December 12, 2025 • 45 mins
Missi Matthews joins at the top of the hour to share her thoughts on Monday night's matchup, and Max and Rob break down the key matchups to look for on Monday.
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
This is in the locker room with King and Starks
on Steelers Nation Radio, presented by your neighborhood Forward 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 (00:23):
All right, one last pass for optimists as he comes in,
as we come roaring into the power hour. That's right
hour number two here inside the locker room. You hear
the base, you hear the thump, and of course there's
only one that follows such a great intro, and that
(00:46):
is the third member of our triangle of broadcasting, and
that would be the one, the only sideline at anchor
extraordinaire for the Pittsburgh Steelers, our good friend Missy Matthews
aka Team Mom, and we are happy to have her
in the locker room as we always do every Friday.
How are we doing today, Missy.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
I'm doing great. The sun's out kind of sort of
here in Pittsburgh. It's a little cold. I'm like, you know,
mentally preparing for Monday.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
When it's also going to be cold, by the.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Way, Yes, colder, yeah, colder.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Yes, Colder Missy.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Obviously, the big news surrounding team I think going into
this game is the injury front, the guys dealing with concussions.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Are they going to be back?
Speaker 5 (01:36):
Kyle Dugger was back at practice, Will Derek Harmon be
able to play? And then yesterday you know, the news
about TJ. Watts sort of you know, coming front and center,
and so there's a lot of concerns, hopefully you know,
first of all about as Max said, TJ. Watt's health
is a human being, not as a football player, but
then all the other football injuries too. There's a lot
(01:57):
to sort through between now and Monday night.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Yeah, there really is. I think first and foremost everybody
is thinking about TJ Watt and hoping that this isn't
something you know, that he has to deal with long term,
just as a human being, as a person. I know
Alex high Smith spoke yesterday after practice after coach kind
of said, look, guys, you know he was experiencing some discomfort.
(02:22):
We sent him to the hospital. They're you know, checking
every single box possible, which is what you would want
to happen. And you know he was in contact with him,
he was comfortable and Alex said, you know, they're they're
keeping contact with him too, in terms of the players,
his teammates, his friends outside of the building. So I
think it's kind of a wait and see game there
(02:43):
in terms of what's what's the next step for him? Uh,
not even really thinking about Monday. And then I think
in terms of the other injuries. Of course, Derek Harmon
yesterday was you know, guys, his whole thing was, you know,
I barely missed time in college and I come here
my rookie year. I missed the beginning of the season.
Now this I'm very impatient. I just want to be
(03:06):
out there, but I also have to listen. So he
has that rookie mentality of like you're still being told
what to do all the time. Probably doesn't have as much,
you know, power to be like, no, I'm ready to go.
I want to push my limits. So hopefully, though, knowing
what Miami is bringing in terms of their offensive game
plan and what has made them successful the past four games,
(03:27):
Derek Carmon is a guy that you want to have
out there.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, no, I mean Derek Harmon is a big piece.
And when you think about just what the four game
win streak has meant for the Miami Dolphins. It's literally
been because of the run game. And we know that
the team is you know, at least one hundred yards
less giving when Derek Harmon is out there on the field.
(03:57):
So yeah, we're hoping for that. And like you saidj
being the other kind of big nugget here that we
have to continually watch over to wait to hear about
his status and how he's doing. Are you encouraged, missy,
because I mean, you know, Sunday it just seemed it
just seemed like the not the nogg And Bowl. You know,
(04:19):
it was like everybody was getting a concussion that was
leaving the game just about. But we got some promising
news having you know, having guys kind of come back
and and be ready for for this game. You know,
Darnold Washington trending in the right direction, Malie Harrison trending
in the right direction. You know, Brandon Echoles of course
(04:42):
came out, cleared, came back in and played. But Andre's
Pete being the only one of those four from Sunday,
uh coming back, you know, is good sign there, and
and some of the other injuries I think of note,
you know, guys, guys missing time like Kyle Dugar coming back.
Just kind of talk about the guys that were kind
of missed during the game but now trending in the
(05:05):
right I just say trending in the right direction, because
they're not fully available yet, but they are trending in
the right direction.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Yeah. I think in terms of the concussion guys, you know,
the protocol is what it is. That's not something you
can speed up. There are a lot of things that
have to be done for guys to return. I think
the good thing is that Malie Kerrison and Mount Washington
were limited yesterday, which means they were cleared to exert
some physical activity to see how they feel after that. Now,
(05:33):
Andreius Pete did not practice, And I also feel like
when you're you know, moving Dylan Cook up to the
active roster, not that they probably wouldn't have done that anyways,
but then adding another offensive lineman to your practice squad,
that position is just getting significantly thinner. So I'm sure
it was a preemptive move, but I also think that
(05:55):
it's probably that feels to me like it's going to
be Dylan Cook. But again, it was only one day
of practice yesterday. It's you know, a little wonky with
the Monday night game in an extra day of rest
slash practice for the team, and then I do think,
you know, Kyle Dugger, we kind of forgot that we
didn't have him, and I think it'll be great to
get him back there as well, because I think, you know,
(06:17):
not that they're peace mailing some of the defensive parts
this season, but it does feel like there's never a
game where everybody is healthy. Of course, you've lost Toshaun Elliott,
so it's not like you could say, you know, the
past few games, he's been out for a while, and
I think they felt that. But I think Kyle Dugar
for sure was playing great, especially with Jalen Ramsey, and
(06:39):
I think having him back would be great. He was
school yesterday, so we'll have to kind of keep an
eye on that. But then you know, that's good news.
But then you look at James Pierre and he didn't
practice yesterday with a CAF injury. So I think we
really really won't know until Saturday, just because we are
in week fifteen. You just played the Ravens, and you know, Max,
(07:00):
you've talked about what your body feels like after those
ones a little different, so We'll have to wait and
see what today brings and tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (07:10):
So missy one of the other factors in this game.
And you know, we don't know for sure about the injuries.
We do have a pretty good idea of the weather.
And uh so this is what the home press box
looks like. I stand in front of a glass end
portion this. The windows slides right to left. Max stands
(07:30):
to my right. Max may even go It's possible he
may go. Vest over the golf shirt. I don't know,
it's possible as arms are even covered.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
I'm my biggest week.
Speaker 5 (07:45):
Yeah, my biggest concern, or you know, are my toes
gonna get sweaty in this press box? Obviously you were
down in the elements. That is not your concern. But
the Dolphins in the elements, uh, not very good, you know.
They Tua has never won a game in this kind
(08:06):
of weather.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
He's zero and six.
Speaker 5 (08:08):
He had never won a game below forty six degrees,
and h pulled that off by beating the Jets. But
the Dolphins and Tampa Bay for years traditionally struggle when
they come to the the Northeast to play in minus
temperatures or low temperatures and it's gonna be it's supposed
to be in the teams, Missy, And you know, do
(08:31):
you sense that, and and Max could probably weigh in
this too, you sense that the players kind of embrace
that and feel like that's an edge for them going
against a Dolphins scene that just apparently doesn't want to
be in the cold.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
Yeah, I mean I do, And I feel like, you know,
there will probably probably be a Steelers player I think
last year as Broderick Jones, for like a really cool game,
you know, coming up for pregame warmups without a shirt on,
just to kind of, you know, set the tone of
like it's not that cold, We're good. But I do agree,
and even I was looking through on the Dolphins website
(09:06):
and found one of the other Beat reporters who said
that to take it even lower with the to a
weather stat that he has never won a game forty
degrees or colder. Said it was forty one against the Jets.
But of course, you know that's playing in like Buffalo
and Kansas City, Green Bay, but it is going to
(09:27):
be cold, not as cold as Max theor remember the
Christmas Eve game against the Raiders for the fiftieth anniversary
re of the immaculate reception. That was one where I mean,
like I had to physically go into a tunnel to
be able to take off a mitten, to be able
to change batteries on my mic, because you just you
(09:48):
literally could not let your skin touch that air. So
I do think it will be an advantage. And I
clearly you know, there's other people on the Dolphins team
who have played in cold weather, obviously ma being one
of them. He's spent enough time in Pittsburgh. But I
think for twa specifically, like you said, yesterday, Rob from
Hawaii played at Alabama, this is not his normal element,
(10:12):
per se.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
No, it is not his normal element. As a former
Sunshine Stater, I can concur with that that, you know,
the weather is not your friend when you're used to
about seventy degrees in breezy, you know this time of year,
maybe even high sixties. You know that's full windbreaker weather
(10:35):
for South Floridians. But Missy, you know, also turning to this,
you know four game win streak and to his numbers
just haven't been that great, right, you know, he's dropping
back maybe twenty times, maybe twenty three at the most
over this four game span, per game, just kind of
talk about how effective they've been with really running the
(10:56):
football and defense showing up even though it fell was
like felt like they had a lot of pieces missing
from you know, that side of the ball and felt
like everything was tilted towards the offensive side, you know.
Get ready for the season.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
Yeah, I mean, I think it's pretty remarkable when you
look at where the Dolphins were. I think they only
had two wins before they went on their four game streak, right, Yeah,
they're six and seven, so they you know, I feel
like Mike McDaniel's basically was like, Tua is not he's
hurting us more than helping us. Obviously they lost Tyreek Hill.
(11:33):
It almost just went completely to we're going to revamp
this offense and we're gonna lean on the ground game,
and we've seen what they've been able to do. Now,
Tua does have you know, tied for the most interceptions
in the league, but lately it's been because of the
least amount of times that he's had the balla like
you said, Max not turning it over as much, but
(11:53):
still is turnover prone. So I think that is definitely
a string for the Steelers defense. Who's still second in
the league and takeaways, So it's stopped the run first. Clearly.
