October 7, 2025 • 41 mins
Mark is joined by Mike DeFabo to talk Steelers to start the hour. We get back into the hockey talk with Matt Bartkowski. Ask Mark Anything!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
And he's just getting more and more interesting for the
Steelers in the AFC North, Flacco is now Cincinnati's quarterback.
(00:20):
That's put Shador Sanders in play for Sunday when Cleveland
comes to Acriture, depending on if Dylan Gabriel gets hurt
or performs poorly. Joining us now to talk about all
of that and more, he covers the Steelers for the
Athletic is Mike de Fabo. Mike, let's start off with
that quarterbacks with Charu. What's that do for both those teams?
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Well, I guess looking at it from the Bengals perspective,
they're a team that's built to be around Joe Burrow's
right arm, and without Joe Burrow, you're seeing that they
can't do much of anything. So it's kind of a
desperation move on their part. I mean, you're bringing in
a guy that the Cleveland Browns gave up on.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
That doesn't sound too great for me.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
But on the flip side, the same Joe Flacco beat
the NFL's highest paid defense last.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Year when he was with the Colts, so you.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Know you're hoping that he's somewhat better than Jake Browning
the turnover machine. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. In
terms of the Cleveland Browns, I mean, I think this
just shows the complete lack of a plan on their part.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
And they came in the year with four quarterbacks. They've
already traded two of them away.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Now you're starting a quarterback in Dylan Gabriel while he
was drafted in the third round. I think that the
owner would like to go to Schadur sooner than later.
So to me, it just shows a lack of plan
and lack of a vision from the Cleveland Browns.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
No surprise there are the Steelers in great shape or
is the situation flattered to deceive?
Speaker 2 (01:44):
You know, I think they're in very good situation as
long as they take care of business. But nothing is
guaranteed when you're playing the AFC North. And I actually
look at this matchup against the Cleveland Browns as a sneaky,
tough matchup for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
I still think they win.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
But you know, right now, the Steelers' offense is get
the ball out of the quarterback's hands as quickly as possible.
You know, they're completing the ball the quickest in the NFL,
getting out of his hands quicker than anyone else, then
they're throwing it shorter than anybody else, but because of
yards after the catch, it's been successful.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
And my plan, if I were a.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Defensive coordinator would be, Okay, let's bring a ton of pressure,
let's stop the run, and let's play a lot of
man coverage.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
All those things the Cleveland Browns do well.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
They're the best team in the league at stopping the run,
and I think that there should be a legitimate concern
that they make the Steelers one dimensional. And then with
their pass rush, you know, against the forty one year
old quarterback with Broderick Jones, who's allowed the most sacks
in the league so far with four, you know, I
think that there are some matchup problems for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
That said, they absolutely should be able to.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Take care of business and they should be able to
move to five and one within the next couple of days.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
How will the Steelers basically using seven offensive linemen force
Cleveland to adjust on defense?
Speaker 4 (02:55):
And is that a good thing for the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
I'm not sure it is, but maybe it is against
clean one A Miles Garrett.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Yeah, well, I think it's going to be something they
definitely lean into and if anything, I think that you
could see the Steelers expand the usage of Spencer Anderson
a little bit more.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
That's all I'll say right now until after the game.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
But like you know, the Steelers, basically what they can
do here, and what I think they will do is
take a page out of everybody else's playbook.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
They've seen what happens to TJ. Watt. You double them, you.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Chip him, you have a running back hit him, And
I think that's going to absolutely be the same plan
because Broderick Jones is not yet at a point and
need as Troy Foaltanu to stand up face to face and.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Head to head against Miles Garrett.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Very few people are and so I think that as
much as Spencer Anderson opened things up in the running game,
especially when he was next to Darnel Washington, I think
that in past protection, having that extralignment it's going.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
To be just as important.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
I don't know.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
I mean, I understand it can work, but I don't
like the way Friarmouth and John who were being so underused,
and it's curely Neanderthal. I'm not sure it works against
good teams when the games get more important.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Yeah, you know, I hear what you're saying there, and
that is the tough thing for Pat Fryarmouth is like
one of those tight ends is going to be Darnel Washington,
and then good luck trying to wrestle snaps away from
John new Smith, because John, who's probably the more complete
of the two, or at least he's a better pass
catcher and a dynamic weapon with the ball.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
In his hands.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
He can run all the same routes. He can't quite
block as well as Pat Fryarmoth. But Pat was never
a great blocker to begin with. And not to mention
the fact that, like if you've ever played for Arthur Smith,
you can always play for Arthur Smith, case and point,
Scottie Miller, case in point, you know some of these
other guys that they've brought in where it's so like,
I obviously Arthur Smith favors John hu Smith.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
He probably had a heavy hand in the decision to
acquire him.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
And unfortunately for Pat Fryarmuth right now, his skill set
is redundant and I think he's going to have a
hard time going forward carving out a niche for himself.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Yeah, I agree, I think he could be on the
trade market at season's end, I think high Smith could
be two. But then again, he just jumped right back
in the first team ahead her Big, until of course
high Smith gets hurt again.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Yeah, you know, I think maybe what they'll end up
doing a little bit is like, here's the way that
I look at the.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Situation market outside linebacker. For the first couple.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Weeks without high Smith, we were talking about how opponents
were running away from TJ. Watt and Herbig wasn't big
enough to be stout and set that edge. Now Herbig
has a couple of really great performances when the Steelers
were able to make opponents one dimensional, and he shows
his pass rush prowess, and we want to see more
of her Big. I think the answer is both. So
you could play high Smith a little bit more in running.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
Situations on early downs.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
You could play her Big a little bit more in
passing situations.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
But still I think you can use both of them.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
And I think that there'll be plenty of opportunities on
third downs where all three edge rushers Watt.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Heismith, and her Bigger on the field together.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Why can't Roman Wilson get on the field for that matter,
Caleb Johnson, I look at the Browns playing rookies. I
look at Dylan Gabriel in there, and he's doing okay.
I'm not sure he's the long term answer. I look
at the rookie running back who's doing really well. I
think they're getting better. I don't think they'll beat the
Steelers Sunday, but I think they're getting better. I think
the Steelers right now, in terms of improvement, they're not
(06:25):
quite a finished product, but I think they're stealing to
get better is a lot lower.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
No.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
I agree with you, Mark, And it stuck out to
me like I was watching games a Sunday, and you know,
the Jaguars were running with Baseel Tooton, a rookie like
this was quench On Judkins was tearing things up for
the Browns and the running game Traveon Henderson for the
Patriots was showing what he can do. You know, Cam
Scattaboo has been off to a good start. This was
(06:52):
supposed to be a really strong running back class, and
the Steelers supposedly got one of the better ones. I mean,
Caleb Johnson was supposed to be like an early second
round pick. To get him in the third was good value.
And I feel like he just has no confidence whatsoever.
Like when he gets the ball.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
Well, that's what they do.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
They bring guys in and they break them down to
build him back up, Except they don't really build him
back up.
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Look can Broderick Jones?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah, I completely agree with you, Mark, Like, how are these.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Guys ever going to get better if you don't at
least give him an opportunity. Yeah, Caleb Johnson may have
crossed the Steelers a game, but I also feel like.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Long term he may be the answer to unlock this
running game because of his style and because of the
sit there.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
And similarly with Roman Wilson, I mean, he's just getting
absolutely nothing. He has one catch in his NFL career,
and you should go back and watch it because it's hilarious.
It's like a dump off and he gets absolutely clawbered
and flipped over the defensive player. Hell of a lot
to take for one catch in your NFL career.
Speaker 6 (07:51):
You know.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Part of it's because they have such a tight end
centric offense right now.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
The Steelers are at the bottom of the league.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
In eleven personnel, so three receivers on the field. The
top two wide receivers are DK and Calvin Austin and
good luck.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
If you're not one of those guys getting some playing time.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
But I would like to see more Roman Wilson because
I mean, he's in the middle of his second season
right now, and the guy has one catch.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Well it's I don't mind him playing behind obviously DK
and even Calvin Austin, but when you see Scotty Miller
and Vince Karana getting more snaps and clearly higher on
the depth charted in their plans because they are these
try hard veterans with grit, that is the biggest bunch
of horsemen where I can think of, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
I agree with you, Mark, Like during the training camp,
I was thinking, yeah, this is great for Scotty Miller,
that he's one of the more reliable weapons in the
receiving game, But it's not a good thing for the
Steelers because Scotty Miller has a pretty defined ceiling. He's
a veteran fringe player for a reason right now, and
I just feel like you need to be developing a
guy like Roman Wilson, and I agree. I mean that
(08:58):
nothing irks me more than when they put three tight
ends on the field and Scotty Miller is the only
wide receiver I don't understand that personnel grouping whatsoever. I
didn't understand it last year, and for some reason it
still exists this year.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
I feel like the Steelers can't lose this game, but
they just might.
