January 15, 2025 • 42 mins
Wolf and Max open the locker room discussing the future of the Steelers quarterback position, and if Russell Wilson and Justin Fields fit into the equation.
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Speaker 1 (00:12):
This is in the Locker Room, presented by Ford and
brought to you by acro Sure, the official insurance and
cybersecurity partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, by Bett MGM, Huntington Bank, PNC, PEPSI,
and by FedEx. Where now meets next? Now here's Craig
Wilfley and Max Starks.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Very But that's not a new discussion. I've expressed that
in this setting and settings like these for years, the
X factor that quarterback mobility is in our game and
how it's trending and been trending. That is not a
new discussion.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Oh that's Mike Tomlin.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
He's given a little discussion on some of the thoughts
he's got going into the offseason, and of course primary
number one Numero uno on his to be you know,
what's going on with the quarterback situation? As he said,
you know, I mean we're basically back at the same
situation when we were last year in Max, you know,
(01:10):
I don't know, you know what I mean, it comes
down to us or not to Russ. You know, I
think it's it's a situation where you're gonna take some
time to kind of kind of examine everything.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
But what's your thoughts about that?
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Well, I mean, I think you you have you have
you have a big decision to make this offseason. I
think it's a paramount what what decision you do make
determines the trajectory of your team, and you know, and
also gives you kind of the thought process about how
(01:47):
they feel, you know, about about about the other guy.
You know, russ Is, you know, did a lot of
good things, but like you said, down the stretch, didn't
quite you know, have the same pop and finish and
for whatever those factors are, you know, known and unknown
(02:09):
to us. You know, that's going to be a part
of that evaluation process for them for justin you know,
what are they see and not see throughout the season
that led to whether to play or not play him
when healthy? That's another one that's going to weigh into that.
(02:32):
And then you know, obviously judging where the draft position is,
seeing what that board shakes out to be and what
what are your best available options? And then of course
the third phase, you know, nause he goes up as
tribute to the free agency gods. Who else is having that?
And is there someone who can make an impact out
(02:55):
there that could come and help improve this team. But
you know, as I look at it, I mean it was,
you know, for us, it was a lot of good,
but then you know, it just tailed off and it
was just too too streaky or you know, sporadic and
you know, having a healthy Justice didn't really see packages.
(03:20):
I saw straight plays for Justin, but I didn't see
a package for him wolf. And I think that's one
of the troubling, frustrating, however you want to put it, moments,
you know, not seeing him perform or be able to
change things up and do some really good things. I
think that kind of just you know, kind of soured
(03:44):
you know my quote unquote you know thoughts on how
they went and proceeded with it.
Speaker 4 (03:51):
You know what's interesting to me is, uh, you know,
you think about it, and I kept I was the
same way. I was like, oh, yeah, they gotta have
a package, But you know what, what tech do you
need a package for when you got the whole offense
at your fingertips. I mean, let's face it, he ran
he was you know, six times, he was a starter.
You know, he ran the offense. Now, the difference being
(04:13):
is that you can call there's got to be a
play that you can call like you know, the the
Reid options stuff like that that you wouldn't call with
with Russ, right, but you would you would with with
you know, with Justin. And I started looking at his numbers,
you know, and if you pull play his numbers out
over a whole season, you know, let's say, you know,
(04:36):
relatively speaking, coming around you know, eleven twelve wins, he
would have you know, had rushed for close to one
thousand yards, you know, fifteen tds. He could have had
rushing you know, fifteen tds and what like five interceptions
(04:56):
or something like that, I mean, or three I can't
remember all. He's got five and one yet go times three.
So yeah, I mean, I mean he'd been over you know,
three thousand, thirty two hundred yards passing thirty five hundred
something like that. Very competitive with Russ and everything.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
The thing that's key to me was what Mike said
in that statement when he said the trending of the
mobile quarterback, you know, and that kind of identifies do
you think about the fact that they went out and
you know, the futures contract they got that kids. I
think Skyler Thompson his name, he's a very mobile quarterback. Yeah,
pretty mobile quarterback. And it just it's all it does
(05:36):
is give me a little bit maybe a little insight
into what Mike is thinking.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
That's what I'm thinking.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Well, I mean if I'm thinking of all that, I
mean you're thinking, and you're saying, just as long as
you're not spraying, we're good. Yeah, sorry, Wes. But I
think the biggest thing is that.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
He's wearing Saran wraps. So I don't know if that
it said something.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Okay, does it have the nose holes you have to
be able to breathe in that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Well he just turns away from me.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Okay, all right, say well you know what what Wes
enjoy the bubble wrap up clingy wrap.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
You know, you like to play with those things. My
kids drive me nuts with those things. You know, as
soon as you get like a box or something and
stuffed with bubble wrap, it comes out and then the
next thing, you know, you just snap, snap, crackle pop pop.
You know, like stop it, Okay, just stop it. It's
like when you crack your fingers all the time, you know,
drive your nuts.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
After a while, Yeah, I would say, does it does
it drive? Tell us why you're really mad? Wolf? Just
tell us why you're angry.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Oh, probably because I couldn't get any donuts for breakfast,
you know that sort of thing.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
You know. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Well don't worry. We're gonna
have misery doing nuts Friday. Yeah. I try to see
if sweet up, but no, it's that could happen kind
of Okay, So so a lot to address here, Wolf.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Yeah, first, the bubble wrap does that drive you nuts?
Speaker 2 (07:10):
We got to get out of all the ways.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
Okay, see, so we got to get out of Arthur.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Said, yeah, but yeah I am. I am pro bubble
wrap fan.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
Okay, you're pro?
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Yeah, yeah, okay, I I.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
There you go, Wesley, what are you? Wesley? What's up? Myrizzlers?
And no, no, don't go there. That's wrong. That's just wrong.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Bubble Wrap's fine. It's it's it's entertaining for a few
seconds until it becomes annoying. Right. It's kind of like
someone like tapping their pen on a table.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
It can be kind of like rhythmic for a few
seconds until it, you know, sounds like nails on a chuckboard. Well,
here's here's the next question. Then, is it due to age?
You know, because I'm thinking here, I am the oldest guy.
I am having a grandfatherly moment ago stop right, and
in Max is like I like it, you know, and
then West you're kind of like you're good with it too.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
I wonder if it's just got to do something with
being old.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
I mean, you know, age, age, age please a factor?
You know? Is it more so respect? You know, just
letting it be or what we what are we saying here?
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
I'm not sure where the rails just went over the edge,
but I certainly led the charge.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
I will tell you that in goodness.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Yes, yes you did, Yes, you did. You did that,
you know, but once again that that's good soldiers. Right.
