December 23, 2025 • 47 mins
Max and Rob dissect more of the victory on Sunday and speak with Alvaro Martin.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
This is in the locker room with King and Starks
on Steelers Nation Radio, presented by your neighborhood Ford Store.
The F one P fifty is the official truck of
the Pittsburgh Steelers and by Steelers Pro Shop. Get it
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Speaker 2 (00:24):
Bradshaw back and looking again.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Bradshaw running out of the pocket.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
Looking for somebody to throw to fires a downfield and
there's a collision as that that's.
Speaker 5 (00:36):
Pot out of the air.
Speaker 6 (00:37):
The ball is pulled in by Michael Hairs Hairs Boycot
pushed out of Pittsburgh, hair as a boy.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Right second half of the clock.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Wait, oh, Harris pulling the football.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
I don't even know where cape from.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
Up ball was in a collection.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
There are people in the end, zole, what did they
pumped up?
Speaker 5 (01:04):
Absolutely unbelievable, Holy moly.
Speaker 6 (01:09):
Oh, Happy anniversary to the number one moment in NFL history.
The immaculate reception as voted on. I believe that was
the number one vote from a.
Speaker 5 (01:23):
Few years ago.
Speaker 6 (01:24):
They're doing, you know, the anniversary of the NFL, and man,
oh man, it's certainly the number one moment, the one
that turned around the Pittsburgh Steelers kind of the emblem
of the Steelers turnaround. Remember, they had not won a
playoff game in their history, and that was the first
(01:44):
playoff victory ever this date in nineteen seventy two. The
organization had been around since nineteen thirty three as the
Pittsburgh Steelers. Nineteen seventy two their first playoff victory, and
it came into immaculate fashion. And I loved the music.
Good King wentz slass. I was actually I was driving
(02:06):
around doing aeron this morning, and I heard that I
heard Meltor May's version of Good King wins islass, little
jazzy version. So there we have it, uh, and here
we have it our show today. Thanks for being with
us in the locker room. But that I'm sorry, Justin
Miller just said something to me, so uh so, happy
Immaculate Reception birthday, Max.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Happy Immaculate Reception birthday, and all hail.
Speaker 5 (02:33):
To the King. I guess with that music right there.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
Oh, Good King wents is lost? Yes, well, okay, all right,
all right, yeah, you know I'm step.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Ahead of me.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Uh huh, yeah, you know, I mean it sounded it's
I mean, it sounded very royal like, and then of
course you're speaking over it, so it's like, yeah, no,
you know, we got to listen to the king like
a proclamation.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Yeah exactly, royal decree, royal decree.
Speaker 5 (02:58):
That's what I was. How aright today, Max, I'm doing
all right?
Speaker 2 (03:04):
You know, hey, we are we are just you know,
a couple of sleeps away from uh, from the big guy.
Speaker 7 (03:10):
I know.
Speaker 5 (03:11):
How cool? Is that pretty?
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Pretty? Pretty pretty cool?
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Uh?
Speaker 5 (03:16):
You know it felt is it?
Speaker 7 (03:18):
Is it me?
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Or did Christmas just seemed to just sneak up on
you on you this season?
Speaker 6 (03:23):
You know what I I I agree, and I think
it is, you know, sicking about this one. You already
get the more time flies. Uh And that's yeah, that's
just a fact, man, That's just.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
The way it is.
Speaker 6 (03:34):
But the other thing is, I think because Thanksgiving was
so late this year, it's about as late as you
could get it, that felt like you almost like you
lost a week or you lost four or five days
that should have given you some breathing room. I agree,
all of a sudden, you know, yeah, you know, just
even yesterday I was asking.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
Hey, is this the is this the solstice? And no, no, no,
that was yesterday what what what is today? What's what
is to day? And by the way, the.
Speaker 6 (04:06):
You know one nice thing, the days are getting longer. Max,
we've turned the corner. Winner's practically over.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, that's that's what I'm hoping.
Speaker 4 (04:15):
That's what I'm hopingway, yeah, exactly, punks and Tony Phil
did he uh he into his shadow?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Right?
Speaker 5 (04:23):
That's that's not till February? Is that not until February February? Second?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Yeah, okay, okay, I sped up time even more. We
don't want to go I was talking about, Yeah, you
know what you know what? No, never mind Phil? Who
Groundhog Day?
Speaker 5 (04:37):
Right now?
Speaker 6 (04:39):
My other question for you yesterday you were by the way,
I picked up one final present, but I think I
may have to return it. So my my I went
from you know, the moment you think, the moment you
think or I should say this, the moment I think
I'm on top of it because because organization is something
(05:02):
I have to work at. Some people it seems like
organization's just there. I have to work at organization. I
have to I have to stay on top of it,
or it's it squeezes out, like you know, if you
press down jello, it just flops out everywhere, right.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
So I have to be you know, the minute I
think I'm on it. I'll tell you a story.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I was.
Speaker 6 (05:19):
I was doing a high school football game, and it
was at Franklin Regional High School, which is on the
other end of Pittsburgh from where I live. And you know,
I would always I would put my shirt on, my
dress shirt on, because we did coat and tie when
I got to the parking lot of whatever team I
was doing, so I would get there early before people
(05:42):
got there. But I just wanted that pressed shirt to
look as pressed as possible and not be rumpled in
the car with thirty five minutes of driving. So I
remember one day I was driving out to Franklin Region
and I thought, man, the minute the thought crept into
my mind, because of course I would study, I had
studied for the game, and of course, right as I
was on top that that part is a given right.
(06:03):
So but I'm I'm congratulating myself on getting there early
and just feeling really organized. The minute I said that,
I looked over, I saw my suit jacket and my
shirt and I realized I'd forgotten my tie and it
was too far to go back home and get it
(06:25):
and get back to Franklin Regional. I would have been
going through rush hour traffic and I didn't. I didn't
see any stores, right, So I'm like, oh, I'm like,
where am I gonna What am I gonna do? This
is what happens when you start congratulating yourself for me,
I'm being so organized and prepared.
Speaker 5 (06:40):
I'm like, man, I am I am just organized because
it's always a struggle for me.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
So I went to do a good Will shop because
it was the first thing I saw, and I went
through their tie selection, which, as you can imagine, was
not necessarily.
Speaker 5 (06:55):
You know, matching what I had. Let me put it
that way. So I thought, yeah, I would agree.
Speaker 6 (07:00):
I just I just said, you know what, I'm I'm now,
I'm down. Now, I'm gone, now, I'm now I'm upset
at being happy with myself for being organized, if that
makes sense.
Speaker 5 (07:11):
And so I picked, Yeah, I plucked. I'm like, this
tie is the it's the best they got.
Speaker 6 (07:15):
It looked like something out of a nineteen forties gangster film,
you know, wide and colorful, and I was like, oh man,
maybe they wasn't short.
Speaker 5 (07:23):
It wasn't sure, No, it wasn't it wasn't like one
of those ties. No, yeah, exactly right.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
So I'm like, well, maybe they can shoot if they
shoot me kind of from the you know, I can
get it to shoot us a little bit tighter in
the intro me and wolf. You know, maybe they can
cut maybe they can cut that off. And as I
plucked that tie off the the rack, the best they've
got underneath it is just a beautiful Tommy hilfuelger tie.
Perfectly matched what I had on, very fashionable and was
(07:53):
on sale for two dollars. So I bought it and
and lucked out, got extremely lucky.
Speaker 5 (07:58):
But that's what happened. Max.
Speaker 6 (08:00):
When I congratulate myself, I'm being organized. I went and
picked up my last present today. Everything else not not
only do I have everything, it's rapped. So I'm very pleased,
very happy with myself. Everything everything's rapped. I'm like, I'm
ready to just to just enjoy and and I'm all,
(08:23):
I just got to pick up my last present this morning,
and I'm patting myself in the back. Not only that
I didn't check it in the store when I had
the chance, and I have to return it. So so
much for self congratulation every time I'm self congratulatory.
Speaker 5 (08:42):
That's what I get, and I deserve it. You shouldn't
be so self congratulatory.
Speaker 6 (08:46):
I deserve it. I deserve so I got to go
back and return it. And uh and that is going
to make my day a little bit more interesting. Now you,
as of yesterday, we're finishing your shopping today.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Correct? And I could say that I am ninety six
percent done?
Speaker 6 (09:06):
Okay, okay, don't congratulate yourself, toll. It's in the house wrapped.
Speaker 4 (09:13):
It's an arbit and it's an arbitrary number because it's
two items that I need.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
It's just uh yeah, I got to figure them out,
one of one of them, one of them.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
There isn't there's a possibility. There's a possibility it gets here,
but if not, I have to then go fit. If
it doesn't get here by a certain time, I gotta
go physically get it because.
Speaker 6 (09:34):
I got oh yeah, yeah, yeah, by the way, I have,
I have one item that's arriving tomorrow supposed to be arriving.
Speaker 5 (09:39):
I will say that is cutting it and that's yeah.
So yeah, yeah, yeah, that's category with me, Bud. Yeah,
it's not in the house. It's not wrapped.
Speaker 6 (09:52):
So now like if if you've ever been on a
team in which if that thought creeps in and you know,
it's trouble, Like, hey man, we got this, Like that's troubles.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (10:05):
So I think I think just in life, it's a
it's a karma thing. I thought I was on top
of it. I thought I had to tie. I thought
I had to tie years ago when I was doing
high school football, or didn't that. I thought I was
on top of it. I thought I was on top
of my Christmas shopping. And now I realized, not only
do I have to return something, but I have to
have my fingers crossed about the arrival tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (10:24):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
And you're like, okay, and you got to make and
also you got to make sure, Hey, is the size
that I need gonna be there when I return s
that item.
Speaker 6 (10:33):
So I just went from a little bit of a
sense of smug satisfaction to panic.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
Here in the first ten the show, I realized, I'm
nowhere near where I need to be, which is typical.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Frankly, listen, but we're both in the same boat. We're
both two items short of completion. So you know, there
we go, Hey, that's a good partner right there. You know, hey,
we are twinsies.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
You know what, Man, if I ever, if I ever
wrote an autobiography, and don't worry, I never will, it might,
but I think the title of that book might be
two items short of completion. I think that's a great
title for a book. That's how I feel, two items
short of a completion at all times.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
So there we go.
Speaker 5 (11:16):
Happy holidays to you.
Speaker 6 (11:17):
We have one more day coming up tomorrow, by the way,
and we will be off on Friday, if I'm not mistaken.