Speaker 6 (09:15):
Yeah, I agree with you, Mark, and I think even looking.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Ahead, those short week Thursday night games AFC North on
the road, those are typically.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
The ones that Mike Tomlin loses.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
I had the Steelers penciled in for a loss when
Joe Burrow was playing, and now with Joe Flacco, I
think that there's a chance that they lose that one.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
So like they absolutely have to get.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
The job done this week because they're just they're tough.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Games are still coming.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Everyone is kind of counting these these games and the
league that the Steelers have.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
But the Steelers still have to play the Lions.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
They still have to play the Bills, they still have
to play the Green Bay Packers, the Colts, who are
surprisingly good this year, the Chargers, who are going to
be frisky, especially at home.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
And there are a lot of tough games.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
And so when you get a team like Cleveland coming
to Pittsburgh, it's imperative.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
That the Steelers take care of business.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
You know, one thing I'm still not sure about and
you wrote about this. The athletic mike is their secondary
with Jalen Ramsey atto though Tomlin talked like there was
a chance he might be able to play against Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
I think that might have just been a smoke screen.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
But even though they do have relative depth in the secondary,
now Joey Porter Junior is going to be back. It's
tough when you bring in a guy to be the
Swiss Army Knife and he's not available.
Speaker 6 (10:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Absolutely so.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
They had this grand vision for all four defensive backs
playing on the field together, the top guys Joey Porter Junior,
Sleigh Ramsey, and Deshaun Elliott.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
Those guys have been on the field together for just twenty.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Five plays, all of those the Jets. And here's what
surprised me. Mark justin Field's completed seven of his eight
passes for two touchdowns when those two guys, when all
four of those guys are on the field. So just
them being healthy and on the field isn't going to
make this a cohesive back end. They need in game
experience to gel and you know, to reach the potential
(11:01):
that we've been hearing about so much during the preseason.
So like, yeah, it's really big that they're losing Jalen Ramsey.
That said, I do give Brandon Echles credit. I feel
like that was a good depth signing because he can't
play outside, and now you know, if Ramsey can't go,
he would be the next guy up in the slot.
I think that that was Those are the sneaky important
(11:21):
acquisitions that make the difference in football teams, where a
guy that can start at multiple positions for you, if
you experienced an injury, can play on special teams. And
I think that he's been, you know, reasonably solid.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
If not good, within his role so far this year.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
The Steelers are three and one and everybody's giving them
the division title already.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
We forget the last day were ten and three and
blew it.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
That said, I look at Baltimore, Cincinnati played the eye test.
They look like they're in the tank and they look
like they stink and they know it, which is a
bad combination.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Yeah, yeah, I completely agree with you, Mark, Like these
these teams, like Miles Gary just months ago was trying
to force his way out of Cleveland and was just
destroying them and saying I'm never going to win here.
This is a trash franchise. Then they gave him a
boatload of money and he changed his mind. But there's
still that same team. Miles Garrett told you that they
(12:15):
were that no star players should ever want to play
for them, and they're going to continue to spin their
wheels at quarterback with no plan and no vision in sight.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Yeah, and Baltimore, you know, they're still the betting favorite
with the books to win the AFC North. I don't
know what that says about the Steelers. I don't know
what it says about the Ravens. I think it says
the books are looking at what happened last year.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
Yeah, I think so. That was kind of startling to me.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
But when when you look at I think the biggest
factor is that the Ravens still have.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
To play the Steelers twice.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
And as recently as OTA's Tarol Austin, the defensive coordinator,
was saying, we have a Baltimore problem. That's a direct
quote from him, and I think it was a great
quote because it's so true, and so I think the
odds makers are looking at it saying there's a reasonable
chance that Baltimore could still sweep the Steelers if they're
able to get healthy, they could go on the run,
(13:07):
they could get hot, they could be that team no
wants to play.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
And you know the way I'm looking at.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
It, Week eighteen, when it's Steelers versus Ravens, I think
that right there could end up determining the division.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
Well here's a scary proposition. I think the Steelers, given
their schedule, could be in contention for even the AFC's
number one seed when they play Buffalo on November thirtieth,
and I think they might have a two game lead
on the Ravens when they play them on December seventh.
So we're going to have meaningful games, which is what
the Steelers want above all.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Yeah, I think it's so important that they're able to
capitalize on this and win the division because.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
The bottom line is they have to win a playoff game.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
It's been far too long and this season, for better
or worse, is going to be judged as a success
or of failure based on what they do in the postseason.
And to me, obviously, their best chance to win that
playoff is going to be to host it here at
Akraser Stadium, and I think that might be their only
way to win our playoff game as if it's here
(14:07):
at home.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
So like I think that this division, you know, in
the years.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Past, I think they kind of like beat their chest
and celebrated and said we ran the North and made
more of a big deal of the division than it
really was.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
But when it comes to actually.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
Winning a game when it matters, I think that winning
this division is the first step towards achieving that goal.
Speaker 4 (14:27):
Mike has always great stuff. Enjoy the game Sunday, all.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Right, thanks for having me, Mark, I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
That's our buddy, Mike Defebo from the Athletic brought to
us by Armstrong the Internet. You count on the people
you trust Armstrong one wire dot Com. I'm Mark Madden
at the bottom of the hour Hockey Talk with Matt Barkowski.
Don't forget I'm doing a Penguin's viewing party tonight at
Pittsburg Brewing Company, and we got the Hockey Night Show,
an hour of solid hockey talk from six till seven.
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Speaker 4 (16:25):
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Speaker 1 (16:27):
Not my team ones, but my individual awards predictions are
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Dahlen from Buffalo, who's really good, but he plays for Buffalo.
My best goaltender is Jake Oltinger from Dallas. But there
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(16:50):
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Right now, we got our buddy from Mount Lebanon X
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He'll be on Sports netw Pittsburgh tonight doing analysis for
the pregame. In the postgame, he is Matt Barkowski. Bart,
it looks like Shilovs is in goal tonight and not Jari.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Does that surprise you? And do you like that move?
Speaker 5 (19:12):
Uh?
Speaker 6 (19:13):
Yeah, that does surprise me. I mean I was at
practice yesterday and I was trying to kind of trying
to figure out what the lines are going to be
with the d pairs, and it's kind of it was
it's still up in the air. I mean, honestly, I
don't know if we'll know till really right before game time.
I know they can release whatever they want, but yeah,
that that does kind of surprise me. I don't know,
(19:34):
maybe Jars maybe has something lingering going on and they're
rest and them that we don't know about. But because
I would have really expected him to start, Yeah, I like.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
It though, because I'm not sure there's a big difference,
and with the amount of change the Penguins are making
with their roster and going to youth, I think having
a different guy in goal instead of the guy who's
failed an awful lot that can't be bad.
Speaker 6 (19:57):
No, it can't be bad. But at the same time,
I think in order to really I mean, they're not
really going to tank a season or anything like that,
you know, and just do a full like, hey, this
is a three four year rebuild process. So honestly, I
still think their best option moving forward is to get
(20:17):
Jars going. I know it's been two or three years
of him being quite inconsistent, but you know, before that,
he was an All Star and he's shown that he
can be one of the top goalies in the league.
So I think if you're gonna make any competitive push
for playoffs or anything like that. I do think that
needs to rely on Jerry.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
What are your expectations for Dan Mues as a coach?
Speaker 1 (20:39):
It feels a lot less stale and maybe a bit
more structured. But will the veterans adhere to that structure?
Speaker 6 (20:46):
Yeah? I think it is definitely both of those. And
I think a lot of that was I mean, Sully
was here for seven years, and you know, shelf life
on NHL coaches is definitely not that long anymore. So
you know, last year or two, Sully kind of took
a step back, and I'm sure the guys are sick
of hearing his voice and and sometimes that that's what
(21:08):
it takes, is just hearing a new voice. So you know,
I'm sure from sully standpoint, he was still trying to
have the structure and put his systems into place, and
guys just really weren't going to want to listen. So
getting a younger, you know, pretty energetic, first head coaching
job in the NHL and use I think is a
really good thing. I do think the veterans, at least
(21:31):
from what I've heard in camp, responded pretty well. And
you know, like you know, with the system's aspect, it's
unless you're going to something drastically different like a one
to three one or something you know that's pretty unique,
or pinch every time like Florida does. You know, there's
there's not too much nuanced difference between the systems. It's
(21:54):
just getting everybody to kind of stick with them consistently.
And I think with him coming in in, you know,
those first few practices in camp were pretty hard. I
mean there were not only guys getting hurt, but they
were going at it, they were battling. I think that's
sent a message that you know, he's not really one
to be messed with. So that should garner the respect
of everybody from top to bottom, you know, especially the veterans.
(22:20):
And then there's a lot of youth there too, so
they're going to try and make a really good first impression,
especially with a new coach, so they're going to be
pushing those veterans too.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Which of the younger lives do you like?
Speaker 6 (22:33):
The younger brunique on Dean is pretty interesting. He's had
quite a good camp. Kindle uh started off a little slow.