You know, you're just gonna you're you're gonna you're gonna
follow the directions and you're gonna just execute whatever whatever
the job calls for. Just get the job done. So
but I'm trying to I think what we're doing, we're
(08:56):
talking about to rush or not to rush?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
That is a question.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Yeah, that was what we were getting at. Was was
the quarterback position? Okay? Thank god? Okay, yeah, because because
then it was it was like it's like, okay.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Well you have to bubble wrap. Bubble wrap that's.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
One of the get bubble Wrap answered, that's a good one.
But yeah, no, I mean, you know you're you're left
to this position because you know the other thing is
with us, you secured the fact that you're not gonna
have a losing season, you're also resigning yourself to you
(09:34):
know that there is a definitive ceiling with his play
at this particular time, and whether whether it's seen, unsight, unseen,
et cetera. You know, the proof is in the pudding.
You know, you have to go back and watch every throw,
watch every every snap, good, better and different, and then
(09:59):
you're gonna make a valid judgment as far as what
do we really think about you? And you know there'll
be there, there will be opportunities for the players to interact,
you know, as far as like Jalen with Coach T
and you know, Nausea with with Coach Smith, all the
(10:23):
all these opportunities are going to happen over the next
couple of days. Mike T kind of kind of eluded Slash,
you know, warned everybody like, hey, you know this is
what it's going to be. But I think you know,
for the players, you know, you're you're gonna know where
you stand very quickly. Even though Mike couldn't give the
(10:46):
media answers. I mean, I'm sure he has plenty of
answers for the guys on you know, on the squad,
but I just I know there's a ceiling with Russ
at the end of the day. I know there's a
ceiling with Russ, and deep in the deep in the year,
(11:08):
you know, decision making is not as crisp, it's not
as clean, right because you've gotten a cut, you know,
you've had a couple of bumps along the way, and
the production on the team has shown that. And I
think that's what the biggest thing is going to be
(11:29):
in making this evaluation of to rest or not to rest.
That is the question. You know.
Speaker 4 (11:37):
It's interesting because I went back and, like I said yesterday,
I watched the Denver game, you know, in week two
or three whatever it was, and you know, it was
noticeable with Justin you know, the stuff that they were doing,
rolls out, rolling out and stuff like that, and him
using his legs. I still can't get over the fact
that a guy came off the edge n man off
(11:58):
the line of Scrimsina slide slot blitz, what have you.
I can't remember what it was, but it was he
was untouched and he came and and not only did
Justin outrun him, but he got the first down. I mean,
that guy had him dead to rights. And it wasn't
he didn't joke him. He just the guy came off
the offensive right side and Justin just ran to the left,
(12:22):
outran everybody to the corner and got a first down.
And I keep thinking in my head, my gosh, that
you could have a guy that came free, untouched, get
within probably three steps of you, and you take off
running and that guy can't catch you.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
That's pretty good mobility.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
You know.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
And it just kind of throws a little light in
my head that.
Speaker 4 (12:44):
You know, there's not a lot of room there for it,
but anyhow, there's a little light there goes on and.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Goes you know what.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
That's something to maybe take into account that sort of
speed and nobility. And then you see what Lamar Jackson
does on them. I'm not saying that Justin Fields is
the same caliber. Again, you don't know, because Justin's never
really had that opportunity to develop like Lamar in a
situation such as lamarz. But you know what, it seems
to me that the kid can do some things that
(13:12):
really could be long term beneficial to this organization.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Well yeah, and I agree with you because I think,
you know, there's there's so much that's been made of
mobility and you know, throwing and running on the fly,
you know, creating your own success within a given play construct.
(13:42):
I always wrestle with this, right because.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
You know, we're wrestling with it. Think what they're doing
down on the south side, you know, they got to
be wrestling with it.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
Yeah, yeah, well the ones that showed up earlier wrestling
with it literally. But I think, you know, I think
when we're saying that, it's a good indicator, a good
look at But you know, I still go back to them,
(14:13):
just like numbers in production, right wolf numbers in production,
you know, whether it's you know, you know, the sacks,
the timing, how much time you had, how much time
you didn't have where the pocket collapsed, did you roll
to or away from pressure, break inside to move you know,
(14:35):
you had to break all of these aspects down. But
I mean just knee jerk reaction. I just felt like,
you know, this this team in general looked tired and
it was indicative in their play, you know, and Russ
is not is not immune to that. Justin Fields is
(14:57):
not immune to that. It's it's a it is a team, bads.
You you've got to wear And so, you know, as
we look at that mobility, you know, we already know
that Mike tom advised, you know, advises he he prefers
that mobility trend in the quarterback position, right, and I
(15:18):
think that's what they're gonna be looking at. Yeah, he
just spoke of it. And you know, for those like, well,
what what what does he mean by that? What it
means exactly what he needs it to mean.
Speaker 4 (15:29):
You know what it means if you go to the
Denver game and you take a look at Justin Fields
running away from I think it was Bonito, the sack
guy from the the Broncos, off the edge, untouched and
being able to out run him to the opposite side
of the.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Field and get a first down.
Speaker 4 (15:46):
I'm just like going, wow, I don't know why I
didn't really pay attention to that when it happened, but
that was substantial when you see that sort of speed.
And again, going back to the opening comment by Mike
Tomlin when he talks about the trending of the mobile quarterback.
It's interesting to me again that it gives you just
maybe a little touch of insight into what's starting to
(16:08):
weigh heavy into you know, what he's looking for and
moving forward. And the more I think about it, the
more the possibilities. You know, I don't know what Russ
is thinking. If Russ is saying I got to be
the guaranteed starter coming back, then I you know, and
you don't get a hometown discount, you're gonna have a
problem because so much of the salary that he would
(16:30):
have eating up last year will be eating up this year,
you know what I mean. They've got to sign him. Yeah,
So that's that's one problem, one issue right there. I
don't know, man, you know, I think you know, when
we go to break here, I'm going to go back
and find some bubble wrap and start snapping drive myself.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Just going like the break roup, like why has Wolf
wrapped himself in bubble wrap while trying to slowly get
himself out of said bubble wrap by popping each and
every individual little circuit or circle.
Speaker 4 (17:05):
Uh no, yeah, exactly, all right, We're gonna go to
break here. We've got Rob King coming up in eleven
o'clock in the power hour, and we'll be right back
after this. And you're listening to the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
This is in the Locker Room, presented by Ford and
brought to you by acro Shure, the official insurance and
cybersecurity partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, by BET MGM, Huntington Bank, PNC, PEPSI,
and by FedEx. Where now meets next? Now here's Craig
Wolfley and Max Starks all.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Right back inside the locker room here, and you know,
great opening discussion talking about to Russ or not to Russ.
