April 29, 2026 • 45 mins
Mark is joined by Jonathan Bombulie of the Trib to start the hour talking Penguins and Flyers. Mike McCarthy the head ball coach for the Steelers joins Double M. Ask Mark Anything!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's for a game seven. Come watch the game with
me at Marino's American Eatery in Greensburg. We're joined now
by Jonathan Bomboulli of the Trib JB. It's gonna be
the difference in tonight's game. The Penguins have won two straight,
but I'm not sure they've captured momentum in any true
big way.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Well, I mean they've captured momentum. I think, you know,
momentum might be a strong word for it. But they've
gotten better as the series has gone on. There's something
to be said for that. But those first two games,
they couldn't get through the neutral zone. And then since
then they've they've really made some adjustments and came through
the neutral zone with speed and and you know that
got to you, got you to a point where you
(00:39):
had a chance to score some goals. But the first
couple of games they really had very few legitimate chances.
So when you put yourself in a position where you're
you know, you're you're feeling pretty confident that you're gonna
have offensive chances. You like the way your goaltending has
been playing the last couple of games, I don't know
if that counts a momentum, but it's definitely more of
a positive vibe than a negative vibe.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
I would say, don't you think.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
Yeah, no, no question.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
And I think they've solved certain things or gotten better
at For example, the first couple of games, those two
losses in Pittsburgh, they couldn't get the puck through the
neutral zone and into the Philadelphia and with control.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
But I think after.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
That they've taken an off side path. They've done some
very well advised dumps, whether diagonal were soft, and because
of that, the whole blue lines opened up some. So yeah,
I think they're definitely playing better hockey. But that's what
a series is about, right JB. You just adjustin counter punch.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Oh for sure.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
And like, I really like the changes they made because
coming through the if you're coming through the neutral zoneless speed,
then and the and the fires are still you know,
stacking it up with the blue line one, one, three,
But if you're attacking that with speed, you got more options.
I mean, you know, and you're and and when you
do dump it in and go chase it, you're gonna
be chasing it from a position of strength rather than
(01:57):
starting flat footed, like if they're coming through the neutral
zone with speed and they.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Throw it into the corner.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
The perfect example is the Soda blun goal in the
last game, where they dumped that behind the net and
Manta came into it with speed and just blew up
the flyers d on the fore check and sent it
out front. Now, he wasn't trying to throw it to Elmer,
but he did and it worked. So plays like that,
I just think that that's been to me. That's the
the well goaltending to him. In goaltending is always an
(02:25):
underwriting or overriding factor, but just being able to come
through the speed the neutral zone with speed, having better
puck support coming out of your own end so that
you know you got the defenseman who retrieves the puck
isn't there by himself. He doesn't have to make a
long diagonal pass. He's got a forward right there with him.
Those types of changes have really, you know, like I'm
(02:46):
not going to say, you know, you were talking about momentum.
It hasn't tipped the series dramatically in favor of the Penguins,
but it's put them in a position where they can
succeed if they do some other things well, and they
have for a couple of games.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Who seems most like to break loose tonight among the
Penguins who hasn't been on the score seat much so far?
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Is anybody close?
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Well, I mean the first name that pops into my
head is Chinikov, just because that guy just has to
hit the net. I mean, he's he's getting he's I
would say he's getting shots. He's not getting shots because
they're not on goal. But he's he's, he's you know,
he's in the scoring area. He's he's around it. So
he's the first guy that pops to mind. But I mean,
(03:28):
it's a Game six in Philadelphia, it would probably be
stupid not to say Crosby. I mean, look, you know,
as well as anybody, there's nothing he enjoys more than
sticking it to the Flyers nothing, And this would be
an incredible, incredible venue to do that. I mean, you know,
forcing a game seven when you were up three nothing,
I mean, that is the ultimate sticking it to the Flyers,
(03:49):
those those fans. I mean, you know, first goal has
been huge in this series, but it'll be especially huge
tonight because that building will turn downright hostile if the
Penguins score first and you know that building is inches
away from hostel under the.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Best of circumstances.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Can the Penguins keep using basically five defensemen that they've
done the past two games, just kind of spotting in
solely off occasionally, I'm not sure they have a choice.
And I will say La Tang has stepped up dramatically,
hasn't he?
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Yeah, And I think you know that the way the
defense are playing has a big role and why they're
getting through the neutral zone better because those guys are
they started in the defensive zone.
Speaker 3 (04:31):
And I mean the one like you look at that
pairing and obviously.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
With Gerard it's had it's it's you know, rough moments,
a lot of them. But the one thing those two
guys can both do is kate and you know, if
you if you want to come out of your own
zone with speed, those two guys can do that.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
I mean, that's their specialty. So that's important.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Those guys are important for the way the Penguins are
playing right now. You know, can you play with five
d for two more games? Yeah, you can do it
for two more games. I don't know if you can
do it for two more series. I actually have kind
of liked Seliev. So if he if he the way
he's played when he has played, no, he plays big. Yeah,
I mean he's he gives them an element they don't have.
If his minutes, you know, ticked up a little bit,
(05:12):
I wouldn't think that would be the worst thing in
the world. But look, they found a formula that works
for him, so I doubt they're gonna change it. Yeah,
I mean, I don't think those guys are gonna wear down,
you know, I don't think they're they're about to expire,
but there is an expiration date at some point.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Cliche questioned JB. But has the power play been good enough?
We saw that endless stream of perimeter passing in Game five.
They had the puck like both power plays pretty much
the whole time.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
But never got good chances.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Yeah, it hasn't been good in this series. And that
I mean the powerplays tough. I remember Mike Sullivan used
to I think he called it herding cats like it's
tough to to Really, it's not like, you know, you
can sit when you're having a hard time getting through
the neutral zone. You can sit down and break it
down on video like I'm sure Mews did and come
up with some solutions.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
The power play is a little more or fleeting than that.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
I mean, you just got to hope some some shots
go in and some pucks go in. So I mean,
you know, to me that the hard part about coming
back from three to zero down. I mean, there's lots
of hard parts, but one of the hard parts is
an easy way to lose a game. Let's say the
Penguins come out tonight and are the better team, they
could still very easily lose the game. And one good
(06:22):
way for that to happen would be on special teams.
So if you don't get your power play going and
they haven't in this series, and the Flyers do, and
you know, a call goes against you, because calls go
against you all the time, and if the game's in
Philly previously in the series, or any indication, more calls
are going to go against you on the road than
at home. You know, that's a way, that's a variable
(06:44):
that you can't control even if you're playing well. That
to me, that's why you know, like at any point,
why to me, that's why it's hard to pick the
Penguins to win this series Because there's still two more
games left, and game sevens are notoriously funky like that,
and a game six on.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
The road is monkey like that.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Even if I think the Penguins are playing better hockey
right now, but I think it's just really hard to
win four in a row this time of year, even
if you are playing better hockey.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
We're talking with Jonathan Bumboy the trip here on one
oh five ninety X. Why has Shilohs made a difference
in goal where Skinner didn't or is it just coincidence
that they're winning now that he.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
Got in there?
Speaker 2 (07:21):
And the numbers are pretty stark, like, I mean, she
loves say Percingges nine to twenty and Skinners was like
eight seventy five, Like it's not even close. But you
watch those games and they didn't look the same at all, right,
because the Penguins were trapped in their own end half
the damn time in the first couple of games, So
the circumstances aren't equal, but you know, circumstances are never
(07:43):
going to be equal, and the goaltender has to stop
the pucket and then she loves this has done that
more like like, you know, the first couple of games,
I don't think there was you know, the Penguins score enough.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
There was nothing Skinner could have done to win those games.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
I mean they got shut up in one of them,
so there's literally nothing he could have done to win
that game. And I thought this the first Flyers goal
in the last game, I was like, that was like
a red flag, like because I thought she Loves looked shaky.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
On that one.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
Yeah right under him, Yeah, right under him.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
But he recovered that real from that, real nicely.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
The fact that he's not you know, that he has
the playoff experience and that he's known not to get rattled,
like he's not a high strung kind of guy. That's
good for this time of year. That's always all Matt
Murray was, you know, calm under pressure.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
And I you know, I I he was.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
I thought she Loves was borderline unplayable coming down the
stretch in the regular season, Like I thought he was
really bad at times. But he's got it together because
I mean that's you know, that's the nature of goaltending.
It's like a guy who looks horrible one day and
a couple of weeks later he looks like he could
steal a series back, especially if you're one of the
fifty mediocre goalies in this league.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
I mean, really, what's the difference?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
No, You're absolutely right, and that's why, like you know,
I mean, Kyle Gibbis has said it a few times
in press conferences, and you know he feels this way
is that you just can't predict this stuff. There's no
way you could have predicted before the series that she
Loves would be more effective than Skinner based on their
you know, their track record and more importantly their form
coming into the playoffs. You could have never predicted that
(09:11):
goaltending is completely unpredictable. I mean, and and goaltending has
played a huge role in the Flyers for you know,
as far as that's concerned, because Ladar has handed the
Penguins a goal in each of the last two games.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
I think he looks uncomfortable in there, definitely.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
I mean because in Game three when it seemed like
when he had that problem with his skate and then
it seemed like maybe he was hurt, and he hasn't
been the same since then.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
And you know, look, if.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
If you know, I said, it's I think it's difficult
to win four games in a row this time of
year if the other team's goalie keeps handing you a
goal every night, it makes it a whole lot easier. So,
I mean, you know, that's that's a that's a fair
that's a real wild card. I thought the goaltending, the
one thing I think that you could have predicted about
the goaltending in this series is that it would have
been unpredictable, and it really has been that.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
The one thing for sure about Sting is that nothing's
for sure, which I wish Steve was listening. If the
Penguins lose tonight or tomorrow, it may well be of
Guinny Malkin's last game for the Penguins.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
Has he made a case for coming back for another
year in this series?
Speaker 5 (10:17):
To you?
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Oh, I think well, in this series, I mean this season.
Definitely in this series, you know what, Yes, now that
I think about it, because the first couple of games,
he was one of the chief you know, he was
one of the more guilty players as far as playing
into the flyers trap and the way they wanted you
to try to make cross ice passes at their blue line.
That's exactly what they wanted you to do, and he
(10:41):
was happy to oblige. But you know what, he's adapted
just like the rest of the team has.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
So I mean you.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Know that that's and you know what, that's the story
of Malcolm's career really. I mean he has his moments
where you're like, what is that guy doing? But the
reality is he's one of the fifty greatest players he's
ever played. So you know those moments where you're like,
what are you doing?
Speaker 5 (10:59):
Gino?
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Those?
Speaker 4 (11:00):
Yeah, but right now is right now? JB.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
I mean like, like I'll give you I wouldn't bring
him back. I just think if you bring him back,
he has to play top six. He has to play
PP one, Okay, I mean, who's he blocking Kindle on
the power play? Kindle's a much better power play guy
than him right now, much better.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Kindle's role has to increase, you know, I mean, going
from eighteen to nineteen and China Kava, I'd like to
see him get more power play minutes too, But who's
to say can't he has to play in the first
power play.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
The Tang has taking a lot.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I guarantee he will be Apple. The Tang's taking a
lesser role for Eric Carlson JB. Malkin's not going to
be put behind Kindle or China cuff that just will
never happen with the culture of that team.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Well, I mean, first of all, I can still effective
on the power play.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
He's not he's he.