Speaker 5 (11:23):
So we have a lot to get to.
Speaker 6 (11:25):
We have to cram in some final thoughts on Sunday's big,
big victory and of course the Ravens going down to
defeat and what it might mean and for the Steelers,
and you know, the playoff picture got a little bit
clearer last night in the AFC, so lots of stuff
to get to there. It is also Tuesday with Labs
(11:45):
and Alvalo Martine is going to be joining us, so Max,
we have much much much to get to, any final,
any final, wonderful warm feelings from the victory on Sunday.
Speaker 5 (11:59):
I think we got through. You know, we talked about
Cam Hayward and how great he played in that front.
Speaker 6 (12:08):
I thought, you know, Jack Sawyer doing a nice job
going against Penney Sewel and and you know, getting some
pressure on the quarterback, getting a couple of hits, but
also you know, maintaining the edge in rudge and run defense.
You know, Douggers was fantastic. I thought, you know, Joey
Porter Jr. Let's not forget on the you know, we
talked about, remember there were some issues with or some
(12:30):
supposed issues with Joey untackling. Well, he's got to tackle better.
Keep in mind that you know he made with with
the game in doubt. Now, of course a lot of
stuff sifted out, you know, with a call at the
end of the game and pass interference and all the
other stuff. But he made the tackle at the one
yard line, you know that, and he came off his
(12:53):
man to make that hit. And I'm on Ross Saint Brown.
You know, he's not the biggest guy, but he's he's
plenty of physics and I just you know, he's another
one that I thought, you know, we talked about his coverage,
thought he was outstanding in coverage, but that tackle, and
we've seen him really tackle by the way. You know,
(13:14):
I just think he's played at a really, really high
level this year.
Speaker 5 (13:17):
Joey Porter.
Speaker 6 (13:18):
I think it's been I think it's been an outstanding
season for Joey Porter and good to see him on
that tackling end of things as well.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Yeah, No, JPJ definitely did a great job. And and
you know, I mean, little Peasy man, you know, he's
the growth You're right, has been just phenomenal to watch
this year, you know. I mean I think I would
like to say the penalties are down, you know, because
I thought that was one of the things because he's
such an aggressive.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Guy and and and you know, and it is a
outright shut down corner.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
Yep.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
You know that that nature and that skill set is
going to draw more attention, especially when you're getting usually
the top receiver on a team and you're charged with
you know, following that guy. I think his game has grown,
and I think, you know, as a young guy now.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Slowly becoming the veteran and the old guy on you.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Know, on the squad.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
You know, it's starting, it's starting to see the refinement
in his skill set, and you know, I love it
for him. I mean, this is a young man who
you know when you're thinking about the secondary and all
the changes that we've had in this secondary this season,
he's just outside of injury, has just stayed consistent his
(14:35):
ball tracking skills, his ability to knock down passes, and
like you said, the perimeter tackling has picked up, I
mean astronomically better from when he came in as a rookie.
So it's been really nice to see. And you're right,
he's he's had a fine season.
Speaker 6 (14:52):
So so many things to like about this game. And
you know, somebody will filter through as we talk about
the Cleveland Browns and get ready for that game. And
up next, we're going to be joined by Alvro Martine.
A little bit later on, we'll be joined by Bob Labriola.
We want to remind you that you can gear up
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(15:15):
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Speaker 1 (15:45):
This is in the Locker Room with Kenn Starks on
Steelers Nation Radio, presented by your neighborhood Forward Store. The
F one point fifty is the official truck of the
Pittsburgh Steelers and by Steelers Pro Shop direct from the
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Speaker 5 (16:06):
Warren, I wake off what I said, No, Janan wrd
love here s Burg.
Speaker 6 (16:20):
Oh, just loveliness, the lovely call of the Great Alvaro
Martine on the first of Jalen Warren's two forty five
yard touchdown runs.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
Alvarro, thank you for being with us.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Merry Christmas to you and uh just your general thoughts
the Steelers victory in Detroit on Sunday.
Speaker 7 (16:42):
Well, Merry Christmas do you Rob and and Max and
everybody else out there? I just I do have a
message before I start. From Carl Chepfers, we will have
Christmas and these holly sees this holly season, all the
kids are.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
Gonna get gibs.
Speaker 7 (16:57):
However, because they were held up in customs and the
supplies lines are a little bottled up, we're gonna have
to wait till next year.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Oh my gosh, I mean, how long was that decision?
By the way, I mean felt it felt like it
felt like it was going to be delayed.
Speaker 3 (17:22):
Now.
Speaker 7 (17:23):
Jeffers has been a referee for three Super Bowls. Who
he's no slouch. He did set a record for most
penalties in the first half in the Super Bowl in
his latest one. He also was a referee for the
New England Atlanta Super Bowl, which made history, of course,
first overtime game and twenty five point turn around and
(17:43):
all that.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
So he is no slouch. But the one out of
this whole thing, it was clear to me that there
was a bullshop.
Speaker 7 (17:51):
If that puschhap had happened at the three yard line,
I'm not sure they would have thrown flags. In other words,
as you know Max and you know Rob, there's about
a penalty in every play.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
The question for the referee the official is did it
impact the play?
Speaker 7 (18:08):
Really, it comes down to act Now, when that pushed
off happens at the goal line and the player gets
pushed off two or three yards deep into the end zone, yeah,
that's material. And that's why those two flags from of
the corners flew, and I mean flew quickly.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
So there's no doubt that about that.
Speaker 7 (18:27):
If that had happened at the three yard line and
the Pittsburgh defender had been pushed into, say the goal line,
I'm not sure they would have done that yet, I'm
not sure it would have been that risen to that level.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Now, the question that I have for in.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
General as far as officiating, the league really wants people
not to get hurt. And I applaud that effort players
not to get hurt, and I applaud that effort. That's
exactly the way it should be.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
So at one point, at what point do you simply
blow the waist and say plays over.
Speaker 7 (18:56):
That's it plays over. Don't lateral, Jared, I'll make this
hurdle jump and get yourself hurt. Just stop the play,
you know, also stop the fans for having any any hope,
false hope that there was a touchdown. At one point,
you just say no, no, no, no, no, no, that's
that's just play ended right here. There's a penalty stop
the play, don't continue. And so I know it's tricky
(19:19):
for officials. I know players don't listen to them anyway
and keep playing and all that, but at some point
that be a little bit more energetic to blow whistles,
you know, wave their arms and say this place is dead.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Over done.
Speaker 7 (19:30):
There's no question there was a push off none and
it was material for sure. So I'm not sure why
they they they let this thing kind of get out
of hand. It was more of a management issue than
than the right decision.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
It was done.
Speaker 7 (19:44):
It was really pursued and and and sort of called appropriately.
It just the whole thing was managed so poorly. And
then to go out and snarkly say, you know, the
reallyantin was a touchdown, put your arms, arms.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Up, crowd grows wild. However, I mean that was rough
on the line spent they were just unnecessary.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Which then led to all of the bottles being thrown
on the field after that decision.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
But you're right, I mean there was a way that
you know, it could have been adjudicated a lot differently,
and it could have been phrased a lot differently, and
like you said there could have been a definitive stop
and play that could have negated it, because the time
was still expired, you know, and it's just like, hey,
blow the whistle, OPI game over, there's no more time
(20:39):
left on the clock. And then you don't get to,
like you said, that one moment of hope and you know,
and then saying it's a touchdown, then then snatching it
right out of right out of their hands, you know.
For the fans who had who had come back, they
were leaving at the five minute mark, you know, left
in the game at Alvaro, they were there, they were
(21:01):
walking out of the stadium, and then they kind of
got to the colonnade and I was actually talking about
this and then all of a sudden the little murmur
of comeback, you know, and and and the offense was rolling.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
And then, like you said, to wait all that extra
time and be there and have it happened that way
was truly a tough one. Now, where were you at
on the the the Isaac to slaw Pick route that was.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Called before, No question about it, that that was that
was material.
Speaker 7 (21:33):
When that open that wide open, there has to be
a reason. Typically somebody tripped and fell, defender tripped and fell,
or he was tripped and and obligated to fall. So
it's one of two and it's very simple.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
I don't think that.
Speaker 7 (21:50):
I mean, I just don't think that's We had a
a pick play called against us as.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Well, and that was pretty Washington.
Speaker 6 (21:59):
Washington, yea, Darnel, Yeah, I didn't think that was a
I didn't think that was a penalty. I just thought
he was running a crossing pattern. And I don't think
he moved, you know what I mean, he didn't drive
himself into the defender regardless. I mean, I thought the
calls went either way, and you know that, I thought
the students were getting the worst of the calls Alvarro
(22:21):
until the end of the game, and then Detroit obviously
feels like now they got the worst of it. And
you can talk about calls that that cost a team
a game, and it always feels that way at the
end of the game. But don't forget that pick call
on Darnell Washington took four points off the board. He
had those four points off the board. We can give
the lines a touchdown at a two point conversion, go ahead,
(22:41):
you're still gonna lose by it.
Speaker 3 (22:42):
Right, correct.
Speaker 7 (22:44):
I just think the onus is on the offensive player
that at least attempt to get out of the way.
The prominc with Darnell is I mean, his left bicep
would have to ask his right shoulder to try to
get out of the way. He's just a massive human being.
He just can't even fake it. So but no, I
just thought that the test law one was dried, pretty
(23:05):
cut and dried. When you see someone that wide open,
then there's an explanation, and it's either you know, a
trip by a self trip by a defender, or just
a hillatious infraction by the defense by the offense. I'm
sorry now the other thing, Rob, you were asking me
thoughts about the game. You know, up until the Cincinnati game,
(23:27):
Pittsburgh had had those were six games. First six games
of the season, they only attempted a fourth down conversion
three times. That's half per game. Since in the next
nine games they've had fifteen. So the rate of going
forward in the fourth down between the first six games
(23:50):
the last nine games compared to the first six games
has tripled tripled many reasons.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Rob.
Speaker 7 (23:57):
You've seen Aaron Rodgers early in the season when you
had a fourth and short and you were kind of
around the forty, kind of look at the sideline and
very energetically say come on, let's go, let's go. And
it didn't happen. He got pulled off the field. So
you know that Aaron probably is allowing very hard to
go for those situations. But I also think the recognition
(24:19):
that time of possession was as big an issue as
point allowed and points scored and had a lot to
do with the last two, and they decided, you know what,
let's just go for it literally, which is when you
began to see the Steels City Shove, you began to
see all these other plays that you're seeing now. They're wonderful,
by the way, And so it's an interesting trend that
(24:42):
I think responds to just the incredibly poor time of
possession and the stress that was putting on the defense,
making that defense look really bad because they were essentially
playing as well as we're chronicled here over a full
seventeen game season.