The last few games he's he's done pretty well, and
allegedly he's playing with Thomasino and Novak, So I think
that's a pretty interesting line. That's a couple of creative
guys all in one spot. I mean, Thomasino, Novak. They
(22:57):
have a little bit of experience, so Kendall shouldn't have
any problem, you know, he or he should be able
to learn off them. And then they're all kind of
a little bit like minded where they'll take some chances,
and they all have a lot of high end skills.
So I think that could be that could be pretty interesting.
I know his I guess his skating doesn't look great,
(23:18):
but he can move, like even in practice yesterday I
was watching and it's not it's it's it's just different,
you know, like there yeah, yeah, yeah, Like it looks
like he's not moving, but he definitely is, So I
don't have any any doubt about that. And then the
the defenseman Bruneki. You know, he showed a little bit
(23:40):
of skill in in preseason and then just a little
bit I watched him yesterday in practice. He looks very
poised and very calm on the back end. So uh,
it'll be interesting to see if he plays and who
he plays with. But those two right now, I think
are the two that I'd be watching for.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
Well, Coyven is still a rookie, and I think playing
on the line with Sid, he reminds me a lot
of Genzil in terms of approach and the way he
operates with Sid.
Speaker 4 (24:07):
I mean, I hate to go overboard bart.
Speaker 1 (24:09):
But potentially he could be like a Rookie of the
Year guy if if he stays on Sid's line.
Speaker 6 (24:14):
If I if I could go back to playing Sid's line,
I might even be able, right, right, right, but maybe
a couple of votes. Yeah, no, I know what you mean.
He does. He is very smart. Gensel is a very
smart player. Gensel from if we're going to compare the two,
I mean he had more grit. Yeah, he was, you
(24:37):
know he he he went to the dirty areas a
little bit different of a player. I think that Coyven
and can kind of control the pace of the play
a little more. So, you know, that's a that's a
talent that not a lot of guys have. And at
the end of the season last year when he was
on the power play, I thought he did a great
(24:57):
job on the half wall. So if he does, he
is able to get some games going forward with Sid consistently,
especially with However, long mcgrory's out, I don't see why
he wouldn't be on that line then that. I mean, yeah,
that's definitely going to help him out. Seems like a
good kid too, so I'm sure he's ready and eager
(25:19):
to learn. And there's not a better guy to learn from.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
Bart. What's Carlson going to do this year?
Speaker 1 (25:25):
And I say that because he had a great preseason?
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Is that just fool's gold? What do you think?
Speaker 6 (25:33):
I don't. I never really rate anything on preseason, especially veterans,
because it is just that much lower and choppier, and
and it's just it's more disorganized.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
No question. But with him, I'll pick what I can get.
Speaker 6 (25:50):
Yeah, no, one hundred percent. And I mean that does
speak to his Normally, the guys with the high end
skill can kind of do a little better in preseason
just because it is more of a just run around
like a chicken with your head cut off and nobody
knows what's going on. So you have that kind of
skill in skating, you're gonna be able to, you know,
just move your waist through a game. You know, it's
(26:13):
it's who knows. With him, I mean, you know, one
year he could put up one hundred points. Another year
he could put up fifty points in pout and whatever.
So uh, it's I can tell you it's not up
to anybody else what happens with him. If he wants
to go out and he wants to win the Norse
this year, I mean, well, maybe not with kel mccarr anymore.
But if he wants to be talked about his top
defenseman in the league, like he has been his whole career,
(26:35):
then it's his decision. He still has that talent, he
has that ability. He's been a little banged up here
and there over the year, but I don't think it's
lingering or affecting him. So maybe with this young blood
in the in the dressing room, it'll rejuvenate him and
he'll go out there and play like we know he can't.
Speaker 1 (26:54):
We're talking to Matt Barkowski sports Net Pittsburgh here on
the x Bart.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Is this even close to a playoff team?
Speaker 6 (27:01):
I don't think so. Sorry everybody, but I don't think so.
I don't think that's part of the plan either.
Speaker 9 (27:09):
I think this is a top five pick and get
in that McKenna lottery. Yeah, I mean that's but a plan. Nonetheless, yeah,
and they can tell us whatever they want, but we
kind of know that is the plan. I mean, guys
are still going to try and be competitive and and
and you know, but if the message is that, hey, guys,
(27:29):
you know, like we're going to push and we're going
to push for the playoffs, this year happens or not,
no big deal whatever, but next year would be the
big year. And I think it's just a build up
because then you'll have ye then you'll have five or
six of these guys who are.
Speaker 4 (27:42):
In their first year, and then you space to spend two.
Speaker 6 (27:46):
Yep, yep. And you got all that money to spend
in the off season. You can trade for more picks
if you want. I don't know if that's necessary, but
you'll be able to spend that money. You'll have a
lot of guys who are in their second year, third year,
where they've had the experience, they know what it is,
they're going to get a taste for playoff hockey. So
(28:08):
I would just assume that this is kind of just
drilling it into them what it takes to get there.
Because I have a feeling this team this year is
going to see that it's very difficult, and you know,
they probably won't make it in.
Speaker 4 (28:22):
Here's the disclaimer.
Speaker 1 (28:23):
I totally agree, and I've been saying that, you know,
all preseason. The disclaimer is the Eastern Conference is really bad,
especially with Florida crippled by injuries.
Speaker 6 (28:33):
Yeah, yeah, no, certainly it is. But it's you know,
they're still it's kind of difficult. Yeah, Barkov's out, but
they have enough guys who have won and can kind
of get by during the regular season. Like you see,
all these teams are kind of doing that anymore and
just getting in and then they pick up the pace
(28:54):
because they have that veteran leadership that's like, okay, time
to turn up a notch. Yeah. The rest of the conference,
it didn't really get any better, did it. Like you know,
there wasn't any anything major that happened.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
Tampa Bay's another. I think Carolina. I don't know if
you're with me on this. I think Britada Moore is
a terrible coach. I just think there's I think every
even good team has something about them to not trust.
Speaker 6 (29:21):
Yeah, and like that's all I was gonna say. You
see Marner going to Vegas, like that makes them considerably better.
You didn't see anybody from the West or any other
teams really coming over to the East or anything like
that and making a splash. And then with Brenda Moore too, like, yeah,
he's a great motivator. It's just they always saysle out
in playoffs, and I should really believe it's that man
(29:42):
Ol Mande, because you get deeper into playoffs, the talent
level just increases a little bit, and all it takes
is one guy to get beat. So yeah, I mean,
Jersey's not a Fred Islanders. Rangers could be interesting with uh,
you know, JT being their full time to shirk it
if he gets back on his game, I mean, they
could be an interesting one.
Speaker 1 (30:04):
I actually prey Stale. I like the top of the
Rangers roster. Bart I mean with our guys tro checking JT.
And I'm rooting for him, and I'm rooting for Sally
and Shastarkan's great, But besides the good players, they have
a lot of bad players.
Speaker 6 (30:21):
Hello, you're there. Yep, you're there.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
You're there, Barton, Yep, I'm here.
Speaker 1 (30:26):
I was saying, I don't like the Rangers roster from
top to bottom.
Speaker 4 (30:29):
I think it's top heavy, but I think there's a
lot of holes too.
Speaker 6 (30:33):
Yeah, No, they're definitely are holes, especially on defense, which
we've seen in playoffs. Really matters from Edmonton's woes the
last few years because I don't think their decour is
very good at all, but they have that high end.
They can just win you a few games here or there,
and then she circin if he can steal some games.
(30:53):
You know, they're most likely going to get into the
playoffs this year. I don't. I don't think they'll miss that,
and then they can make a last going from there.
So I think that they're if if any team got
a little better, maybe them, just with JT being there
full time, and and you know, I didn't really care
for how KeAndre Miller plays defense, so I don't think
losing him is a problem. And also just it's just
(31:18):
it's like you're saying, though, it's it was so stale
as the posts or the offseason moves that it didn't
really change things up too much other than the injuries. Uh.
Speaker 1 (31:29):
We gotta ask some cliched questions, bar who's your MVP?
Who would you bet on there?
Speaker 4 (31:32):
For the league?
Speaker 6 (31:34):
For the league? Yep, I'd really like to see them
give it to Cale mccarr because I think if I'm
starting a team, I would pick him as my player
over you know, it's either Ham or McDavid or Pouchurov
or whoever you want to pick, or even dry Studd.
I guys don't realize how good Dry Suttle is because
(31:55):
McDavid's there all the time. But i'd like to see
him give it to kill mccar. They probably won't. He'll
win the North again, So I'll go with McDavid.
Speaker 1 (32:02):
How about best goalie because I don't think there is
truly a best goalie. I don't think there's been a
superstar goalie in the league since Vasilevski kind of passed
his prime.
Speaker 4 (32:11):
He was great. He's still pretty good.
Speaker 6 (32:14):
Yeah, he is pretty good, and he a man. I
mean yeah, Like you're saying, there's not here, there's not
a clear number one anymore. I'll go with Uh, well,
let's go with Vaski. I was actually gonna say that
before you You've picked it up. We haven't really heard
a lot about him last two years or so, so
I'll go with Vasileski.
Speaker 4 (32:35):
Yeah, I think Tampa could make a run.