Speaker 6 (11:50):
Is he?
Speaker 4 (11:51):
No, he's not.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
He doesn't trust his shot. He just tries that cross
team pass all the time.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
I don't know.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
I mean, I'm not trying. I'm not trying to diminish
your opinion. But you and I see it differently, that's
for sure.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Well, well, we definitely see it differently because I would
sign him no matter what, no matter what the circumstances are,
because I believe that.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
I don't think every.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Move you make has to be made to maximize your
chances of winning a championship. I think side are more
important than that. Yeah, I know, and that's okay. I mean,
I don't blame you. That's certainly a way to look
at it. But I look at it as this guy,
his legacy, his his icon status in this organization. I'd
sign him no matter what, no matter what, no matter
who he's bloking, no matter.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
All the stuff that you said.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
He's done so much in two decades that he deserves that,
no matter you know what the downside.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
Is, Okay, but if he deserves that.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
La Tang does too, because I always hear people saying,
get rid of the Tang, he's killing him. Well, everything
you described applies exactly to the Tang.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Hey, absolutely, you made that decision. They made that decision
in like twenty eighteen, that you were riding with these guys.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Until the end.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
And sometimes the end isn't that pretty, but sometimes it is.
And the other thing about that is the alternative is
people say, well, you know, now, it's okay, it's enough
with the three guys.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
You got to start the rebuild.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Well that's a bunch of bull because the only rebuild
trading Crosby. If you're not trading Crosby, you're not doing
a real rebuild, you're just retooling. And to me, so
to me, your two options are you keep those three
guys or you keep zero of those three guys. And
of those two options, I want all three of them.
Even if the Tang has to be I mean sheltered
to a degree, which he has been, and he's played
(13:25):
well in that in a certain stance, he hasn't been sheltered.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
The last couple of games. He's been probably the best
defense than in the last two games.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
Who's gonna win tonight? JB.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
I don't like the Penguins chance.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Like I said, to win two in a row, to
win four in a row, there's just too many things
that can go wrong. I mean, with goaltending and with
special teams and everything like that. I think the Flyers
probably win tonight. But but like I said, the Penguins
are playing better hockey. So I mean, you know, I'm
not putting a dollar on this game. If you're so,
that'll tell you how strongly.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
I feel about this.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
JB.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Great stuff, fantastic input. We'll talk again real soon. Enjoyed
the hockey.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Yeah, good to talk to you, Mark.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
That's Jonathan Mumboli. A lot of frisky debate there.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
We got Mike McCarthy of the Steelers the coach at
the bottom of the hour.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
Get your calls in. Let's talk hockey. Eight three, three,
four one two w XDX is on Tonight's the Penn's face.
Speaker 7 (14:18):
Off mad.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
When you got a young trophy white, ohs money to
I can't even quote the big o'bowski.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
Right, goodbye DX At one five nine.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Mike McCarthy joins me at the bottom of the hour.
Uh There's been a lot dumb about this ongoing series
between the Penguins and Flyers, But the dumbest thing is
the Flyers media saying that the Penguins have been the
team that's provoked all the chaos, the after the whistle stuff.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
It's not just the fans saying, but.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
It's the Philadelphia stooge media. I mean, the Steelers have
stooge media, but the fly stooge media makes the Steelers
media seem like Dan rather than Walter Cronkites, like the
Manta punch when you got cross checked by two guys
and retaliated, What about what Manta did? What about when
(15:16):
Russ pulled Martine's hair? I wish you would have pulled
it out. But the Flyers, it's always a victim, never
their fault, and they don't understand that. They play this
way for how long it ain't worked, it ain't worked.
How long does something have to not work til you
know it doesn't work? And the answer is, well, they
probably won't figure it out. But it's fifty years going
(15:38):
on fifty one. Always a victim, never their fault. That's
why winning this series for the Penguins to me is
non negotiable to shut those douchebags up and to ram
it down their throats. This comeback means nothing if it's
not completed quote the tak host. Never more, Let's go
(15:59):
to dawn on You're own with double M.
Speaker 6 (16:02):
Yeah. I like the I like the Petans chances tonight.
Speaker 7 (16:08):
I think uh, I think they have a mental edge
on the Flyers right now.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
I think they have a mental edge that lasts as
long as the Flyers not taking the lead tonight.
Speaker 6 (16:19):
Yes, and I don't see talent on that Flyers team.
Speaker 8 (16:22):
I I really don't connect me tipp It Halfaway. Those
guys are not the.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
Same asks talented, tip It's talented, Halthaway's worthless. Zegres is
a very talented player. I think the Penguins have more talent,
but the Flyers have younger legs. That's why this has been,
uh frankly, such an interesting series to watch because of
the old versus news.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
Yeah, I think Hegres is soft, though very soft.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
No, he's not soft. You just want him to be.
But he's not soft. He's he's excitable. You can take
him off his game, but he's not soft. You can't
scare him. Thank you for the call. Agree to disagree.
Me and JB just did oh, I looked up Shannon
Elizabeth that that only Fancy's doing the American Pie Actress.
(17:12):
It's free to join, but then everything you unlock is
like fifteen bucks minimum and communicate with their costs money too.
I mean, hey, if I could sit in front of
my computer and make a million bucks in a week,
I would, And she is, uh, let's go to Chris.
Speaker 4 (17:27):
Chris, you're on with Mark?
Speaker 5 (17:30):
Hey?
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Mark, what's up? What up?
Speaker 5 (17:31):
Mine? Hey?
Speaker 8 (17:33):
So you mentioned earlier I heard you say when we
were talking about Maulkin going too like the third line.
You know his pay What makes you think that he
wouldn't fit on the third line?
Speaker 4 (17:43):
Also unblocking me on X he's not.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
I'm not gonnaun block an ex dipstick. Malkin just won't
play third line style hockey ever ever, and they wouldn't
put him on the third line out of veteran respect
if you bring him back, okay, And part of me
said is that I can see it. But he's gonna
be in the top six, whether he should be or not.
(18:05):
He's gonna be on PP one whether he should be
or not. And PP one blocks kindle let's go to
Bill at Armstrong, Bill your own double m.
Speaker 8 (18:16):
And Mark big Fan just had a quick question.
Speaker 7 (18:18):
I have an opinion about this series that I was
kind of surprised hasn't really been echoed that much. Good,
but obviously a lot goes into winning a playoff series.
Speaker 5 (18:27):
As we know that scoring goalie play all that.
Speaker 7 (18:30):
To me, it's even simpler than that Sid had one
point and there was a secondary assist in the first
three games. We don't have a chance against anybody that way.
I think, really what turn of the series is Sid
got going? Probably takes a lot of pressure off the
bottom six.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Yeah, you just said that it takes a lot of
things doing a playoff series and then immediately added that
it is totally dependent on one guy.
Speaker 6 (18:51):
I just think it starts at the top, that's all.
I think it probably takes a lot of pressure off
the bottom six when Sid looks like Sid.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
Well in the bottom six hasn't been a problem. The
first and fourth lines have been good. The second and
third lines have been invisible. That's the problem. Thank you
for the call. Let's go to Jake really quick. Jake,
you got fifteen seconds.
Speaker 9 (19:10):
Yeah, Mark, I just wanted to agree with you about
the Philly media. The other night during the game, they
posted a video and said Manti gets away with cheap shots,
and they said Russ gets away with pulling a helmet off.
I thought it was crazy how soft they were. It's
like they've never watched playoff hockey where stuff is just probably.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
They're not soft, They're just homers. Their media is just
a bunch of homers. That's all they are. Thank you
for the call. Right now, it's time to talk about
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call one eight hundred Gambler Up next, Mike McCarthy one
oh five to nine.
Speaker 3 (20:49):
It's The Woody Show weekday mornings at six.
Speaker 5 (20:52):
Yes, please me up.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Yeah on one oh five.
Speaker 10 (20:55):
Nine from the one oh five nine, the ex Weather
Center and now.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Uber Genius, Mark Madden Virginius Yeah, Mark welve the show up.
Well if I won you over, Buddy Bedating, Dusty Road,
Tomican Dream, so be it Bating the X at one
oh five nine. It's been an off season about people
for the Pittsburgh Steelers joining me now is the architect
of the recalibration from Greenfield.
Speaker 4 (21:19):
He is new head coach Mike McCarthy coach.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
What has the adjustment been like, Because it's a franchise
that so rarely changes coaches.
Speaker 4 (21:27):
I kind of wonder if they remember how when it happens.
Speaker 5 (21:31):
I'll tell you what it's. Uh, it's it's really been
a joy.
Speaker 11 (21:33):
I mean it's every day is a new day as
far as challenges and you know, exciting things that are
on your desk. And you know, today is a huge
data to be on the number one radio show in.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
This hemisphere. And it's good to tindly talk to you.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
Mark, Well, thank you. Michael was great.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
Great running into you and our mutual friend d Rizzo
at the Penguins game of the one night. Now we
still don't know about Aaron Rodgers. How does the application
of the UFA tender affect your outlook on that situation
or whatever the timetable is.
Speaker 11 (22:06):
I mean, it really doesn't have any effect on it.
It's just really a business transaction that puts us in
position to potentially gain a compensatory pick, you know, down
the road. And you know, frankly, if if if if
we didn't you know, do our administrative duty here, we
would you know, we should be criticized for it. So
(22:27):
that's that's that's the only intent of this process.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
What's your initial take on Drew Waller, who you drafted
out of Penn State. Can you teach him what his
talent can then make use of?
Speaker 11 (22:40):
Oh, Drew, I'll tell you, just been very impressed with him.
I think, like a lot of things in this league. Uh,
you know, the part of the country that you you playing,
you know, the home games, you know here in Pittsburgh
on the River, and you know the arm strength that
he's you know, he has clearly playing you know, growing
up here and growing up and even playing the Penn
(23:01):
State And I think all those things playing to this decision.
And you know, I'm very oppressed with him as far
as the time I've been able to spend with him,
you know, at the combine and you know he came
in here also on the thirty visits. So looking forward
to him, I think he'll be an excellent addition to.
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Our to our room.
Speaker 5 (23:18):
And you never have enough good young quarterbacks to develop.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (23:23):
I saw a quote about his scouting report. He looks
like he was designed in a quarterbacks factor. He certainly
does look the part, doesn't he.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
Oh No, he's he's impressive.
Speaker 11 (23:32):
Uh, you know, he's what you're looking for as far
as you know the height and in the measurables and
clearly can you know he can he can throw with
the best of them.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
What makes you a quarterback's guys you're so often referred
to because the results are certainly there throughout your career.
Speaker 11 (23:48):
Oh, I just I'll just Mark, I've just been been
blessed for the individuals that you know, I came up
on this, you know, starting with Paul Hackett. You know,
Paul Hackett is really the the man that taught me
the basics, you know, the fundamentals of quarterback playing back
back at the University of Pittsburgh in nineteen eighty nine
(24:08):
to nineteen ninety two.
Speaker 5 (24:10):
And then also I was.