That's is the question. And I pose this on the
other side of this. I mean, you know, justin fields,
you know, fantastic start to the season for us, put
(18:29):
us in a great position until Rusk was healthy. He
knew what his role was. You know it was going
to be, Hey, I'm a placeholder right now, but do
I have to be a placeholder the next year? That's
the question, right you know, from what we saw from
(18:50):
from justin early in the season, and then of course
you know the lack thereof and I know you talked
about why I have a package when he has the
entire playbook at his disposal, and you could use more
RPO stuff with him. But at the same time, you
don't want teams loading the box because they see number
two come in, right, you know, you don't want teams
(19:11):
coming in and saying, all right, we're gonna take this
dude out right now, We're gonna just combine and just
take him out of the game. For Justin, I think
one of the biggest differences early on when they made
the switch was his ability to throw touch passes, because
(19:31):
we remember that Raiders game right where it was it
was like, I want to say, a three play sequence
where you were trying to hit a flat missed it,
quick out again, missed it, then you know, bring it
(19:53):
back to the other side and miss it. Two of
those were George Pickens. One of those was Pat Firemouth
and and you were like, okay, well now we see
why you know, Russ was was on the active roster
the entire time, never went to ir never had to,
and you know, Justin then got relocated to the bench
(20:15):
and then we rarely saw him, right, So yeah, I guess, I.
Speaker 4 (20:21):
Mean, but I still look at and go he completed
in those first six games, he completed almost seventy percent
of his passes, you know, and that's the three three
throws that I'm sure we'd want back. You know, there's
a difference between having a bad moment in the game,
you know what I mean, and and coming to the
conclusion from it that he can't make those touch throws
(20:44):
and I don't know. I mean, you know, here's the
thing too, there's a lot of internal statistics that the
Steelers compile on their own that are their own for
their own selves, you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Proprietary research. There you go, that's the word for that
you're looking for? It is? Boy? Is that a bon
Maybe that's my brain works every once in a while.
You know what.
Speaker 3 (21:12):
Am I going to say?
Speaker 2 (21:13):
Max?
Speaker 3 (21:13):
I mean, you got the degree? I don't.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Oh, you mean degree of difficulty?
Speaker 4 (21:21):
No, But you know what I'm saying, I mean, we
have to be careful about it, you know, saying because
just because he didn't make those throws whatever, it doesn't
necessitate the fact that he can't make those in the future.
And that's where I but again I go back to
Mike's talking about the trending of the mobile quarterback and
(21:43):
the ability again when we see what a read option
looks like run by a guy who knows how to
run it. We just saw, man, that's that's intriguing. That
is kind of you know, something makes you go hmm.
Has Myron would.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Say, well, and it's something that we hadn't seen really,
m h you know, I mean, I think that's the
biggest thing is that Mike's talked about it for the
last couple of years, but this was the first time
he really had it at his disposal, at Arthur Smith's disposal. However,
you want to look at that, and so it's like, hey,
(22:23):
you know, the grass can be a little bit greener
from that perspective, and you know it's something that is
you look at the division, right Wolf, I mean you
look Lamar Jackson, right, we know what he is, and
he's a mobile quarterback. Joe Burrow, for all intents and purposes,
is more mobile than he lets on. Whether it was
(22:45):
out of necessity for preservation or you know what the
motivating factor was that finally tilted the scales. But now
you've got to make that make that distinction again in right,
because this is the last time that this particular group
(23:06):
will be together and a lot of people are free agents.
After this year, so you know, who do you offer,
who do you not offer? Are roles clearly defined, I mean,
those are the things you gotta look at. But mobility
is a must for the quarterback because especially after seeing
only twenty nine rushing yards like that, that's the one right,
(23:27):
super tough and you can't get over that. And even
though Russ has some good scrambles, it was it was
different than quarterback design run game.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
Right yeah, where it's it's a dagger in the heart,
you know what I mean, and just to just rather
than getting the first down. I mean, let's face it,
Lamar had some big hits on those first five runs
that he had or three runs, I can't remember how
many it was, but certainly it was something that you
like going, whoa where what you got to stop this?
(23:58):
This is a problem, you know, And the threat was
never with Russ about running. So if you design your
your your pass rush to contain and create problems, especially
if you've got big hands, big people in the middle,
that make scene for us hard to do. And if
the collapsing of the forward wall it's too fast, that
(24:19):
that creates a problem for us to see, you know
what I mean, that's Yeah, that's another problem that I
think has to be addressed.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
Yeah, No, I mean it does. I mean, but we
but you and I both know Wolf, you can't substitute experience, right,
You're right, And that's the tough part about it, right,
you know. And and that's what's going to be kind
of evaluated is is this an experienced thing or is
this a skill thing?
Speaker 3 (24:49):
Right?
Speaker 2 (24:50):
You know? As far as that, and what are we
doing to make it easier on the guy dropping back
at quarterback? You know? Do we use more running moving pocket?
You know? How do you bring in the extra blocker
that's not going to go in a route? All of
those things are are kind of you know, up in it,
(25:10):
and they're all in you know, Mike talking about this,
everything's kind of interdependent of each other. Like you can't
have you know, a guy that wants to read the
field and kind of get the right play just sitting
back there like a sitting duck, Like you gotta do
it on the move, you gotta. You gotta kind of
press the issue a little bit and see if they
(25:31):
can respond to it. That that's that's the other thing.
It's so stylistically, what do you want for next year?
Do you want a highly mobile quarterback that can double
as a running back or do you want pocket passer,
(25:52):
quicker rhythm tempo throws to throw yourself out of that
quote unquote eight or nine man box that was going
to come up once you see twenty two in the backfield,
right that that that's what it is. And then at quarterback,
how do you manage that? Are you doing everything in
your power to put the team in the best position?
How what's your audible power in those situations? Right the
(26:15):
weighty moments? Sure? Is this is this? Is this? Is
this your gut check? Is it somebody else's gut check?
Because I could tell you early in that game that
fourth that that fourth and short, when they didn't go
for it, I was like, man, this is a team
that's playing tight yep, yeah, you know, and and they're
scared to make a mistake. And that's why you're punting
(26:36):
it because you don't trust your offensive line.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
Well, like I've always said, Chuck Nole used to say
to us, you earn the right to put to go
for it on fourth down. I mean, that's as simple
as I can put it. You know, by your actions
throughout the season, some accumulation of that offensive line and
the offensive line, I think it took some good steps
forward this year, it's gonna it's going to take some
(27:01):
more to make it what it's capable of being. And
that's the biggest thing about it, the capability of what
that offensive line could be and where it.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Is right now.