Speaker 1 (32:37):
I think they're gonna smell the blood with Florida kind
of beat up and they're older, but there's still real quality.
I think they'll kind of put it together and get
on a search.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
Yeah, they're a little older, their cores, their cores definitely
getting up there in age, but I don't think they've
aged out yet. Uh So, yeah, it's really how how
how do those guys? How does Vasileski to play? How
does Coucher I want to play? Because they had their
they already won their cups? Do they want to do
it again? You know, John Cooper signed the Quiet extension
(33:08):
this summer that nobody heard about. He's a very good coach,
uh as we've seen, so they can definitely make a run.
And coupled with we're gonna see Florida drop off here.
I mean, bar that Barkov being hurt is a is
a gigantic, gigantic hit to that locker room, to to
everything that goes on, uh during the game, before the game,
(33:30):
anything like that. I mean, when you're for sure leader
is out of the lineup, other people have to step up,
and it kind of gets a little awkward of whose
role is what? You know? Especially yep, yep, yeah, I know,
it's like it's it's it's a mess down there. I mean,
I don't know how they're gonna how they're going to
figure that one out. But uh, yeah, I could see
(33:52):
Tampa making a run here. I mean they're they're in
my mind, they're a playoff team, solidly a playoffs sure
I barring any draftic injuries, Yeah, they can make a run.
Speaker 4 (34:06):
Who's your Stanley Cup Final? Bar who's your winner?
Speaker 6 (34:11):
Uh, it's a tough one. Vegas. I'm gonna go with Vegas.
I think in the West and in the East we
will go with Oh geez, I don't. I don't even
know because it's so it's so weak, Like.
Speaker 1 (34:28):
I'm the same way, And ordinarily i'd say Toronto, but
they lost Marner and I just don't trust Toronto.
Speaker 6 (34:34):
I don't. I don't trust Toronto, and I don't want
to pick Toronto. Even if they had, they could have
Marna McDavid, mccarr, Matthews, all of them in the lineup,
and I still wouldn't pick them. Tim Horton, Yeah exactly, Yeah, yeah,
everybody they I mean they could have, they could have
anybody in that lineup. They could have Darcy Tucker and everybody.
(34:54):
I don't I don't really care. I would never pick them.
But since we can't, let's go with well, I don't know,
let's just go with Let's go with Tampa. We've been
talking about Tampa Florida's week and you know they won before.
They've been quiet last couple of years. I think they're
(35:16):
bored and they're gonna want to make a run.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Here, Bart great stuff, have fun on TV tonight. We'll
talk soon.
Speaker 6 (35:21):
All right, Thanks Mark.
Speaker 1 (35:23):
That's the great bat bark Cowski doing great on TV,
so check him out tonight on Sports Tet in Pittsburgh.
That it's time to Ask Mark Anything. Eight three, three,
four one two nine. Call now and Ask Mark Anything
five ninety X.
Speaker 10 (35:36):
Time now to send in your questions for Ask Mark Anything,
use the talk back Mike on your free irt radio
app and record your question for the super Genius.
Speaker 6 (35:49):
It's The Woody Show.
Speaker 1 (35:50):
You can stream the X and us The Woody Show
on the free iHeartRadio.
Speaker 7 (35:54):
App weekday mornings and six one five to ninety X.
Speaker 10 (35:57):
To celebrate super Rue Loves Passman and that's I'll Make
a Dog's Day.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
We're hosting an adoption event with crossover pause.
Speaker 4 (36:03):
Rescue on October twenty second, from five to seven. Bring
your a pet dress in their hot space.
Speaker 1 (36:07):
You've always been in love with me and this is
just your moment of clarity.
Speaker 7 (36:10):
I don't think, Oh, I know, so c exit one.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
This is like really unprofessional.
Speaker 1 (36:23):
But I'm meaning a caramel cunch bar from the Awaken
one eighty weight loss program. So I'm gonna keep chewing
while I listened to cars for as Mark, anything you
can call now at eight three, three, four one two
ninety nine thirty. Let's go to Roddington Roddington talk for
at least thirty seconds so I can keep chewing.
Speaker 11 (36:43):
What up, man, Hey Mark, I'm a little Premier League
talk for you. I was just wondering who do you
think has been the best new edition after this summer
window in the Premier League, and who do you think
has been performing the best.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
That's actually a really good question because I think most
of the new dishes have been pretty disappointing so far,
don't you?
Speaker 11 (37:03):
Yes, I totally agree, at least at least.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
The big name new editions. Who would you say?
Speaker 11 (37:09):
I actually think you might disagree with me.
Speaker 6 (37:12):
I think it was.
Speaker 11 (37:12):
Nick Voldermaid, the German striker who joined Newcas.
Speaker 1 (37:17):
He's been productive and he has enabled them to make up,
you know, to some degree, not the entire degree, for
the loss of Eichik de Liverpool.
Speaker 6 (37:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 11 (37:27):
I mean, if I were them, I try to get
every set piece as possible because I think he's six
foot six if not close.
Speaker 1 (37:35):
They have another center back who's a monster too, so yeah,
they want set piece too.
Speaker 6 (37:40):
He's a German as well.
Speaker 1 (37:42):
I gotta say though, I think that most of the editions,
like with Liverpool, verse hasn't been productive.
Speaker 4 (37:50):
But I think he's mostly looked good. Isaac just needs
to get fit.
Speaker 1 (37:53):
The one I'm worried about is Kirk hasn't left back.
He he looks like he's just not a very good defender.
But I think the only guy I think Chesco in
it man, you will be good sooner later as well.
The only guy that looks useless is what's the goofy
name for Arsenal Giorckez. Yes, yeah, he he looks like
(38:13):
he has nothing, no motor even right.
Speaker 6 (38:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 11 (38:17):
I totally agree. Same thing with Ichi von Esse, who
they signed as well from Crystal Palace. I mean that
dude was a beast at Palace.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
Yeah, but pretty much every.
Speaker 6 (38:25):
Game but he's nothing, so he's.
Speaker 1 (38:27):
Good and he understands the league. And I don't think
they've played him enough to you.
Speaker 11 (38:32):
I totally agree. They have him kind of ASSISI and
he's usually an attacking midfielder, and they have him playing
the left wings.
Speaker 1 (38:39):
I read somewhere that they got him not to start,
but to motivate, like Martinelli and those other wings and
Tressard and I I think that's a poor reason to
get him.
Speaker 4 (38:49):
I think he's better than both them guys.
Speaker 11 (38:52):
Yeah, I totally agree. I think both of those guys
are bunds, to be honest with you. And another guy
who's like him too is Chalky and taught them. I mean,
he's been pretty close to scoring and everything, but he's
been nowhere near productive like he has made at LEIPZIGGA
at PSB.
Speaker 1 (39:07):
What the bottom line is all the top teams that
got new players, even though most of the new players
haven't done great, they're still in the mix, like Liverpool
or five and two. I'm not panicked. I would rather
we not have lost two in a row on last
minute goals. But I think when you're when you're blooding
in new players, it takes a bit.
Speaker 4 (39:26):
Let's go to Cameron. Cameron as Mark anything.
Speaker 6 (39:30):
Good day, double M.
Speaker 8 (39:31):
I said, good day, hey Manark, I'm down North Carolina.
And did you happen to hear the latest on the
Belichick fiasco going on at Carolina?
Speaker 4 (39:41):
No, but I'd love to.
Speaker 8 (39:44):
A local news agency down here wr L posted last
night this article and they're taking sources from parents and
players that it's an absolute dysfunctional organization right now, the
locker rooms divided.
Speaker 6 (39:58):
There's a lack of.
Speaker 8 (39:58):
Communication between Belichick, Lombardi, and his staff. It speaks of
the crazy and absolute nepotism of hiring Belichick's sons Lombardi
son and the lack of experience at the collegiate level,
and it really speaks that he's just completely over his head.
And the rumors down here, even as late as this afternoon,
(40:20):
are that there's some conversations going on at the university
level as to what.
Speaker 6 (40:24):
To do next.
Speaker 4 (40:25):
I think they should get rid of him.
Speaker 1 (40:26):
I think the minute he had the twenty something girlfriend,
he embarrassed himself, he made him an unseerious figure in
front of his players, and I think it's just all
gone horribly bad. And then you had the thing I
did read about where he told North Carolina's sid not
to tweet on any highlights of nclums who had big
(40:47):
plays in the NFL, which like took Drake May out
of the mixed. People wonder what was going on, and
eventually it did get tweeted, but he's like infamy, infamy, they've.
Speaker 4 (40:56):
All got it in for me. Thank you for the call.
I'm Mark Man one oh five ninety x
And he's just getting more and more interesting for the
Steelers in the AFC North, Flacco is now Cincinnati's quarterback.
(00:20):
That's put Shador Sanders in play for Sunday when Cleveland
comes to Acriture, depending on if Dylan Gabriel gets hurt
or performs poorly. Joining us now to talk about all
of that and more, he covers the Steelers for the
Athletic is Mike de Fabo. Mike, let's start off with
that quarterbacks with Charu. What's that do for both those teams?