Speaker 11 (24:12):
With you know, Paul and Marty Schatneinmer out there in
Kansas City from nineteen ninety three to ninety eight. So
you know, with that we had you know, just you know,
flew of great quarterbacks, you know, John Montana, Rich Rich
Gann and Elvis skirt Back and that and that bunch,
and then just just had an opportunity to work with
so many you know, great players and great assistant coaches.
(24:34):
I'm just very thankful for the people that I was
able to learn from and then then having the opportunity
to apply it and developed and develop young quarterbacks. So
it's been doing us a long time, and you know,
really looking forward to our group that we have here
in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
Yeah, and I get all that, but you get inside
their heads. There's going to be an art to that,
doesn't there.
Speaker 11 (24:55):
Well, definitely, I mean, I think that's the joy of coaching.
And I think it's you know, part of being able
to do it, you know, for a number of decades,
because you know, it's you know, I think football, the
game football doesn't really change, but I think it's it's
more the approach and in the application is where we're
just we're this business. You see the adjustments and and
(25:16):
how you're going to play and so forth. But I
think just being blessed to grow to grow up under
some great, great Hall of Fame coaches, to learn the
fundamentals and and don't ever steer too far away from it,
but also just be in tune with the scheme and
the trends that you know that the game is always
you know, is always thrown at you.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Now assuming Aaron returns and we don't know, but just
assuming is four quarterbacks too many for a camp?
Speaker 4 (25:41):
And and can you keep for? If it comes to.
Speaker 11 (25:42):
That great question, I think, you know, ideally would love
to keep for because because who the four would be.
I've really enjoyed working with Mason, you know, I've always
you know, I've always liked him from afar, I know,
my time in Dallas when he became available from Pittsburgh
and when he went down to Tennessee, it was he
(26:03):
was definitely we had a lot of interests in him,
so you know, broke him down and remember him coming
out of college. So been real impressed with him, particularly
how he spins the ball. So our you know, our
month together here has been awesome. I'm extremely excited about Will.
Speaker 5 (26:17):
Uh.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
He's everything I thought he would be. You know, his
athletic ability uh really stands out. He's he's really taken
to the footwork and the things that we're doing so far.
So really off to a great start with those two guys.
So but yes, that that's that's the good, you know,
that's the good part, the good challenge that that presents itself.
But we also all know and I'm sure that's what
you're referring to, just you know, with the CBA and
(26:40):
right in the restrictions, the restriction of time and reps
and so forth. You know, it's definitely a challenge to
have four quarterbacks that all can play and all that
you want to develop.
Speaker 5 (26:49):
And get ready to play. So that's that's something that
we'll have to discuss.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
Now, when you work with an Aaron Rodgers or really
Mike any of the veteran quarterbacks you've worked with through
your career, do they have much input on the offense.
How does that work with the coach like you and
a veteran at quarterback?
Speaker 5 (27:06):
Oh, definitely, I mean you have to.
Speaker 11 (27:08):
You have to build it together because you know, there's
there's so much that you do at the line of.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
Scrimmage in today's game.
Speaker 11 (27:15):
You know, when I look at back in the nineties,
you know, you could really play, you know, you could
really play in that era just with a with a
couple of audibles, you know, you know, one back audible,
two back audible, and have some go tos. But you know,
there's so much more that goes on at the line
of scrimmers. Defenses are a lot more you know, aggressive schematically,
you know, up until about ten years ago, you know
(27:36):
what defenses are doing on first down, they used to
do primarily on third down. So you know, everybody's trying
to win the down each and every each and every moment.
So you know that possesses you know a lot of
you know at the line, uh stuff. So I mean, frankly,
when we get up to La Trobe, you know, our
first four days, you know, you'll see us in two
minute draw every day. So we can't work on that
(27:57):
situation enough because so much of the game is played
at the lint of scrimmage and the importance for the
quarterback to you know, absorb that information and apply it.
You know, uh, playing and play out is you know,
is where a lot of our training goes. So yes, definitely,
and that's you know something that you know, have an
Aaron as a young player, just you know, like you
might just a lot of what we're doing today, uh
(28:19):
you know actually in today's practice, you know with Will
Harve reminds me of my early days with Aaron. You're
you're building that foundation because you have to, you got to.
You have to have these quarterbacks ready to play at
the linta scrimmage. You know, at eight to nine of
your games each year come down to a two minute drim.
Speaker 5 (28:36):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
He on a your the first round pick. He's a
massive talent. I got to admit, coach, I wasn't that familiar,
but I've tried to catch up on YouTube a little bit. Uh,
he's got all the goods. Is he a project or
is he plug and play? What do you think right now?
Speaker 11 (28:51):
Great question. He looks like he's plugging play. I mean,
I just you know, we've obviously all seen the video
and you could just see, you know, his climb and
you know, I think, like a lot of times, you know,
as a coach, uh, you know, the coaching staff, the
season is over and a year later to the game
as far as getting ready for you know, the drafts,
you know, as far as evaluating personnel and so forth,
(29:12):
and then on top of it, being a new staff.
You know, you know, you've being a new head coach
hiring the staff. But you know, you know, Max was
was somebody that you know, the longer the process went,
you know, all the way up until the last week,
you know, our coaches did a zoom within them and
that was that was really the icing on the cake. Uh,
you know, for us as far as coaches, the personnel
(29:34):
department was very high on them. I think he he
had them at the at the Senior Bowl. You know,
they all you know, they all raved about his Senior
Bowl week and so, uh, he definitely is someone that's
on the he's he's on the rise. But seeing him
in person, I think you're gonna be very very impressible.
Speaker 1 (29:52):
Now to put the O line together, players might have
to switch positions. Do you have any initial projections. I
would guess it's probably too early. But how tough is
it for linemen to switch positions?
Speaker 11 (30:04):
Uh, It's tough, but I think when you do it
is the most important. And that's why we are you know,
we have taken the strides of working guys on on
both left and right because you know, if, if, if
those changes are to be made, we need to do it,
you know, sooner than later, because you know, we we
can work the footwork.
Speaker 5 (30:22):
These are things that we can work on.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
Uh.
Speaker 11 (30:24):
In Phase two, you know, as we are on the
field with our with our players, you know, we have
one more data mark and then we have two more
weeks of Phase two, you know, four days a week.
The next two weeks of Phase two and then we
get into the O G A S which you're able
to really push it. So I definitely want want to
have that answered by the time we take the O
T as take the field for the O T A.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
S Now you like to use three wide outs? Does
Jeremy Bernard your second round pick? Does he fill the
bill there? And do you think you have enough weaponry
in that regard?
Speaker 11 (30:55):
Well, I'll say this, Mark, I use what I have
right now. I've done this along, I've done it's a
long time as a coordinator, and you know, my history
would be you know, regular personnel, you know, a full back,
a tight end and two receivers. You know, That's how
I grew up in this league. So I've always tried
to dabble that. But also I think there's merit for
(31:16):
you know, four wide receivers in one tight end. So
I think you have to have the have the you know,
personnel versatility because you have to challenge these defenses.
Speaker 5 (31:25):
So but yes, I mean, if you look at my.
Speaker 11 (31:27):
Time in Dallas, Dallas was primary eleven team when I
got there, So we kept that going the first couple
of years, and then in twenty three and twenty four
when I took over the play call and I started
to evolve back towards you know, twelve personnel and twenty one,
and so we'll definitely, you know, probably start that way.
He wouldn't want to give away the game plan for
week one, but we'll definitely.
Speaker 3 (31:48):
Start that that way.
Speaker 4 (31:49):
Do you like Bernard?
Speaker 11 (31:51):
Oh yeah, absolutely, No love hearing about him. I can't
wait for him to get here next year. But you know,
you definitely got to be in eleven. I mean, going
back to my earlier answer of the two minute, you know,
all the emphasis on two minutes, you're gonna you know,
that's that's that's definitely the preferred personnel group to be in,
you know, as far as a two minute at the
line offense.
Speaker 1 (32:11):
Now, how do you feel about your tight end room
in general and about Pat Freiermouth in particular.
Speaker 11 (32:16):
Oh yeah, Pat, he's been excellent. I really love his versatility.
You know, I think obviously the big man is is
a classic y tight end, but he's he's actually been
We've been moving moving both around as far as on
and off the line of scrimmage and a slot and everything,
and Pat has shown the ability to play all those positions,
so you know, when you when you have you know,
(32:37):
veteran productive tight ends the importance of playing them you know,
off the line, on the line, you know, across the backfield,
and even you know, displacing them, uh, you know for
for matchup you know cases is very important and that's
you know, that's the way we operate.
Speaker 5 (32:53):
So we feel great about both those guys.
Speaker 1 (32:56):
I've often said that in the last five or ten years,
the time frame you kind of referred to a bit
of go, that the league has become about score more
and score faster. Do you agree with that as quick
strike going to be a big part of all this.
Speaker 11 (33:09):
Well, Mark, I think the most important thing is is
the awareness of the importance of big plays.
Speaker 5 (33:14):
You know, you can't score points in this.
Speaker 11 (33:16):
League without big play if you just look at big
play production as opposed to how it affects the scoring drive.
You know, to score touchdowns in the NFL, you know
there's on an average you have to make at least
one big play within that drive. So so I think
that is probably pushes more towards you know, your opinion,
(33:37):
and I think which clearly is backed up statistically. So yeah,
so yeah, yeah, we want to score as much as
fast as possible because we won't let this defense pend
their ears back and go get them. So that's that's
definitely a preferred way to play. But you know we're
not going to be you know, throwing everything at them
(33:58):
at the you know, just you know, as fast as
we can, because you know, I'm a big, big believer
in compromentary football and a big part of cumplmentary football
is you know, obviously taking care of the football and
taking away. But time possession is something that you know
we will play, we will pay close attention to because
you know, just for instance, in you.
Speaker 5 (34:17):
Know, twenty twenty two to twenty twenty.
Speaker 11 (34:20):
Three, in my last opportunity, you know, moving up in
the top two or three in the league, and time possession,
the defense was on a was on the field mind
less play as a game. So you know, that's how
your defense goes from sixteenth to the league to number five.
So Id's it's those types of things that you have
to pay close attention to. And I think the obvious
(34:40):
is you got to run the ball, you know, and
have been a fullback you know, in the offense is important.
So you know, we want to score and scoring fast
as good, but we also want to possess the football
as long as we can.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
Now in that vein with the defense coach, you have
some older players who are still very good, like Watton, Hayward,
probably Rogers coming back on off. How do you work
them and pace them to get the most out of
them over a long season?
Speaker 4 (35:06):
Because that that's a fine line, is it not?
Speaker 11 (35:09):
Absolutely? And I think the total GPS is very helpful.
It's something that you know, I'll viewed lost as a
head coach since the early two thousand and so. Uh,
it's a big part of my scheduling process, you know,
and even as of today, you know, today was a
D load day.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
You know, we had a high intensity today.
Speaker 11 (35:29):
On Monday, we had a you know, an inter intermediate
day yesterday, and.
Speaker 5 (35:33):
Today it was a D load day. And tomorrow will
we will you know, crank it back up.