Speaker 3 (24:58):
They were playing twenty games worth plays.
Speaker 7 (25:00):
At the rate they were going, and that had to stop.
So it's an interesting thing that they're becoming a little bolder.
They needed it and it's working out for them. So
I think that's something that I just wanted to point out.
So the last game that they were conservative was against Cincinnati,
typically AFC North rival. The first game in which they
(25:20):
were aggressive Green Bay high scoring teams. That's when the
run of high scoring teams came through. And so interesting
little note great. The execution've been pretty good, as a
matter of fact, ten of fifteen in the last nine games,
as opposed to one for three in the first six,
So not only are they trying them more, but they're
(25:41):
actually making them more and it's really working for them,
and it's extending.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
Drives time of possession.
Speaker 7 (25:47):
We've set a record the last two games for the season,
so that's working out really well. And one more item
is I studied Detroit. Detroit's known for going for and
fourth down, and maybe in this game, early on they
shouldn't have. I've always said that we Ample's move was great.
When you have a poor team with no talent, just
(26:07):
give them a little chance, just give them a little confidence,
and if it doesn't work, you're getting better at it,
you're practicing fourth downs. But when the team's good and
you've got talent, I think that has to be modified,
that has to be sort of managed a little different
and sometimes you just take the points. And there was
a while on that first half when I was looking
(26:29):
at our tour of my broadcast partner saying, hey, this
is an AFC North game. I hope Detroit knows it
because they're used to scoring thirty points. So it wasn't
the typical Lions game. It was an AFC North game.
The AFC North decamped on the Troy in the first
half and they hadn't noticed.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
But that was really good.
Speaker 7 (26:48):
I just think that the fourth down, the Steel City
shove works, the variations off it with the runs off
that scrum really are working.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
There was a lot of misdirection in this game.
Speaker 7 (27:02):
They've had it before, but maybe not as concentrated or
manner as they did.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
And then they threw to the middle of the field.
Speaker 7 (27:08):
Rogers had went seven of ten, all within fifteen yards
of the line of scrimmage. Nothing deep in the middle,
but at least seven out of ten passers were there.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
He held the ball for two point forty.
Speaker 7 (27:20):
Six seconds, So I think Rogers has reconciled himself to
knowing I just won't have the time. It's better for
me at my age anyway, it's working out for this team.
We're getting used to that, it's paying off. Let's just
keep doing this. So you see this level, there seems
to be no friction, No nobody sort of unsettled, nobody
(27:43):
questioning anything. It just this is the formula and they've
come to it and they're working on it now and
just making it better. And that's always a welcome sight.
Speaker 4 (27:55):
Yeah, it is, indeed, And you know, and as I
kind of just look at the ascension at the you know,
I feel like it's at the right time. I mean,
I would I would be hard pressed to kind of
say where who how many people if I pulled one
(28:18):
hundred people, how many people would have.
Speaker 5 (28:19):
Had us going into Detroit.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
Against that type of team offensively and defensively and having
the result that we had. I would be hard pressed
to find fifty well, you know, I say, I'd say
over forty five percent. I'd be hard pressed to have
fount that would have picked us over them. You know,
(28:44):
a team that's that's been one of these top power
pole teams, you know, the league's number one scoring offense,
and I don't know if they necessarily look at us
as a consistent offensive scoring team.
Speaker 5 (28:55):
They should now, But.
Speaker 4 (28:58):
I just I kind of look at just these moments
and it's so different from a year ago, the feeling
going into these games, the confidence that you have with
Aaron at the helm, but also just the way this
defense has responded to literally top running backs, Like what
six out of the last seven weeks, Alvaro, Right, I mean,
(29:23):
we've gone against literally the league's best running backs, and
it feel like after they play us, they drop a rung.
So you know, a couple of those might not have
been in top five, but when we face them, they
were easily top five, top three running backs. And the
defense has just been so surprising over the last couple
of years, just stout against the run and just really
(29:44):
being stingy with that when it was very tough early
in the season because we were getting run on all
the time, and so, you know, it's just been it's
crazy to see the difference a year makes, right, you
go from survival mode to now thrival mode.
Speaker 5 (30:00):
If that makes sense, I just made up.
Speaker 7 (30:02):
Yeah, I would just I would compare this game to
the Minnesota game in Dublin where they were down one
lineman and then early in the game Brian Allen came
out injured. They were down two offensive linemen. Detroit was
down the center and the left guard. Their center was
basically a rookie first start in the NFL, and so
(30:24):
you knew that they were not going to be as
effective as they normally would be, but not to the
tune of fifteen yards are all game. The other thing
that was interesting, and I'm not saying that this is
a better team without t J. Watten Nick Kerby, but
the replacements, meaning Heismith's was a starter and Jack Sawyer
on the other end, were exactly the kind of outside
(30:46):
linebackers you wanted against the run, and they tackled for
loss their way to prove that point.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
It was incredible. Seven tackles for loss.
Speaker 7 (30:55):
It's one thing to stop the running back from getting
chunk yardage, I think to stop them in the in
their backyard, that was impressive. And I think when you
have a healthy and rested Cam Hayward, Derek Harmon and
Keanu Benton in the middle, now where it's really impossible
(31:15):
to double team Keanu, which is the kind of the
quote weakest link of the three, that is a stout
front that really is going to give anybody trouble. I
don't care what team, it'll be tough to move those
guys and make them do what you want them to
do to get your yardage. And I also think, finally
(31:36):
that when you've had so many two hundred yard games
pasted on you, you know, two hundred yard rushing yards
per game, it just at some point start paying attention.
It's a matter of now, pride and dignity, and it's
whatever happens in this game that won't happen. And so
I think the entire team is very wired for that.
(31:56):
And finally, the second and third line of the fence
are doing their job. I think the the corners are tackling,
not always right, not always well, but they're they're willing.
And then the linebackers are getting a little deeper. They're
not just running into the gaps and getting washed away
with blocks. It's a beautiful thing. Now, going back to
(32:16):
that Warren run I took a look at it. It
was really quite beautiful. Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson sealed
Hutchinson and Williams to the outside. One little thing at
the last minute corner Hayward becomes a fullback and Anderson
puts his right arm back behind his back and points
(32:38):
to his left. He was selling Hayward and Warren, listen,
we're gonna seal that way. They're not saying run around
those to the left. No, no, we're sealing that way.
So in comes Hayward and he blocks none other than
Jack Campbell just completely out of the play. Then Fraser
McCormick combo to take out the remaining defensive tackle and
(33:02):
two linebackers.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
But the best block was the.
Speaker 7 (33:07):
Kaitlin metcalfs taking out a corner and a safety by himself,
by himself, and after one rent right by him and scored.
Speaker 3 (33:17):
The King was like.
Speaker 7 (33:18):
Cool, you know, I do this all the time. It
was like, I mean to see that guy that react
because he really made the difference. That would have not
been a touchdown after everybody else did their job. That
would have not been a touchdown without Metcalf blocking these
two single handedly. And then he was nonchalant about afterward, Yeah,
you know, another touchdown, another forty five yarder, Yeah, three
(33:42):
of them. Maybe, I think bat pat myyer is going
to take that video. It just kind of kind of
plaster takes pictures of it in his wall. That was
an incredibly high level execution by everybody, everybody, and it
worked beautifully to the point where Warren didn't get really touched.
Speaker 6 (33:59):
So Alva, what you're laying out sounds to me certainly
what I'm thinking, and I don't want to project my thoughts.
I'm gonna ask you the question. I feel like they're
playing their best football the season at a great time.
I feel like they know their identity you talk about,
you know, Rogers with a quick release, Rogers making decisions
at the line of scrimmage, the defensive line being healthy
(34:20):
and stopping to run better, all these things coming together.
It feels to me like this is the even after
with the four and one start, This is the best
football this Yearers have played all season, and hopefully all
the signs are pointing toward them continuing in the crescendo
as they get toward the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
Yes, and one last item, Absolutely, they know what you said.
One more item. I think Arthur Smith is beginning to
shorten the rotation. We talked about it on Tuesdays before that.
Part of his sort of strength is to keep the
other team guessing, and sometimes.
Speaker 3 (34:53):
You spread the wealth very widely.
Speaker 7 (34:56):
I think a game where ten people touch the ball
is a game Arthur's Smith pats himself them back and said,
out of boy, I did my job, not now, not now,
and not from now on.
Speaker 3 (35:07):
I think you have to sort of shorten rotations. And
he's done that.
Speaker 7 (35:10):
Interesting enough, Scotty Miller shows up, get makes a big
play and then Roger goes bike back at him a
couple more times. But generally speaking, they everybody knows their role.
Everybody's reconciled and happy to execute it. There's no questioning.
There's no sort of friction of any sort, which you
may have thought after Buffalo that could have.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
Been the issue. Not at all. They're settling down.
Speaker 7 (35:34):
I think Roger's injury gave everybody a sense of urgency, like,
oh boy, like we don't have any margin for error now,
so we got to execute. So we're seeing the result
of that, and it's a beautiful thing. And as you mentioned, Rob,
if you start, if you have a set of plays
that worked well, and you execute them well and it
gives you confidence, then you know run them again until
(35:58):
somebody stops you.
Speaker 3 (35:59):
So no, it's working out. And that that running play
by Warren, I.
Speaker 7 (36:04):
Know it's in the fourth quarter, and I know that
time and possession mattered against the the Troy defense. But
the execution, the the synchronization of that play was unbelievable,
really very very good. You know, put it up against
any team in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (36:19):
That's how good it was.
Speaker 6 (36:21):
That's what we want to hear. That's what we want
to hear for the students heading down the stretch. Alvarro,
look forward to seeing you in Cleveland this weekend. Merry
Christmas to you, my friend, thanks for being on withous.
Speaker 7 (36:31):
Merry Christmas and Carl chafters I was just joking about
that there will be Christmas this this week for.
Speaker 5 (36:35):
Sure, and Flie.
Speaker 3 (36:42):
There we go.
Speaker 5 (36:43):
Alvaro Marzi, the great.