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Well, I guess looking at it from the Bengals perspective,
they're a team that's built to be around Joe Burrow's
right arm, and without Joe Burrow, you're seeing that they
can't do much of anything. So it's kind of a
desperation move on their part. I mean, you're bringing in
a guy that the Cleveland Browns gave up on.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
That doesn't sound too great for me.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
But on the flip side, the same Joe Flacco beat
the NFL's highest paid defense last.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Year when he was with the Colts, so you.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Know you're hoping that he's somewhat better than Jake Browning
the turnover machine. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. In
terms of the Cleveland Browns, I mean, I think this
just shows the complete lack of a plan on their part.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
And they came in the year with four quarterbacks. They've
already traded two of them away.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Now you're starting a quarterback in Dylan Gabriel while he
was drafted in the third round. I think that the
owner would like to go to Schadur sooner than later.
So to me, it just shows a lack of plan
and lack of a vision from the Cleveland Browns.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
No surprise there are the Steelers in great shape or
is the situation flattered to deceive?
Speaker 2 (01:44):
You know, I think they're in very good situation as
long as they take care of business. But nothing is
guaranteed when you're playing the AFC North. And I actually
look at this matchup against the Cleveland Browns as a sneaky,
tough matchup for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
I still think they win.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
But you know, right now, the Steelers' offense is get
the ball out of the quarterback's hands as quickly as possible.
You know, they're completing the ball the quickest in the NFL,
getting out of his hands quicker than anyone else, then
they're throwing it shorter than anybody else, but because of
yards after the catch, it's been successful.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
And my plan, if I were a.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Defensive coordinator would be, Okay, let's bring a ton of pressure,
let's stop the run, and let's play a lot of
man coverage.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
All those things the Cleveland Browns do well.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
They're the best team in the league at stopping the run,
and I think that there should be a legitimate concern
that they make the Steelers one dimensional. And then with
their pass rush, you know, against the forty one year
old quarterback with Broderick Jones, who's allowed the most sacks
in the league so far with four, you know, I
think that there are some matchup problems for the Steelers.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
That said, they absolutely should be able to.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Take care of business and they should be able to
move to five and one within the next couple of days.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
How will the Steelers basically using seven offensive linemen force
Cleveland to adjust on defense?
Speaker 4 (02:55):
And is that a good thing for the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
I'm not sure it is, but maybe it is against
clean one A Miles Garrett.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Yeah, well, I think it's going to be something they
definitely lean into and if anything, I think that you
could see the Steelers expand the usage of Spencer Anderson
a little bit more.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
That's all I'll say right now until after the game.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
But like you know, the Steelers, basically what they can
do here, and what I think they will do is
take a page out of everybody else's playbook.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
They've seen what happens to TJ. Watt. You double them, you.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Chip him, you have a running back hit him, And
I think that's going to absolutely be the same plan
because Broderick Jones is not yet at a point and
need as Troy Foaltanu to stand up face to face and.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Head to head against Miles Garrett.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Very few people are and so I think that as
much as Spencer Anderson opened things up in the running game,
especially when he was next to Darnel Washington, I think
that in past protection, having that extralignment it's going.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
To be just as important.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (03:53):
I don't know.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
I mean, I understand it can work, but I don't
like the way Friarmouth and John who were being so underused,
and it's curely Neanderthal. I'm not sure it works against
good teams when the games get more important.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Yeah, you know, I hear what you're saying there, and
that is the tough thing for Pat Fryarmouth is like
one of those tight ends is going to be Darnel Washington,
and then good luck trying to wrestle snaps away from
John new Smith, because John, who's probably the more complete
of the two, or at least he's a better pass
catcher and a dynamic weapon with the ball.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
In his hands.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
He can run all the same routes. He can't quite
block as well as Pat Fryarmoth. But Pat was never
a great blocker to begin with. And not to mention
the fact that, like if you've ever played for Arthur Smith,
you can always play for Arthur Smith, case and point,
Scottie Miller, case in point, you know some of these
other guys that they've brought in where it's so like,
I obviously Arthur Smith favors John hu Smith.
Speaker 3 (04:50):
He probably had a heavy hand in the decision to
acquire him.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
And unfortunately for Pat Fryarmuth right now, his skill set
is redundant and I think he's going to have a
hard time going forward carving out a niche for himself.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Yeah, I agree, I think he could be on the
trade market at season's end, I think high Smith could
be two. But then again, he just jumped right back
in the first team ahead her Big, until of course
high Smith gets hurt again.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Yeah, you know, I think maybe what they'll end up
doing a little bit is like, here's the way that
I look at the.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Situation market outside linebacker. For the first couple.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Weeks without high Smith, we were talking about how opponents
were running away from TJ. Watt and Herbig wasn't big
enough to be stout and set that edge. Now Herbig
has a couple of really great performances when the Steelers
were able to make opponents one dimensional, and he shows
his pass rush prowess, and we want to see more
of her Big. I think the answer is both. So
you could play high Smith a little bit more in running.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
Situations on early downs.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
You could play her Big a little bit more in
passing situations.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
But still I think you can use both of them.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
And I think that there'll be plenty of opportunities on
third downs where all three edge rushers Watt.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Heismith, and her Bigger on the field together.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Why can't Roman Wilson get on the field for that matter,
Caleb Johnson, I look at the Browns playing rookies. I
look at Dylan Gabriel in there, and he's doing okay.
I'm not sure he's the long term answer. I look
at the rookie running back who's doing really well. I
think they're getting better. I don't think they'll beat the
Steelers Sunday, but I think they're getting better. I think
the Steelers right now, in terms of improvement, they're not
(06:25):
quite a finished product, but I think they're stealing to
get better is a lot lower.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
No.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
I agree with you, Mark, And it stuck out to
me like I was watching games a Sunday, and you know,
the Jaguars were running with Baseel Tooton, a rookie like
this was quench On Judkins was tearing things up for
the Browns and the running game Traveon Henderson for the
Patriots was showing what he can do. You know, Cam
Scattaboo has been off to a good start. This was
(06:52):
supposed to be a really strong running back class, and
the Steelers supposedly got one of the better ones. I mean,
Caleb Johnson was supposed to be like an early second
round pick. To get him in the third was good value.
And I feel like he just has no confidence whatsoever.
Like when he gets the ball.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
Well, that's what they do.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
They bring guys in and they break them down to
build him back up, Except they don't really build him
back up.
Speaker 4 (07:16):
Look can Broderick Jones?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah, I completely agree with you, Mark, Like, how are these.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Guys ever going to get better if you don't at
least give him an opportunity. Yeah, Caleb Johnson may have
crossed the Steelers a game, but I also feel like.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Long term he may be the answer to unlock this
running game because of his style and because of the
sit there.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
And similarly with Roman Wilson, I mean, he's just getting
absolutely nothing. He has one catch in his NFL career,
and you should go back and watch it because it's hilarious.
It's like a dump off and he gets absolutely clawbered
and flipped over the defensive player. Hell of a lot
to take for one catch in your NFL career.
Speaker 6 (07:51):
You know.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Part of it's because they have such a tight end
centric offense right now.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
The Steelers are at the bottom of the league.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
In eleven personnel, so three receivers on the field. The
top two wide receivers are DK and Calvin Austin and
good luck.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
If you're not one of those guys getting some playing time.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
But I would like to see more Roman Wilson because
I mean, he's in the middle of his second season
right now, and the guy has one catch.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
Well it's I don't mind him playing behind obviously DK
and even Calvin Austin, but when you see Scotty Miller
and Vince Karana getting more snaps and clearly higher on
the depth charted in their plans because they are these
try hard veterans with grit, that is the biggest bunch
of horsemen where I can think of, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
I agree with you, Mark, Like during the training camp,
I was thinking, yeah, this is great for Scotty Miller,
that he's one of the more reliable weapons in the
receiving game, But it's not a good thing for the
Steelers because Scotty Miller has a pretty defined ceiling. He's
a veteran fringe player for a reason right now, and
I just feel like you need to be developing a
guy like Roman Wilson, and I agree. I mean that
(08:58):
nothing irks me more than when they put three tight
ends on the field and Scotty Miller is the only
wide receiver I don't understand that personnel grouping whatsoever. I
didn't understand it last year, and for some reason it
still exists this year.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
I feel like the Steelers can't lose this game, but
they just might.
Speaker 6 (09:15):
Yeah, I agree with you, Mark, and I think even looking.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Ahead, those short week Thursday night games AFC North on
the road, those are typically.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
The ones that Mike Tomlin loses.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
I had the Steelers penciled in for a loss when
Joe Burrow was playing, and now with Joe Flacco, I
think that there's a chance that they lose that one.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
So like they absolutely have to get.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
The job done this week because they're just they're tough.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Games are still coming.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Everyone is kind of counting these these games and the
league that the Steelers have.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
But the Steelers still have to play the Lions.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
They still have to play the Bills, they still have
to play the Green Bay Packers, the Colts, who are
surprisingly good this year, the Chargers, who are going to
be frisky, especially at home.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
And there are a lot of tough games.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
And so when you get a team like Cleveland coming
to Pittsburgh, it's imperative.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
That the Steelers take care of business.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
You know, one thing I'm still not sure about and
you wrote about this. The athletic mike is their secondary
with Jalen Ramsey atto though Tomlin talked like there was
a chance he might be able to play against Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
I think that might have just been a smoke screen.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
But even though they do have relative depth in the secondary,
now Joey Porter Junior is going to be back. It's
tough when you bring in a guy to be the
Swiss Army Knife and he's not available.