Speaker 11 (35:37):
So, I mean, just the way you train your football
teams imperative not only for where you want to be
as far as the conditioning aspect, but it's the it's
the long game. You got to play the long game,
and you know, having a playtime approach, you know, going
into practice, let alone on how you played each and
every week, you know, and it's you know, seventeen game season.
(35:58):
It's it's real. I mean, that's long. It's it's it's
a lot longer. And and particularly with the year older players,
So how you train them is is imperative to their
success and and just being smart with them. So I'm
just a collaboration between the player, the strength and conditioning staff,
the coaches, the trainers. You know, it's it's a all
hands on dick for each and every one of these,
(36:19):
each one of the each and one of these players.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Now, coach, I know you're family guy, you're a Greenfield guy.
How much time have you spent in Greenfield since you
got hired three months ago?
Speaker 4 (36:27):
I bet it's a lot.
Speaker 5 (36:29):
Well, I lived there actually right now, you're living right now?
Speaker 11 (36:32):
Okay, yeah, I'm uh, well, I don't I put that
out there, like I guess I already did. But you know,
just just just bought a home over in the squirrel
you know, residents.
Speaker 3 (36:42):
Over in a squirre who area, So uh that's not
far not far.
Speaker 5 (36:46):
So I'm definitely staying close.
Speaker 11 (36:47):
I mean we you know, we're city people, and you know,
just it's me too, My parents every day. So yeah,
so I dropped the same streets I grew up on
the work every day.
Speaker 5 (36:56):
It's a true blessing. And I can see greenfields from
my from my right now market It's pretty cool. Uh.
Speaker 1 (37:02):
Finally, Mike, when we talked to the Penguins game, we
talked about the best high school players we saw because
we were in the same time frame back when. Let's
get it on the record, who's the best high school
player you've seen in Western PA?
Speaker 4 (37:14):
And why.
Speaker 5 (37:16):
We're talking what's for? Oh?
Speaker 4 (37:18):
No, football?
Speaker 5 (37:19):
Football, that's right.
Speaker 1 (37:20):
You're a basketball guy too, Bishop Boyle. I forgot for
a second, but yeah, football.
Speaker 5 (37:24):
Well, i'd have to say Dan Marino.
Speaker 11 (37:26):
Just you know, watching watching Dan play at Central, and
you know that was a Friday night ritual was as
far back as as I can remember in grade school
watching you know, all the Central Catholic teams, especially when
you you know.
Speaker 5 (37:38):
Sal Sincere, Gussie sincerit. You know, guys from green.
Speaker 11 (37:41):
Foot play at Central, so what you know, you admire
those guys as a kid growing up. But you know,
Dan was special and in the whole world knew it
every time he lined up for the Vikings.
Speaker 1 (37:52):
I agree with that, but here's my disclaimer. We both
saw Bill Freelick too, and my god, what a man child.
I mean, great guy. We had him on the show.
I miss him. He was so big, strong and skilled
in high school.
Speaker 4 (38:06):
Coach. It was just about unfair, wasn't it.
Speaker 11 (38:09):
No, you're right, Yeah, that's a that's a great that's
a great comparable right there.
Speaker 5 (38:13):
But yeah, he was.
Speaker 11 (38:14):
He was in a league of his own, no question
about it. I mean's was he a full four time
All American fit? I mean, I know he started right away,
but I mean I think it was a four time
All yeah.
Speaker 4 (38:23):
Oh yeah, he just he did it all, got all
pro in the pros.
Speaker 1 (38:25):
I mean, my god, And like I always felt, and
I bet you agree, when Billy was like a junior
in high school, he could have played and started for
Pitt right then.
Speaker 5 (38:35):
Oh yeah, no question.
Speaker 11 (38:36):
I remember seeing him wrestle as a senior in high school,
and it's just it was it wasn't even fair. I
don't think anybody got to the second period on him.
And in his high school career at Wressell fucking recalls.
Speaker 5 (38:48):
So no, he was. He was definitely a special, special athlete.
Speaker 1 (38:52):
Coach, Thank you so much for taking the time and
the praise. Very informative stuff and I hope we talk
again soon.
Speaker 5 (38:57):
I'll see you all right, take care of Mark. Thanks me.
Speaker 1 (39:00):
That's Mike McCarthy. Great to have him on. I'm Mark Madden.
It's not time to ask Mark anything. Eight three three
four one two w xdx. Let me know what you
thought of the interview. That's eight three three four one
two w xdx. Or leave a talk back uh via
the microphone at the iHeartMedia app one o five to nine.
Speaker 10 (39:17):
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 4 (39:29):
This playoff season.
Speaker 1 (39:30):
Power up your taste buzz with the Pineapple power Play
from Doe Daddy Brewery and one oh five nine ex
a portion of every port supports the Mary or Lemux Foundation.
Speaker 4 (39:38):
Well I'm not sure, just.
Speaker 1 (39:39):
Big and it's soft and I use a bunch of
pillows and I sare t x and one oh.
Speaker 3 (39:44):
Five nine.
Speaker 1 (39:49):
Okay, what you think of the McCarthy interview A three
three four one two w xdx thanks to him, Thanks
to Bert Loton, our good friend from Steelers PR. You
know what's funny when I when I talk to Mike,
I realized that I'm more of a Pittsburgh guy than
maybe I see myself as.
Speaker 5 (40:05):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (40:06):
For example, I live a half mile away from the
house I grew up in.
Speaker 4 (40:14):
That is just so Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (40:16):
I drive through the same streets that I grew up
in now and that is so Pittsburgh. I mean, I'm
not trying to posture now as this archtypical Pittsburgh guy,
because you know I never have. But uh, ain't no
denying anyway. Eight three three four one two w XDX
as Mark anything, let's go to Man on the Road.
Speaker 4 (40:38):
Man on the Road run with double M.
Speaker 6 (40:41):
And Mark I was calling to specify we'll call him
specifically on Crossby. I mean, it looks like he was
getting it together in Game four, but his face off
percentage Game five is the first game this series that
he's had that winning majority of face off in anything.
Speaker 4 (40:55):
Yeah, but he want he want to ton down the stretch.
Speaker 1 (40:57):
It's that that face off percent stat and it's not insignificant.
But Ronnie Francis, who might have been the best Penguins
faceoff guy ever, said he wished the stat was broken
down to the time of the game and the situation
you won the draw in which Dodd was at Ronnie
always said the draws between the blue lines don't mean anything.
(41:18):
And you know he didn't give away a great face
off move there, so so I mean, I see the
point is Sid picked it up when he needed to.
That's fair, right, Yeah, yeah, the last two minutes, I
mean he had a couple of huge face offs that
just cut the Flyers off from having any chance.
Speaker 7 (41:33):
Then on top of that almost taking it to the
net for the empty net goal two different times.
Speaker 6 (41:37):
I mean, he was huge in that game, five win.
And then I've also wanted to call him in on
Philadelphia media. In just the last game, there was like
a scuffle at the end with no time on the
clock and then connect me comes.
Speaker 4 (41:47):
Up behind Crosby and that cross check you.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
I mean, I mean that's insane. I mean, like, and
the funny thing is is Flyers will say the Flyers
fans and media will say how dirty the Penguins aren't,
how unfair they've been treated, but they'll laugh at something
like I mean, I feel like.
Speaker 5 (42:00):
A player should be suspended for that.
Speaker 9 (42:02):
I mean, game's over, there's nothing that they can do.
Speaker 6 (42:04):
What if Crossby gets injured on something like that. He
wasn't even in this cuffle neither, well, he.
Speaker 4 (42:08):
Didn't get injured.
Speaker 1 (42:09):
Now he's even more pissed, and I think I can
live with that.
Speaker 5 (42:13):
That's beautiful.
Speaker 1 (42:14):
Thank you for the call, as Mark anything eight three
to three, four to one two WXDX.
Speaker 4 (42:18):
Let's go to a talkback.
Speaker 11 (42:20):
Hey, Mark, do you still think Damn Muse is a
transitional coach?
Speaker 4 (42:26):
Yeah, because I have said that.
Speaker 1 (42:27):
I don't think News will be the coach the next
time the Penguins win a Stanley Cup.
Speaker 4 (42:31):
I mean, who knows how long ahead that could.
Speaker 1 (42:34):
Be, I think, But I think he's made adjustments during
this series, particularly with his own entries five on five,
that made me believe that he's a better game coach
and not just developmental coach. Uh So I put it
this way, My estimation of him as a game coach
(42:55):
has risen because of these playoffs and also some adjustments
he made during the season. So I give him better
possibilities in that regard. But it's very early days in
his coach at Gribt. But Dan's done a great job.
Let's go to Chris Chris Hana double m good day,
I said, good day.
Speaker 8 (43:17):
Hey Mark, do you think you know it looks like
the momentum has swung to the Penguins, And do you
think that, you know, muse resting the stars and the
Flyers having to battle their way in has kind of
shifted the series a little bit.
Speaker 1 (43:33):
Well, one reason I would hesitate to say this is
because maybe Muse resting the stars haphazardly, that's was the problem.
Haphazardly over the last three games the regular season contributed
to them falling behind three games to none. I think,
and hey mea culpa because I didn't say this then,
But I think the best.
Speaker 4 (43:54):
Path would have been to.
Speaker 1 (43:58):
Use one of those last three games with your playoff
lineup as a total dress rehearsal. But but like I said,
Dan went haphazardly. Let's go to Scott. Scott, you're own
double m.
Speaker 5 (44:10):
Hey Mark, how are we doing great?
Speaker 2 (44:13):
Hopefully we have a great game.
Speaker 5 (44:15):
But I just told.
Speaker 9 (44:17):
Malcoln just keeps his head about him and he doesn't
cost us another power play or puts us on a
shorthand opportunity.
Speaker 3 (44:24):
It's just he's got to step up. And what's Clipper's
prediction tonight?
Speaker 1 (44:30):
Clipper just wants salmon like if I if I told
her that the Penguin's winning, you know, triggered whether or
not she got salmon tomorrow morning. She would find a
little penguins jersey and put it on and sit in
front of the TV.
Speaker 4 (44:45):
Thank you for the call.
Speaker 5 (44:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
Does she likes shrimp as well? I don't give her
beef though. I don't give her any cat food that
has beef in it. We go with salmon, chicken, tuna,
that's trimp, a little bit of shrimps. She likes pumpkin.
Some cat food has flakes of pumpkin in it. Now
you know too much about click bro, Let's go to
a talkback and when.
Speaker 6 (45:06):
Was the last time you interviewed a sulo's head coach.
Speaker 1 (45:11):
We had Bill Kauer on quite a few times, uh
more after he retired as coach and went to TV.
But you know, we had Bill on several times during
his tenure. I mean, I'm a big coward guy and
we always got along. And you know, we'll have Mike beckon,
and you know what, I might even go to some
of Mike's press conferences because I just didn't like tomplin.
Speaker 4 (45:33):
I used to go to Cowers press conferences.
Speaker 1 (45:35):
I did because I liked Coward and I didn't think
he was just this mound of horse manor where's McCarthy.