Speaker 6 (36:48):
Spanish announcer and Maxim Be singing Felice novedad when we
come out of the break. Next when we continue in
the Locker Room presented by o Neighborhood Fords Tour in
the Students Pro Shop on Studars Nation Radio, a part
of the Steer There's Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (37:07):
This is in the Locker Room with King and Starks
on Steelers Nation Radio presented by your neighborhood Ford Store.
The F one fifty is the official truck of the
Pittsburgh Steelers and by Steelers Pro Shop. Get a direct
from the team at the Steelers Pro Shop at shop
dot Steelers dot.
Speaker 6 (37:26):
Com and welcome back inside the locker room as we
continue to get you ready for the game coming up
on Sunday and against the Cleveland Browns. And before we
do that, and we have Tuesday with Labs coming up
as well, it is time to go around the NFL
(37:48):
presented by your neighborhood Fords Show. The F one fifty
is the official truck of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So Max,
last night, you know, it kind of has felt inevitable
for the for the Colts.
Speaker 5 (38:03):
We've talked about this.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
For a while.
Speaker 6 (38:05):
It just seems like they're it's just not happening for them,
you know what I mean. And uh, last night they
gave it a game effort against the forty nine Ers,
but they come up short and they're pretty much well,
I think they are.
Speaker 5 (38:19):
Eliminated from the playoffs.
Speaker 6 (38:20):
So the playoff picture has become clear at least after
last night's game.
Speaker 5 (38:26):
So here's the situation.
Speaker 6 (38:28):
And and by the way, do you have any any
thoughts on the Colts and any thoughts on what's what's
happened with them or just that's that non we.
Speaker 2 (38:36):
Go Karrah, Yeah, that's right, that's right.
Speaker 4 (38:43):
Hey, listen, listen, I'm going to now I will say, hey, Phil,
appreciate the efforts, but appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (38:51):
You know.
Speaker 4 (38:51):
I love I love saying I love seeing the class
of four do great things. I didn't think there was
anybody left from the Class of four, but you showed
us that, you know, you can come back from the dead,
and hopefully you do not inspire anybody else to attempt that,
because I think the rest of us are the aar
P cards are are in the mail. So let's let's
not get let's not get a little a little over zealous.
Speaker 3 (39:13):
There.
Speaker 2 (39:14):
There was like one meme going around one time, and
I think.
Speaker 4 (39:18):
It was a reference to like Tom Brady showed the
Old Man and the old like it was like I
don't know if it was like a Turkey day game
or whatever, you know, but they were playing like the
two head touch.
Speaker 2 (39:29):
Of the old male was like running the ball. It
was like so slow and everybody had to run into
them and fall over.
Speaker 4 (39:35):
Like I mean, we're not going to that point, you
know what I'm saying, Like like let's just let's just stop.
But yeah, I mean this was one where the Colts
they just they ran, they ran into the buzz saw
at the wrong time. Like it's different if you would
have had a couple of these harder games at the
beginning of the season and you got through them, but
(39:55):
they had a gauntlet to end it. And then you
lose Daniel Jones, who'd been your leader the entire season,
and you know, you have a forty four year old quarterback.
Speaker 2 (40:06):
Has been retired for five years as a semi finalist
for the Pro.
Speaker 4 (40:11):
Football Hall of Fame that you brought back and you
expected to I mean, and he only had like three
days of practice, you know. So I'm happy for you know,
for Phil being able to go out there and perform
the way that he that he has. I can guarantee
you there's maybe a handful of human beings on this
planet that I would think could be able to do that,
(40:32):
and he was not in that handful, and he proved
me wrong. But you know, it's it's it's so monumentally
tough to come through that and to come and expect
to have to lead a team to a playoff push,
you know, in the last four weeks of the season
that that's that's pretty daunting for any human being.
Speaker 2 (40:55):
But I mean, the Colts do a lot.
Speaker 4 (40:56):
Of a uncharacteristic, unorthox things. I mean, hello, Jeff Saturday,
And where's Jeff Saturday been after that? Oh that's right,
I went right back to TV and and his high
school football coaching.
Speaker 2 (41:10):
But but you know, they did it, they thought outside
the box.
Speaker 4 (41:13):
Kudos to them, but uh, yeah, what you know, the
sound judgment isn't always there for the Colts.
Speaker 6 (41:19):
Yeah, you know, you kind of feel. I kind of
feel for the Colts because they were such a great story.
You know, they were such a great story and now
they're not a great story.
Speaker 2 (41:31):
Great nickname Indiana.
Speaker 5 (41:33):
Joe, Indiana Jones was the nickname of the year, you know. Yep.
So but you know that's the way it goes, right,
and you know, what are you gonna do? So, uh,
they're they're pretty much out there.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
They're still technically alive, but they're not alive, right, I mean,
they're eighty seven, and you just you can't like their chances.
So as we look at the AFC playoff picture, the
Patriots are in, the Bills are in, and the division
is still up for grabs. The Steelers and Ravens are
(42:11):
still battling for the AFC North. Jacksonville is in Houston
and the Colts are still battling. Houston can still win
the division and one of those teams can get into
the wildcard, and Denver and the Chargers are in as wildcards.
The Dolphins, Jets, Bengals, Browns, Titans, Chiefs, and Raiders are
(42:31):
all eliminated.
Speaker 2 (42:34):
Oh feels so good to hear most of those names
on that list.
Speaker 6 (42:38):
Yeah, yeah, no problems with that in the NFC meanwhow
because we're going around the NFL Eagles are in. Everybody
else in the NFC East has been eliminated. The Bears
are in. Everybody else in in that division dead gone gone,
Gonzo Gonzo, NFC.
Speaker 2 (43:01):
North, Hey, George Picketts, great season, great season.
Speaker 5 (43:04):
Yeah, I just want to give him a.
Speaker 2 (43:08):
Golf clap there for that one. Yeah, still didn't make
a difference.
Speaker 6 (43:12):
I'm gonna jump past the NFC North and go to
the NFC South because that is just simply down to
Carolina and Tampa Bay as to who's gonna win the division.
Tampa Bay has lost three games in a row. They
are just reeling heading down the stretch and they're gonna
be playing, so you know, again, they could be done
this week they're at Miami. But assuming they pull it
(43:35):
together and beat Miami. And by the way, they've lost too.
Here's what they've done since they were six and two
and came out of their by They lost to New England. Okay,
they lost to Buffalo. Okay, they lost to the Rams,
got spanked by the Rams. Okay, they squeaked past Arizona,
then lost to the Saints the Falcons in Carolina. In
other words, they're they're getting what they deserve. They've lost
(43:58):
six of their last seven game games. They're at Miami,
they take on Carolina, and so I can't say that
I have a a world of sympathy for them.
Speaker 3 (44:08):
You know.
Speaker 6 (44:10):
They they're they made their bed, they're lying in it,
and it's gonna come down. It would it would seem
to Carolina and Tampa Bay to see who goes to
the playoffs. NFC West, Seattle, San Francisco, and the Rams
are all in and Seattle and San Francisco are ahead
of the Rams, who I think might be the.
Speaker 5 (44:31):
Which is crazy football, which is right? I think the
Rams may be the best team in football. Yeah, no, no,
I'm not.
Speaker 4 (44:39):
Agreeing with that, but but crazy that Yeah, the Seahawks
in front of them, right, I mean, I'm like, I
get it. They won the head to head last week,
so it's like, okay, you know, you get but the
fact that they are the best team and they're like
the third best in their division right now, Yeah, Francisco
who is who is just completely I mean I forget
(45:04):
about San Francisco because their season has just been so
like kind of just under the radar.
Speaker 5 (45:11):
It really has been totally agree that we haven't.
Speaker 4 (45:13):
Really talked about them a whole lot. They haven't been
high in the in the in the in the power
pole at all, you know.
Speaker 2 (45:21):
And they just kept winning. They just kept winning these games.
Speaker 4 (45:24):
And the fact that they're in this position and like
you said, you get three NFC West is if you
are the Arizona Cardinals, what are you thinking right now?
Speaker 3 (45:33):
You know?
Speaker 2 (45:34):
Right, like, man, everybody else got a ticket except me.
Speaker 5 (45:38):
Right right, Yeah, they're they're well there's a reason right there,
there's your reason. The I mean there there there's a
very good reason. But yeah, it's still funny.
Speaker 6 (45:48):
Can you imagine two So if it holds up the
way it is right now, and a lot could change
the NFC is what a gauntlet. It's Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia,
Carolina or Tampa, San Francisco, the Rams and Green Bay
and that's probably who's gonna get in.
Speaker 3 (46:08):
Now.
Speaker 6 (46:08):
The order might change a little bit, but can you
imagine you're Philadelphia, you're the three seed, you get a
home game and you're getting the Rams.
Speaker 5 (46:19):
Again, that's gonna be again, right, and.
Speaker 4 (46:24):
It is a honked off Rams team because they should
have won last time, right, they get.
Speaker 5 (46:28):
They I mean they gave them.
Speaker 4 (46:30):
They gave the Philadelphia Eagles everything they wanted in more
last time they played them.
Speaker 5 (46:34):
Yeah, and now you got to rematchine them, and yeah,
you know you could. You could not win that game.
Speaker 6 (46:39):
And if the Steelers can get in there, it is
gonna be. It would be right now against the Chargers,
could be the Bills, could be the Texans. It really
looks like, you know, and again we were knocking on wood.
And if we're knocking on wood, you know that if
you're a Green Bay Packers fan, you're knocking on wood.
You know, if you're you know, a Texans team, you're
kno gonna fan, you're knocking on wood. But it sure
(47:02):
does seem like there's way more clarity as to who's
gonna get in the playoff picture after a or getting
the playoffs after a very very consequential week in the NFL.
We're gonna break down, by the way, some of the
power rankings. I think some of those are out, so
we'll see what does this Steelers team win mean. They've
won three in a row. They gonna get a little
(47:24):
more respect than ranked thirteenth and fourteenth. We're gonna let
you know, and we're gonna be talking to Bob Labriel
and X in the Locker Room, presented by our neighborhood
Ford Storing the Students Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio,
a part of the Steelers Audio Network.
This is in the locker room with King and Starks
on Steelers Nation Radio, presented by your neighborhood Ford Store.
The F one P fifty is the official truck of
the Pittsburgh Steelers and by Steelers Pro Shop. Get it
direct from the team at the Steelers Pro Shop at
shop dot Steelers dot com.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Bradshaw back and looking again.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
Bradshaw running out of the pocket.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
Looking for somebody to throw to fires a downfield and
there's a collision as that that's.