Speaker 6 (10:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
Absolutely so.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
They had this grand vision for all four defensive backs
playing on the field together, the top guys Joey Porter Junior,
Sleigh Ramsey, and Deshaun Elliott.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
Those guys have been on the field together for just twenty.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Five plays, all of those the Jets. And here's what
surprised me. Mark justin Field's completed seven of his eight
passes for two touchdowns when those two guys, when all
four of those guys are on the field. So just
them being healthy and on the field isn't going to
make this a cohesive back end. They need in game
experience to gel and you know, to reach the potential
(11:01):
that we've been hearing about so much during the preseason.
So like, yeah, it's really big that they're losing Jalen Ramsey.
That said, I do give Brandon Echles credit. I feel
like that was a good depth signing because he can't
play outside, and now you know, if Ramsey can't go,
he would be the next guy up in the slot.
I think that that was Those are the sneaky important
(11:21):
acquisitions that make the difference in football teams, where a
guy that can start at multiple positions for you, if
you experienced an injury, can play on special teams. And
I think that he's been, you know, reasonably solid.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
If not good, within his role so far this year.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
The Steelers are three and one and everybody's giving them
the division title already.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
We forget the last day were ten and three and
blew it.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
That said, I look at Baltimore, Cincinnati played the eye test.
They look like they're in the tank and they look
like they stink and they know it, which is a
bad combination.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Yeah, yeah, I completely agree with you, Mark, Like these
these teams, like Miles Gary just months ago was trying
to force his way out of Cleveland and was just
destroying them and saying I'm never going to win here.
This is a trash franchise. Then they gave him a
boatload of money and he changed his mind. But there's
still that same team. Miles Garrett told you that they
(12:15):
were that no star players should ever want to play
for them, and they're going to continue to spin their
wheels at quarterback with no plan and no vision in sight.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Yeah, and Baltimore, you know, they're still the betting favorite
with the books to win the AFC North. I don't
know what that says about the Steelers. I don't know
what it says about the Ravens. I think it says
the books are looking at what happened last year.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
Yeah, I think so. That was kind of startling to me.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
But when when you look at I think the biggest
factor is that the Ravens still have.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
To play the Steelers twice.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
And as recently as OTA's Tarol Austin, the defensive coordinator,
was saying, we have a Baltimore problem. That's a direct
quote from him, and I think it was a great
quote because it's so true, and so I think the
odds makers are looking at it saying there's a reasonable
chance that Baltimore could still sweep the Steelers if they're
able to get healthy, they could go on the run,
(13:07):
they could get hot, they could be that team no
wants to play.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
And you know the way I'm looking at.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
It, Week eighteen, when it's Steelers versus Ravens, I think
that right there could end up determining the division.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
Well here's a scary proposition. I think the Steelers, given
their schedule, could be in contention for even the AFC's
number one seed when they play Buffalo on November thirtieth,
and I think they might have a two game lead
on the Ravens when they play them on December seventh.
So we're going to have meaningful games, which is what
the Steelers want above all.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Yeah, I think it's so important that they're able to
capitalize on this and win the division because.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
The bottom line is they have to win a playoff game.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
It's been far too long and this season, for better
or worse, is going to be judged as a success
or of failure based on what they do in the postseason.
And to me, obviously, their best chance to win that
playoff is going to be to host it here at
Akraser Stadium, and I think that might be their only
way to win our playoff game as if it's here
(14:07):
at home.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
So like I think that this division, you know, in
the years.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Past, I think they kind of like beat their chest
and celebrated and said we ran the North and made
more of a big deal of the division than it
really was.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
But when it comes to actually.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
Winning a game when it matters, I think that winning
this division is the first step towards achieving that goal.
Speaker 4 (14:27):
Mike has always great stuff. Enjoy the game Sunday, all.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Right, thanks for having me, Mark, I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
That's our buddy, Mike Defebo from the Athletic brought to
us by Armstrong the Internet. You count on the people
you trust Armstrong one wire dot Com. I'm Mark Madden
at the bottom of the hour Hockey Talk with Matt Barkowski.
Don't forget I'm doing a Penguin's viewing party tonight at
Pittsburg Brewing Company, and we got the Hockey Night Show,
an hour of solid hockey talk from six till seven.
Speaker 4 (14:53):
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Speaker 1 (16:14):
So this segment will be just like a young man
coming in from k Vicky Uh, I'm gonna do a
whole bunch of cliched NHL predictions before the show's over.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
Here's a handful of those to lead off.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
Not my team ones, but my individual awards predictions are
McDavid from MVP on his new contract. Best defenseman, Cale
mccarr out of Habit from Colorado. I would say that
Dahlen from Buffalo, who's really good, but he plays for Buffalo.
My best goaltender is Jake Oltinger from Dallas. But there
really isn't the best goalie in this league. Not Hella Buck,
(16:50):
He's a playoff fraud. Vasilevski's passed his prime. The last
truly elite goalie in the league was Vasilevsky and his prime.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
There's nobody truly elite now.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
My rookie of the year is let's go with the
lle Cyvenon play it on Sid's line, a good fit.
Let's get some local flavor in there, and the other
awards don't matter, like Lady Bing Trophy.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
That's like best sissy who cares?
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Speaker 1 (18:54):
Right now, we got our buddy from Mount Lebanon X
of the Boston Bruins and a few other NHL teams.
He'll be on Sports netw Pittsburgh tonight doing analysis for
the pregame. In the postgame, he is Matt Barkowski. Bart,
it looks like Shilovs is in goal tonight and not Jari.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Does that surprise you? And do you like that move?
Speaker 5 (19:12):
Uh?
Speaker 6 (19:13):
Yeah, that does surprise me. I mean I was at
practice yesterday and I was trying to kind of trying
to figure out what the lines are going to be
with the d pairs, and it's kind of it was
it's still up in the air. I mean, honestly, I
don't know if we'll know till really right before game time.
I know they can release whatever they want, but yeah,
that that does kind of surprise me. I don't know,
(19:34):
maybe Jars maybe has something lingering going on and they're
rest and them that we don't know about. But because
I would have really expected him to start, Yeah, I like.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
It though, because I'm not sure there's a big difference,
and with the amount of change the Penguins are making
with their roster and going to youth, I think having
a different guy in goal instead of the guy who's
failed an awful lot that can't be bad.
Speaker 6 (19:57):
No, it can't be bad. But at the same time,
I think in order to really I mean, they're not
really going to tank a season or anything like that,
you know, and just do a full like, hey, this
is a three four year rebuild process. So honestly, I
still think their best option moving forward is to get
(20:17):
Jars going. I know it's been two or three years
of him being quite inconsistent, but you know, before that,
he was an All Star and he's shown that he
can be one of the top goalies in the league.
So I think if you're gonna make any competitive push
for playoffs or anything like that. I do think that
needs to rely on Jerry.
Speaker 4 (20:37):
What are your expectations for Dan Mues as a coach?
Speaker 1 (20:39):
It feels a lot less stale and maybe a bit
more structured. But will the veterans adhere to that structure?
Speaker 6 (20:46):
Yeah? I think it is definitely both of those. And
I think a lot of that was I mean, Sully
was here for seven years, and you know, shelf life
on NHL coaches is definitely not that long anymore. So
you know, last year or two, Sully kind of took
a step back, and I'm sure the guys are sick
of hearing his voice and and sometimes that that's what
(21:08):
it takes, is just hearing a new voice. So you know,
I'm sure from sully standpoint, he was still trying to
have the structure and put his systems into place, and
guys just really weren't going to want to listen. So
getting a younger, you know, pretty energetic, first head coaching
job in the NHL and use I think is a
really good thing. I do think the veterans, at least
(21:31):
from what I've heard in camp, responded pretty well. And
you know, like you know, with the system's aspect, it's
unless you're going to something drastically different like a one
to three one or something you know that's pretty unique,
or pinch every time like Florida does. You know, there's
there's not too much nuanced difference between the systems. It's
(21:54):
just getting everybody to kind of stick with them consistently.
And I think with him coming in in, you know,
those first few practices in camp were pretty hard. I
mean there were not only guys getting hurt, but they
were going at it, they were battling. I think that's
sent a message that you know, he's not really one
to be messed with. So that should garner the respect
of everybody from top to bottom, you know, especially the veterans.
(22:20):
And then there's a lot of youth there too, so
they're going to try and make a really good first impression,
especially with a new coach, so they're going to be
pushing those veterans too.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Which of the younger lives do you like?