One thing about that interview, he's very plain spoken and
plain spoken guys, there's not that element of horse menir
I didn't sense anything today with Coach McCarthy was just
stupidity to be blunt sponsored
It's for a game seven. Come watch the game with
me at Marino's American Eatery in Greensburg. We're joined now
by Jonathan Bomboulli of the Trib JB. It's gonna be
the difference in tonight's game. The Penguins have won two straight,
but I'm not sure they've captured momentum in any true
big way.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Well, I mean they've captured momentum. I think, you know,
momentum might be a strong word for it. But they've
gotten better as the series has gone on. There's something
to be said for that. But those first two games,
they couldn't get through the neutral zone. And then since
then they've they've really made some adjustments and came through
the neutral zone with speed and and you know that
got to you, got you to a point where you
(00:39):
had a chance to score some goals. But the first
couple of games they really had very few legitimate chances.
So when you put yourself in a position where you're
you know, you're you're feeling pretty confident that you're gonna
have offensive chances. You like the way your goaltending has
been playing the last couple of games, I don't know
if that counts a momentum, but it's definitely more of
a positive vibe than a negative vibe.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
I would say, don't you think.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
Yeah, no, no question.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
And I think they've solved certain things or gotten better
at For example, the first couple of games, those two
losses in Pittsburgh, they couldn't get the puck through the
neutral zone and into the Philadelphia and with control.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
But I think after.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
That they've taken an off side path. They've done some
very well advised dumps, whether diagonal were soft, and because
of that, the whole blue lines opened up some. So yeah,
I think they're definitely playing better hockey. But that's what
a series is about, right JB. You just adjustin counter punch.
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Oh for sure.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
And like, I really like the changes they made because
coming through the if you're coming through the neutral zoneless speed,
then and the and the fires are still you know,
stacking it up with the blue line one, one, three,
But if you're attacking that with speed, you got more options.
I mean, you know, and you're and and when you
do dump it in and go chase it, you're gonna
be chasing it from a position of strength rather than
(01:57):
starting flat footed, like if they're coming through the neutral
zone with speed and they.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Throw it into the corner.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
The perfect example is the Soda blun goal in the
last game, where they dumped that behind the net and
Manta came into it with speed and just blew up
the flyers d on the fore check and sent it
out front. Now, he wasn't trying to throw it to Elmer,
but he did and it worked. So plays like that,
I just think that that's been to me. That's the
the well goaltending to him. In goaltending is always an
(02:25):
underwriting or overriding factor, but just being able to come
through the speed the neutral zone with speed, having better
puck support coming out of your own end so that
you know you got the defenseman who retrieves the puck
isn't there by himself. He doesn't have to make a
long diagonal pass. He's got a forward right there with him.
Those types of changes have really, you know, like I'm
(02:46):
not going to say, you know, you were talking about momentum.
It hasn't tipped the series dramatically in favor of the Penguins,
but it's put them in a position where they can
succeed if they do some other things well, and they
have for a couple of games.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
Who seems most like to break loose tonight among the
Penguins who hasn't been on the score seat much so far?
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Is anybody close?
Speaker 2 (03:06):
Well, I mean the first name that pops into my
head is Chinikov, just because that guy just has to
hit the net. I mean, he's he's getting he's I
would say he's getting shots. He's not getting shots because
they're not on goal. But he's he's, he's you know,
he's in the scoring area. He's he's around it. So
he's the first guy that pops to mind. But I mean,
(03:28):
it's a Game six in Philadelphia, it would probably be
stupid not to say Crosby. I mean, look, you know,
as well as anybody, there's nothing he enjoys more than
sticking it to the Flyers nothing, And this would be
an incredible, incredible venue to do that. I mean, you know,
forcing a game seven when you were up three nothing,
I mean, that is the ultimate sticking it to the Flyers,
(03:49):
those those fans. I mean, you know, first goal has
been huge in this series, but it'll be especially huge
tonight because that building will turn downright hostile if the
Penguins score first and you know that building is inches
away from hostel under the.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Best of circumstances.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Can the Penguins keep using basically five defensemen that they've
done the past two games, just kind of spotting in
solely off occasionally, I'm not sure they have a choice.
And I will say La Tang has stepped up dramatically,
hasn't he?
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Yeah, And I think you know that the way the
defense are playing has a big role and why they're
getting through the neutral zone better because those guys are
they started in the defensive zone.
Speaker 3 (04:31):
And I mean the one like you look at that
pairing and obviously.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
With Gerard it's had it's it's you know, rough moments,
a lot of them. But the one thing those two
guys can both do is kate and you know, if
you if you want to come out of your own
zone with speed, those two guys can do that.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
I mean, that's their specialty. So that's important.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Those guys are important for the way the Penguins are
playing right now. You know, can you play with five
d for two more games? Yeah, you can do it
for two more games. I don't know if you can
do it for two more series. I actually have kind
of liked Seliev. So if he if he the way
he's played when he has played, no, he plays big. Yeah,
I mean he's he gives them an element they don't have.
If his minutes, you know, ticked up a little bit,
(05:12):
I wouldn't think that would be the worst thing in
the world. But look, they found a formula that works
for him, so I doubt they're gonna change it. Yeah,
I mean, I don't think those guys are gonna wear down,
you know, I don't think they're they're about to expire,
but there is an expiration date at some point.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
Cliche questioned JB. But has the power play been good enough?
We saw that endless stream of perimeter passing in Game five.
They had the puck like both power plays pretty much
the whole time.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
But never got good chances.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Yeah, it hasn't been good in this series. And that
I mean the powerplays tough. I remember Mike Sullivan used
to I think he called it herding cats like it's
tough to to Really, it's not like, you know, you
can sit when you're having a hard time getting through
the neutral zone. You can sit down and break it
down on video like I'm sure Mews did and come
up with some solutions.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
The power play is a little more or fleeting than that.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
I mean, you just got to hope some some shots
go in and some pucks go in. So I mean,
you know, to me that the hard part about coming
back from three to zero down. I mean, there's lots
of hard parts, but one of the hard parts is
an easy way to lose a game. Let's say the
Penguins come out tonight and are the better team, they
could still very easily lose the game. And one good
(06:22):
way for that to happen would be on special teams.
So if you don't get your power play going and
they haven't in this series, and the Flyers do, and
you know, a call goes against you, because calls go
against you all the time, and if the game's in
Philly previously in the series, or any indication, more calls
are going to go against you on the road than
at home. You know, that's a way, that's a variable
(06:44):
that you can't control even if you're playing well. That
to me, that's why you know, like at any point,
why to me, that's why it's hard to pick the
Penguins to win this series Because there's still two more
games left, and game sevens are notoriously funky like that,
and a game six on.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
The road is monkey like that.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Even if I think the Penguins are playing better hockey
right now, but I think it's just really hard to
win four in a row this time of year, even
if you are playing better hockey.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
We're talking with Jonathan Bumboy the trip here on one
oh five ninety X. Why has Shilohs made a difference
in goal where Skinner didn't or is it just coincidence
that they're winning now that he.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
Got in there?
Speaker 2 (07:21):
And the numbers are pretty stark, like, I mean, she
loves say Percingges nine to twenty and Skinners was like
eight seventy five, Like it's not even close. But you
watch those games and they didn't look the same at all, right,
because the Penguins were trapped in their own end half
the damn time in the first couple of games, So
the circumstances aren't equal, but you know, circumstances are never
(07:43):
going to be equal, and the goaltender has to stop
the pucket and then she loves this has done that
more like like, you know, the first couple of games,
I don't think there was you know, the Penguins score enough.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
There was nothing Skinner could have done to win those games.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
I mean they got shut up in one of them,
so there's literally nothing he could have done to win
that game. And I thought this the first Flyers goal
in the last game, I was like, that was like
a red flag, like because I thought she Loves looked shaky.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
On that one.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
Yeah right under him, Yeah, right under him.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
But he recovered that real from that, real nicely.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
The fact that he's not you know, that he has
the playoff experience and that he's known not to get rattled,
like he's not a high strung kind of guy. That's
good for this time of year. That's always all Matt
Murray was, you know, calm under pressure.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
And I you know, I I he was.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
I thought she Loves was borderline unplayable coming down the
stretch in the regular season, Like I thought he was
really bad at times. But he's got it together because
I mean that's you know, that's the nature of goaltending.
It's like a guy who looks horrible one day and
a couple of weeks later he looks like he could
steal a series back, especially if you're one of the
fifty mediocre goalies in this league.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
I mean, really, what's the difference?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
No, You're absolutely right, and that's why, like you know,
I mean, Kyle Gibbis has said it a few times
in press conferences, and you know he feels this way
is that you just can't predict this stuff. There's no
way you could have predicted before the series that she
Loves would be more effective than Skinner based on their
you know, their track record and more importantly their form
coming into the playoffs. You could have never predicted that
(09:11):
goaltending is completely unpredictable. I mean, and and goaltending has
played a huge role in the Flyers for you know,
as far as that's concerned, because Ladar has handed the
Penguins a goal in each of the last two games.
Speaker 4 (09:23):
I think he looks uncomfortable in there, definitely.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
I mean because in Game three when it seemed like
when he had that problem with his skate and then
it seemed like maybe he was hurt, and he hasn't
been the same since then.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
And you know, look, if.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
If you know, I said, it's I think it's difficult
to win four games in a row this time of
year if the other team's goalie keeps handing you a
goal every night, it makes it a whole lot easier. So,
I mean, you know, that's that's a that's a fair
that's a real wild card. I thought the goaltending, the
one thing I think that you could have predicted about
the goaltending in this series is that it would have
been unpredictable, and it really has been that.
Speaker 1 (10:01):
The one thing for sure about Sting is that nothing's
for sure, which I wish Steve was listening. If the
Penguins lose tonight or tomorrow, it may well be of
Guinny Malkin's last game for the Penguins.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
Has he made a case for coming back for another
year in this series?
Speaker 5 (10:17):
To you?
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Oh, I think well, in this series, I mean this season.
Definitely in this series, you know what, Yes, now that
I think about it, because the first couple of games,
he was one of the chief you know, he was
one of the more guilty players as far as playing
into the flyers trap and the way they wanted you
to try to make cross ice passes at their blue line.
That's exactly what they wanted you to do, and he
(10:41):
was happy to oblige. But you know what, he's adapted
just like the rest of the team has.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
So I mean you.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
Know that that's and you know what, that's the story
of Malcolm's career really. I mean he has his moments
where you're like, what is that guy doing? But the
reality is he's one of the fifty greatest players he's
ever played. So you know those moments where you're like,
what are you doing?
Speaker 5 (10:59):
Gino?
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Those?
Speaker 4 (11:00):
Yeah, but right now is right now? JB.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
I mean like, like I'll give you I wouldn't bring
him back. I just think if you bring him back,
he has to play top six. He has to play
PP one, Okay, I mean, who's he blocking Kindle on
the power play? Kindle's a much better power play guy
than him right now, much better.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Kindle's role has to increase, you know, I mean, going
from eighteen to nineteen and China Kava, I'd like to
see him get more power play minutes too, But who's
to say can't he has to play in the first
power play.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
The Tang has taking a lot.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I guarantee he will be Apple. The Tang's taking a
lesser role for Eric Carlson JB. Malkin's not going to
be put behind Kindle or China cuff that just will
never happen with the culture of that team.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Well, I mean, first of all, I can still effective
on the power play.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
He's not he's he.