Speaker 5 (00:36):
Pot out of the air.
Speaker 6 (00:37):
The ball is pulled in by Michael Hairs Hairs Boycot
pushed out of Pittsburgh, hair as a boy.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Right second half of the clock.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Wait, oh, Harris pulling the football.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
I don't even know where cape from.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
Up ball was in a collection.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
There are people in the end, zole, what did they
pumped up?
Speaker 5 (01:04):
Absolutely unbelievable, Holy moly.
Speaker 6 (01:09):
Oh, Happy anniversary to the number one moment in NFL history.
The immaculate reception as voted on. I believe that was
the number one vote from a.
Speaker 5 (01:23):
Few years ago.
Speaker 6 (01:24):
They're doing, you know, the anniversary of the NFL, and man,
oh man, it's certainly the number one moment, the one
that turned around the Pittsburgh Steelers kind of the emblem
of the Steelers turnaround. Remember, they had not won a
playoff game in their history, and that was the first
(01:44):
playoff victory ever this date in nineteen seventy two. The
organization had been around since nineteen thirty three as the
Pittsburgh Steelers. Nineteen seventy two their first playoff victory, and
it came into immaculate fashion. And I loved the music.
Good King wentz slass. I was actually I was driving
(02:06):
around doing aeron this morning, and I heard that I
heard Meltor May's version of Good King wins islass, little
jazzy version. So there we have it, uh, and here
we have it our show today. Thanks for being with
us in the locker room. But that I'm sorry, Justin
Miller just said something to me, so uh so, happy
Immaculate Reception birthday, Max.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Happy Immaculate Reception birthday, and all hail.
Speaker 5 (02:33):
To the King. I guess with that music right there.
Speaker 6 (02:36):
Oh, Good King wents is lost? Yes, well, okay, all right,
all right, yeah, you know I'm step.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Ahead of me.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Uh huh, yeah, you know, I mean it sounded it's
I mean, it sounded very royal like, and then of
course you're speaking over it, so it's like, yeah, no,
you know, we got to listen to the king like
a proclamation.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Yeah exactly, royal decree, royal decree.
Speaker 5 (02:58):
That's what I was. How aright today, Max, I'm doing
all right?
Speaker 2 (03:04):
You know, hey, we are we are just you know,
a couple of sleeps away from uh, from the big guy.
Speaker 7 (03:10):
I know.
Speaker 5 (03:11):
How cool? Is that pretty?
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Pretty? Pretty pretty cool?
Speaker 3 (03:15):
Uh?
Speaker 5 (03:16):
You know it felt is it?
Speaker 7 (03:18):
Is it me?
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Or did Christmas just seemed to just sneak up on
you on you this season?
Speaker 6 (03:23):
You know what I I I agree, and I think
it is, you know, sicking about this one. You already
get the more time flies. Uh And that's yeah, that's
just a fact, man, That's just.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
The way it is.
Speaker 6 (03:34):
But the other thing is, I think because Thanksgiving was
so late this year, it's about as late as you
could get it, that felt like you almost like you
lost a week or you lost four or five days
that should have given you some breathing room. I agree,
all of a sudden, you know, yeah, you know, just
even yesterday I was asking.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
Hey, is this the is this the solstice? And no, no, no,
that was yesterday what what what is today? What's what
is to day? And by the way, the.
Speaker 6 (04:06):
You know one nice thing, the days are getting longer. Max,
we've turned the corner. Winner's practically over.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Yeah, that's that's what I'm hoping.
Speaker 4 (04:15):
That's what I'm hopingway, yeah, exactly, punks and Tony Phil
did he uh he into his shadow?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Right?
Speaker 5 (04:23):
That's that's not till February? Is that not until February February? Second?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Yeah, okay, okay, I sped up time even more. We
don't want to go I was talking about, Yeah, you
know what you know what? No, never mind Phil? Who
Groundhog Day?
Speaker 5 (04:37):
Right now?
Speaker 6 (04:39):
My other question for you yesterday you were by the way,
I picked up one final present, but I think I
may have to return it. So my my I went
from you know, the moment you think, the moment you
think or I should say this, the moment I think
I'm on top of it because because organization is something
(05:02):
I have to work at. Some people it seems like
organization's just there. I have to work at organization. I
have to I have to stay on top of it,
or it's it squeezes out, like you know, if you
press down jello, it just flops out everywhere, right.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
So I have to be you know, the minute I
think I'm on it. I'll tell you a story.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I was.
Speaker 6 (05:19):
I was doing a high school football game, and it
was at Franklin Regional High School, which is on the
other end of Pittsburgh from where I live. And you know,
I would always I would put my shirt on, my
dress shirt on, because we did coat and tie when
I got to the parking lot of whatever team I
was doing, so I would get there early before people
(05:42):
got there. But I just wanted that pressed shirt to
look as pressed as possible and not be rumpled in
the car with thirty five minutes of driving. So I
remember one day I was driving out to Franklin Region
and I thought, man, the minute the thought crept into
my mind, because of course I would study, I had
studied for the game, and of course, right as I
was on top that that part is a given right.
(06:03):
So but I'm I'm congratulating myself on getting there early
and just feeling really organized. The minute I said that,
I looked over, I saw my suit jacket and my
shirt and I realized I'd forgotten my tie and it
was too far to go back home and get it
(06:25):
and get back to Franklin Regional. I would have been
going through rush hour traffic and I didn't. I didn't
see any stores, right, So I'm like, oh, I'm like,
where am I gonna What am I gonna do? This
is what happens when you start congratulating yourself for me,
I'm being so organized and prepared.
Speaker 5 (06:40):
I'm like, man, I am I am just organized because
it's always a struggle for me.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
So I went to do a good Will shop because
it was the first thing I saw, and I went
through their tie selection, which, as you can imagine, was
not necessarily.
Speaker 5 (06:55):
You know, matching what I had. Let me put it
that way. So I thought, yeah, I would agree.
Speaker 6 (07:00):
I just I just said, you know what, I'm I'm now,
I'm down. Now, I'm gone, now, I'm now I'm upset
at being happy with myself for being organized, if that
makes sense.
Speaker 5 (07:11):
And so I picked, Yeah, I plucked. I'm like, this
tie is the it's the best they got.
Speaker 6 (07:15):
It looked like something out of a nineteen forties gangster film,
you know, wide and colorful, and I was like, oh man,
maybe they wasn't short.
Speaker 5 (07:23):
It wasn't sure, No, it wasn't it wasn't like one
of those ties. No, yeah, exactly right.
Speaker 6 (07:29):
So I'm like, well, maybe they can shoot if they
shoot me kind of from the you know, I can
get it to shoot us a little bit tighter in
the intro me and wolf. You know, maybe they can
cut maybe they can cut that off. And as I
plucked that tie off the the rack, the best they've
got underneath it is just a beautiful Tommy hilfuelger tie.
Perfectly matched what I had on, very fashionable and was
(07:53):
on sale for two dollars. So I bought it and
and lucked out, got extremely lucky.
Speaker 5 (07:58):
But that's what happened. Max.
Speaker 6 (08:00):
When I congratulate myself, I'm being organized. I went and
picked up my last present today. Everything else not not
only do I have everything, it's rapped. So I'm very pleased,
very happy with myself. Everything everything's rapped. I'm like, I'm
ready to just to just enjoy and and I'm all,
(08:23):
I just got to pick up my last present this morning,
and I'm patting myself in the back. Not only that
I didn't check it in the store when I had
the chance, and I have to return it. So so
much for self congratulation every time I'm self congratulatory.
Speaker 5 (08:42):
That's what I get, and I deserve it. You shouldn't
be so self congratulatory.
Speaker 6 (08:46):
I deserve it. I deserve so I got to go
back and return it. And uh and that is going
to make my day a little bit more interesting. Now you,
as of yesterday, we're finishing your shopping today.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Correct? And I could say that I am ninety six
percent done?
Speaker 6 (09:06):
Okay, okay, don't congratulate yourself, toll. It's in the house wrapped.
Speaker 4 (09:13):
It's an arbit and it's an arbitrary number because it's
two items that I need.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
It's just uh yeah, I got to figure them out,
one of one of them, one of them.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
There isn't there's a possibility. There's a possibility it gets here,
but if not, I have to then go fit. If
it doesn't get here by a certain time, I gotta
go physically get it because.
Speaker 6 (09:34):
I got oh yeah, yeah, yeah, by the way, I have,
I have one item that's arriving tomorrow supposed to be arriving.
Speaker 5 (09:39):
I will say that is cutting it and that's yeah.
So yeah, yeah, yeah, that's category with me, Bud. Yeah,
it's not in the house. It's not wrapped.
Speaker 6 (09:52):
So now like if if you've ever been on a
team in which if that thought creeps in and you know,
it's trouble, Like, hey man, we got this, Like that's troubles.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (10:05):
So I think I think just in life, it's a
it's a karma thing. I thought I was on top
of it. I thought I had to tie. I thought
I had to tie years ago when I was doing
high school football, or didn't that. I thought I was
on top of it. I thought I was on top
of my Christmas shopping. And now I realized, not only
do I have to return something, but I have to
have my fingers crossed about the arrival tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (10:24):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
And you're like, okay, and you got to make and
also you got to make sure, Hey, is the size
that I need gonna be there when I return s
that item.
Speaker 6 (10:33):
So I just went from a little bit of a
sense of smug satisfaction to panic.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
Here in the first ten the show, I realized, I'm
nowhere near where I need to be, which is typical.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Frankly, listen, but we're both in the same boat. We're
both two items short of completion. So you know, there
we go, Hey, that's a good partner right there. You know, hey,
we are twinsies.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
You know what, Man, if I ever, if I ever
wrote an autobiography, and don't worry, I never will, it might,
but I think the title of that book might be
two items short of completion. I think that's a great
title for a book. That's how I feel, two items
short of a completion at all times.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
So there we go.
Speaker 5 (11:16):
Happy holidays to you.
Speaker 6 (11:17):
We have one more day coming up tomorrow, by the way,
and we will be off on Friday, if I'm not mistaken.
Speaker 5 (11:23):
So we have a lot to get to.
Speaker 6 (11:25):
We have to cram in some final thoughts on Sunday's big,
big victory and of course the Ravens going down to
defeat and what it might mean and for the Steelers,
and you know, the playoff picture got a little bit
clearer last night in the AFC, so lots of stuff
to get to there. It is also Tuesday with Labs
(11:45):
and Alvalo Martine is going to be joining us, so Max,
we have much much much to get to, any final,
any final, wonderful warm feelings from the victory on Sunday.