Speaker 4 (27:10):
There's a gap, but that gap is that's typical when
you bring in young people. But the beautiful part about
it is, you know what, what did we when we
entered into training camp. The first thing you and I
were talking about was you got to get a center
because until you get a center up there, you're not
going to have any running attack, anything settled. You know,
(27:30):
you've got to have that guy that can do that.
And we both I think we if I recall, we
both were agreeing on that. And by golly, I mean
there's nothing like the Morgan Tom Maler coming in doing
the job that he did. I was really excited when
I look back at his year.
Speaker 3 (27:46):
I really enjoy.
Speaker 4 (27:48):
The fact that this kid came in and just basically dominated,
if I can use that word. I know it's a
little bit strong, but I'm and I'm a little enthusiastic
about him but you know what, I really believe that
kid's got some some real long term potential to really
take that center position and elevate it.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Oh absolutely, I mean you know it was born on
of necessity, right, because her got injured.
Speaker 4 (28:16):
Right.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
But man, if there ever was like a Wally Pip
type moment, this.
Speaker 4 (28:22):
Was it Wally Pip, the infamous Wally Pip.
Speaker 2 (28:26):
I know exactly. I know nothing of what Wallypip looks like.
I just know the legend.
Speaker 4 (28:30):
Yeah, the legend of Wllipip. Yeah, who was it? Who
was it that took his place? Carl Brett Favre. No,
it wasn't Brett Favre. Wally was way better. No, no, no, no, no,
I thought it was far Yeah, no, no, it was
a baseball player that gum it was? Was it Lou
Garrick took over for him?
Speaker 2 (28:49):
Was it? Yeah? That's right. I'm sorry. Sorry, my brain
is my brain, my bra Yes, yes, I think it
becomes history. Yeah. Played in the big leagues for There
we Go.
Speaker 4 (29:02):
Yes, drove in more than one hundred ruds three times
for the Yankees, will play in the World Series. But
when a headache forced him from the line, Yankees lineup
nineteen twenty five, June second, Louke Garrett took over a
first base and then of course he ran off the
longest streak of playing games ever Wally Pip ever ever
remembered for the guy that dropped his hat and then
(29:24):
Louke Garrett picked it up.
Speaker 2 (29:26):
There we go. Where'd you get? Brett? Come on? Hey, hey, sorry,
sorry my brain I'm reading stuff. I'll let you know
later what I was reading that that kind of kind
of threw me off. Brett f you're reading about Brett
Farv Hey, Brett, Yes, no, I was reading something else
(29:47):
and then I just I got I got confused.
Speaker 4 (29:49):
You know, you know, did you ever hear but Carrie Collins,
I don't know now Carrie Collins Yeah, Penn State guy.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
Yeah, I'm Brady. Anyways, before the cliff again, before we
go off the cliff, and I'm actually I actually need
to get an accurate metaphor or sports metaphor correct before
we go to break oh for two waiting oh two pitch? Yeah,
exactly exactly, and I bunted there it is. I did.
(30:22):
I did make contact, but no, but I think you know,
for for for for for everything that kind of went
through that process. I mean, you know, yes, you don't
want to lose her big, but to gain the experience
that Zach Frasier got invaluable and he's only going to
be better. You know, having Mason McCormick step up from
(30:46):
when James Daniels went down, right, and for him to
play as long as he did. Now, did I know
we didn't get him in the last game broke his hand,
But you know, all of that contributes to those issues.
So that is that a part of the interdependence on
the quarterback play, having young guys in the middle, that
(31:08):
that pocket that deteriorated at times. You know, a second
year guy on the right side. I mean so from
center to right tackle, you were rookie rookie, second year
and you almost were just rookie rookie rookie.
Speaker 3 (31:24):
Right, yeah, yeah, because Troy had not been hurt.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
Yeah, if Troy doesn't get hurt, does Brojo actually actually
continue to play? So you know, there's a lot of
youth on this offensive line that had to turn over.
But there's no easy way to turn that over, right
with young guys. So was that a part of the
growing pains of that position group? You know, and we
(31:49):
talk about Oh man, we got it. We're gonna have
to get depth from these, you know, from the offensive
line position. Well, we went and we went and drafted it.
But you know, be careful what you wish for, because
now you've got to deal with the byproduct of when
you go youthful. They're gonna make mistakes. They're gonna be
(32:10):
young at times. And you know, and I think you know,
with a veteran left side. We'll see how that how
that shakes Outlet me. We have guys are free agents.
Speaker 4 (32:23):
Yeah, go ahead, all right, what's the most mental errors
you've had in the season.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
Remember I'm mentally incapable of remembering the aras.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
I just I remember my rookie my second year when
I became a starter, went sixteen games.
Speaker 3 (32:39):
I had three mental errors. I remember Raleigh dodged my line. Coach.
Speaker 4 (32:42):
We're having an exit meeting basically, and I don't think
they used the term exit meetings, but that was in
the season.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Bon Voyage.
Speaker 4 (32:51):
Yeah, exactly, So, he says, he says, you know you
had three mental errors, right, He says, I can live
with one. All right, says Mike Webster hasn't had a
mental air in three years, and I'm like, curses Webby.
Speaker 2 (33:07):
Yeah, dog, but at what year was was Webby though
that you hadn't had one in three years?
Speaker 3 (33:14):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (33:14):
Well yeah, but I mean a rookie. Yeah well I
was a second.
Speaker 3 (33:19):
Year guy, you know.
Speaker 2 (33:22):
Yeah, I mean rookie plus.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
But it was so funny. Remember that's Webby again. Webby
just always always makes me look bad.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
Yeah, I mean you should hope the center would not
have middle airs.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
Yeah right, that's true.
Speaker 2 (33:39):
Kind of a pre wreck to be a long term
center and be a legendary.
Speaker 3 (33:44):
Center, a legend legend gets man.
Speaker 2 (33:48):
Yeah, so you know, but I want to say I
probably well, I mean I know I had at least
one every year.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
So well, you had the corner blitz.
Speaker 2 (33:59):
Yeah, out, that was like my kryptonite was how could
you not see that as tall as you are? You
know here it happened once a year because you get
so enamored with everything else. You know.
Speaker 4 (34:13):
One of the greatest pickups I ever made was in
a game against the Giants when Lawrence Taylor came out
of delayed blitz and I just somehow managed to see
him coming off the slot.
Speaker 3 (34:25):
I mean he was he was.