When you are, you know, coming in and you have
one hundred and sixty plus rushing yards in each of
your last four games, you mean business. So I think,
(12:15):
knowing what the Steelers defense did last week clearly not
being able to stop the run as well as they
wanted to, and then you go back to the Bills game,
why wouldn't Miami do that, especially when you're on the road.
I am sure Monday is going to be absolutely insane
despite the weather Hall of Honor weekends with Joey Porter,
(12:35):
Ben Roethlisberger and Markue's pouncy, so, you know, needless to say,
it's going to be loud. And then on top of it,
when you just think about how they're kind of running things,
I think it makes sense for both sides. But hopefully
the Steelers defense can stop the run and you know,
(12:55):
force them into bad decisions.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
Yeah, you bring up a great point.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
You know, with Ireek Hill being out, it's almost like
the old saying that you know, necessity is the mother
of invention, right, you can't throw it anymore because because
you don't have Tyreek Hilse, you have to run it.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
Oh wait a minute, that actually works, you know.
Speaker 5 (13:13):
And and maybe maybe maybe invention can be the mother
of necessity here. Maybe this year is can invent reinvent
a running game. You know, we talk about this, Missy
in the matchup with Matt Williamson pretty much every week.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Let's run the football.
Speaker 5 (13:29):
You know, they've been able to win a couple of
games in which they've rushed for under forty yards or
the only team in the NFL that's been able.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
To do that. They've done it twice.
Speaker 5 (13:36):
But I would love to see you know, Andy Widel
came out last year before the preseason game, so omar
Con speaks at times to the media. Andy Widel talked
before a preseason game last year. I remember saying what
he said because he and O Mark Kahn are trying
to put together a specific kind of team, and that
(13:56):
kind of team is physical and this is the type
of game that you want that to pay off on
the defensive line. And hopefully Derek Harmon can play and
why a black can play. We know they have other
injuries there a Kuala louder Milk, they lost Dean Lowry
back in camp. It's not maybe what they Envision, but
(14:17):
they're dealing with some injuries. Hopefully Harmon can play. But
on the other side, boy, wouldn't you like to see
them mash the ball at the Dolphins and keep their
offense on the sideline, you know, shivering and huddling by
the space heaters and just taking all the joy out
of their experience in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Absolutely, and I think the offensive line needs one of
those you know, grounded pounds, just demolishing the opponent type games.
I can't remember which home game it was. We're just
the smile on Troy Patanu's face that you could see
through his helmet because they were just him and Mason
McCormick and Zach Freeger. They're just having so much fun
(14:57):
doing it. And I think it is December four football.
I'm not saying Aaron Rodgers isn't going to play as
well as he did last week in Baltimore, but again,
whether elements factor into it, it was not that bad
in Baltimore last week compared to what it is going
to be like on Monday. And I just think, you know,
Jalen Warren, Kenny Gamwell has become an integral part of
(15:18):
this offense. And if you can get Starnel Washington back,
I think that will be the key. If he's able
to clear concussion protocol and you know, be back on
the offense, that would be huge.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Yeah, And I think Missy, you know, just kind of
going in line with that with the offensive line and
just that prowess. You know, you've seen them take just
steps forward. And you know, we saw in Chicago the
one hundred and eighty six yard explosion right of offensive
run game. This Dolphins team, you know, has been better,
(15:53):
but they're still not great at it. You know, you
kind of look at just across the board at that
roster and and this is like one of these you
feel like it and with the weather being what it is,
you know, I said this, what was it? I want
to say it was year one on sidelines with you
that Detroit game, the one where Ben missed that game
(16:18):
kind of Friday before before once he got the COVID
diagnosis and we knew Mason were like, man, this is
a perfect game to run the ball. It's cold, it's miserable,
it's gonna be raining. I mean, it's not gonna be raining.
And then they aired it out like fifty times. So
I'm hoping that we're not wrong in that respect when
it comes down to it. But I mean you look
(16:39):
at the front of that of that Dolphins team, and
they have some pieces, but it's very young up front.
And this is a team that you know, rushing they're
giving up about almost better than one hundred and thirty
almost one hundred and thirty two yards. So I would
love to see that. And like you said, having Kenneth
Gamewell and Jay and Warren kind of in that backfield,
(17:03):
I mean, we've seen a little bit more Caleb Johnson.
I mean, do you feel he's gotten back in the
good graces with the coaches because we saw him in
that Baltimore game have a couple of rushes each half
and starting to work his way back into that lineup
and with that running back group.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Yeah, I really do. And it's interesting you bring that up.
Not that Arthur Smith is ever going to pull back
the curtain on that one, but I would love to know,
you know, the madness behind that method of when they're
inserting him. And sometimes it's even in Chicago you see
him for like a drive. But again, this is another
guy who clearly has played in the elements gets better
(17:44):
as he gets more reps. So maybe you know, we
see something different with those three guys in terms of
the run game on Monday night when the Dolphins come
to town. But I'm not opposed to more Caleb Johnson.
I think you know, he served his time. He's he's know,
kind of worked his way back, and it feels like
that game of the Special Team's blunder was forever ago.
(18:06):
I'm sure he thinks about it every single day, as
does Danny Smith. But in terms of the offense, maybe
we will see a little bit more of him on Monday.
Speaker 5 (18:15):
We shall see a long weekend to get through. At
least we have football to watch on Sunday and get
us ready for the game on Monday night and see
whether you know what additional importance I don't know if
you can have additional importance in a game like this,
but what additional ramifications a game as let's put it
that way. Missy, Thank you so much, hope you have
(18:38):
a wonderful weekend and bundle up.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
We look forward to talking on Monday.
Speaker 3 (18:42):
All right, sounds good, Thanks guys you too.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (18:46):
That is Missy Matthews and always great to have Missy
on on a Friday, getting ready for usually for Sunday,
but getting ready for Monday Night football. And coming up next,
we are going to dive into the key matchups in
this game. What is it going to take for the
Steelers to emerge victorious against the Miami Dolphins. Well, we
(19:06):
have Max starksure to tell you, which is kind of great.
In the locker room presented by your neighborhood Ford Store
and the Steelers Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio, a
part of the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (19:20):
This is in the locker room with King and Starks
on Steelers Nation Radio presented by your neighborhood Ford Store.
The f one point 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 5 (19:42):
And in the locker room here we have somebody who's
put on his reporter hat completely the pressed badge pencil
behind his ear, getting right to the heart of the matter,
getting the scoop for you. And that man is, of
course Max Starks with the latest on the Faith Wolfleet
(20:03):
Jim Wexel book signing event.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Max, that is correct, Kiger we have live and updated information.
That's right. Jim Wexel and of course Faith Wolfly, who
we had on our show in our number one. Make
sure you go back if you can. If you're listening
on podcasts format, you can go in this hour number
(20:26):
one and listen to the interview we had. But they
will be at a book signing on the twentieth of December,
so next week, and they will be at the Pizzazz
restaurant of Route nineteen in Mick Murray Saturday afternoon. More
information will come out on social media, so make sure
(20:46):
you check out. You know it'll be I'm sure Jim
will be posting it as well as Faith and they'll
also be posting it on Craig's page as well, so
make sure you do that. And of course let's not
forget the hashtag gadzooks.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Yeah we're talking good stuff.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
Yeah, you want to get that on social media as well.
Just any funny stories you got to share about the
book or about Craig Wolfley himself, share pictures, put the
hashtag gad zooks. The wolf Clan will be checking in
on that as well. But yeah, book signing twentieth next week.
Pazazz restaurant Route nineteen A. McMurray is the location and
(21:27):
time tbd. But we know this afternoon, so anytime after
twelve noon just kind of be on the lookout. So
want to get that update back to you.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
Rob, good stuff, Thank you, So Max, you know, I
think we want to get into I want to sort
of do the broad picture before we get into some
of the key matchups of the game and the keys
of the game. Of present of by our neighborhood Ford Store.
The F one fifty is the official truck of the
(21:55):
Pittsburgh Steelers. Big picture. Okay, Offense, Defaise, special teams. They've
got a very dangerous returnment in Malik Washington.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
D S.
Speaker 5 (22:04):
Gridge is a very good kick returner. So you know,
special teams. What are your what are your kind of
thoughts going into this game? And let's sort of break
down before we get into the specific players, some of
the big picture items that will be on the Stevens
checklist on Monday night.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
Offense, Defense, special teams.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Mmm, that's that's that's that's a great question. Let's see
here Offensively, Uh, to run or not to run? That
is the question. I think you kind of look at
you know where the run game is and what we
kind of need to do for that run game. And
(22:50):
you know, Kenneth Gainwell has been has been very very
good for us. I mean you you've kind of seen
Kenneth Gainwell over the last number of weeks, kind of
getting him his feet under him literally and getting a
couple more opportunities in Jalen. We're kind of outpacing Jalen
and some of those snaps, but I would love to
see that run game popping, especially with the weather conditions
(23:12):
as they are. This is a perfect game for physicality
and brutality. And I'm always going to emphasize running the
football because it just balances things out. I know Aaron
had a tremendous game, you know, this season with him
and finding the deep pass. I'm not I'm not discouraging that.
