week two, 382 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:46,600 Speaker 1: which doesn't look look so great. So really, I mean, 383 00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:49,240 Speaker 1: if you're the Steelers, you're looking at discoint, you're probably 384 00:19:49,280 --> 00:19:52,359 Speaker 1: not going to hold them under a hundred rushing yards 385 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:55,760 Speaker 1: just because of the year volume. That's the that Rams 386 00:19:55,760 --> 00:19:57,719 Speaker 1: games the only one that they've been held under a hundred. 387 00:19:58,119 --> 00:19:59,920 Speaker 1: But if you can held that, hold that under one, 388 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:03,960 Speaker 1: I'll take it. They're not gonna Atlanta is not gonna 389 00:20:03,960 --> 00:20:05,959 Speaker 1: win unless you turn the ball over five times. I mean, 390 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:08,159 Speaker 1: I don't know that Atlanta will get the two passing 391 00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:10,280 Speaker 1: no matter what the game scrypt is. They're one of 392 00:20:10,320 --> 00:20:12,359 Speaker 1: two teams in the league this year, the Bears being 393 00:20:12,400 --> 00:20:14,959 Speaker 1: the other who have not thrown for tears, who have 394 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:16,760 Speaker 1: not thrown for two d fifty yards in a game 395 00:20:16,760 --> 00:20:21,600 Speaker 1: this year, and often playing from behind. That Bengals game 396 00:20:21,640 --> 00:20:24,439 Speaker 1: comes to mind. I mean, they must have had a 397 00:20:24,440 --> 00:20:26,840 Speaker 1: little bit of a come to Jesus meeting after that 398 00:20:26,840 --> 00:20:29,400 Speaker 1: Bengals game, because they were getting blown out and still 399 00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:32,040 Speaker 1: at like forty rushing and kept rushing, just kept running. 400 00:20:32,040 --> 00:20:34,280 Speaker 1: The owner might have come down and like, okay, are 401 00:20:34,359 --> 00:20:36,679 Speaker 1: we trying to win here? Right? Right? I get what 402 00:20:36,680 --> 00:20:39,320 Speaker 1: we're doing. We still pits, we still London. Can we 403 00:20:39,359 --> 00:20:43,000 Speaker 1: throw it a little I'll just smidge and they are 404 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:46,119 Speaker 1: thrown a little more. But it's really short. Yeah, the 405 00:20:46,119 --> 00:20:48,520 Speaker 1: ball is gonna come out quickly. Um, So I don't 406 00:20:48,560 --> 00:20:50,200 Speaker 1: know that I would expect the Steelers to get a 407 00:20:50,200 --> 00:20:53,040 Speaker 1: bunch of sacks in this game. Wouldn't because the ball 408 00:20:53,080 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 1: does come out so quickly. But the line's not bad either, 409 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:57,160 Speaker 1: a Mario. It is hard to get on the ground. Yeah, 410 00:20:57,320 --> 00:21:01,239 Speaker 1: you know, so but I expect him harassment Areota and 411 00:21:01,320 --> 00:21:03,840 Speaker 1: maybe force him into a couple of mistakes. One suggestion 412 00:21:03,920 --> 00:21:07,200 Speaker 1: on your predictions. Yes, Steelers are last in the league 413 00:21:07,200 --> 00:21:11,040 Speaker 1: and fumble recoveries. These guys put the fair amount. They're 414 00:21:11,040 --> 00:21:14,439 Speaker 1: also a big running team that's gonna correct itself soon. Well, 415 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:17,680 Speaker 1: they did have one last week. If you're so, maybe 416 00:21:17,720 --> 00:21:20,639 Speaker 1: that's already started to happen as the luck thing. I mean, 417 00:21:20,680 --> 00:21:22,160 Speaker 1: I bet they get one or two in this. Did 418 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:27,040 Speaker 1: you know Alex high Smith leads to league enforced fumbles? Okay, 419 00:21:27,440 --> 00:21:29,720 Speaker 1: I bet wat's usually near the top of what's usually 420 00:21:29,800 --> 00:21:33,320 Speaker 1: usually it's a top of right, you're gonna do anything? Yeah, 421 00:21:33,320 --> 00:21:35,560 Speaker 1: it's kind of It is kind of the wrong guy. 422 00:21:35,640 --> 00:21:39,560 Speaker 1: You know, you cannot listen to the Steelers Nation Radio 423 00:21:39,560 --> 00:21:42,800 Speaker 1: anytime anywhere through your smart speaker. Just say Alexa, play 424 00:21:42,840 --> 00:21:46,040 Speaker 1: Steelers Nation Radio from my heart, and Alexa will take 425 00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:49,240 Speaker 1: care of the rest. Yeah, how about that? He is 426 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:51,639 Speaker 1: Matt Williamson. I am Dale Lally. You're listening to the 427 00:21:51,720 --> 00:21:54,880 Speaker 1: drive here on Steelers Nation Radio. We're gonna take a break. 428 00:21:54,880 --> 00:21:56,520 Speaker 1: We'll be back with more right after this.