Speaker 4 (34:26):
Out, you know, in in position, and I you know,
it was just like a wall situation or whatever. But
I was locked in with another guy. But I couldn't
believe it, you know. And in the meding room, my
coach Ron black Litt says, I didn't think you were
going to see him. We're preparing to we were preparing
to take a body bag out there when Lawrence Taylor
(34:51):
starting to blitz from outside.
Speaker 2 (34:52):
The clown ambulance come out right, stretcher oops a little
mini van? Yeah, free, Is that really a siren? It's
just another clown sitting on top of it, making sounds
exactly exactly. Oh man, oh gosh, you know, I mean yeah,
(35:14):
I mean I would say probably two to three maybe
at the most. Yeah, it was probably that. I'm probably
right in that same range as you as far as mintlayers,
because you know, especially a tackle, you know, you're on
the island, I mean, oh yeah, yeah, just about ninety
percent of the time, right, I mean, you're just it's like, yep, yep,
(35:35):
I got the inman on the line of scrimmage more
often than not, unless you know, unless it's run plays,
you know, backside cutoffs, you know, going on going on
the three technique yep, or working to the inside weak
side backer.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
But can you catch those guys? Those guys were murderous
to catch.
Speaker 2 (35:55):
Oh no, I mean I just played it. I just
played it planning for the cutback if it stayed fronts.
So that's your fault, running back, Yeah, that was your fault.
I'm reverse walling. But I don't know what you're doing.
Oh yeah, get into the foot race with those guys
and try and get underneath them. Jesus, I know, the
(36:19):
best you can hope for is parallel. What's the best
you can hope for on the backside? Cut off with
the linebacker off the ball linebacker when you're uncovered that
that's the best best you could ever hope for. And
so that's what I'd always say. If that guy made
the play man, should you should have cut it back? Like?
What are you talking about? I'm like, you should have
cut it down? Know your personnel, But no, where, no, no, no. That.
(36:44):
I have a lot of strengths and that is not
one of them. So if you want to continue to
venture forward, uh to the play side and keep pressing
it front side, just know if you don't hit the cutback,
I'm not going to get there. Thank you, Thank you.
You're welcome, goodbye, love you.
Speaker 4 (37:03):
I know you didn't say that though for Willie Parker
and the Super Bowl, baby when he does, because I
was front side.
Speaker 2 (37:08):
I know I was front side, baby, I was front side.
I'm hell on the front side now, yeah, oh oh yeah,
front side. Yeah, I got you, I got you. I'm
gonna nail that three technique. I'm gonna I'm gonna hit
that front side backer and I'm gonna keep the wire
the whole wide open.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
But backside, backside.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
Another man about that about that? You know, listen, listen.
Gunfighters get shot too.
Speaker 3 (37:36):
That's true.
Speaker 2 (37:39):
If you can't. Hey, if I tell you I'm better
at eight o'clock, don't come at seven thirty five saying hey,
we we gotta, we gotta, we gotta shoot out. I
told you eight o'clock is my prime time, exactly exactly.
Oh my gosh. All right, well, here we're gonna break,
We're gonna get it. We're gonna step aside and we'll
be back. Promise we'll be back on the hinges after
(37:59):
this marcial break. Here a Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:21):
This is in the Locker Room, presented by Ford and
brought to you by ACRO Sure the official insurance and
cybersecurity partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers by Bett MGM, Huntington Bank, PNC, PEPSI,
and by Betex. Where now meets next? Now here's Craig
Wolfley and Max Starks.
Speaker 3 (38:42):
All right, welcome back.
Speaker 4 (38:43):
When you are off the air we're talking about I said, Max,
what what were you distracted about? And Max, what were
you distracted about?
Speaker 2 (38:50):
Tell us, Well, wolf men of a certain age, right,
have this thing that they're supposed to do, uh in life. Uh,
it's prevented. But here's the thing, it's preventative. Yes, And
that's the best part about it, right, is that you
know you're you're taking a proactive approach in your health
(39:10):
right in your life, and you're making sure that you
could be around for your family in the future. Right.
I preface that by saying, yes, I am, I am
due for my Yeah, let's just get it out there.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
There you go, the more you know, well, yeah, the
other side of that.
Speaker 2 (39:29):
Okay, So my note came out on that one reading that.
Speaker 3 (39:33):
There you go.
Speaker 4 (39:34):
So here's here's what happened years ago. Right, it was
first colon Oscar be coming up. So for the kid here,
so uh, touch calls me. I says, hey, you got
to drink this fluid like a galon this stuff. It's nasty,
you know, And he goes yeah. He goes, hey, but
you know what, I drank that in like thirty five minutes.
I went, stop it. You didn't drink all that crap
(39:55):
in thirty five minutes? It was, yes, I did. And
he says, I bet you can't beat it.
Speaker 2 (40:01):
Oh yeah, gotta make it a competition, right.
Speaker 3 (40:03):
Making a competition.
Speaker 4 (40:05):
So there I sat with that gallant jugg of that
nasty stuff, and I am choking it down. And I
got to tell you something, man, I am killing myself
and I'm about I'm on the verge of throwing up
for the next hour. Right, I got it. I got
it done about forty seven minutes. Right, You're gonna throw
up one way or another. It's whether it goes up
or down, you know which which?
Speaker 3 (40:26):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 4 (40:28):
So I drink this whole thing and I'm like, oh,
you know, you're so nauseous and everything else.
Speaker 3 (40:33):
I call him.
Speaker 2 (40:34):
I go, oh, I owe you lunch. I couldn't beat you.
Speaker 4 (40:37):
He starts laughing hilariously, Like what are you laughing about?
Speaker 3 (40:41):
He goes, I never did that.
Speaker 2 (40:45):
Oh my god, so mad at him? Oh, so mad
at Touch. Oh, let me tell you that that's a
growing kick with with no cup. You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (40:57):
Oh is that brutal? That was just I was so.
Speaker 2 (41:06):
You know right now I'm pounding the fist of the
sky like Touch, How could you have done that to him?
I know, Oh that's cruel, that's cool.
Speaker 3 (41:13):
But I went for it, hook line and sticker. I
should have known better.
Speaker 2 (41:19):
Man. Yeah, he took you down the rabbit hole. Yeah,
to the deep end of the pool. Oh yeah, there's
no way. I don't care what anybody says. I'm like,
whatever the alloted time is, I'm taking all of you
a lot of time.
Speaker 4 (41:32):
Yes, take it and and cruise with it. Be very
gentle with yourself. Don't be a jag like my buddy
Touch exactly.
Speaker 2 (41:41):
Gosh, rest in peace friends like this. Who needs enemies exactly?