I still want to see the deep pass in our
(23:33):
game because I think we have the skill to do it,
to do it and unleash it. But that run game, man,
if I can just wear on these dudes, they're young
up front, you know, and you just want to try
and see if you can just flex your will on
the opposing defensive line with your offensive line group and
(23:53):
I know we have. We've had some shuffling at left tackle,
you know, getting guys prepared and guys having to step
into bigger rolls because other guys have gotten injured. But
the run game is just key for me to get
that started because we know the other side is gonna run,
so then that brings me to my defense.
Speaker 5 (24:11):
Let me ask you one real quick question here, Max.
Does the weather affect this at all? Is it harder
to breathe? Is it once you get going as a
you know, we see all these pictures right, you're gonna
see it, you know, the the We're gonna see the exhalation.
The breath is going to be in the air like
a fog coming out of guy's mouths.
Speaker 4 (24:29):
And we see, you know, we see the old NFL.
Speaker 5 (24:32):
Films things and the slow mos and the guys colliding
into line of scrimmage. Does it Does the weather affect
the running game on all those issues? I mean, does
it does it get you heat it up? Does it
get your body going? Does it discourage the other guy
and and have him worried about how cold his toes
are whatever instead of worrying about his job. Does the
(24:52):
weather affect the running game? And your desire to run
the game at all.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
Uh yeah, yeah, I think it does. I mean when
it's colder weather, the ball flight is a little less.
You know, with that kind of cold, it constrict the ball,
so the ball becomes a little bit harder. And you know,
it's it's always better to be able. It's better contact
points when you can take the ball from a center
(25:20):
from under center right, exchange, exchange, and then pass the
ball off to a running back right. That's the most
secure way of doing Yes, I know we have a
lot of toss in there, and I'm not saying that
the toss isn't isn't great as well, but putting that
ball from one hand transferring it to another person with
(25:41):
two hands on top of the bottom of the ball,
kind of fitting it in that bread basket area is
the safest way of securing the ball because when the
weather is cold, right, the joints do get colder. And
what's the first thing to go? Toes and fingers? Toes
and fingers, The first thing is to go every single time,
rob And no better way to make sure that guys
are getting the right confidence as this game unfolds is
(26:06):
being able to run that ball and be able to
hand that ball off. There's gonna be opportunities to pass it.
I mean, you know, we'll see what the wind is
like in the stadium. We know it can always change,
and in that stadium it could swirl one way and
swirl the neck the other way the next and you know,
we've seen a couple of times where you know, when
Aaron was attempting a deep ball just died in the air, right,
(26:27):
So the wind can always play a part in it.
But that's something that you don't you don't get to
really preview until it's game day because you just you
never know, and you know, so I think the air
game is still very viable. It's just the balance that
a run game brings. And that's why I kind of
I think I emphasize that because as an offensive lineman,
you always want to go forward. You always want to
(26:49):
go forward, and you know you'll see the breath and
it'll be cold and everything else. But at the end
of the day, still football. I mean, I played in
some crappy way other games. Missy mentioned it about the
the Franco throwback game for the Immaculate Reception anniversary and
just how bitterly cold it was that was one that
(27:10):
was in the that was in the negatives. And you
remember that rob uh as one. As you know, when
you're in that cold where it's too cold to snow
because everything is frozen, not freezing, frozen, it just presents
a whole different set of problems. I don't think it's
going to be that bad, but at the same time,
you have to prepare accordingly. And then also the ground
(27:33):
because you're used to more you know, to get in
the ground wet and and you and you know to
keep the roots and everything. But when it's cold, I mean,
you freeze that out and then that that that once
softer environment becomes becomes like a parking lot concrete jungle,
you know, and it's like you're just you're trying to
break through the surface with your cleats, and you know,
(27:56):
and as a guy who had who had seven stud
cleats back in the day when I played, which means
you actually have screw in bottoms, not the mold is
that you see, guys, where now the lighter, faster, quicker ones,
but the nubs are pre done. So the advantage of
what I had with the studs was that I could
actually increase the length or shorten the length depending on
how the field conditions were, and then have to take
(28:17):
a shoe off and put a brand new shoe on.
So you know, those are things that you take care
of pregame, but when it comes game time, it's about
I would rather be going forward more often than retreating
back in a pass protection position. So that's why you
always want to have that forward, aggressive approach of being
able to establish and continually run the football.
Speaker 5 (28:38):
And I just wanted to ask one more question about
the weather, because we talked about this a little bit,
but in case people again haven't been listening all week long.
You're from Florida, right, and I know you vacationed up
in the Northeast, but you know, I was talking about
how yesterday, you know, because yes, it's gotten colder, but
it hasn't you know, it was pretty warm until recently, right,
(29:01):
And then yesterday was just one of those days. It
just everybody I talked to felt the same way. It
just felt cold mid twenties, but it felt colder than that.
And that's that's living in the Northeast. I've got to
imagine the biggest adjustment is just the shock of the
cold that you're going from seventy degrees to eighteen. You know,
(29:24):
think about how you feel as a human being, like
yesterday's twenty four degree day, feeling like it.
Speaker 4 (29:30):
Was, you know, zero degrees?
Speaker 5 (29:32):
Is that the biggest So when you came up here,
you had the you know, you can't you were up
on the trobe in the summer it was hot and humid,
and then gradually it got colder. Does that acclamation process
make it easier to adjust to the cold?
Speaker 4 (29:46):
Is it is? The not? Is the lack of an
acclamation period what makes.
Speaker 5 (29:50):
It tougher for teams from Florida to come up to
the Northeast to play in cold weather.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
I think it does.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
I think it does. Just like you said, it's a shock,
and you can't mimic it, right Like a cold weather
team can mimic warm weather, but a hot But a
hot weather team cannot mimic freezing weather because it's just
it's not possible to get it cold. Unless you go
on an ice skating rink and practice. You're not going
to get the requisite cold enough because none of the
(30:18):
facilities are insulated like that that they can get a
temperature down, especially a huge, open, wide space, you know,
like like an indoor field practice facility or anything. You
can't really mimic that and that, and that's where the
biggest thing comes into the acclamation and just familiarity with it. Yeah,
you could say, oh, yeah, well I played in it before,
(30:40):
but there's something about that first time, you know. It's
that first time is just unkind. Like you said, you
go and you breathe in and cold air the first time,
and it feels like you're swallowing razor blades. You know,
it's just it's just ripped straight through you. But if
you've been practicing in it like the Steelers have, you
(31:00):
would like to say, okay, we're good like nothing, there's
nothing else they could throw at us. But for those
warm weather teams, you know, you're always going to be wondering,
am I fully prepared for this? Am I ready for
what this weather is going to be? And yeah, you
can probably get a semblance of it when you pull
(31:20):
up on the buses to the stadium, but literally it's
still game day and that's a couple of hours before
things really kick off at Earn and I said, yeah,
you can go warm up outside and try and get
used to what the weather limitations are. But a lot
of these guys, as you could tell, you know, aren't
up to that task. They're not willing to do that
(31:41):
extra work that's that's involved to get ready for those
type of environments. And like I said, the first time
is always the roughest time, no matter how many years
you've been in the league. I can tell you the
first time it hits that snow game and you just
or that or that cold weather game and you're just like,
oh my god, this is this is ridiculous. Okay, I
need to sit on the sideline that's closest to the heater.
(32:04):
Then you know, got to make sure that everything else
is in line. And you know, I also look at
for the weather, you know, that warmth in those moments
on the sidelines, like those are the things that really
propel you, you know, And I think now you've got
(32:24):
more universal standards with it, you know. But all sides
have heated benches, all all of them, like those turbojet
engine heaters on either corner. But it's still man when
you get out there on the field, it's it's a
whole different mind versus matter type of situation. You've got
to mentally block out everything to make sure that you're
locked and loaded and ready to play sixty minutes of football.
Speaker 4 (32:47):
Yep, for sure.
Speaker 5 (32:49):
And I think you know, we're kind of saving the
one that's got everybody probably most concerned for last, and
that is how U curb this Dolphins running game that
has just been explosive, averaging just under two hundred yards
on the ground per game during this four game winning streak. Well,
(33:11):
Max is gonna get to that in a moment. First,
we want to remind you again if you're going to
the game, bundle up man, gear up with the latest
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(33:35):
or gear up online at shop dot Steelers dot com.
Get it direct from the team at Steerers Pro Shop
at shop dot Steelers dot com and we will be
back in the Locker Room, presented by your neighborhood Ford
Store and the Steerers Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio,
part of the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (33:56):
This he is in the locker room with King and
Stars on Steelers Nation Radio, presented by your neighborhood Forward Store.
Speaker 2 (34:04):
The F one fifty is the.
Speaker 1 (34:06):
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 5 (34:23):
Well well, well, well, well, well, Max said it.
Speaker 2 (34:28):
It is that.
Speaker 1 (34:30):
Act.
Speaker 4 (34:33):
It is the bill.
Speaker 2 (34:39):
That's right. Earlier literaory system engaged on this Friday afternoon,
and we are not seeking comfort. We're running straight into
the fire come Monday night football and I know an
extended day. You know, we don't have a game on Sunday.
We will be we will be active, active watchers and
quote unquote cheerleaders for those other teams playing on Sunday.
(34:59):
We will do our best on Monday. So, like you said, Rob,
no show on Monday because this game day for us.