Speaker 6 (11:50):
Is he?
Speaker 4 (11:51):
No, he's not.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
He doesn't trust his shot. He just tries that cross
team pass all the time.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
I don't know.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
I mean, I'm not trying. I'm not trying to diminish
your opinion. But you and I see it differently, that's
for sure.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
Well, well, we definitely see it differently because I would
sign him no matter what, no matter what the circumstances are,
because I believe that.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
I don't think every.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Move you make has to be made to maximize your
chances of winning a championship. I think side are more
important than that. Yeah, I know, and that's okay. I mean,
I don't blame you. That's certainly a way to look
at it. But I look at it as this guy,
his legacy, his his icon status in this organization. I'd
sign him no matter what, no matter what, no matter
who he's bloking, no matter.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
All the stuff that you said.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
He's done so much in two decades that he deserves that,
no matter you know what the downside.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
Is, Okay, but if he deserves that.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
La Tang does too, because I always hear people saying,
get rid of the Tang, he's killing him. Well, everything
you described applies exactly to the Tang.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Hey, absolutely, you made that decision. They made that decision
in like twenty eighteen, that you were riding with these guys.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Until the end.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
And sometimes the end isn't that pretty, but sometimes it is.
And the other thing about that is the alternative is
people say, well, you know, now, it's okay, it's enough
with the three guys.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
You got to start the rebuild.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Well that's a bunch of bull because the only rebuild
trading Crosby. If you're not trading Crosby, you're not doing
a real rebuild, you're just retooling. And to me, so
to me, your two options are you keep those three
guys or you keep zero of those three guys. And
of those two options, I want all three of them.
Even if the Tang has to be I mean sheltered
to a degree, which he has been, and he's played
(13:25):
well in that in a certain stance, he hasn't been sheltered.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
The last couple of games. He's been probably the best
defense than in the last two games.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
Who's gonna win tonight? JB.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
I don't like the Penguins chance.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Like I said, to win two in a row, to
win four in a row, there's just too many things
that can go wrong. I mean, with goaltending and with
special teams and everything like that. I think the Flyers
probably win tonight. But but like I said, the Penguins
are playing better hockey. So I mean, you know, I'm
not putting a dollar on this game. If you're so,
that'll tell you how strongly.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
I feel about this.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
JB.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
Great stuff, fantastic input. We'll talk again real soon. Enjoyed
the hockey.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Yeah, good to talk to you, Mark.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
That's Jonathan Mumboli. A lot of frisky debate there.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
We got Mike McCarthy of the Steelers the coach at
the bottom of the hour.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
Get your calls in. Let's talk hockey. Eight three, three,
four one two w XDX is on Tonight's the Penn's face.
Speaker 7 (14:18):
Off mad.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
When you got a young trophy white, ohs money to
I can't even quote the big o'bowski.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
Right, goodbye DX At one five nine.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Mike McCarthy joins me at the bottom of the hour.
Uh There's been a lot dumb about this ongoing series
between the Penguins and Flyers, But the dumbest thing is
the Flyers media saying that the Penguins have been the
team that's provoked all the chaos, the after the whistle stuff.
Speaker 4 (14:51):
It's not just the fans saying, but.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
It's the Philadelphia stooge media. I mean, the Steelers have
stooge media, but the fly stooge media makes the Steelers
media seem like Dan rather than Walter Cronkites, like the
Manta punch when you got cross checked by two guys
and retaliated, What about what Manta did? What about when
(15:16):
Russ pulled Martine's hair? I wish you would have pulled
it out. But the Flyers, it's always a victim, never
their fault, and they don't understand that. They play this
way for how long it ain't worked, it ain't worked.
How long does something have to not work til you
know it doesn't work? And the answer is, well, they
probably won't figure it out. But it's fifty years going
(15:38):
on fifty one. Always a victim, never their fault. That's
why winning this series for the Penguins to me is
non negotiable to shut those douchebags up and to ram
it down their throats. This comeback means nothing if it's
not completed quote the tak host. Never more, Let's go
(15:59):
to dawn on You're own with double M.
Speaker 6 (16:02):
Yeah. I like the I like the Petans chances tonight.
Speaker 7 (16:08):
I think uh, I think they have a mental edge
on the Flyers right now.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
I think they have a mental edge that lasts as
long as the Flyers not taking the lead tonight.
Speaker 6 (16:19):
Yes, and I don't see talent on that Flyers team.
Speaker 8 (16:22):
I I really don't connect me tipp It Halfaway. Those
guys are not the.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
Same asks talented, tip It's talented, Halthaway's worthless. Zegres is
a very talented player. I think the Penguins have more talent,
but the Flyers have younger legs. That's why this has been,
uh frankly, such an interesting series to watch because of
the old versus news.
Speaker 3 (16:45):
Yeah, I think Hegres is soft, though very soft.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
No, he's not soft. You just want him to be.
But he's not soft. He's he's excitable. You can take
him off his game, but he's not soft. You can't
scare him. Thank you for the call. Agree to disagree.
Me and JB just did oh, I looked up Shannon
Elizabeth that that only Fancy's doing the American Pie Actress.
(17:12):
It's free to join, but then everything you unlock is
like fifteen bucks minimum and communicate with their costs money too.
I mean, hey, if I could sit in front of
my computer and make a million bucks in a week,
I would, And she is, uh, let's go to Chris.
Speaker 4 (17:27):
Chris, you're on with Mark?
Speaker 5 (17:30):
Hey?
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Mark, what's up? What up?
Speaker 5 (17:31):
Mine? Hey?
Speaker 8 (17:33):
So you mentioned earlier I heard you say when we
were talking about Maulkin going too like the third line.
You know his pay What makes you think that he
wouldn't fit on the third line?
Speaker 4 (17:43):
Also unblocking me on X he's not.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
I'm not gonnaun block an ex dipstick. Malkin just won't
play third line style hockey ever ever, and they wouldn't
put him on the third line out of veteran respect
if you bring him back, okay, And part of me
said is that I can see it. But he's gonna
be in the top six, whether he should be or not.
(18:05):
He's gonna be on PP one whether he should be
or not. And PP one blocks kindle let's go to
Bill at Armstrong, Bill your own double m.
Speaker 8 (18:16):
And Mark big Fan just had a quick question.
Speaker 7 (18:18):
I have an opinion about this series that I was
kind of surprised hasn't really been echoed that much. Good,
but obviously a lot goes into winning a playoff series.
Speaker 5 (18:27):
As we know that scoring goalie play all that.
Speaker 7 (18:30):
To me, it's even simpler than that Sid had one
point and there was a secondary assist in the first
three games. We don't have a chance against anybody that way.
I think, really what turn of the series is Sid
got going? Probably takes a lot of pressure off the
bottom six.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Yeah, you just said that it takes a lot of
things doing a playoff series and then immediately added that
it is totally dependent on one guy.
Speaker 6 (18:51):
I just think it starts at the top, that's all.
I think it probably takes a lot of pressure off
the bottom six when Sid looks like Sid.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
Well in the bottom six hasn't been a problem. The
first and fourth lines have been good. The second and
third lines have been invisible. That's the problem. Thank you
for the call. Let's go to Jake really quick. Jake,
you got fifteen seconds.
Speaker 9 (19:10):
Yeah, Mark, I just wanted to agree with you about
the Philly media. The other night during the game, they
posted a video and said Manti gets away with cheap shots,
and they said Russ gets away with pulling a helmet off.
I thought it was crazy how soft they were. It's
like they've never watched playoff hockey where stuff is just probably.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
They're not soft, They're just homers. Their media is just
a bunch of homers. That's all they are. Thank you
for the call. Right now, it's time to talk about
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call one eight hundred Gambler Up next, Mike McCarthy one
oh five to nine.
Speaker 3 (20:49):
It's The Woody Show weekday mornings at six.
Speaker 5 (20:52):
Yes, please me up.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Yeah on one oh five.
Speaker 10 (20:55):
Nine from the one oh five nine, the ex Weather
Center and now.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Uber Genius, Mark Madden Virginius Yeah, Mark welve the show up.
Well if I won you over, Buddy Bedating, Dusty Road,
Tomican Dream, so be it Bating the X at one
oh five nine. It's been an off season about people
for the Pittsburgh Steelers joining me now is the architect
of the recalibration from Greenfield.
Speaker 4 (21:19):
He is new head coach Mike McCarthy coach.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
What has the adjustment been like, Because it's a franchise
that so rarely changes coaches.
Speaker 4 (21:27):
I kind of wonder if they remember how when it happens.
Speaker 5 (21:31):
I'll tell you what it's. Uh, it's it's really been
a joy.
Speaker 11 (21:33):
I mean it's every day is a new day as
far as challenges and you know, exciting things that are
on your desk. And you know, today is a huge
data to be on the number one radio show in.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
This hemisphere. And it's good to tindly talk to you.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
Mark, Well, thank you. Michael was great.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
Great running into you and our mutual friend d Rizzo
at the Penguins game of the one night. Now we
still don't know about Aaron Rodgers. How does the application
of the UFA tender affect your outlook on that situation
or whatever the timetable is.
Speaker 11 (22:06):
I mean, it really doesn't have any effect on it.
It's just really a business transaction that puts us in
position to potentially gain a compensatory pick, you know, down
the road. And you know, frankly, if if if if
we didn't you know, do our administrative duty here, we
would you know, we should be criticized for it. So
(22:27):
that's that's that's the only intent of this process.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
What's your initial take on Drew Waller, who you drafted
out of Penn State. Can you teach him what his
talent can then make use of?
Speaker 11 (22:40):
Oh, Drew, I'll tell you, just been very impressed with him.
I think, like a lot of things in this league. Uh,
you know, the part of the country that you you playing,
you know, the home games, you know here in Pittsburgh
on the River, and you know the arm strength that
he's you know, he has clearly playing you know, growing
up here and growing up and even playing the Penn
(23:01):
State And I think all those things playing to this decision.
And you know, I'm very oppressed with him as far
as the time I've been able to spend with him,
you know, at the combine and you know he came
in here also on the thirty visits. So looking forward
to him, I think he'll be an excellent addition to.
Speaker 3 (23:17):
Our to our room.
Speaker 5 (23:18):
And you never have enough good young quarterbacks to develop.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (23:23):
I saw a quote about his scouting report. He looks
like he was designed in a quarterbacks factor. He certainly
does look the part, doesn't he.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
Oh No, he's he's impressive.
Speaker 11 (23:32):
Uh, you know, he's what you're looking for as far
as you know the height and in the measurables and
clearly can you know he can he can throw with
the best of them.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
What makes you a quarterback's guys you're so often referred
to because the results are certainly there throughout your career.
Speaker 11 (23:48):
Oh, I just I'll just Mark, I've just been been
blessed for the individuals that you know, I came up
on this, you know, starting with Paul Hackett. You know,
Paul Hackett is really the the man that taught me
the basics, you know, the fundamentals of quarterback playing back
back at the University of Pittsburgh in nineteen eighty nine
(24:08):
to nineteen ninety two.
Speaker 5 (24:10):
And then also I was.