Speaker 5 (11:59):
I think we got through. You know, we talked about
Cam Hayward and how great he played in that front.
Speaker 6 (12:08):
I thought, you know, Jack Sawyer doing a nice job
going against Penney Sewel and and you know, getting some
pressure on the quarterback, getting a couple of hits, but
also you know, maintaining the edge in rudge and run defense.
You know, Douggers was fantastic. I thought, you know, Joey
Porter Jr. Let's not forget on the you know, we
talked about, remember there were some issues with or some
(12:30):
supposed issues with Joey untackling. Well, he's got to tackle better.
Keep in mind that you know he made with with
the game in doubt. Now, of course a lot of
stuff sifted out, you know, with a call at the
end of the game and pass interference and all the
other stuff. But he made the tackle at the one
yard line, you know that, and he came off his
(12:53):
man to make that hit. And I'm on Ross Saint Brown.
You know, he's not the biggest guy, but he's he's
plenty of physics and I just you know, he's another
one that I thought, you know, we talked about his coverage,
thought he was outstanding in coverage, but that tackle, and
we've seen him really tackle by the way. You know,
(13:14):
I just think he's played at a really, really high
level this year.
Speaker 5 (13:17):
Joey Porter.
Speaker 6 (13:18):
I think it's been I think it's been an outstanding
season for Joey Porter and good to see him on
that tackling end of things as well.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Yeah, No, JPJ definitely did a great job. And and
you know, I mean, little Peasy man, you know, he's
the growth You're right, has been just phenomenal to watch
this year, you know. I mean I think I would
like to say the penalties are down, you know, because
I thought that was one of the things because he's
such an aggressive.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Guy and and and you know, and it is a
outright shut down corner.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
Yep.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
You know that that nature and that skill set is
going to draw more attention, especially when you're getting usually
the top receiver on a team and you're charged with
you know, following that guy. I think his game has grown,
and I think, you know, as a young guy now.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Slowly becoming the veteran and the old guy on you.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Know, on the squad.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
You know, it's starting, it's starting to see the refinement
in his skill set, and you know, I love it
for him. I mean, this is a young man who
you know when you're thinking about the secondary and all
the changes that we've had in this secondary this season,
he's just outside of injury, has just stayed consistent his
(14:35):
ball tracking skills, his ability to knock down passes, and
like you said, the perimeter tackling has picked up, I
mean astronomically better from when he came in as a rookie.
So it's been really nice to see. And you're right,
he's he's had a fine season.
Speaker 6 (14:52):
So so many things to like about this game. And
you know, somebody will filter through as we talk about
the Cleveland Browns and get ready for that game. And
up next, we're going to be joined by Alvro Martine.
A little bit later on, we'll be joined by Bob Labriola.
We want to remind you that you can gear up
with the latest game data necessities at the Official Students
Pro Shops. Get the latest Sideline apparel, jerseys, terrible towles,
(15:15):
authentic memorabilia and custom exclusives you can only find directly
from the team. Visit one of the Official Students Pro
shops located at Akroscher Stadium, Grove City Premium Outlets, or
Tanger out Lets or gear up online at shop dot
Stealers dot com. Get it direct from the team at
Steerers Pro Shop at shop dot Steelers dot com. Back
with more in the Locker Room presented by your neighborhood
(15:35):
Ford Store the Steerers Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio,
a part of the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
This is in the Locker Room with Kenn Starks on
Steelers Nation Radio, presented by your neighborhood Forward Store. The
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Pittsburgh Steelers and by Steelers Pro Shop direct from the
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dot com.
Speaker 5 (16:06):
Warren, I wake off what I said, No, Janan wrd
love here s Burg.
Speaker 6 (16:20):
Oh, just loveliness, the lovely call of the Great Alvaro
Martine on the first of Jalen Warren's two forty five
yard touchdown runs.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
Alvarro, thank you for being with us.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Merry Christmas to you and uh just your general thoughts
the Steelers victory in Detroit on Sunday.
Speaker 7 (16:42):
Well, Merry Christmas do you Rob and and Max and
everybody else out there? I just I do have a
message before I start. From Carl Chepfers, we will have
Christmas and these holly sees this holly season, all the
kids are.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
Gonna get gibs.
Speaker 7 (16:57):
However, because they were held up in customs and the
supplies lines are a little bottled up, we're gonna have
to wait till next year.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Oh my gosh, I mean, how long was that decision?
By the way, I mean felt it felt like it
felt like it was going to be delayed.
Speaker 3 (17:22):
Now.
Speaker 7 (17:23):
Jeffers has been a referee for three Super Bowls. Who
he's no slouch. He did set a record for most
penalties in the first half in the Super Bowl in
his latest one. He also was a referee for the
New England Atlanta Super Bowl, which made history, of course,
first overtime game and twenty five point turn around and
(17:43):
all that.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
So he is no slouch. But the one out of
this whole thing, it was clear to me that there
was a bullshop.
Speaker 7 (17:51):
If that puschhap had happened at the three yard line,
I'm not sure they would have thrown flags. In other words,
as you know Max and you know Rob, there's about
a penalty in every play.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
The question for the referee the official is did it
impact the play?
Speaker 7 (18:08):
Really, it comes down to act Now, when that pushed
off happens at the goal line and the player gets
pushed off two or three yards deep into the end zone, yeah,
that's material. And that's why those two flags from of
the corners flew, and I mean flew quickly.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
So there's no doubt that about that.
Speaker 7 (18:27):
If that had happened at the three yard line and
the Pittsburgh defender had been pushed into, say the goal line,
I'm not sure they would have done that yet, I'm
not sure it would have been that risen to that level.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Now, the question that I have for in.
Speaker 7 (18:41):
General as far as officiating, the league really wants people
not to get hurt. And I applaud that effort players
not to get hurt, and I applaud that effort. That's
exactly the way it should be.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
So at one point, at what point do you simply
blow the waist and say plays over.
Speaker 7 (18:56):
That's it plays over. Don't lateral, Jared, I'll make this
hurdle jump and get yourself hurt. Just stop the play,
you know, also stop the fans for having any any hope,
false hope that there was a touchdown. At one point,
you just say no, no, no, no, no, no, that's
that's just play ended right here. There's a penalty stop
the play, don't continue. And so I know it's tricky
(19:19):
for officials. I know players don't listen to them anyway
and keep playing and all that, but at some point
that be a little bit more energetic to blow whistles,
you know, wave their arms and say this place is dead.
Speaker 3 (19:29):
Over done.
Speaker 7 (19:30):
There's no question there was a push off none and
it was material for sure. So I'm not sure why
they they they let this thing kind of get out
of hand. It was more of a management issue than
than the right decision.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
It was done.
Speaker 7 (19:44):
It was really pursued and and and sort of called appropriately.
It just the whole thing was managed so poorly. And
then to go out and snarkly say, you know, the
reallyantin was a touchdown, put your arms, arms.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Up, crowd grows wild. However, I mean that was rough
on the line spent they were just unnecessary.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Which then led to all of the bottles being thrown
on the field after that decision.
Speaker 4 (20:14):
But you're right, I mean there was a way that
you know, it could have been adjudicated a lot differently,
and it could have been phrased a lot differently, and
like you said there could have been a definitive stop
and play that could have negated it, because the time
was still expired, you know, and it's just like, hey,
blow the whistle, OPI game over, there's no more time
(20:39):
left on the clock. And then you don't get to,
like you said, that one moment of hope and you know,
and then saying it's a touchdown, then then snatching it
right out of right out of their hands, you know.
For the fans who had who had come back, they
were leaving at the five minute mark, you know, left
in the game at Alvaro, they were there, they were
(21:01):
walking out of the stadium, and then they kind of
got to the colonnade and I was actually talking about
this and then all of a sudden the little murmur
of comeback, you know, and and and the offense was rolling.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
And then, like you said, to wait all that extra
time and be there and have it happened that way
was truly a tough one. Now, where were you at
on the the the Isaac to slaw Pick route that was.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Called before, No question about it, that that was that
was material.
Speaker 7 (21:33):
When that open that wide open, there has to be
a reason. Typically somebody tripped and fell, defender tripped and fell,
or he was tripped and and obligated to fall. So
it's one of two and it's very simple.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
I don't think that.
Speaker 7 (21:50):
I mean, I just don't think that's We had a
a pick play called against us as.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
Well, and that was pretty Washington.
Speaker 6 (21:59):
Washington, yea, Darnel, Yeah, I didn't think that was a
I didn't think that was a penalty. I just thought
he was running a crossing pattern. And I don't think
he moved, you know what I mean, he didn't drive
himself into the defender regardless. I mean, I thought the
calls went either way, and you know that, I thought
the students were getting the worst of the calls Alvarro
(22:21):
until the end of the game, and then Detroit obviously
feels like now they got the worst of it. And
you can talk about calls that that cost a team
a game, and it always feels that way at the
end of the game. But don't forget that pick call
on Darnell Washington took four points off the board. He
had those four points off the board. We can give
the lines a touchdown at a two point conversion, go ahead,
(22:41):
you're still gonna lose by it.
Speaker 3 (22:42):
Right, correct.
Speaker 7 (22:44):
I just think the onus is on the offensive player
that at least attempt to get out of the way.
The prominc with Darnell is I mean, his left bicep
would have to ask his right shoulder to try to
get out of the way. He's just a massive human being.
He just can't even fake it. So but no, I
just thought that the test law one was dried, pretty
(23:05):
cut and dried. When you see someone that wide open,
then there's an explanation, and it's either you know, a
trip by a self trip by a defender, or just
a hillatious infraction by the defense by the offense. I'm
sorry now the other thing, Rob, you were asking me
thoughts about the game. You know, up until the Cincinnati game,
(23:27):
Pittsburgh had had those were six games. First six games
of the season, they only attempted a fourth down conversion
three times. That's half per game. Since in the next
nine games they've had fifteen. So the rate of going
forward in the fourth down between the first six games
(23:50):
the last nine games compared to the first six games
has tripled tripled many reasons.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Rob.