But we'll be back at you Live on Tuesday. And
it's been it's been a great show so far. We
had Faith Wolfy on to talk about, of course Craig's
book If these Walls could talk story for the Pittsburgh
Steelers locker room Sideline, you know, and and you know
(35:23):
they're book signing on the twentieth with Jim Wexel and
Faith Wolfley down the Pizazz Restaurant and mc murray on
Route nineteen and Saturday afternoon. But you know, I kind
of look at this, and you know this, I'm gonna channel,
you know, some energy. Now I'm feeling like, you know what,
I'm in troll mode, rob And so now I have
(35:46):
to do something that would be unique to like Miami
in South Florida for my food choice today. So I
think I.
Speaker 4 (35:54):
Think we are like trolling, like in the cyber trolling.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
Okay, cybertrolling, Thank you, Cybertrolling. Yes, so I think I'm
gonna go do a Cuban sandwich today. Okay, nice little
panini press action.
Speaker 4 (36:11):
Don't you know.
Speaker 5 (36:13):
It's it's not my favorite the pickles on it, it's
not my favorite.
Speaker 2 (36:19):
Do you not like warmed up pickles? Is that why?
Because you knows? I don't know what it is.
Speaker 5 (36:25):
It's and it's funny because I like everything involved in it.
It's a little like mayonnaise. There's nothing in mayonnaise that
I don't like. I love all the ingredients but you
mix it together and I just can't eat mayonnaise and
uh at the Cuban night.
Speaker 4 (36:40):
I don't feel that that level of revulsion with the
Cuban sandwich.
Speaker 5 (36:43):
But something about the pickles, just the warm pickles, just
it doesn't do it for.
Speaker 4 (36:49):
Me, Max.
Speaker 2 (36:50):
I mean they're a little bit more like.
Speaker 4 (36:52):
Pickles on the size. I like them on the side.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
Yeah, nothing wrong with that, you know, get like a
little kosher dill spear on the side, you know, nothing
wrong with that. But so you enjoyed that obviously, Yeah,
I mean, well, I enjoy the Cuban sandwich. I mean
the pickles just there as as like an intermission, you know,
in between the the pork and cheesy goodness and and
then just that crusty bread that gets pressed down in
(37:16):
the Panini style. So so yeah, so yeah, And I
got an Italian deli out here that does a great job,
does a great job.
Speaker 4 (37:26):
It's ham and cheese.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
So it's usually Swiss. It's usually Swiss. I opt. I
still take the Swiss, but I have prov along because
I don't want it to be like too overly cheesy,
like with a cheddar or something like that. So I
use a prov alonge because that's kind of a little
bit milder than the Swiss. The Swiss could be a
little bit, you know, kind of pungent at times. It's
(37:48):
not my favorite of the cheese family.
Speaker 5 (37:51):
So yeah, so by the way, sign me up for
Cuban coffeehot. So I take my I drink coffee black.
But you get those little express of things and they
just dump sugar in the hole. Now, just thinking about it,
those are good.
Speaker 2 (38:10):
Cuban coffee is good stuff. I do like a cafe.
You know, it's just a coffee with milk, so you know,
you just you ask for a fancy and then all
of a sudden it becomes a Miami thing, even though
it's probably more Caribbean than anything else. But yeah, now
it's that. I mean, I would look for like like
other Cuban dishes, like co grease or some pill but
(38:33):
I'm not going to uh, I'm not, I'm not. There's
there's there's a Dominican place here, but we don't. We
don't really have Cuban spots. So the Cuban sandwich is
ri what do you got it? The Dominican place? Oh,
they got the you got like mofongo. You've got, You've got,
You've got like the mohosteak, the mojo creole sauce like
(38:54):
it's a it's a like a vinegar type of marinae
that they do the meat in and then you you
cook the meat. So there there is like some of
those type of things kettle you know, the kettle style
like carnita style pork and the panel. But the congrease
is uh is moros is uh. It's the black beans
(39:14):
and rice mixed together, so you get kind of the
texture and it kind of comes out like gray because
the rice is absorced of the black bean sauce and
it's it's absolutely magical. So you can go impanadas. So
I have to.
Speaker 5 (39:31):
It's a little so my family's descending upon us here
in Bradford Woods, and so there will be uh food
and revelry in the in the king household here in Pittsburgh,
and uh, I guess I have to.
Speaker 4 (39:45):
So what I have to do is I have to
kind of coast through the day.
Speaker 5 (39:49):
You don't want to under eat because then if you
under eat, then whatever appetizers you have, you fill up
on those and you're like, man, did everything overload? Yeah,
they just fill upon appetizers when I got beef tenderline
waiting for me. So I have to I have to
figure out how to kind of you know, ride this
through that overa but also not not being too hungry.
(40:11):
So I gotta I have to walk the line, which
I'm not usually typically very good at. So Max, to me,
if I'm looking at this game, yes, you got to
be able to do something offensively hopefully keep something going.
I would love to see a better mix, uh, the
running game being more of a component. You know, give
(40:33):
me one hundred and twenty. I'm not asking for one ninety.
I'll take it. Give me one twenty on the ground,
one one twenty five, and then you know, give me
two hundred through the air, and and and let's see.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
What I'm hearing.
Speaker 4 (40:47):
Yes, yes, let's get a solid mix. You know, let's
get a solid mixed gallon.
Speaker 5 (40:52):
That's a balance that we feel good about with this
team moving forward. We've seen so many wild fluctuations on
this team in so many different statistical categories. It's really
it's really been a strange years. As I've said many times,
but defensively, to me, it is just you better stop
(41:12):
h chan and they will do a lot of funky formations.
They lead the league in pre snap movement, you know,
motions and that sort of thing. They're trying to confuse you.
We know that the students. There's been talks talk about
confusion and communication issues out there, got some guys maybe
(41:34):
coming back healthy. Is that Is that going to help
or hurt the communication process? Regardless, you've got to communicate
and you've got to stop eight chan in that running game.
To me, it is the number one item on the
to do list. I don't know if you agree with me, Max,
but for me, that is my number one matchup is
stop h Chan. Stop this Dolphins running game that has
(41:56):
averaged one hundred and ninety two yards a game. Over
one hundred and ninety two yards a game during their
four game winning streak. By the way, that's forty more
than the leading team in the NFL average on the ground.
So just just to go, they are twenty five percent
better than the best running team in the league over
(42:16):
the last four weeks.
Speaker 2 (42:20):
Yeah, I completely agree. You know, you look at Dave
on a Chane. You know he had seven rushes last game,
ninety two yards on seven rushes before he went out
of that game. Thirteen point one yards a touch had
a touchdown, had to catch for thirteen yards before he
went out. Then Jalen Wright finished it off twenty four
rushes for one hundred and seven yards in a touchdown.
(42:43):
So just kind of putting it in perspective here that
last game against the Jets, you know, he he had
a ton of yards. Even Ali Gordon got in on
the action just to kind of stave off, you know,
what was missing with a Chane in those ribs. But
Tua only one pass attempts, twenty one pass attempts, one
(43:03):
hundred and twenty seven yards at one touchdown. So put
the ball into his hand, and I think that's what
it kind of it kind of goes back to that
Colts philosophy that that that that was installed was that
force the ball out of Jonathan Taylor's hands and put
it into Daniel Jones has and have the quarterback win
this game for you. And I think that's where you
(43:23):
have to kind of live because that's where they're at
weakest offensively right now. And Tua in decision making, like
you know, he over this win streak, he hasn't been fantastic,
but he also hasn't given the ball away. And this
guy is tied for the league lead in interceptions, So
why not have that guy throwing the football if he's
leading the league with tied for leading the league with
(43:44):
Geno Smith, who we know has has just had his
struggles with Las Vegas, why not take Why not take
him to the deep end as well? It got benched
for it, so why not take him to the deep end.
And let's see what Tua can do in the air
in this less than desirable environment. So I'm right there
with you. Stop the run and run the football and
(44:06):
put this team in a pickle in this cold weather.
And listen, I can tell you the longer the offense drives,
the colder that defense sitting on the sidelines is getting,
you know, is getting repped up on our end, But
that offense is getting cold and trying to figure out
a rhythm. And that just bodes well for defenses. You know,
(44:27):
on our side, if we could possess that football and
just churn the clock out, but also stop their run
and force them into the air. Third and long situations
are going to be key in this game. And putting
them in more of those than us, and I think
that's a recipe for success.
Speaker 5 (44:43):
There's a reason that Max Starks is the best in
the business. You'll subtly note that he went from Cuban
sandwich to putting the Dolphins in a pickle, and nobody
else gots right.
Speaker 3 (44:53):
Max.
Speaker 5 (44:54):
Only you safe travels and you got college football on Saturday,
NFL football on Sunday, NFL football on Monday.
Speaker 2 (45:03):
Ay. It is a football pack weekend. You you said
it correctly, Kinger winning that way. When the weather outside
is frightening, you know you can always warm up and
feel some excitement by standing in front of the tube
and watching some good old football. We'll have it coming
at you live all three days this weekend.
Speaker 4 (45:21):
You can you can count on me being there, my friend.
Speaker 5 (45:23):
There's some big games coming up on Sunday, in a
huge game coming up on Monday. Our thanks to Faith
Wolflly for joining us to talk about Craig's book that
Jim Craig and Jim Wetxell put together. Also are thanks
to Missy Matthews four Justin Miller at the Controls in
our iHeart Studio for Max Starks, who has gotten to
(45:44):
enjoy about seven hours at home and now back out
of the road again. See you Monday night, my friend,
I'm Rob King. We thank you for being with us
in the Locker Room, presented by our neighborhood Ford store
in the steel Its 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 Forward 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 (00:23):
All right, one last pass for optimists as he comes in,
as we come roaring into the power hour. That's right
hour number two here inside the locker room. You hear
the base, you hear the thump, and of course there's
only one that follows such a great intro, and that
(00:46):
is the third member of our triangle of broadcasting, and
that would be the one, the only sideline at anchor
extraordinaire for the Pittsburgh Steelers, our good friend Missy Matthews
aka Team Mom, and we are happy to have her
in the locker room as we always do every Friday.