Trust me. Now he's laughing, he is, no question, no question,
he's laughing. Oh yeah, he's loving this. He's like, yeah,
still getting them, still getting them. I left a lasting impression.
Speaker 4 (42:07):
Okay, we got to go to break because we got
the kinger coming up. The king in the castle will
be up on the Power Hour as Optimist roars by
and Max gets his thumb out. Optimist has never stopped
all season long. We'll be back with more
This is in the Locker Room, presented by Ford and
brought to you by acro Sure, the official insurance and
cybersecurity partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, by Bett MGM, Huntington Bank, PNC, PEPSI,
and by FedEx. Where now meets next? Now here's Craig
Wilfley and Max Starks.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Very But that's not a new discussion. I've expressed that
in this setting and settings like these for years, the
X factor that quarterback mobility is in our game and
how it's trending and been trending. That is not a
new discussion.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Oh that's Mike Tomlin.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
He's given a little discussion on some of the thoughts
he's got going into the offseason, and of course primary
number one Numero uno on his to be you know,
what's going on with the quarterback situation? As he said,
you know, I mean we're basically back at the same
situation when we were last year in Max, you know,
(01:10):
I don't know, you know what I mean, it comes
down to us or not to Russ. You know, I
think it's it's a situation where you're gonna take some
time to kind of kind of examine everything.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
But what's your thoughts about that?
Speaker 2 (01:24):
Well, I mean, I think you you have you have
you have a big decision to make this offseason. I
think it's a paramount what what decision you do make
determines the trajectory of your team, and you know, and
also gives you kind of the thought process about how
(01:47):
they feel, you know, about about about the other guy.
You know, russ Is, you know, did a lot of
good things, but like you said, down the stretch, didn't
quite you know, have the same pop and finish and
for whatever those factors are, you know, known and unknown
(02:09):
to us. You know, that's going to be a part
of that evaluation process for them for justin you know,
what are they see and not see throughout the season
that led to whether to play or not play him
when healthy? That's another one that's going to weigh into that.
(02:32):
And then you know, obviously judging where the draft position is,
seeing what that board shakes out to be and what
what are your best available options? And then of course
the third phase, you know, nause he goes up as
tribute to the free agency gods. Who else is having that?
And is there someone who can make an impact out
(02:55):
there that could come and help improve this team. But
you know, as I look at it, I mean it was,
you know, for us, it was a lot of good,
but then you know, it just tailed off and it
was just too too streaky or you know, sporadic and
you know, having a healthy Justice didn't really see packages.
(03:20):
I saw straight plays for Justin, but I didn't see
a package for him wolf. And I think that's one
of the troubling, frustrating, however you want to put it, moments,
you know, not seeing him perform or be able to
change things up and do some really good things. I
think that kind of just you know, kind of soured
(03:44):
you know my quote unquote you know thoughts on how
they went and proceeded with it.
Speaker 4 (03:51):
You know what's interesting to me is, uh, you know,
you think about it, and I kept I was the
same way. I was like, oh, yeah, they gotta have
a package, But you know what, what tech do you
need a package for when you got the whole offense
at your fingertips. I mean, let's face it, he ran
he was you know, six times, he was a starter.
You know, he ran the offense. Now, the difference being
(04:13):
is that you can call there's got to be a
play that you can call like you know, the the
Reid options stuff like that that you wouldn't call with
with Russ, right, but you would you would with with
you know, with Justin. And I started looking at his numbers,
you know, and if you pull play his numbers out
over a whole season, you know, let's say, you know,
(04:36):
relatively speaking, coming around you know, eleven twelve wins, he
would have you know, had rushed for close to one
thousand yards, you know, fifteen tds. He could have had
rushing you know, fifteen tds and what like five interceptions
(04:56):
or something like that, I mean, or three I can't
remember all. He's got five and one yet go times three.
So yeah, I mean, I mean he'd been over you know,
three thousand, thirty two hundred yards passing thirty five hundred
something like that. Very competitive with Russ and everything.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
The thing that's key to me was what Mike said
in that statement when he said the trending of the
mobile quarterback, you know, and that kind of identifies do
you think about the fact that they went out and
you know, the futures contract they got that kids. I
think Skyler Thompson his name, he's a very mobile quarterback. Yeah,
pretty mobile quarterback. And it just it's all it does
(05:36):
is give me a little bit maybe a little insight
into what Mike is thinking.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
That's what I'm thinking.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Well, I mean if I'm thinking of all that, I
mean you're thinking, and you're saying, just as long as
you're not spraying, we're good. Yeah, sorry, Wes. But I
think the biggest thing is that.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
He's wearing Saran wraps. So I don't know if that
it said something.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Okay, does it have the nose holes you have to
be able to breathe in that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (06:06):
Well he just turns away from me.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Okay, all right, say well you know what what Wes
enjoy the bubble wrap up clingy wrap.
Speaker 4 (06:17):
You know, you like to play with those things. My
kids drive me nuts with those things. You know, as
soon as you get like a box or something and
stuffed with bubble wrap, it comes out and then the
next thing, you know, you just snap, snap, crackle pop pop.
You know, like stop it, Okay, just stop it. It's
like when you crack your fingers all the time, you know,
drive your nuts.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
After a while, Yeah, I would say, does it does
it drive? Tell us why you're really mad? Wolf? Just
tell us why you're angry.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Oh, probably because I couldn't get any donuts for breakfast,
you know that sort of thing.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
You know. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Well don't worry. We're gonna
have misery doing nuts Friday. Yeah. I try to see
if sweet up, but no, it's that could happen kind
of Okay, So so a lot to address here, Wolf.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Yeah, first, the bubble wrap does that drive you nuts?
Speaker 2 (07:10):
We got to get out of all the ways.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
Okay, see, so we got to get out of Arthur.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Said, yeah, but yeah I am. I am pro bubble
wrap fan.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
Okay, you're pro?
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Yeah, yeah, okay, I I.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
There you go, Wesley, what are you? Wesley? What's up? Myrizzlers?
And no, no, don't go there. That's wrong. That's just wrong.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Bubble Wrap's fine. It's it's it's entertaining for a few
seconds until it becomes annoying. Right. It's kind of like
someone like tapping their pen on a table.
Speaker 4 (07:45):
It can be kind of like rhythmic for a few
seconds until it, you know, sounds like nails on a chuckboard. Well,
here's here's the next question. Then, is it due to age?
You know, because I'm thinking here, I am the oldest guy.