Speaker 11 (24:12):
With you know, Paul and Marty Schatneinmer out there in
Kansas City from nineteen ninety three to ninety eight. So
you know, with that we had you know, just you know,
flew of great quarterbacks, you know, John Montana, Rich Rich
Gann and Elvis skirt Back and that and that bunch,
and then just just had an opportunity to work with
so many you know, great players and great assistant coaches.
(24:34):
I'm just very thankful for the people that I was
able to learn from and then then having the opportunity
to apply it and developed and develop young quarterbacks. So
it's been doing us a long time, and you know,
really looking forward to our group that we have here
in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
Yeah, and I get all that, but you get inside
their heads. There's going to be an art to that,
doesn't there.
Speaker 11 (24:55):
Well, definitely, I mean, I think that's the joy of coaching.
And I think it's you know, part of being able
to do it, you know, for a number of decades,
because you know, it's you know, I think football, the
game football doesn't really change, but I think it's it's
more the approach and in the application is where we're
just we're this business. You see the adjustments and and
(25:16):
how you're going to play and so forth. But I
think just being blessed to grow to grow up under
some great, great Hall of Fame coaches, to learn the
fundamentals and and don't ever steer too far away from it,
but also just be in tune with the scheme and
the trends that you know that the game is always
you know, is always thrown at you.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Now assuming Aaron returns and we don't know, but just
assuming is four quarterbacks too many for a camp?
Speaker 4 (25:41):
And and can you keep for? If it comes to.
Speaker 11 (25:42):
That great question, I think, you know, ideally would love
to keep for because because who the four would be.
I've really enjoyed working with Mason, you know, I've always
you know, I've always liked him from afar, I know,
my time in Dallas when he became available from Pittsburgh
and when he went down to Tennessee, it was he
(26:03):
was definitely we had a lot of interests in him,
so you know, broke him down and remember him coming
out of college. So been real impressed with him, particularly
how he spins the ball. So our you know, our
month together here has been awesome. I'm extremely excited about Will.
Speaker 5 (26:17):
Uh.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
He's everything I thought he would be. You know, his
athletic ability uh really stands out. He's he's really taken
to the footwork and the things that we're doing so far.
So really off to a great start with those two guys.
So but yes, that that's that's the good, you know,
that's the good part, the good challenge that that presents itself.
But we also all know and I'm sure that's what
you're referring to, just you know, with the CBA and
(26:40):
right in the restrictions, the restriction of time and reps
and so forth. You know, it's definitely a challenge to
have four quarterbacks that all can play and all that
you want to develop.
Speaker 5 (26:49):
And get ready to play. So that's that's something that
we'll have to discuss.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
Now, when you work with an Aaron Rodgers or really
Mike any of the veteran quarterbacks you've worked with through
your career, do they have much input on the offense.
How does that work with the coach like you and
a veteran at quarterback?
Speaker 5 (27:06):
Oh, definitely, I mean you have to.
Speaker 11 (27:08):
You have to build it together because you know, there's
there's so much that you do at the line of.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
Scrimmage in today's game.
Speaker 11 (27:15):
You know, when I look at back in the nineties,
you know, you could really play, you know, you could
really play in that era just with a with a
couple of audibles, you know, you know, one back audible,
two back audible, and have some go tos. But you know,
there's so much more that goes on at the line
of scrimmers. Defenses are a lot more you know, aggressive schematically,
you know, up until about ten years ago, you know
(27:36):
what defenses are doing on first down, they used to
do primarily on third down. So you know, everybody's trying
to win the down each and every each and every moment.
So you know that possesses you know a lot of
you know at the line, uh stuff. So I mean, frankly,
when we get up to La Trobe, you know, our
first four days, you know, you'll see us in two
minute draw every day. So we can't work on that
(27:57):
situation enough because so much of the game is played
at the lint of scrimmage and the importance for the
quarterback to you know, absorb that information and apply it.
You know, uh, playing and play out is you know,
is where a lot of our training goes. So yes, definitely,
and that's you know something that you know, have an
Aaron as a young player, just you know, like you
might just a lot of what we're doing today, uh
(28:19):
you know actually in today's practice, you know with Will
Harve reminds me of my early days with Aaron. You're
you're building that foundation because you have to, you got to.
You have to have these quarterbacks ready to play at
the linta scrimmage. You know, at eight to nine of
your games each year come down to a two minute drim.
Speaker 5 (28:36):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
He on a your the first round pick. He's a
massive talent. I got to admit, coach, I wasn't that familiar,
but I've tried to catch up on YouTube a little bit. Uh,
he's got all the goods. Is he a project or
is he plug and play? What do you think right now?
Speaker 11 (28:51):
Great question. He looks like he's plugging play. I mean,
I just you know, we've obviously all seen the video
and you could just see, you know, his climb and
you know, I think, like a lot of times, you know,
as a coach, uh, you know, the coaching staff, the
season is over and a year later to the game
as far as getting ready for you know, the drafts,
you know, as far as evaluating personnel and so forth,
(29:12):
and then on top of it, being a new staff.
You know, you know, you've being a new head coach
hiring the staff. But you know, you know, Max was
was somebody that you know, the longer the process went,
you know, all the way up until the last week,
you know, our coaches did a zoom within them and
that was that was really the icing on the cake. Uh,
you know, for us as far as coaches, the personnel
(29:34):
department was very high on them. I think he he
had them at the at the Senior Bowl. You know,
they all you know, they all raved about his Senior
Bowl week and so, uh, he definitely is someone that's
on the he's he's on the rise. But seeing him
in person, I think you're gonna be very very impressible.
Speaker 1 (29:52):
Now to put the O line together, players might have
to switch positions. Do you have any initial projections. I
would guess it's probably too early. But how tough is
it for linemen to switch positions?
Speaker 11 (30:04):
Uh, It's tough, but I think when you do it
is the most important. And that's why we are you know,
we have taken the strides of working guys on on
both left and right because you know, if, if, if
those changes are to be made, we need to do it,
you know, sooner than later, because you know, we we
can work the footwork.
Speaker 5 (30:22):
These are things that we can work on.
Speaker 3 (30:24):
Uh.
Speaker 11 (30:24):
In Phase two, you know, as we are on the
field with our with our players, you know, we have
one more data mark and then we have two more
weeks of Phase two, you know, four days a week.
The next two weeks of Phase two and then we
get into the O G A S which you're able
to really push it. So I definitely want want to
have that answered by the time we take the O
T as take the field for the O T A.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
S Now you like to use three wide outs? Does
Jeremy Bernard your second round pick? Does he fill the
bill there? And do you think you have enough weaponry
in that regard?
Speaker 11 (30:55):
Well, I'll say this, Mark, I use what I have
right now. I've done this along, I've done it's a
long time as a coordinator, and you know, my history
would be you know, regular personnel, you know, a full back,
a tight end and two receivers. You know, That's how
I grew up in this league. So I've always tried
to dabble that. But also I think there's merit for
(31:16):
you know, four wide receivers in one tight end. So
I think you have to have the have the you know,
personnel versatility because you have to challenge these defenses.
Speaker 5 (31:25):
So but yes, I mean, if you look at my.
Speaker 11 (31:27):
Time in Dallas, Dallas was primary eleven team when I
got there, So we kept that going the first couple
of years, and then in twenty three and twenty four
when I took over the play call and I started
to evolve back towards you know, twelve personnel and twenty one,
and so we'll definitely, you know, probably start that way.
He wouldn't want to give away the game plan for
week one, but we'll definitely.
Speaker 3 (31:48):
Start that that way.
Speaker 4 (31:49):
Do you like Bernard?
Speaker 11 (31:51):
Oh yeah, absolutely, No love hearing about him. I can't
wait for him to get here next year. But you know,
you definitely got to be in eleven. I mean, going
back to my earlier answer of the two minute, you know,
all the emphasis on two minutes, you're gonna you know,
that's that's that's definitely the preferred personnel group to be in,
you know, as far as a two minute at the
line offense.
Speaker 1 (32:11):
Now, how do you feel about your tight end room
in general and about Pat Freiermouth in particular.
Speaker 11 (32:16):
Oh yeah, Pat, he's been excellent. I really love his versatility.
You know, I think obviously the big man is is
a classic y tight end, but he's he's actually been
We've been moving moving both around as far as on
and off the line of scrimmage and a slot and everything,
and Pat has shown the ability to play all those positions,
so you know, when you when you have you know,
(32:37):
veteran productive tight ends the importance of playing them you know,
off the line, on the line, you know, across the backfield,
and even you know, displacing them, uh, you know for
for matchup you know cases is very important and that's
you know, that's the way we operate.
Speaker 5 (32:53):
So we feel great about both those guys.
Speaker 1 (32:56):
I've often said that in the last five or ten years,
the time frame you kind of referred to a bit
of go, that the league has become about score more
and score faster. Do you agree with that as quick
strike going to be a big part of all this.
Speaker 11 (33:09):
Well, Mark, I think the most important thing is is
the awareness of the importance of big plays.
Speaker 5 (33:14):
You know, you can't score points in this.
Speaker 11 (33:16):
League without big play if you just look at big
play production as opposed to how it affects the scoring drive.
You know, to score touchdowns in the NFL, you know
there's on an average you have to make at least
one big play within that drive. So so I think
that is probably pushes more towards you know, your opinion,
(33:37):
and I think which clearly is backed up statistically. So yeah,
so yeah, yeah, we want to score as much as
fast as possible because we won't let this defense pend
their ears back and go get them. So that's that's
definitely a preferred way to play. But you know we're
not going to be you know, throwing everything at them
(33:58):
at the you know, just you know, as fast as
we can, because you know, I'm a big, big believer
in compromentary football and a big part of cumplmentary football
is you know, obviously taking care of the football and
taking away. But time possession is something that you know
we will play, we will pay close attention to because
you know, just for instance, in you.
Speaker 5 (34:17):
Know, twenty twenty two to twenty twenty.
Speaker 11 (34:20):
Three, in my last opportunity, you know, moving up in
the top two or three in the league, and time possession,
the defense was on a was on the field mind
less play as a game. So you know, that's how
your defense goes from sixteenth to the league to number five.
So Id's it's those types of things that you have
to pay close attention to. And I think the obvious
(34:40):
is you got to run the ball, you know, and
have been a fullback you know, in the offense is important.
So you know, we want to score and scoring fast
as good, but we also want to possess the football
as long as we can.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
Now in that vein with the defense coach, you have
some older players who are still very good, like Watton, Hayward,
probably Rogers coming back on off. How do you work
them and pace them to get the most out of
them over a long season?
Speaker 4 (35:06):
Because that that's a fine line, is it not?
Speaker 11 (35:09):
Absolutely? And I think the total GPS is very helpful.
It's something that you know, I'll viewed lost as a
head coach since the early two thousand and so. Uh,
it's a big part of my scheduling process, you know,
and even as of today, you know, today was a
D load day.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
You know, we had a high intensity today.
Speaker 11 (35:29):
On Monday, we had a you know, an inter intermediate
day yesterday, and.
Speaker 5 (35:33):
Today it was a D load day. And tomorrow will
we will you know, crank it back up.