Speaker 7 (23:57):
You've seen Aaron Rodgers early in the season when you
had a fourth and short and you were kind of
around the forty, kind of look at the sideline and
very energetically say come on, let's go, let's go. And
it didn't happen. He got pulled off the field. So
you know that Aaron probably is allowing very hard to
go for those situations. But I also think the recognition
(24:19):
that time of possession was as big an issue as
point allowed and points scored and had a lot to
do with the last two, and they decided, you know what,
let's just go for it literally, which is when you
began to see the Steels City Shove, you began to
see all these other plays that you're seeing now. They're wonderful,
by the way, And so it's an interesting trend that
(24:42):
I think responds to just the incredibly poor time of
possession and the stress that was putting on the defense,
making that defense look really bad because they were essentially
playing as well as we're chronicled here over a full
seventeen game season.
Speaker 3 (24:58):
They were playing twenty games worth plays.
Speaker 7 (25:00):
At the rate they were going, and that had to stop.
So it's an interesting thing that they're becoming a little bolder.
They needed it and it's working out for them. So
I think that's something that I just wanted to point out.
So the last game that they were conservative was against Cincinnati,
typically AFC North rival. The first game in which they
(25:20):
were aggressive Green Bay high scoring teams. That's when the
run of high scoring teams came through. And so interesting
little note great. The execution've been pretty good, as a
matter of fact, ten of fifteen in the last nine games,
as opposed to one for three in the first six,
So not only are they trying them more, but they're
(25:41):
actually making them more and it's really working for them,
and it's extending.
Speaker 3 (25:45):
Drives time of possession.
Speaker 7 (25:47):
We've set a record the last two games for the season,
so that's working out really well. And one more item
is I studied Detroit. Detroit's known for going for and
fourth down, and maybe in this game, early on they
shouldn't have. I've always said that we Ample's move was great.
When you have a poor team with no talent, just
(26:07):
give them a little chance, just give them a little confidence,
and if it doesn't work, you're getting better at it,
you're practicing fourth downs. But when the team's good and
you've got talent, I think that has to be modified,
that has to be sort of managed a little different
and sometimes you just take the points. And there was
a while on that first half when I was looking
(26:29):
at our tour of my broadcast partner saying, hey, this
is an AFC North game. I hope Detroit knows it
because they're used to scoring thirty points. So it wasn't
the typical Lions game. It was an AFC North game.
The AFC North decamped on the Troy in the first
half and they hadn't noticed.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
But that was really good.
Speaker 7 (26:48):
I just think that the fourth down, the Steel City
shove works, the variations off it with the runs off
that scrum really are working.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
There was a lot of misdirection in this game.
Speaker 7 (27:02):
They've had it before, but maybe not as concentrated or
manner as they did.
Speaker 3 (27:07):
And then they threw to the middle of the field.
Speaker 7 (27:08):
Rogers had went seven of ten, all within fifteen yards
of the line of scrimmage. Nothing deep in the middle,
but at least seven out of ten passers were there.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
He held the ball for two point forty.
Speaker 7 (27:20):
Six seconds, So I think Rogers has reconciled himself to
knowing I just won't have the time. It's better for
me at my age anyway, it's working out for this team.
We're getting used to that, it's paying off. Let's just
keep doing this. So you see this level, there seems
to be no friction, No nobody sort of unsettled, nobody
(27:43):
questioning anything. It just this is the formula and they've
come to it and they're working on it now and
just making it better. And that's always a welcome sight.
Speaker 4 (27:55):
Yeah, it is, indeed, And you know, and as I
kind of just look at the ascension at the you know,
I feel like it's at the right time. I mean,
I would I would be hard pressed to kind of
say where who how many people if I pulled one
(28:18):
hundred people, how many people would have.
Speaker 5 (28:19):
Had us going into Detroit.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
Against that type of team offensively and defensively and having
the result that we had. I would be hard pressed
to find fifty well, you know, I say, I'd say
over forty five percent. I'd be hard pressed to have
fount that would have picked us over them. You know,
(28:44):
a team that's that's been one of these top power
pole teams, you know, the league's number one scoring offense,
and I don't know if they necessarily look at us
as a consistent offensive scoring team.
Speaker 5 (28:55):
They should now, But.
Speaker 4 (28:58):
I just I kind of look at just these moments
and it's so different from a year ago, the feeling
going into these games, the confidence that you have with
Aaron at the helm, but also just the way this
defense has responded to literally top running backs, Like what
six out of the last seven weeks, Alvaro, Right, I mean,
(29:23):
we've gone against literally the league's best running backs, and
it feel like after they play us, they drop a rung.
So you know, a couple of those might not have
been in top five, but when we face them, they
were easily top five, top three running backs. And the
defense has just been so surprising over the last couple
of years, just stout against the run and just really
(29:44):
being stingy with that when it was very tough early
in the season because we were getting run on all
the time, and so, you know, it's just been it's
crazy to see the difference a year makes, right, you
go from survival mode to now thrival mode.
Speaker 5 (30:00):
If that makes sense, I just made up.
Speaker 7 (30:02):
Yeah, I would just I would compare this game to
the Minnesota game in Dublin where they were down one
lineman and then early in the game Brian Allen came
out injured. They were down two offensive linemen. Detroit was
down the center and the left guard. Their center was
basically a rookie first start in the NFL, and so
(30:24):
you knew that they were not going to be as
effective as they normally would be, but not to the
tune of fifteen yards are all game. The other thing
that was interesting, and I'm not saying that this is
a better team without t J. Watten Nick Kerby, but
the replacements, meaning Heismith's was a starter and Jack Sawyer
on the other end, were exactly the kind of outside
(30:46):
linebackers you wanted against the run, and they tackled for
loss their way to prove that point.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
It was incredible. Seven tackles for loss.
Speaker 7 (30:55):
It's one thing to stop the running back from getting
chunk yardage, I think to stop them in the in
their backyard, that was impressive. And I think when you
have a healthy and rested Cam Hayward, Derek Harmon and
Keanu Benton in the middle, now where it's really impossible
(31:15):
to double team Keanu, which is the kind of the
quote weakest link of the three, that is a stout
front that really is going to give anybody trouble. I
don't care what team, it'll be tough to move those
guys and make them do what you want them to
do to get your yardage. And I also think, finally
(31:36):
that when you've had so many two hundred yard games
pasted on you, you know, two hundred yard rushing yards
per game, it just at some point start paying attention.
It's a matter of now, pride and dignity, and it's
whatever happens in this game that won't happen. And so
I think the entire team is very wired for that.
(31:56):
And finally, the second and third line of the fence
are doing their job. I think the the corners are tackling,
not always right, not always well, but they're they're willing.
And then the linebackers are getting a little deeper. They're
not just running into the gaps and getting washed away
with blocks. It's a beautiful thing. Now, going back to
(32:16):
that Warren run I took a look at it. It
was really quite beautiful. Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson sealed
Hutchinson and Williams to the outside. One little thing at
the last minute corner Hayward becomes a fullback and Anderson
puts his right arm back behind his back and points
(32:38):
to his left. He was selling Hayward and Warren, listen,
we're gonna seal that way. They're not saying run around
those to the left. No, no, we're sealing that way.
So in comes Hayward and he blocks none other than
Jack Campbell just completely out of the play. Then Fraser
McCormick combo to take out the remaining defensive tackle and
(33:02):
two linebackers.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
But the best block was the.
Speaker 7 (33:07):
Kaitlin metcalfs taking out a corner and a safety by himself,
by himself, and after one rent right by him and scored.
Speaker 3 (33:17):
The King was like.
Speaker 7 (33:18):
Cool, you know, I do this all the time. It
was like, I mean to see that guy that react
because he really made the difference. That would have not
been a touchdown after everybody else did their job. That
would have not been a touchdown without Metcalf blocking these
two single handedly. And then he was nonchalant about afterward, Yeah,
you know, another touchdown, another forty five yarder, Yeah, three
(33:42):
of them. Maybe, I think bat pat myyer is going
to take that video. It just kind of kind of
plaster takes pictures of it in his wall. That was
an incredibly high level execution by everybody, everybody, and it
worked beautifully to the point where Warren didn't get really touched.
Speaker 6 (33:59):
So Alva, what you're laying out sounds to me certainly
what I'm thinking, and I don't want to project my thoughts.
I'm gonna ask you the question. I feel like they're
playing their best football the season at a great time.
I feel like they know their identity you talk about,
you know, Rogers with a quick release, Rogers making decisions
at the line of scrimmage, the defensive line being healthy
(34:20):
and stopping to run better, all these things coming together.
It feels to me like this is the even after
with the four and one start, This is the best
football this Yearers have played all season, and hopefully all
the signs are pointing toward them continuing in the crescendo
as they get toward the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
Yes, and one last item, Absolutely, they know what you said.
One more item. I think Arthur Smith is beginning to
shorten the rotation. We talked about it on Tuesdays before that.
Part of his sort of strength is to keep the
other team guessing, and sometimes.
Speaker 3 (34:53):
You spread the wealth very widely.
Speaker 7 (34:56):
I think a game where ten people touch the ball
is a game Arthur's Smith pats himself them back and said,
out of boy, I did my job, not now, not now,
and not from now on.
Speaker 3 (35:07):
I think you have to sort of shorten rotations. And
he's done that.
Speaker 7 (35:10):
Interesting enough, Scotty Miller shows up, get makes a big
play and then Roger goes bike back at him a
couple more times. But generally speaking, they everybody knows their role.
Everybody's reconciled and happy to execute it. There's no questioning.
There's no sort of friction of any sort, which you
may have thought after Buffalo that could have.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
Been the issue. Not at all. They're settling down.
Speaker 7 (35:34):
I think Roger's injury gave everybody a sense of urgency, like,
oh boy, like we don't have any margin for error now,
so we got to execute. So we're seeing the result
of that, and it's a beautiful thing. And as you mentioned, Rob,
if you start, if you have a set of plays
that worked well, and you execute them well and it
gives you confidence, then you know run them again until
(35:58):
somebody stops you.
Speaker 3 (35:59):
So no, it's working out. And that that running play
by Warren, I.
Speaker 7 (36:04):
Know it's in the fourth quarter, and I know that
time and possession mattered against the the Troy defense. But
the execution, the the synchronization of that play was unbelievable,
really very very good. You know, put it up against
any team in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (36:19):
That's how good it was.
Speaker 6 (36:21):
That's what we want to hear. That's what we want
to hear for the students heading down the stretch. Alvarro,
look forward to seeing you in Cleveland this weekend. Merry
Christmas to you, my friend, thanks for being on withous.