How are we doing today, Missy.
Speaker 3 (01:08):
I'm doing great. The sun's out kind of sort of
here in Pittsburgh. It's a little cold. I'm like, you know,
mentally preparing for Monday.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
When it's also going to be cold, by the.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
Way, Yes, colder, yeah, colder.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Yes, Colder Missy.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Obviously, the big news surrounding team I think going into
this game is the injury front, the guys dealing with concussions.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Are they going to be back?
Speaker 5 (01:36):
Kyle Dugger was back at practice, Will Derek Harmon be
able to play? And then yesterday you know, the news
about TJ. Watts sort of you know, coming front and center,
and so there's a lot of concerns, hopefully you know,
first of all about as Max said, TJ. Watt's health
is a human being, not as a football player, but
then all the other football injuries too. There's a lot
(01:57):
to sort through between now and Monday night.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Yeah, there really is. I think first and foremost everybody
is thinking about TJ Watt and hoping that this isn't
something you know, that he has to deal with long term,
just as a human being, as a person. I know
Alex high Smith spoke yesterday after practice after coach kind
of said, look, guys, you know he was experiencing some discomfort.
(02:22):
We sent him to the hospital. They're you know, checking
every single box possible, which is what you would want
to happen. And you know he was in contact with him,
he was comfortable and Alex said, you know, they're they're
keeping contact with him too, in terms of the players,
his teammates, his friends outside of the building. So I
think it's kind of a wait and see game there
(02:43):
in terms of what's what's the next step for him? Uh,
not even really thinking about Monday. And then I think
in terms of the other injuries. Of course, Derek Harmon
yesterday was you know, guys, his whole thing was, you know,
I barely missed time in college and I come here
my rookie year. I missed the beginning of the season.
Now this I'm very impatient. I just want to be
(03:06):
out there, but I also have to listen. So he
has that rookie mentality of like you're still being told
what to do all the time. Probably doesn't have as much,
you know, power to be like, no, I'm ready to go.
I want to push my limits. So hopefully, though, knowing
what Miami is bringing in terms of their offensive game
plan and what has made them successful the past four games,
(03:27):
Derek Carmon is a guy that you want to have
out there.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Yeah, no, I mean Derek Harmon is a big piece.
And when you think about just what the four game
win streak has meant for the Miami Dolphins. It's literally
been because of the run game. And we know that
the team is you know, at least one hundred yards
less giving when Derek Harmon is out there on the field.
(03:57):
So yeah, we're hoping for that. And like you saidj
being the other kind of big nugget here that we
have to continually watch over to wait to hear about
his status and how he's doing. Are you encouraged, missy,
because I mean, you know, Sunday it just seemed it
just seemed like the not the nogg And Bowl. You know,
(04:19):
it was like everybody was getting a concussion that was
leaving the game just about. But we got some promising
news having you know, having guys kind of come back
and and be ready for for this game. You know,
Darnold Washington trending in the right direction, Malie Harrison trending
in the right direction. You know, Brandon Echoles of course
(04:42):
came out, cleared, came back in and played. But Andre's
Pete being the only one of those four from Sunday,
uh coming back, you know, is good sign there, and
and some of the other injuries I think of note,
you know, guys, guys missing time like Kyle Dugar coming back.
Just kind of talk about the guys that were kind
of missed during the game but now trending in the
(05:05):
right I just say trending in the right direction, because
they're not fully available yet, but they are trending in
the right direction.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Yeah. I think in terms of the concussion guys, you know,
the protocol is what it is. That's not something you
can speed up. There are a lot of things that
have to be done for guys to return. I think
the good thing is that Malie Kerrison and Mount Washington
were limited yesterday, which means they were cleared to exert
some physical activity to see how they feel after that. Now,
(05:33):
Andreius Pete did not practice, And I also feel like
when you're you know, moving Dylan Cook up to the
active roster, not that they probably wouldn't have done that anyways,
but then adding another offensive lineman to your practice squad,
that position is just getting significantly thinner. So I'm sure
it was a preemptive move, but I also think that
(05:55):
it's probably that feels to me like it's going to
be Dylan Cook. But again, it was only one day
of practice yesterday. It's you know, a little wonky with
the Monday night game in an extra day of rest
slash practice for the team, and then I do think,
you know, Kyle Dugger, we kind of forgot that we
didn't have him, and I think it'll be great to
get him back there as well, because I think, you know,
(06:17):
not that they're peace mailing some of the defensive parts
this season, but it does feel like there's never a
game where everybody is healthy. Of course, you've lost Toshaun Elliott,
so it's not like you could say, you know, the
past few games, he's been out for a while, and
I think they felt that. But I think Kyle Dugar
for sure was playing great, especially with Jalen Ramsey, and
(06:39):
I think having him back would be great. He was
school yesterday, so we'll have to kind of keep an
eye on that. But then you know, that's good news.
But then you look at James Pierre and he didn't
practice yesterday with a CAF injury. So I think we
really really won't know until Saturday, just because we are
in week fifteen. You just played the Ravens, and you know, Max,
(07:00):
you've talked about what your body feels like after those
ones a little different, so We'll have to wait and
see what today brings and tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (07:10):
So missy one of the other factors in this game.
And you know, we don't know for sure about the injuries.
We do have a pretty good idea of the weather.
And uh so this is what the home press box
looks like. I stand in front of a glass end
portion this. The windows slides right to left. Max stands
(07:30):
to my right. Max may even go It's possible he
may go. Vest over the golf shirt. I don't know,
it's possible as arms are even covered.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
I'm my biggest week.
Speaker 5 (07:45):
Yeah, my biggest concern, or you know, are my toes
gonna get sweaty in this press box? Obviously you were
down in the elements. That is not your concern. But
the Dolphins in the elements, uh, not very good, you know.
They Tua has never won a game in this kind
(08:06):
of weather.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
He's zero and six.
Speaker 5 (08:08):
He had never won a game below forty six degrees,
and h pulled that off by beating the Jets. But
the Dolphins and Tampa Bay for years traditionally struggle when
they come to the the Northeast to play in minus
temperatures or low temperatures and it's gonna be it's supposed
to be in the teams, Missy, And you know, do
(08:31):
you sense that, and and Max could probably weigh in
this too, you sense that the players kind of embrace
that and feel like that's an edge for them going
against a Dolphins scene that just apparently doesn't want to
be in the cold.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
Yeah, I mean I do, And I feel like, you know,
there will probably probably be a Steelers player I think
last year as Broderick Jones, for like a really cool game,
you know, coming up for pregame warmups without a shirt on,
just to kind of, you know, set the tone of
like it's not that cold, We're good. But I do agree,
and even I was looking through on the Dolphins website
(09:06):
and found one of the other Beat reporters who said
that to take it even lower with the to a
weather stat that he has never won a game forty
degrees or colder. Said it was forty one against the Jets.
But of course, you know that's playing in like Buffalo
and Kansas City, Green Bay, but it is going to
(09:27):
be cold, not as cold as Max theor remember the
Christmas Eve game against the Raiders for the fiftieth anniversary
re of the immaculate reception. That was one where I mean,
like I had to physically go into a tunnel to
be able to take off a mitten, to be able
to change batteries on my mic, because you just you
(09:48):
literally could not let your skin touch that air. So
I do think it will be an advantage. And I
clearly you know, there's other people on the Dolphins team
who have played in cold weather, obviously ma being one
of them. He's spent enough time in Pittsburgh. But I
think for twa specifically, like you said, yesterday, Rob from
Hawaii played at Alabama, this is not his normal element,
(10:12):
per se.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
No, it is not his normal element. As a former
Sunshine Stater, I can concur with that that, you know,
the weather is not your friend when you're used to
about seventy degrees in breezy, you know this time of year,
maybe even high sixties. You know that's full windbreaker weather
(10:35):
for South Floridians. But Missy, you know, also turning to this,
you know four game win streak and to his numbers
just haven't been that great, right, you know, he's dropping
back maybe twenty times, maybe twenty three at the most
over this four game span, per game, just kind of
talk about how effective they've been with really running the
(10:56):
football and defense showing up even though it fell was
like felt like they had a lot of pieces missing
from you know, that side of the ball and felt
like everything was tilted towards the offensive side, you know.
Get ready for the season.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
Yeah, I mean, I think it's pretty remarkable when you
look at where the Dolphins were. I think they only
had two wins before they went on their four game streak, right, Yeah,
they're six and seven, so they you know, I feel
like Mike McDaniel's basically was like, Tua is not he's
hurting us more than helping us. Obviously they lost Tyreek Hill.
(11:33):
It almost just went completely to we're going to revamp
this offense and we're gonna lean on the ground game,
and we've seen what they've been able to do. Now,
Tua does have you know, tied for the most interceptions
in the league, but lately it's been because of the
least amount of times that he's had the balla like
you said, Max not turning it over as much, but
(11:53):
still is turnover prone. So I think that is definitely
a string for the Steelers defense. Who's still second in
the league and takeaways, So it's stopped the run first. Clearly.
When you are, you know, coming in and you have
one hundred and sixty plus rushing yards in each of
your last four games, you mean business. So I think,
(12:15):
knowing what the Steelers defense did last week clearly not
being able to stop the run as well as they
wanted to, and then you go back to the Bills game,
why wouldn't Miami do that, especially when you're on the road.