I am having a grandfatherly moment ago stop right, and
in Max is like I like it, you know, and
then West you're kind of like you're good with it too.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
I wonder if it's just got to do something with
being old.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
I mean, you know, age, age, age please a factor?
You know? Is it more so respect? You know, just
letting it be or what we what are we saying here?
I don't know.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
I'm not sure where the rails just went over the edge,
but I certainly led the charge.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
I will tell you that in goodness.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Yes, yes you did, Yes, you did. You did that,
you know, but once again that that's good soldiers. Right.
You know, you're just gonna you're you're gonna you're gonna
follow the directions and you're gonna just execute whatever whatever
the job calls for. Just get the job done. So
but I'm trying to I think what we're doing, we're
(08:56):
talking about to rush or not to rush?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
That is a question.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Yeah, that was what we were getting at. Was was
the quarterback position? Okay? Thank god? Okay, yeah, because because
then it was it was like it's like, okay.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Well you have to bubble wrap. Bubble wrap that's.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
One of the get bubble Wrap answered, that's a good one.
But yeah, no, I mean, you know you're you're left
to this position because you know the other thing is
with us, you secured the fact that you're not gonna
have a losing season, you're also resigning yourself to you
(09:34):
know that there is a definitive ceiling with his play
at this particular time, and whether whether it's seen, unsight, unseen,
et cetera. You know, the proof is in the pudding.
You know, you have to go back and watch every throw,
watch every every snap, good, better and different, and then
(09:59):
you're gonna make a valid judgment as far as what
do we really think about you? And you know there'll
be there, there will be opportunities for the players to interact,
you know, as far as like Jalen with Coach T
and you know, Nausea with with Coach Smith, all the
(10:23):
all these opportunities are going to happen over the next
couple of days. Mike T kind of kind of eluded Slash,
you know, warned everybody like, hey, you know this is
what it's going to be. But I think you know,
for the players, you know, you're you're gonna know where
you stand very quickly. Even though Mike couldn't give the
(10:46):
media answers. I mean, I'm sure he has plenty of
answers for the guys on you know, on the squad,
but I just I know there's a ceiling with Russ
at the end of the day. I know there's a
ceiling with Russ, and deep in the deep in the year,
(11:08):
you know, decision making is not as crisp, it's not
as clean, right because you've gotten a cut, you know,
you've had a couple of bumps along the way, and
the production on the team has shown that. And I
think that's what the biggest thing is going to be
(11:29):
in making this evaluation of to rest or not to rest.
That is the question. You know.
Speaker 4 (11:37):
It's interesting because I went back and, like I said yesterday,
I watched the Denver game, you know, in week two
or three whatever it was, and you know, it was
noticeable with Justin you know, the stuff that they were doing,
rolls out, rolling out and stuff like that, and him
using his legs. I still can't get over the fact
that a guy came off the edge n man off
(11:58):
the line of Scrimsina slide slot blitz, what have you.
I can't remember what it was, but it was he
was untouched and he came and and not only did
Justin outrun him, but he got the first down. I mean,
that guy had him dead to rights. And it wasn't
he didn't joke him. He just the guy came off
the offensive right side and Justin just ran to the left,
(12:22):
outran everybody to the corner and got a first down.
And I keep thinking in my head, my gosh, that
you could have a guy that came free, untouched, get
within probably three steps of you, and you take off
running and that guy can't catch you.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
That's pretty good mobility.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
You know.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
And it just kind of throws a little light in
my head that.
Speaker 4 (12:44):
You know, there's not a lot of room there for it,
but anyhow, there's a little light there goes on and.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Goes you know what.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
That's something to maybe take into account that sort of
speed and nobility. And then you see what Lamar Jackson
does on them. I'm not saying that Justin Fields is
the same caliber. Again, you don't know, because Justin's never
really had that opportunity to develop like Lamar in a
situation such as lamarz. But you know what, it seems
to me that the kid can do some things that
(13:12):
really could be long term beneficial to this organization.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Well yeah, and I agree with you because I think,
you know, there's there's so much that's been made of
mobility and you know, throwing and running on the fly,
you know, creating your own success within a given play construct.
(13:42):
I always wrestle with this, right because.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
You know, we're wrestling with it. Think what they're doing
down on the south side, you know, they got to
be wrestling with it.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
Yeah, yeah, well the ones that showed up earlier wrestling
with it literally. But I think, you know, I think
when we're saying that, it's a good indicator, a good
look at But you know, I still go back to them,
(14:13):
just like numbers in production, right wolf numbers in production,
you know, whether it's you know, you know, the sacks,
the timing, how much time you had, how much time
you didn't have where the pocket collapsed, did you roll
to or away from pressure, break inside to move you know,
(14:35):
you had to break all of these aspects down. But
I mean just knee jerk reaction. I just felt like,
you know, this this team in general looked tired and
it was indicative in their play, you know, and Russ
is not is not immune to that. Justin Fields is
(14:57):
not immune to that. It's it's a it is a team, bads.
You you've got to wear And so, you know, as
we look at that mobility, you know, we already know
that Mike tom advised, you know, advises he he prefers
that mobility trend in the quarterback position, right, and I
(15:18):
think that's what they're gonna be looking at. Yeah, he
just spoke of it. And you know, for those like, well,
what what what does he mean by that? What it
means exactly what he needs it to mean.
Speaker 4 (15:29):
You know what it means if you go to the
Denver game and you take a look at Justin Fields
running away from I think it was Bonito, the sack
guy from the the Broncos, off the edge, untouched and
being able to out run him to the opposite side
of the.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Field and get a first down.
Speaker 4 (15:46):
I'm just like going, wow, I don't know why I
didn't really pay attention to that when it happened, but
that was substantial when you see that sort of speed.
And again, going back to the opening comment by Mike
Tomlin when he talks about the trending of the mobile quarterback.
It's interesting to me again that it gives you just
maybe a little touch of insight into what's starting to
(16:08):
weigh heavy into you know, what he's looking for and
moving forward. And the more I think about it, the
more the possibilities. You know, I don't know what Russ
is thinking. If Russ is saying I got to be
the guaranteed starter coming back, then I you know, and
you don't get a hometown discount, you're gonna have a
problem because so much of the salary that he would
(16:30):
have eating up last year will be eating up this year,
you know what I mean. They've got to sign him. Yeah,
So that's that's one problem, one issue right there. I
don't know, man, you know, I think you know, when
we go to break here, I'm going to go back
and find some bubble wrap and start snapping drive myself.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Just going like the break roup, like why has Wolf
wrapped himself in bubble wrap while trying to slowly get
himself out of said bubble wrap by popping each and
every individual little circuit or circle.