Speaker 7 (36:31):
Merry Christmas and Carl chafters I was just joking about
that there will be Christmas this this week for.
Speaker 5 (36:35):
Sure, and Flie.
Speaker 3 (36:42):
There we go.
Speaker 5 (36:43):
Alvaro Marzi, the great.
Speaker 6 (36:48):
Spanish announcer and Maxim Be singing Felice novedad when we
come out of the break. Next when we continue in
the Locker Room presented by o Neighborhood Fords Tour in
the Students Pro Shop on Studars Nation Radio, a part
of the Steer There's Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (37:07):
This is in the Locker Room with King and Starks
on Steelers Nation Radio presented by your neighborhood Ford Store.
The F one fifty is the official truck of the
Pittsburgh Steelers and by Steelers Pro Shop. Get a direct
from the team at the Steelers Pro Shop at shop
dot Steelers dot.
Speaker 6 (37:26):
Com and welcome back inside the locker room as we
continue to get you ready for the game coming up
on Sunday and against the Cleveland Browns. And before we
do that, and we have Tuesday with Labs coming up
as well, it is time to go around the NFL
(37:48):
presented by your neighborhood Fords Show. The F one fifty
is the official truck of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So Max,
last night, you know, it kind of has felt inevitable
for the for the Colts.
Speaker 5 (38:03):
We've talked about this.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
For a while.
Speaker 6 (38:05):
It just seems like they're it's just not happening for them,
you know what I mean. And uh, last night they
gave it a game effort against the forty nine Ers,
but they come up short and they're pretty much well,
I think they are.
Speaker 5 (38:19):
Eliminated from the playoffs.
Speaker 6 (38:20):
So the playoff picture has become clear at least after
last night's game.
Speaker 5 (38:26):
So here's the situation.
Speaker 6 (38:28):
And and by the way, do you have any any
thoughts on the Colts and any thoughts on what's what's
happened with them or just that's that non we.
Speaker 2 (38:36):
Go Karrah, Yeah, that's right, that's right.
Speaker 4 (38:43):
Hey, listen, listen, I'm going to now I will say, hey, Phil,
appreciate the efforts, but appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (38:51):
You know.
Speaker 4 (38:51):
I love I love saying I love seeing the class
of four do great things. I didn't think there was
anybody left from the Class of four, but you showed
us that, you know, you can come back from the dead,
and hopefully you do not inspire anybody else to attempt that,
because I think the rest of us are the aar
P cards are are in the mail. So let's let's
not get let's not get a little a little over zealous.
Speaker 3 (39:13):
There.
Speaker 2 (39:14):
There was like one meme going around one time, and
I think.
Speaker 4 (39:18):
It was a reference to like Tom Brady showed the
Old Man and the old like it was like I
don't know if it was like a Turkey day game
or whatever, you know, but they were playing like the
two head touch.
Speaker 2 (39:29):
Of the old male was like running the ball. It
was like so slow and everybody had to run into
them and fall over.
Speaker 4 (39:35):
Like I mean, we're not going to that point, you
know what I'm saying, Like like let's just let's just stop.
But yeah, I mean this was one where the Colts
they just they ran, they ran into the buzz saw
at the wrong time. Like it's different if you would
have had a couple of these harder games at the
beginning of the season and you got through them, but
(39:55):
they had a gauntlet to end it. And then you
lose Daniel Jones, who'd been your leader the entire season,
and you know, you have a forty four year old quarterback.
Speaker 2 (40:06):
Has been retired for five years as a semi finalist
for the Pro.
Speaker 4 (40:11):
Football Hall of Fame that you brought back and you
expected to I mean, and he only had like three
days of practice, you know. So I'm happy for you know,
for Phil being able to go out there and perform
the way that he that he has. I can guarantee
you there's maybe a handful of human beings on this
planet that I would think could be able to do that,
(40:32):
and he was not in that handful, and he proved
me wrong. But you know, it's it's it's so monumentally
tough to come through that and to come and expect
to have to lead a team to a playoff push,
you know, in the last four weeks of the season
that that's that's pretty daunting for any human being.
Speaker 2 (40:55):
But I mean, the Colts do a lot.
Speaker 4 (40:56):
Of a uncharacteristic, unorthox things. I mean, hello, Jeff Saturday,
And where's Jeff Saturday been after that? Oh that's right,
I went right back to TV and and his high
school football coaching.
Speaker 2 (41:10):
But but you know, they did it, they thought outside
the box.
Speaker 4 (41:13):
Kudos to them, but uh, yeah, what you know, the
sound judgment isn't always there for the Colts.
Speaker 6 (41:19):
Yeah, you know, you kind of feel. I kind of
feel for the Colts because they were such a great story.
You know, they were such a great story and now
they're not a great story.
Speaker 2 (41:31):
Great nickname Indiana.
Speaker 5 (41:33):
Joe, Indiana Jones was the nickname of the year, you know. Yep.
So but you know that's the way it goes, right,
and you know, what are you gonna do? So, uh,
they're they're pretty much out there.
Speaker 6 (41:49):
They're still technically alive, but they're not alive, right, I mean,
they're eighty seven, and you just you can't like their chances.
So as we look at the AFC playoff picture, the
Patriots are in, the Bills are in, and the division
is still up for grabs. The Steelers and Ravens are
(42:11):
still battling for the AFC North. Jacksonville is in Houston
and the Colts are still battling. Houston can still win
the division and one of those teams can get into
the wildcard, and Denver and the Chargers are in as wildcards.
The Dolphins, Jets, Bengals, Browns, Titans, Chiefs, and Raiders are
(42:31):
all eliminated.
Speaker 2 (42:34):
Oh feels so good to hear most of those names
on that list.
Speaker 6 (42:38):
Yeah, yeah, no problems with that in the NFC meanwhow
because we're going around the NFL Eagles are in. Everybody
else in the NFC East has been eliminated. The Bears
are in. Everybody else in in that division dead gone gone,
Gonzo Gonzo, NFC.
Speaker 2 (43:01):
North, Hey, George Picketts, great season, great season.
Speaker 5 (43:04):
Yeah, I just want to give him a.
Speaker 2 (43:08):
Golf clap there for that one. Yeah, still didn't make
a difference.
Speaker 6 (43:12):
I'm gonna jump past the NFC North and go to
the NFC South because that is just simply down to
Carolina and Tampa Bay as to who's gonna win the division.
Tampa Bay has lost three games in a row. They
are just reeling heading down the stretch and they're gonna
be playing, so you know, again, they could be done
this week they're at Miami. But assuming they pull it
(43:35):
together and beat Miami. And by the way, they've lost too.
Here's what they've done since they were six and two
and came out of their by They lost to New England. Okay,
they lost to Buffalo. Okay, they lost to the Rams,
got spanked by the Rams. Okay, they squeaked past Arizona,
then lost to the Saints the Falcons in Carolina. In
other words, they're they're getting what they deserve. They've lost
(43:58):
six of their last seven game games. They're at Miami,
they take on Carolina, and so I can't say that
I have a a world of sympathy for them.
Speaker 3 (44:08):
You know.
Speaker 6 (44:10):
They they're they made their bed, they're lying in it,
and it's gonna come down. It would it would seem
to Carolina and Tampa Bay to see who goes to
the playoffs. NFC West, Seattle, San Francisco, and the Rams
are all in and Seattle and San Francisco are ahead
of the Rams, who I think might be the.
Speaker 5 (44:31):
Which is crazy football, which is right? I think the
Rams may be the best team in football. Yeah, no, no,
I'm not.
Speaker 4 (44:39):
Agreeing with that, but but crazy that Yeah, the Seahawks
in front of them, right, I mean, I'm like, I
get it. They won the head to head last week,
so it's like, okay, you know, you get but the
fact that they are the best team and they're like
the third best in their division right now, Yeah, Francisco
who is who is just completely I mean I forget
(45:04):
about San Francisco because their season has just been so
like kind of just under the radar.
Speaker 5 (45:11):
It really has been totally agree that we haven't.
Speaker 4 (45:13):
Really talked about them a whole lot. They haven't been
high in the in the in the in the power
pole at all, you know.
Speaker 2 (45:21):
And they just kept winning. They just kept winning these games.
Speaker 4 (45:24):
And the fact that they're in this position and like
you said, you get three NFC West is if you
are the Arizona Cardinals, what are you thinking right now?
Speaker 3 (45:33):
You know?
Speaker 2 (45:34):
Right, like, man, everybody else got a ticket except me.
Speaker 5 (45:38):
Right right, Yeah, they're they're well there's a reason right there,
there's your reason. The I mean there there there's a
very good reason. But yeah, it's still funny.
Speaker 6 (45:48):
Can you imagine two So if it holds up the
way it is right now, and a lot could change
the NFC is what a gauntlet. It's Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia,
Carolina or Tampa, San Francisco, the Rams and Green Bay
and that's probably who's gonna get in.
Speaker 3 (46:08):
Now.
Speaker 6 (46:08):
The order might change a little bit, but can you
imagine you're Philadelphia, you're the three seed, you get a
home game and you're getting the Rams.
Speaker 5 (46:19):
Again, that's gonna be again, right, and.
Speaker 4 (46:24):
It is a honked off Rams team because they should
have won last time, right, they get.
Speaker 5 (46:28):
They I mean they gave them.
Speaker 4 (46:30):
They gave the Philadelphia Eagles everything they wanted in more
last time they played them.
Speaker 5 (46:34):
Yeah, and now you got to rematchine them, and yeah,
you know you could. You could not win that game.
Speaker 6 (46:39):
And if the Steelers can get in there, it is
gonna be. It would be right now against the Chargers,
could be the Bills, could be the Texans. It really
looks like, you know, and again we were knocking on wood.
And if we're knocking on wood, you know that if
you're a Green Bay Packers fan, you're knocking on wood.
You know, if you're you know, a Texans team, you're
kno gonna fan, you're knocking on wood. But it sure
(47:02):
does seem like there's way more clarity as to who's
gonna get in the playoff picture after a or getting
the playoffs after a very very consequential week in the NFL.
We're gonna break down, by the way, some of the
power rankings. I think some of those are out, so
we'll see what does this Steelers team win mean. They've
won three in a row. They gonna get a little
(47:24):
more respect than ranked thirteenth and fourteenth. We're gonna let
you know, and we're gonna be talking to Bob Labriel
and X in the Locker Room, presented by our neighborhood
Ford Storing the Students Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio,
a part of the Steelers Audio Network.
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