I am sure Monday is going to be absolutely insane
despite the weather Hall of Honor weekends with Joey Porter,
(12:35):
Ben Roethlisberger and Markue's pouncy, so, you know, needless to say,
it's going to be loud. And then on top of it,
when you just think about how they're kind of running things,
I think it makes sense for both sides. But hopefully
the Steelers defense can stop the run and you know,
(12:55):
force them into bad decisions.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
Yeah, you bring up a great point.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
You know, with Ireek Hill being out, it's almost like
the old saying that you know, necessity is the mother
of invention, right, you can't throw it anymore because because
you don't have Tyreek Hilse, you have to run it.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
Oh wait a minute, that actually works, you know.
Speaker 5 (13:13):
And and maybe maybe maybe invention can be the mother
of necessity here. Maybe this year is can invent reinvent
a running game. You know, we talk about this, Missy
in the matchup with Matt Williamson pretty much every week.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Let's run the football.
Speaker 5 (13:29):
You know, they've been able to win a couple of
games in which they've rushed for under forty yards or
the only team in the NFL that's been able.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
To do that. They've done it twice.
Speaker 5 (13:36):
But I would love to see you know, Andy Widel
came out last year before the preseason game, so omar
Con speaks at times to the media. Andy Widel talked
before a preseason game last year. I remember saying what
he said because he and O Mark Kahn are trying
to put together a specific kind of team, and that
(13:56):
kind of team is physical and this is the type
of game that you want that to pay off on
the defensive line. And hopefully Derek Harmon can play and
why a black can play. We know they have other
injuries there a Kuala louder Milk, they lost Dean Lowry
back in camp. It's not maybe what they Envision, but
(14:17):
they're dealing with some injuries. Hopefully Harmon can play. But
on the other side, boy, wouldn't you like to see
them mash the ball at the Dolphins and keep their
offense on the sideline, you know, shivering and huddling by
the space heaters and just taking all the joy out
of their experience in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Absolutely, and I think the offensive line needs one of
those you know, grounded pounds, just demolishing the opponent type games.
I can't remember which home game it was. We're just
the smile on Troy Patanu's face that you could see
through his helmet because they were just him and Mason
McCormick and Zach Freeger. They're just having so much fun
(14:57):
doing it. And I think it is December four football.
I'm not saying Aaron Rodgers isn't going to play as
well as he did last week in Baltimore, but again,
whether elements factor into it, it was not that bad
in Baltimore last week compared to what it is going
to be like on Monday. And I just think, you know,
Jalen Warren, Kenny Gamwell has become an integral part of
(15:18):
this offense. And if you can get Starnel Washington back,
I think that will be the key. If he's able
to clear concussion protocol and you know, be back on
the offense, that would be huge.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Yeah, And I think Missy, you know, just kind of
going in line with that with the offensive line and
just that prowess. You know, you've seen them take just
steps forward. And you know, we saw in Chicago the
one hundred and eighty six yard explosion right of offensive
run game. This Dolphins team, you know, has been better,
(15:53):
but they're still not great at it. You know, you
kind of look at just across the board at that
roster and and this is like one of these you
feel like it and with the weather being what it is,
you know, I said this, what was it? I want
to say it was year one on sidelines with you
that Detroit game, the one where Ben missed that game
(16:18):
kind of Friday before before once he got the COVID
diagnosis and we knew Mason were like, man, this is
a perfect game to run the ball. It's cold, it's miserable,
it's gonna be raining. I mean, it's not gonna be raining.
And then they aired it out like fifty times. So
I'm hoping that we're not wrong in that respect when
it comes down to it. But I mean you look
(16:39):
at the front of that of that Dolphins team, and
they have some pieces, but it's very young up front.
And this is a team that you know, rushing they're
giving up about almost better than one hundred and thirty
almost one hundred and thirty two yards. So I would
love to see that. And like you said, having Kenneth
Gamewell and Jay and Warren kind of in that backfield,
(17:03):
I mean, we've seen a little bit more Caleb Johnson.
I mean, do you feel he's gotten back in the
good graces with the coaches because we saw him in
that Baltimore game have a couple of rushes each half
and starting to work his way back into that lineup
and with that running back group.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Yeah, I really do. And it's interesting you bring that up.
Not that Arthur Smith is ever going to pull back
the curtain on that one, but I would love to know,
you know, the madness behind that method of when they're
inserting him. And sometimes it's even in Chicago you see
him for like a drive. But again, this is another
guy who clearly has played in the elements gets better
(17:44):
as he gets more reps. So maybe you know, we
see something different with those three guys in terms of
the run game on Monday night when the Dolphins come
to town. But I'm not opposed to more Caleb Johnson.
I think you know, he served his time. He's he's know,
kind of worked his way back, and it feels like
that game of the Special Team's blunder was forever ago.
(18:06):
I'm sure he thinks about it every single day, as
does Danny Smith. But in terms of the offense, maybe
we will see a little bit more of him on Monday.
Speaker 5 (18:15):
We shall see a long weekend to get through. At
least we have football to watch on Sunday and get
us ready for the game on Monday night and see
whether you know what additional importance I don't know if
you can have additional importance in a game like this,
but what additional ramifications a game as let's put it
that way. Missy, Thank you so much, hope you have
(18:38):
a wonderful weekend and bundle up.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
We look forward to talking on Monday.
Speaker 3 (18:42):
All right, sounds good, Thanks guys you too.
Speaker 4 (18:45):
Thank you.
Speaker 5 (18:46):
That is Missy Matthews and always great to have Missy
on on a Friday, getting ready for usually for Sunday,
but getting ready for Monday Night football. And coming up next,
we are going to dive into the key matchups in
this game. What is it going to take for the
Steelers to emerge victorious against the Miami Dolphins. Well, we
(19:06):
have Max starksure to tell you, which is kind of great.
In the locker room presented by your neighborhood Ford Store
and the Steelers Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio, a
part of the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (19:20):
This is in the locker room with King and Starks
on Steelers Nation Radio presented by your neighborhood Ford Store.
The f one point 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 5 (19:42):
And in the locker room here we have somebody who's
put on his reporter hat completely the pressed badge pencil
behind his ear, getting right to the heart of the matter,
getting the scoop for you. And that man is, of
course Max Starks with the latest on the Faith Wolfleet
(20:03):
Jim Wexel book signing event.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
Max, that is correct, Kiger we have live and updated information.
That's right. Jim Wexel and of course Faith Wolfly, who
we had on our show in our number one. Make
sure you go back if you can. If you're listening
on podcasts format, you can go in this hour number
(20:26):
one and listen to the interview we had. But they
will be at a book signing on the twentieth of December,
so next week, and they will be at the Pizzazz
restaurant of Route nineteen in Mick Murray Saturday afternoon. More
information will come out on social media, so make sure
(20:46):
you check out. You know it'll be I'm sure Jim
will be posting it as well as Faith and they'll
also be posting it on Craig's page as well, so
make sure you do that. And of course let's not
forget the hashtag gadzooks.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Yeah we're talking good stuff.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
Yeah, you want to get that on social media as well.
Just any funny stories you got to share about the
book or about Craig Wolfley himself, share pictures, put the
hashtag gad zooks. The wolf Clan will be checking in
on that as well. But yeah, book signing twentieth next week.
Pazazz restaurant Route nineteen A. McMurray is the location and
(21:27):
time tbd. But we know this afternoon, so anytime after
twelve noon just kind of be on the lookout. So
want to get that update back to you.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
Rob, good stuff, Thank you, So Max, you know, I
think we want to get into I want to sort
of do the broad picture before we get into some
of the key matchups of the game and the keys
of the game. Of present of by our neighborhood Ford Store.
The F one fifty is the official truck of the
(21:55):
Pittsburgh Steelers. Big picture. Okay, Offense, Defaise, special teams. They've
got a very dangerous returnment in Malik Washington.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
D S.
Speaker 5 (22:04):
Gridge is a very good kick returner. So you know,
special teams. What are your what are your kind of
thoughts going into this game? And let's sort of break
down before we get into the specific players, some of
the big picture items that will be on the Stevens
checklist on Monday night.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
Offense, Defense, special teams.
Speaker 2 (22:27):
Mmm, that's that's that's that's a great question. Let's see
here Offensively, Uh, to run or not to run? That
is the question. I think you kind of look at
you know where the run game is and what we
kind of need to do for that run game. And
(22:50):
you know, Kenneth Gainwell has been has been very very
good for us. I mean you you've kind of seen
Kenneth Gainwell over the last number of weeks, kind of
getting him his feet under him literally and getting a
couple more opportunities in Jalen. We're kind of outpacing Jalen
and some of those snaps, but I would love to
see that run game popping, especially with the weather conditions
(23:12):
as they are. This is a perfect game for physicality
and brutality. And I'm always going to emphasize running the
football because it just balances things out. I know Aaron
had a tremendous game, you know, this season with him
and finding the deep pass. I'm not I'm not discouraging that.
I still want to see the deep pass in our
(23:33):
game because I think we have the skill to do it,
to do it and unleash it. But that run game, man,
if I can just wear on these dudes, they're young
up front, you know, and you just want to try
and see if you can just flex your will on
the opposing defensive line with your offensive line group and
(23:53):
I know we have. We've had some shuffling at left tackle,
you know, getting guys prepared and guys having to step
into bigger rolls because other guys have gotten injured. But
the run game is just key for me to get
that started because we know the other side is gonna run,
so then that brings me to my defense.