Speaker 6 (22:33):
The younger brunique on Dean is pretty interesting. He's had
quite a good camp. Kindle uh started off a little slow.
The last few games he's he's done pretty well, and
allegedly he's playing with Thomasino and Novak, So I think
that's a pretty interesting line. That's a couple of creative
guys all in one spot. I mean, Thomasino, Novak. They
(22:57):
have a little bit of experience, so Kendall shouldn't have
any problem, you know, he or he should be able
to learn off them. And then they're all kind of
a little bit like minded where they'll take some chances,
and they all have a lot of high end skills.
So I think that could be that could be pretty interesting.
I know his I guess his skating doesn't look great,
(23:18):
but he can move, like even in practice yesterday I
was watching and it's not it's it's it's just different,
you know, like there yeah, yeah, yeah, Like it looks
like he's not moving, but he definitely is, So I
don't have any any doubt about that. And then the
the defenseman Bruneki. You know, he showed a little bit
(23:40):
of skill in in preseason and then just a little
bit I watched him yesterday in practice. He looks very
poised and very calm on the back end. So uh,
it'll be interesting to see if he plays and who
he plays with. But those two right now, I think
are the two that I'd be watching for.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
Well, Coyven is still a rookie, and I think playing
on the line with Sid, he reminds me a lot
of Genzil in terms of approach and the way he
operates with Sid.
Speaker 4 (24:07):
I mean, I hate to go overboard bart.
Speaker 1 (24:09):
But potentially he could be like a Rookie of the
Year guy if if he stays on Sid's line.
Speaker 6 (24:14):
If I if I could go back to playing Sid's line,
I might even be able, right, right, right, but maybe
a couple of votes. Yeah, no, I know what you mean.
He does. He is very smart. Gensel is a very
smart player. Gensel from if we're going to compare the two,
I mean he had more grit. Yeah, he was, you
(24:37):
know he he he went to the dirty areas a
little bit different of a player. I think that Coyven
and can kind of control the pace of the play
a little more. So, you know, that's a that's a
talent that not a lot of guys have. And at
the end of the season last year when he was
on the power play, I thought he did a great
(24:57):
job on the half wall. So if he does, he
is able to get some games going forward with Sid consistently,
especially with However, long mcgrory's out, I don't see why
he wouldn't be on that line then that. I mean, yeah,
that's definitely going to help him out. Seems like a
good kid too, so I'm sure he's ready and eager
(25:19):
to learn. And there's not a better guy to learn from.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
Bart. What's Carlson going to do this year?
Speaker 1 (25:25):
And I say that because he had a great preseason?
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Is that just fool's gold? What do you think?
Speaker 6 (25:33):
I don't. I never really rate anything on preseason, especially veterans,
because it is just that much lower and choppier, and
and it's just it's more disorganized.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
No question. But with him, I'll pick what I can get.
Speaker 6 (25:50):
Yeah, no, one hundred percent. And I mean that does
speak to his Normally, the guys with the high end
skill can kind of do a little better in preseason
just because it is more of a just run around
like a chicken with your head cut off and nobody
knows what's going on. So you have that kind of
skill in skating, you're gonna be able to, you know,
just move your waist through a game. You know, it's
(26:13):
it's who knows. With him, I mean, you know, one
year he could put up one hundred points. Another year
he could put up fifty points in pout and whatever.
So uh, it's I can tell you it's not up
to anybody else what happens with him. If he wants
to go out and he wants to win the Norse
this year, I mean, well, maybe not with kel mccarr anymore.
But if he wants to be talked about his top
defenseman in the league, like he has been his whole career,
(26:35):
then it's his decision. He still has that talent, he
has that ability. He's been a little banged up here
and there over the year, but I don't think it's
lingering or affecting him. So maybe with this young blood
in the in the dressing room, it'll rejuvenate him and
he'll go out there and play like we know he can't.
Speaker 1 (26:54):
We're talking to Matt Barkowski sports Net Pittsburgh here on
the x Bart.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
Is this even close to a playoff team?
Speaker 6 (27:01):
I don't think so. Sorry everybody, but I don't think so.
I don't think that's part of the plan either.
Speaker 9 (27:09):
I think this is a top five pick and get
in that McKenna lottery. Yeah, I mean that's but a plan. Nonetheless, yeah,
and they can tell us whatever they want, but we
kind of know that is the plan. I mean, guys
are still going to try and be competitive and and
and you know, but if the message is that, hey, guys,
(27:29):
you know, like we're going to push and we're going
to push for the playoffs, this year happens or not,
no big deal whatever, but next year would be the
big year. And I think it's just a build up
because then you'll have ye then you'll have five or
six of these guys who are.
Speaker 4 (27:42):
In their first year, and then you space to spend two.
Speaker 6 (27:46):
Yep, yep. And you got all that money to spend
in the off season. You can trade for more picks
if you want. I don't know if that's necessary, but
you'll be able to spend that money. You'll have a
lot of guys who are in their second year, third year,
where they've had the experience, they know what it is,
they're going to get a taste for playoff hockey. So
(28:08):
I would just assume that this is kind of just
drilling it into them what it takes to get there.
Because I have a feeling this team this year is
going to see that it's very difficult, and you know,
they probably won't make it in.
Speaker 4 (28:22):
Here's the disclaimer.
Speaker 1 (28:23):
I totally agree, and I've been saying that, you know,
all preseason. The disclaimer is the Eastern Conference is really bad,
especially with Florida crippled by injuries.
Speaker 6 (28:33):
Yeah, yeah, no, certainly it is. But it's you know,
they're still it's kind of difficult. Yeah, Barkov's out, but
they have enough guys who have won and can kind
of get by during the regular season. Like you see,
all these teams are kind of doing that anymore and
just getting in and then they pick up the pace
(28:54):
because they have that veteran leadership that's like, okay, time
to turn up a notch. Yeah. The rest of the conference,
it didn't really get any better, did it. Like you know,
there wasn't any anything major that happened.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
Tampa Bay's another. I think Carolina. I don't know if
you're with me on this. I think Britada Moore is
a terrible coach. I just think there's I think every
even good team has something about them to not trust.
Speaker 6 (29:21):
Yeah, and like that's all I was gonna say. You
see Marner going to Vegas, like that makes them considerably better.
You didn't see anybody from the West or any other
teams really coming over to the East or anything like
that and making a splash. And then with Brenda Moore too, like, yeah,
he's a great motivator. It's just they always saysle out
in playoffs, and I should really believe it's that man
(29:42):
Ol Mande, because you get deeper into playoffs, the talent
level just increases a little bit, and all it takes
is one guy to get beat. So yeah, I mean,
Jersey's not a Fred Islanders. Rangers could be interesting with uh,
you know, JT being their full time to shirk it
if he gets back on his game, I mean, they
could be an interesting one.
Speaker 1 (30:04):
I actually prey Stale. I like the top of the
Rangers roster. Bart I mean with our guys tro checking JT.
And I'm rooting for him, and I'm rooting for Sally
and Shastarkan's great, But besides the good players, they have
a lot of bad players.
Speaker 6 (30:21):
Hello, you're there. Yep, you're there.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
You're there, Barton, Yep, I'm here.
Speaker 1 (30:26):
I was saying, I don't like the Rangers roster from
top to bottom.
Speaker 4 (30:29):
I think it's top heavy, but I think there's a
lot of holes too.
Speaker 6 (30:33):
Yeah, No, they're definitely are holes, especially on defense, which
we've seen in playoffs. Really matters from Edmonton's woes the
last few years because I don't think their decour is
very good at all, but they have that high end.
They can just win you a few games here or there,
and then she circin if he can steal some games.
(30:53):
You know, they're most likely going to get into the
playoffs this year. I don't. I don't think they'll miss that,
and then they can make a last going from there.
So I think that they're if if any team got
a little better, maybe them, just with JT being there
full time, and and you know, I didn't really care
for how KeAndre Miller plays defense, so I don't think
losing him is a problem. And also just it's just
(31:18):
it's like you're saying, though, it's it was so stale
as the posts or the offseason moves that it didn't
really change things up too much other than the injuries. Uh.
Speaker 1 (31:29):
We gotta ask some cliched questions, bar who's your MVP?
Who would you bet on there?
Speaker 4 (31:32):
For the league?
Speaker 6 (31:34):
For the league? Yep, I'd really like to see them
give it to Cale mccarr because I think if I'm
starting a team, I would pick him as my player
over you know, it's either Ham or McDavid or Pouchurov
or whoever you want to pick, or even dry Studd.
I guys don't realize how good Dry Suttle is because
(31:55):
McDavid's there all the time. But i'd like to see
him give it to kill mccar. They probably won't. He'll
win the North again, So I'll go with McDavid.
Speaker 1 (32:02):
How about best goalie because I don't think there is
truly a best goalie. I don't think there's been a
superstar goalie in the league since Vasilevski kind of passed
his prime.
Speaker 4 (32:11):
He was great. He's still pretty good.