Speaker 11 (35:37):
So, I mean, just the way you train your football
teams imperative not only for where you want to be
as far as the conditioning aspect, but it's the it's
the long game. You got to play the long game,
and you know, having a playtime approach, you know, going
into practice, let alone on how you played each and
every week, you know, and it's you know, seventeen game season.
(35:58):
It's it's real. I mean, that's long. It's it's it's
a lot longer. And and particularly with the year older players,
So how you train them is is imperative to their
success and and just being smart with them. So I'm
just a collaboration between the player, the strength and conditioning staff,
the coaches, the trainers. You know, it's it's a all
hands on dick for each and every one of these,
(36:19):
each one of the each and one of these players.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Now, coach, I know you're family guy, you're a Greenfield guy.
How much time have you spent in Greenfield since you
got hired three months ago?
Speaker 4 (36:27):
I bet it's a lot.
Speaker 5 (36:29):
Well, I lived there actually right now, you're living right now?
Speaker 11 (36:32):
Okay, yeah, I'm uh, well, I don't I put that
out there, like I guess I already did. But you know,
just just just bought a home over in the squirrel
you know, residents.
Speaker 3 (36:42):
Over in a squirre who area, So uh that's not
far not far.
Speaker 5 (36:46):
So I'm definitely staying close.
Speaker 11 (36:47):
I mean we you know, we're city people, and you know,
just it's me too, My parents every day. So yeah,
so I dropped the same streets I grew up on
the work every day.
Speaker 5 (36:56):
It's a true blessing. And I can see greenfields from
my from my right now market It's pretty cool. Uh.
Speaker 1 (37:02):
Finally, Mike, when we talked to the Penguins game, we
talked about the best high school players we saw because
we were in the same time frame back when. Let's
get it on the record, who's the best high school
player you've seen in Western PA?
Speaker 4 (37:14):
And why.
Speaker 5 (37:16):
We're talking what's for? Oh?
Speaker 4 (37:18):
No, football?
Speaker 5 (37:19):
Football, that's right.
Speaker 1 (37:20):
You're a basketball guy too, Bishop Boyle. I forgot for
a second, but yeah, football.
Speaker 5 (37:24):
Well, i'd have to say Dan Marino.
Speaker 11 (37:26):
Just you know, watching watching Dan play at Central, and
you know that was a Friday night ritual was as
far back as as I can remember in grade school
watching you know, all the Central Catholic teams, especially when
you you know.
Speaker 5 (37:38):
Sal Sincere, Gussie sincerit. You know, guys from green.
Speaker 11 (37:41):
Foot play at Central, so what you know, you admire
those guys as a kid growing up. But you know,
Dan was special and in the whole world knew it
every time he lined up for the Vikings.
Speaker 1 (37:52):
I agree with that, but here's my disclaimer. We both
saw Bill Freelick too, and my god, what a man child.
I mean, great guy. We had him on the show.
I miss him. He was so big, strong and skilled
in high school.
Speaker 4 (38:06):
Coach. It was just about unfair, wasn't it.
Speaker 11 (38:09):
No, you're right, Yeah, that's a that's a great that's
a great comparable right there.
Speaker 5 (38:13):
But yeah, he was.
Speaker 11 (38:14):
He was in a league of his own, no question
about it. I mean's was he a full four time
All American fit? I mean, I know he started right away,
but I mean I think it was a four time
All yeah.
Speaker 4 (38:23):
Oh yeah, he just he did it all, got all
pro in the pros.
Speaker 1 (38:25):
I mean, my god, And like I always felt, and
I bet you agree, when Billy was like a junior
in high school, he could have played and started for
Pitt right then.
Speaker 5 (38:35):
Oh yeah, no question.
Speaker 11 (38:36):
I remember seeing him wrestle as a senior in high school,
and it's just it was it wasn't even fair. I
don't think anybody got to the second period on him.
And in his high school career at Wressell fucking recalls.
Speaker 5 (38:48):
So no, he was. He was definitely a special, special athlete.
Speaker 1 (38:52):
Coach, Thank you so much for taking the time and
the praise. Very informative stuff and I hope we talk
again soon.
Speaker 5 (38:57):
I'll see you all right, take care of Mark. Thanks me.
Speaker 1 (39:00):
That's Mike McCarthy. Great to have him on. I'm Mark Madden.
It's not time to ask Mark anything. Eight three three
four one two w xdx. Let me know what you
thought of the interview. That's eight three three four one
two w xdx. Or leave a talk back uh via
the microphone at the iHeartMedia app one o five to nine.
Speaker 10 (39:17):
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 4 (39:29):
This playoff season.
Speaker 1 (39:30):
Power up your taste buzz with the Pineapple power Play
from Doe Daddy Brewery and one oh five nine ex
a portion of every port supports the Mary or Lemux Foundation.
Speaker 4 (39:38):
Well I'm not sure, just.
Speaker 1 (39:39):
Big and it's soft and I use a bunch of
pillows and I sare t x and one oh.
Speaker 3 (39:44):
Five nine.
Speaker 1 (39:49):
Okay, what you think of the McCarthy interview A three
three four one two w xdx thanks to him, Thanks
to Bert Loton, our good friend from Steelers PR. You
know what's funny when I when I talk to Mike,
I realized that I'm more of a Pittsburgh guy than
maybe I see myself as.
Speaker 5 (40:05):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (40:06):
For example, I live a half mile away from the
house I grew up in.
Speaker 4 (40:14):
That is just so Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (40:16):
I drive through the same streets that I grew up
in now and that is so Pittsburgh. I mean, I'm
not trying to posture now as this archtypical Pittsburgh guy,
because you know I never have. But uh, ain't no
denying anyway. Eight three three four one two w XDX
as Mark anything, let's go to Man on the Road.
Speaker 4 (40:38):
Man on the Road run with double M.
Speaker 6 (40:41):
And Mark I was calling to specify we'll call him
specifically on Crossby. I mean, it looks like he was
getting it together in Game four, but his face off
percentage Game five is the first game this series that
he's had that winning majority of face off in anything.
Speaker 4 (40:55):
Yeah, but he want he want to ton down the stretch.
Speaker 1 (40:57):
It's that that face off percent stat and it's not insignificant.
But Ronnie Francis, who might have been the best Penguins
faceoff guy ever, said he wished the stat was broken
down to the time of the game and the situation
you won the draw in which Dodd was at Ronnie
always said the draws between the blue lines don't mean anything.
(41:18):
And you know he didn't give away a great face
off move there, so so I mean, I see the
point is Sid picked it up when he needed to.
That's fair, right, Yeah, yeah, the last two minutes, I
mean he had a couple of huge face offs that
just cut the Flyers off from having any chance.
Speaker 7 (41:33):
Then on top of that almost taking it to the
net for the empty net goal two different times.
Speaker 6 (41:37):
I mean, he was huge in that game, five win.
And then I've also wanted to call him in on
Philadelphia media. In just the last game, there was like
a scuffle at the end with no time on the
clock and then connect me comes.
Speaker 4 (41:47):
Up behind Crosby and that cross check you.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
I mean, I mean that's insane. I mean, like, and
the funny thing is is Flyers will say the Flyers
fans and media will say how dirty the Penguins aren't,
how unfair they've been treated, but they'll laugh at something
like I mean, I feel like.
Speaker 5 (42:00):
A player should be suspended for that.
Speaker 9 (42:02):
I mean, game's over, there's nothing that they can do.
Speaker 6 (42:04):
What if Crossby gets injured on something like that. He
wasn't even in this cuffle neither, well, he.
Speaker 4 (42:08):
Didn't get injured.
Speaker 1 (42:09):
Now he's even more pissed, and I think I can
live with that.
Speaker 5 (42:13):
That's beautiful.
Speaker 1 (42:14):
Thank you for the call, as Mark anything eight three
to three, four to one two WXDX.
Speaker 4 (42:18):
Let's go to a talkback.
Speaker 11 (42:20):
Hey, Mark, do you still think Damn Muse is a
transitional coach?
Speaker 4 (42:26):
Yeah, because I have said that.
Speaker 1 (42:27):
I don't think News will be the coach the next
time the Penguins win a Stanley Cup.
Speaker 4 (42:31):
I mean, who knows how long ahead that could.
Speaker 1 (42:34):
Be, I think, But I think he's made adjustments during
this series, particularly with his own entries five on five,
that made me believe that he's a better game coach
and not just developmental coach. Uh So I put it
this way, My estimation of him as a game coach
(42:55):
has risen because of these playoffs and also some adjustments
he made during the season. So I give him better
possibilities in that regard. But it's very early days in
his coach at Gribt. But Dan's done a great job.
Let's go to Chris Chris Hana double m good day,
I said, good day.
Speaker 8 (43:17):
Hey Mark, do you think you know it looks like
the momentum has swung to the Penguins, And do you
think that, you know, muse resting the stars and the
Flyers having to battle their way in has kind of
shifted the series a little bit.
Speaker 1 (43:33):
Well, one reason I would hesitate to say this is
because maybe Muse resting the stars haphazardly, that's was the problem.
Haphazardly over the last three games the regular season contributed
to them falling behind three games to none. I think,
and hey mea culpa because I didn't say this then,
But I think the best.
Speaker 4 (43:54):
Path would have been to.
Speaker 1 (43:58):
Use one of those last three games with your playoff
lineup as a total dress rehearsal. But but like I said,
Dan went haphazardly. Let's go to Scott. Scott, you're own
double m.
Speaker 5 (44:10):
Hey Mark, how are we doing great?
Speaker 2 (44:13):
Hopefully we have a great game.
Speaker 5 (44:15):
But I just told.
Speaker 9 (44:17):
Malcoln just keeps his head about him and he doesn't
cost us another power play or puts us on a
shorthand opportunity.
Speaker 3 (44:24):
It's just he's got to step up. And what's Clipper's
prediction tonight?
Speaker 1 (44:30):
Clipper just wants salmon like if I if I told
her that the Penguin's winning, you know, triggered whether or
not she got salmon tomorrow morning. She would find a
little penguins jersey and put it on and sit in
front of the TV.
Speaker 4 (44:45):
Thank you for the call.
Speaker 5 (44:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
Does she likes shrimp as well? I don't give her
beef though. I don't give her any cat food that
has beef in it. We go with salmon, chicken, tuna,
that's trimp, a little bit of shrimps. She likes pumpkin.
Some cat food has flakes of pumpkin in it. Now
you know too much about click bro, Let's go to
a talkback and when.
Speaker 6 (45:06):
Was the last time you interviewed a sulo's head coach.
Speaker 1 (45:11):
We had Bill Kauer on quite a few times, uh
more after he retired as coach and went to TV.
But you know, we had Bill on several times during
his tenure. I mean, I'm a big coward guy and
we always got along. And you know, we'll have Mike beckon,
and you know what, I might even go to some
of Mike's press conferences because I just didn't like tomplin.
Speaker 4 (45:33):
I used to go to Cowers press conferences.
Speaker 1 (45:35):
I did because I liked Coward and I didn't think
he was just this mound of horse manor where's McCarthy.
One thing about that interview, he's very plain spoken and
plain spoken guys, there's not that element of horse menir
I didn't sense anything today with Coach McCarthy was just
stupidity to be blunt sponsored
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