Speaker 5 (24:11):
Let me ask you one real quick question here, Max.
Does the weather affect this at all? Is it harder
to breathe? Is it once you get going as a
you know, we see all these pictures right, you're gonna
see it, you know, the the We're gonna see the exhalation.
The breath is going to be in the air like
a fog coming out of guy's mouths.
Speaker 4 (24:29):
And we see, you know, we see the old NFL.
Speaker 5 (24:32):
Films things and the slow mos and the guys colliding
into line of scrimmage. Does it Does the weather affect
the running game on all those issues? I mean, does
it does it get you heat it up? Does it
get your body going? Does it discourage the other guy
and and have him worried about how cold his toes
are whatever instead of worrying about his job. Does the
(24:52):
weather affect the running game? And your desire to run
the game at all.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
Uh yeah, yeah, I think it does. I mean when
it's colder weather, the ball flight is a little less.
You know, with that kind of cold, it constrict the ball,
so the ball becomes a little bit harder. And you know,
it's it's always better to be able. It's better contact
points when you can take the ball from a center
(25:20):
from under center right, exchange, exchange, and then pass the
ball off to a running back right. That's the most
secure way of doing Yes, I know we have a
lot of toss in there, and I'm not saying that
the toss isn't isn't great as well, but putting that
ball from one hand transferring it to another person with
(25:41):
two hands on top of the bottom of the ball,
kind of fitting it in that bread basket area is
the safest way of securing the ball because when the
weather is cold, right, the joints do get colder. And
what's the first thing to go? Toes and fingers? Toes
and fingers, The first thing is to go every single time,
rob And no better way to make sure that guys
are getting the right confidence as this game unfolds is
(26:06):
being able to run that ball and be able to
hand that ball off. There's gonna be opportunities to pass it.
I mean, you know, we'll see what the wind is
like in the stadium. We know it can always change,
and in that stadium it could swirl one way and
swirl the neck the other way the next and you know,
we've seen a couple of times where you know, when
Aaron was attempting a deep ball just died in the air, right,
(26:27):
So the wind can always play a part in it.
But that's something that you don't you don't get to
really preview until it's game day because you just you
never know, and you know, so I think the air
game is still very viable. It's just the balance that
a run game brings. And that's why I kind of
I think I emphasize that because as an offensive lineman,
you always want to go forward. You always want to
(26:49):
go forward, and you know you'll see the breath and
it'll be cold and everything else. But at the end
of the day, still football. I mean, I played in
some crappy way other games. Missy mentioned it about the
the Franco throwback game for the Immaculate Reception anniversary and
just how bitterly cold it was that was one that
(27:10):
was in the that was in the negatives. And you
remember that rob uh as one. As you know, when
you're in that cold where it's too cold to snow
because everything is frozen, not freezing, frozen, it just presents
a whole different set of problems. I don't think it's
going to be that bad, but at the same time,
you have to prepare accordingly. And then also the ground
(27:33):
because you're used to more you know, to get in
the ground wet and and you and you know to
keep the roots and everything. But when it's cold, I mean,
you freeze that out and then that that that once
softer environment becomes becomes like a parking lot concrete jungle,
you know, and it's like you're just you're trying to
break through the surface with your cleats, and you know,
(27:56):
and as a guy who had who had seven stud
cleats back in the day when I played, which means
you actually have screw in bottoms, not the mold is
that you see, guys, where now the lighter, faster, quicker ones,
but the nubs are pre done. So the advantage of
what I had with the studs was that I could
actually increase the length or shorten the length depending on
how the field conditions were, and then have to take
(28:17):
a shoe off and put a brand new shoe on.
So you know, those are things that you take care
of pregame, but when it comes game time, it's about
I would rather be going forward more often than retreating
back in a pass protection position. So that's why you
always want to have that forward, aggressive approach of being
able to establish and continually run the football.
Speaker 5 (28:38):
And I just wanted to ask one more question about
the weather, because we talked about this a little bit,
but in case people again haven't been listening all week long.
You're from Florida, right, and I know you vacationed up
in the Northeast, but you know, I was talking about
how yesterday, you know, because yes, it's gotten colder, but
it hasn't you know, it was pretty warm until recently, right,
(29:01):
And then yesterday was just one of those days. It
just everybody I talked to felt the same way. It
just felt cold mid twenties, but it felt colder than that.
And that's that's living in the Northeast. I've got to
imagine the biggest adjustment is just the shock of the
cold that you're going from seventy degrees to eighteen. You know,
(29:24):
think about how you feel as a human being, like
yesterday's twenty four degree day, feeling like it.
Speaker 4 (29:30):
Was, you know, zero degrees?
Speaker 5 (29:32):
Is that the biggest So when you came up here,
you had the you know, you can't you were up
on the trobe in the summer it was hot and humid,
and then gradually it got colder. Does that acclamation process
make it easier to adjust to the cold?
Speaker 4 (29:46):
Is it is? The not? Is the lack of an
acclamation period what makes.
Speaker 5 (29:50):
It tougher for teams from Florida to come up to
the Northeast to play in cold weather.
Speaker 4 (29:56):
I think it does.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
I think it does. Just like you said, it's a shock,
and you can't mimic it, right Like a cold weather
team can mimic warm weather, but a hot But a
hot weather team cannot mimic freezing weather because it's just
it's not possible to get it cold. Unless you go
on an ice skating rink and practice. You're not going
to get the requisite cold enough because none of the
(30:18):
facilities are insulated like that that they can get a
temperature down, especially a huge, open, wide space, you know,
like like an indoor field practice facility or anything. You
can't really mimic that and that, and that's where the
biggest thing comes into the acclamation and just familiarity with it. Yeah,
you could say, oh, yeah, well I played in it before,
(30:40):
but there's something about that first time, you know. It's
that first time is just unkind. Like you said, you
go and you breathe in and cold air the first time,
and it feels like you're swallowing razor blades. You know,
it's just it's just ripped straight through you. But if
you've been practicing in it like the Steelers have, you
(31:00):
would like to say, okay, we're good like nothing, there's
nothing else they could throw at us. But for those
warm weather teams, you know, you're always going to be wondering,
am I fully prepared for this? Am I ready for
what this weather is going to be? And yeah, you
can probably get a semblance of it when you pull
(31:20):
up on the buses to the stadium, but literally it's
still game day and that's a couple of hours before
things really kick off at Earn and I said, yeah,
you can go warm up outside and try and get
used to what the weather limitations are. But a lot
of these guys, as you could tell, you know, aren't
up to that task. They're not willing to do that
(31:41):
extra work that's that's involved to get ready for those
type of environments. And like I said, the first time
is always the roughest time, no matter how many years
you've been in the league. I can tell you the
first time it hits that snow game and you just
or that or that cold weather game and you're just like,
oh my god, this is this is ridiculous. Okay, I
need to sit on the sideline that's closest to the heater.
(32:04):
Then you know, got to make sure that everything else
is in line. And you know, I also look at
for the weather, you know, that warmth in those moments
on the sidelines, like those are the things that really
propel you, you know, And I think now you've got
(32:24):
more universal standards with it, you know. But all sides
have heated benches, all all of them, like those turbojet
engine heaters on either corner. But it's still man when
you get out there on the field, it's it's a
whole different mind versus matter type of situation. You've got
to mentally block out everything to make sure that you're
locked and loaded and ready to play sixty minutes of football.
Speaker 4 (32:47):
Yep, for sure.
Speaker 5 (32:49):
And I think you know, we're kind of saving the
one that's got everybody probably most concerned for last, and
that is how U curb this Dolphins running game that
has just been explosive, averaging just under two hundred yards
on the ground per game during this four game winning streak. Well,
(33:11):
Max is gonna get to that in a moment. First,
we want to remind you again if you're going to
the game, bundle up man, gear up with the latest
game data necessities at the official Students Pro shops. Get
the latest Sideline apparel, jerseys, Terrible towels, authentic memorabilia and
custom exclusives, and you can only find them directly from
the team. Visit one of the official Students Pro shops
located at Akroshuer Stadium, Grove City Premium Outlet or Tanger Outlets,
(33:35):
or gear up online at shop dot Steelers dot com.
Get it direct from the team at Steerers Pro Shop
at shop dot Steelers dot com and we will be
back in the Locker Room, presented by your neighborhood Ford
Store and the Steerers Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio,
part of the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (33:56):
This he is in the locker room with King and
Stars on Steelers Nation Radio, presented by your neighborhood Forward Store.
Speaker 2 (34:04):
The F one fifty is the.
Speaker 1 (34:06):
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 5 (34:23):
Well well, well, well, well, well, Max said it.
Speaker 2 (34:28):
It is that.
Speaker 1 (34:30):
Act.
Speaker 4 (34:33):
It is the bill.
Speaker 2 (34:39):
That's right. Earlier literaory system engaged on this Friday afternoon,
and we are not seeking comfort. We're running straight into
the fire come Monday night football and I know an
extended day. You know, we don't have a game on Sunday.
We will be we will be active, active watchers and
quote unquote cheerleaders for those other teams playing on Sunday.
(34:59):
We will do our best on Monday. So, like you said, Rob,
no show on Monday because this game day for us.