Speaker 6 (32:14):
Yeah, he is pretty good, and he a man. I
mean yeah, Like you're saying, there's not here, there's not
a clear number one anymore. I'll go with Uh, well,
let's go with Vaski. I was actually gonna say that
before you You've picked it up. We haven't really heard
a lot about him last two years or so, so
I'll go with Vasileski.
Speaker 4 (32:35):
Yeah, I think Tampa could make a run.
Speaker 1 (32:37):
I think they're gonna smell the blood with Florida kind
of beat up and they're older, but there's still real quality.
I think they'll kind of put it together and get
on a search.
Speaker 6 (32:46):
Yeah, they're a little older, their cores, their cores definitely
getting up there in age, but I don't think they've
aged out yet. Uh So, yeah, it's really how how
how do those guys? How does Vasileski to play? How
does Coucher I want to play? Because they had their
they already won their cups? Do they want to do
it again? You know, John Cooper signed the Quiet extension
(33:08):
this summer that nobody heard about. He's a very good coach,
uh as we've seen, so they can definitely make a run.
And coupled with we're gonna see Florida drop off here.
I mean, bar that Barkov being hurt is a is
a gigantic, gigantic hit to that locker room, to to
everything that goes on, uh during the game, before the game,
(33:30):
anything like that. I mean, when you're for sure leader
is out of the lineup, other people have to step up,
and it kind of gets a little awkward of whose
role is what? You know? Especially yep, yep, yeah, I know,
it's like it's it's it's a mess down there. I mean,
I don't know how they're gonna how they're going to
figure that one out. But uh, yeah, I could see
(33:52):
Tampa making a run here. I mean they're they're in
my mind, they're a playoff team, solidly a playoffs sure
I barring any draftic injuries, Yeah, they can make a run.
Speaker 4 (34:06):
Who's your Stanley Cup Final? Bar who's your winner?
Speaker 6 (34:11):
Uh, it's a tough one. Vegas. I'm gonna go with Vegas.
I think in the West and in the East we
will go with Oh geez, I don't. I don't even
know because it's so it's so weak, Like.
Speaker 1 (34:28):
I'm the same way, And ordinarily i'd say Toronto, but
they lost Marner and I just don't trust Toronto.
Speaker 6 (34:34):
I don't. I don't trust Toronto, and I don't want
to pick Toronto. Even if they had, they could have
Marna McDavid, mccarr, Matthews, all of them in the lineup,
and I still wouldn't pick them. Tim Horton, Yeah exactly, Yeah, yeah,
everybody they I mean they could have, they could have
anybody in that lineup. They could have Darcy Tucker and everybody.
(34:54):
I don't I don't really care. I would never pick them.
But since we can't, let's go with well, I don't know,
let's just go with Let's go with Tampa. We've been
talking about Tampa Florida's week and you know they won before.
They've been quiet last couple of years. I think they're
(35:16):
bored and they're gonna want to make a run.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Here, Bart great stuff, have fun on TV tonight. We'll
talk soon.
Speaker 6 (35:21):
All right, Thanks Mark.
Speaker 1 (35:23):
That's the great bat bark Cowski doing great on TV,
so check him out tonight on Sports Tet in Pittsburgh.
That it's time to Ask Mark Anything. Eight three, three,
four one two nine. Call now and Ask Mark Anything
five ninety X.
Speaker 10 (35:36):
Time now to send in your questions for Ask Mark Anything,
use the talk back Mike on your free irt radio
app and record your question for the super Genius.
Speaker 6 (35:49):
It's The Woody Show.
Speaker 1 (35:50):
You can stream the X and us The Woody Show
on the free iHeartRadio.
Speaker 7 (35:54):
App weekday mornings and six one five to ninety X.
Speaker 10 (35:57):
To celebrate super Rue Loves Passman and that's I'll Make
a Dog's Day.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
We're hosting an adoption event with crossover pause.
Speaker 4 (36:03):
Rescue on October twenty second, from five to seven. Bring
your a pet dress in their hot space.
Speaker 1 (36:07):
You've always been in love with me and this is
just your moment of clarity.
Speaker 7 (36:10):
I don't think, Oh, I know, so c exit one.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
This is like really unprofessional.
Speaker 1 (36:23):
But I'm meaning a caramel cunch bar from the Awaken
one eighty weight loss program. So I'm gonna keep chewing
while I listened to cars for as Mark, anything you
can call now at eight three, three, four one two
ninety nine thirty. Let's go to Roddington Roddington talk for
at least thirty seconds so I can keep chewing.
Speaker 11 (36:43):
What up, man, Hey Mark, I'm a little Premier League
talk for you. I was just wondering who do you
think has been the best new edition after this summer
window in the Premier League, and who do you think
has been performing the best.
Speaker 1 (36:57):
That's actually a really good question because I think most
of the new dishes have been pretty disappointing so far,
don't you?
Speaker 11 (37:03):
Yes, I totally agree, at least at least.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
The big name new editions. Who would you say?
Speaker 11 (37:09):
I actually think you might disagree with me.
Speaker 6 (37:12):
I think it was.
Speaker 11 (37:12):
Nick Voldermaid, the German striker who joined Newcas.
Speaker 1 (37:17):
He's been productive and he has enabled them to make up,
you know, to some degree, not the entire degree, for
the loss of Eichik de Liverpool.
Speaker 6 (37:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 11 (37:27):
I mean, if I were them, I try to get
every set piece as possible because I think he's six
foot six if not close.
Speaker 1 (37:35):
They have another center back who's a monster too, so yeah,
they want set piece too.
Speaker 6 (37:40):
He's a German as well.
Speaker 1 (37:42):
I gotta say though, I think that most of the editions,
like with Liverpool, verse hasn't been productive.
Speaker 4 (37:50):
But I think he's mostly looked good. Isaac just needs
to get fit.
Speaker 1 (37:53):
The one I'm worried about is Kirk hasn't left back.
He he looks like he's just not a very good defender.
But I think the only guy I think Chesco in
it man, you will be good sooner later as well.
The only guy that looks useless is what's the goofy
name for Arsenal Giorckez. Yes, yeah, he he looks like
(38:13):
he has nothing, no motor even right.
Speaker 6 (38:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 11 (38:17):
I totally agree. Same thing with Ichi von Esse, who
they signed as well from Crystal Palace. I mean that
dude was a beast at Palace.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
Yeah, but pretty much every.
Speaker 6 (38:25):
Game but he's nothing, so he's.
Speaker 1 (38:27):
Good and he understands the league. And I don't think
they've played him enough to you.
Speaker 11 (38:32):
I totally agree. They have him kind of ASSISI and
he's usually an attacking midfielder, and they have him playing
the left wings.
Speaker 1 (38:39):
I read somewhere that they got him not to start,
but to motivate, like Martinelli and those other wings and
Tressard and I I think that's a poor reason to
get him.
Speaker 4 (38:49):
I think he's better than both them guys.
Speaker 11 (38:52):
Yeah, I totally agree. I think both of those guys
are bunds, to be honest with you. And another guy
who's like him too is Chalky and taught them. I mean,
he's been pretty close to scoring and everything, but he's
been nowhere near productive like he has made at LEIPZIGGA
at PSB.
Speaker 1 (39:07):
What the bottom line is all the top teams that
got new players, even though most of the new players
haven't done great, they're still in the mix, like Liverpool
or five and two. I'm not panicked. I would rather
we not have lost two in a row on last
minute goals. But I think when you're when you're blooding
in new players, it takes a bit.
Speaker 4 (39:26):
Let's go to Cameron. Cameron as Mark anything.
Speaker 6 (39:30):
Good day, double M.
Speaker 8 (39:31):
I said, good day, hey Manark, I'm down North Carolina.
And did you happen to hear the latest on the
Belichick fiasco going on at Carolina?
Speaker 4 (39:41):
No, but I'd love to.
Speaker 8 (39:44):
A local news agency down here wr L posted last
night this article and they're taking sources from parents and
players that it's an absolute dysfunctional organization right now, the
locker rooms divided.
Speaker 6 (39:58):
There's a lack of.
Speaker 8 (39:58):
Communication between Belichick, Lombardi, and his staff. It speaks of
the crazy and absolute nepotism of hiring Belichick's sons Lombardi
son and the lack of experience at the collegiate level,
and it really speaks that he's just completely over his head.
And the rumors down here, even as late as this afternoon,
(40:20):
are that there's some conversations going on at the university
level as to what.
Speaker 6 (40:24):
To do next.
Speaker 4 (40:25):
I think they should get rid of him.
Speaker 1 (40:26):
I think the minute he had the twenty something girlfriend,
he embarrassed himself, he made him an unseerious figure in
front of his players, and I think it's just all
gone horribly bad. And then you had the thing I
did read about where he told North Carolina's sid not
to tweet on any highlights of nclums who had big
(40:47):
plays in the NFL, which like took Drake May out
of the mixed. People wonder what was going on, and
eventually it did get tweeted, but he's like infamy, infamy, they've.
Speaker 4 (40:56):
All got it in for me. Thank you for the call.
I'm Mark Man one oh five ninety x
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