But we'll be back at you Live on Tuesday. And
it's been it's been a great show so far. We
had Faith Wolfy on to talk about, of course Craig's
book If these Walls could talk story for the Pittsburgh
Steelers locker room Sideline, you know, and and you know
(35:23):
they're book signing on the twentieth with Jim Wexel and
Faith Wolfley down the Pizazz Restaurant and mc murray on
Route nineteen and Saturday afternoon. But you know, I kind
of look at this, and you know this, I'm gonna channel,
you know, some energy. Now I'm feeling like, you know what,
I'm in troll mode, rob And so now I have
(35:46):
to do something that would be unique to like Miami
in South Florida for my food choice today. So I
think I.
Speaker 4 (35:54):
Think we are like trolling, like in the cyber trolling.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
Okay, cybertrolling, Thank you, Cybertrolling. Yes, so I think I'm
gonna go do a Cuban sandwich today. Okay, nice little
panini press action.
Speaker 4 (36:11):
Don't you know.
Speaker 5 (36:13):
It's it's not my favorite the pickles on it, it's
not my favorite.
Speaker 2 (36:19):
Do you not like warmed up pickles? Is that why?
Because you knows? I don't know what it is.
Speaker 5 (36:25):
It's and it's funny because I like everything involved in it.
It's a little like mayonnaise. There's nothing in mayonnaise that
I don't like. I love all the ingredients but you
mix it together and I just can't eat mayonnaise and
uh at the Cuban night.
Speaker 4 (36:40):
I don't feel that that level of revulsion with the
Cuban sandwich.
Speaker 5 (36:43):
But something about the pickles, just the warm pickles, just
it doesn't do it for.
Speaker 4 (36:49):
Me, Max.
Speaker 2 (36:50):
I mean they're a little bit more like.
Speaker 4 (36:52):
Pickles on the size. I like them on the side.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
Yeah, nothing wrong with that, you know, get like a
little kosher dill spear on the side, you know, nothing
wrong with that. But so you enjoyed that obviously, Yeah,
I mean, well, I enjoy the Cuban sandwich. I mean
the pickles just there as as like an intermission, you know,
in between the the pork and cheesy goodness and and
then just that crusty bread that gets pressed down in
(37:16):
the Panini style. So so yeah, so yeah, And I
got an Italian deli out here that does a great job,
does a great job.
Speaker 4 (37:26):
It's ham and cheese.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
So it's usually Swiss. It's usually Swiss. I opt. I
still take the Swiss, but I have prov along because
I don't want it to be like too overly cheesy,
like with a cheddar or something like that. So I
use a prov alonge because that's kind of a little
bit milder than the Swiss. The Swiss could be a
little bit, you know, kind of pungent at times. It's
(37:48):
not my favorite of the cheese family.
Speaker 5 (37:51):
So yeah, so by the way, sign me up for
Cuban coffeehot. So I take my I drink coffee black.
But you get those little express of things and they
just dump sugar in the hole. Now, just thinking about it,
those are good.
Speaker 2 (38:10):
Cuban coffee is good stuff. I do like a cafe.
You know, it's just a coffee with milk, so you know,
you just you ask for a fancy and then all
of a sudden it becomes a Miami thing, even though
it's probably more Caribbean than anything else. But yeah, now
it's that. I mean, I would look for like like
other Cuban dishes, like co grease or some pill but
(38:33):
I'm not going to uh, I'm not, I'm not. There's
there's there's a Dominican place here, but we don't. We
don't really have Cuban spots. So the Cuban sandwich is
ri what do you got it? The Dominican place? Oh,
they got the you got like mofongo. You've got, You've got,
You've got like the mohosteak, the mojo creole sauce like
(38:54):
it's a it's a like a vinegar type of marinae
that they do the meat in and then you you
cook the meat. So there there is like some of
those type of things kettle you know, the kettle style
like carnita style pork and the panel. But the congrease
is uh is moros is uh. It's the black beans
(39:14):
and rice mixed together, so you get kind of the
texture and it kind of comes out like gray because
the rice is absorced of the black bean sauce and
it's it's absolutely magical. So you can go impanadas. So
I have to.
Speaker 5 (39:31):
It's a little so my family's descending upon us here
in Bradford Woods, and so there will be uh food
and revelry in the in the king household here in Pittsburgh,
and uh, I guess I have to.
Speaker 4 (39:45):
So what I have to do is I have to
kind of coast through the day.
Speaker 5 (39:49):
You don't want to under eat because then if you
under eat, then whatever appetizers you have, you fill up
on those and you're like, man, did everything overload? Yeah,
they just fill upon appetizers when I got beef tenderline
waiting for me. So I have to I have to
figure out how to kind of you know, ride this
through that overa but also not not being too hungry.
(40:11):
So I gotta I have to walk the line, which
I'm not usually typically very good at. So Max, to me,
if I'm looking at this game, yes, you got to
be able to do something offensively hopefully keep something going.
I would love to see a better mix, uh, the
running game being more of a component. You know, give
(40:33):
me one hundred and twenty. I'm not asking for one ninety.
I'll take it. Give me one twenty on the ground,
one one twenty five, and then you know, give me
two hundred through the air, and and and let's see.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
What I'm hearing.
Speaker 4 (40:47):
Yes, yes, let's get a solid mix. You know, let's
get a solid mixed gallon.
Speaker 5 (40:52):
That's a balance that we feel good about with this
team moving forward. We've seen so many wild fluctuations on
this team in so many different statistical categories. It's really
it's really been a strange years. As I've said many times,
but defensively, to me, it is just you better stop
(41:12):
h chan and they will do a lot of funky formations.
They lead the league in pre snap movement, you know,
motions and that sort of thing. They're trying to confuse you.
We know that the students. There's been talks talk about
confusion and communication issues out there, got some guys maybe
(41:34):
coming back healthy. Is that Is that going to help
or hurt the communication process? Regardless, you've got to communicate
and you've got to stop eight chan in that running game.
To me, it is the number one item on the
to do list. I don't know if you agree with me, Max,
but for me, that is my number one matchup is
stop h Chan. Stop this Dolphins running game that has
(41:56):
averaged one hundred and ninety two yards a game. Over
one hundred and ninety two yards a game during their
four game winning streak. By the way, that's forty more
than the leading team in the NFL average on the ground.
So just just to go, they are twenty five percent
better than the best running team in the league over
(42:16):
the last four weeks.
Speaker 2 (42:20):
Yeah, I completely agree. You know, you look at Dave
on a Chane. You know he had seven rushes last game,
ninety two yards on seven rushes before he went out
of that game. Thirteen point one yards a touch had
a touchdown, had to catch for thirteen yards before he
went out. Then Jalen Wright finished it off twenty four
rushes for one hundred and seven yards in a touchdown.
(42:43):
So just kind of putting it in perspective here that
last game against the Jets, you know, he he had
a ton of yards. Even Ali Gordon got in on
the action just to kind of stave off, you know,
what was missing with a Chane in those ribs. But
Tua only one pass attempts, twenty one pass attempts, one
(43:03):
hundred and twenty seven yards at one touchdown. So put
the ball into his hand, and I think that's what
it kind of it kind of goes back to that
Colts philosophy that that that that was installed was that
force the ball out of Jonathan Taylor's hands and put
it into Daniel Jones has and have the quarterback win
this game for you. And I think that's where you
(43:23):
have to kind of live because that's where they're at
weakest offensively right now. And Tua in decision making, like
you know, he over this win streak, he hasn't been fantastic,
but he also hasn't given the ball away. And this
guy is tied for the league lead in interceptions, So
why not have that guy throwing the football if he's
leading the league with tied for leading the league with
(43:44):
Geno Smith, who we know has has just had his
struggles with Las Vegas, why not take Why not take
him to the deep end as well? It got benched
for it, so why not take him to the deep end.
And let's see what Tua can do in the air
in this less than desirable environment. So I'm right there
with you. Stop the run and run the football and
(44:06):
put this team in a pickle in this cold weather.
And listen, I can tell you the longer the offense drives,
the colder that defense sitting on the sidelines is getting,
you know, is getting repped up on our end, But
that offense is getting cold and trying to figure out
a rhythm. And that just bodes well for defenses. You know,
(44:27):
on our side, if we could possess that football and
just churn the clock out, but also stop their run
and force them into the air. Third and long situations
are going to be key in this game. And putting
them in more of those than us, and I think
that's a recipe for success.
Speaker 5 (44:43):
There's a reason that Max Starks is the best in
the business. You'll subtly note that he went from Cuban
sandwich to putting the Dolphins in a pickle, and nobody
else gots right.
Speaker 3 (44:53):
Max.
Speaker 5 (44:54):
Only you safe travels and you got college football on Saturday,
NFL football on Sunday, NFL football on Monday.
Speaker 2 (45:03):
Ay. It is a football pack weekend. You you said
it correctly, Kinger winning that way. When the weather outside
is frightening, you know you can always warm up and
feel some excitement by standing in front of the tube
and watching some good old football. We'll have it coming
at you live all three days this weekend.
Speaker 4 (45:21):
You can you can count on me being there, my friend.
Speaker 5 (45:23):
There's some big games coming up on Sunday, in a
huge game coming up on Monday. Our thanks to Faith
Wolflly for joining us to talk about Craig's book that
Jim Craig and Jim Wetxell put together. Also are thanks
to Missy Matthews four Justin Miller at the Controls in
our iHeart Studio for Max Starks, who has gotten to
(45:44):
enjoy about seven hours at home and now back out
of the road again. See you Monday night, my friend,
I'm Rob King. We thank you for being with us
in the Locker Room, presented by our neighborhood Ford store
in the steel Its Pro Shop on Steelers Nation Radio,
a part of the Steelers Audio Network
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