Speaker 4 (17:05):
Uh no, yeah, exactly, all right, We're gonna go to
break here. We've got Rob King coming up in eleven
o'clock in the power hour, and we'll be right back
after this. And you're listening to the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
This is in the Locker Room, presented by Ford and
brought to you by acro Shure, the official insurance and
cybersecurity partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, by BET MGM, Huntington Bank, PNC, PEPSI,
and by FedEx. Where now meets next? Now here's Craig
Wolfley and Max Starks all.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Right back inside the locker room here, and you know,
great opening discussion talking about to Russ or not to Russ.
That's is the question. And I pose this on the
other side of this. I mean, you know, justin fields,
you know, fantastic start to the season for us, put
(18:29):
us in a great position until Rusk was healthy. He
knew what his role was. You know it was going
to be, Hey, I'm a placeholder right now, but do
I have to be a placeholder the next year? That's
the question, right you know, from what we saw from
(18:50):
from justin early in the season, and then of course
you know the lack thereof and I know you talked
about why I have a package when he has the
entire playbook at his disposal, and you could use more
RPO stuff with him. But at the same time, you
don't want teams loading the box because they see number
two come in, right, you know, you don't want teams
(19:11):
coming in and saying, all right, we're gonna take this
dude out right now, We're gonna just combine and just
take him out of the game. For Justin, I think
one of the biggest differences early on when they made
the switch was his ability to throw touch passes, because
(19:31):
we remember that Raiders game right where it was it
was like, I want to say, a three play sequence
where you were trying to hit a flat missed it,
quick out again, missed it, then you know, bring it
(19:53):
back to the other side and miss it. Two of
those were George Pickens. One of those was Pat Firemouth
and and you were like, okay, well now we see
why you know, Russ was was on the active roster
the entire time, never went to ir never had to,
and you know, Justin then got relocated to the bench
(20:15):
and then we rarely saw him, right, So yeah, I guess, I.
Speaker 4 (20:21):
Mean, but I still look at and go he completed
in those first six games, he completed almost seventy percent
of his passes, you know, and that's the three three
throws that I'm sure we'd want back. You know, there's
a difference between having a bad moment in the game,
you know what I mean, and and coming to the
conclusion from it that he can't make those touch throws
(20:44):
and I don't know. I mean, you know, here's the
thing too, there's a lot of internal statistics that the
Steelers compile on their own that are their own for
their own selves, you know what I mean.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Proprietary research. There you go, that's the word for that
you're looking for? It is? Boy? Is that a bon
Maybe that's my brain works every once in a while.
You know what.
Speaker 3 (21:12):
Am I going to say?
Speaker 2 (21:13):
Max?
Speaker 3 (21:13):
I mean, you got the degree? I don't.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Oh, you mean degree of difficulty?
Speaker 4 (21:21):
No, But you know what I'm saying, I mean, we
have to be careful about it, you know, saying because
just because he didn't make those throws whatever, it doesn't
necessitate the fact that he can't make those in the future.
And that's where I but again I go back to
Mike's talking about the trending of the mobile quarterback and
(21:43):
the ability again when we see what a read option
looks like run by a guy who knows how to
run it. We just saw, man, that's that's intriguing. That
is kind of you know, something makes you go hmm.
Has Myron would.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Say, well, and it's something that we hadn't seen really,
m h you know, I mean, I think that's the
biggest thing is that Mike's talked about it for the
last couple of years, but this was the first time
he really had it at his disposal, at Arthur Smith's disposal. However,
you want to look at that, and so it's like, hey,
(22:23):
you know, the grass can be a little bit greener
from that perspective, and you know it's something that is
you look at the division, right Wolf, I mean you
look Lamar Jackson, right, we know what he is, and
he's a mobile quarterback. Joe Burrow, for all intents and purposes,
is more mobile than he lets on. Whether it was
(22:45):
out of necessity for preservation or you know what the
motivating factor was that finally tilted the scales. But now
you've got to make that make that distinction again in right,
because this is the last time that this particular group
(23:06):
will be together and a lot of people are free agents.
After this year, so you know, who do you offer,
who do you not offer? Are roles clearly defined, I mean,
those are the things you gotta look at. But mobility
is a must for the quarterback because especially after seeing
only twenty nine rushing yards like that, that's the one right,
(23:27):
super tough and you can't get over that. And even
though Russ has some good scrambles, it was it was
different than quarterback design run game.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
Right yeah, where it's it's a dagger in the heart,
you know what I mean, and just to just rather
than getting the first down. I mean, let's face it,
Lamar had some big hits on those first five runs
that he had or three runs, I can't remember how
many it was, but certainly it was something that you
like going, whoa where what you got to stop this?
(23:58):
This is a problem, you know, And the threat was
never with Russ about running. So if you design your
your your pass rush to contain and create problems, especially
if you've got big hands, big people in the middle,
that make scene for us hard to do. And if
the collapsing of the forward wall it's too fast, that
(24:19):
that creates a problem for us to see, you know
what I mean, that's Yeah, that's another problem that I
think has to be addressed.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
Yeah, No, I mean it does. I mean, but we
but you and I both know Wolf, you can't substitute experience, right,
You're right, And that's the tough part about it, right,
you know. And and that's what's going to be kind
of evaluated is is this an experienced thing or is
this a skill thing?
Speaker 3 (24:49):
Right?
Speaker 2 (24:50):
You know? As far as that, and what are we
doing to make it easier on the guy dropping back
at quarterback? You know? Do we use more running moving pocket?
You know? How do you bring in the extra blocker
that's not going to go in a route? All of
those things are are kind of you know, up in it,
(25:10):
and they're all in you know, Mike talking about this,
everything's kind of interdependent of each other. Like you can't
have you know, a guy that wants to read the
field and kind of get the right play just sitting
back there like a sitting duck, Like you gotta do
it on the move, you gotta. You gotta kind of
press the issue a little bit and see if they
(25:31):
can respond to it. That that's that's the other thing.
It's so stylistically, what do you want for next year?
Do you want a highly mobile quarterback that can double
as a running back or do you want pocket passer,
(25:52):
quicker rhythm tempo throws to throw yourself out of that
quote unquote eight or nine man box that was going
to come up once you see twenty two in the backfield,
right that that that's what it is. And then at quarterback,
how do you manage that? Are you doing everything in
your power to put the team in the best position?
How what's your audible power in those situations? Right the
(26:15):
weighty moments? Sure? Is this is this? Is this? Is
this your gut check? Is it somebody else's gut check?
Because I could tell you early in that game that
fourth that that fourth and short, when they didn't go
for it, I was like, man, this is a team
that's playing tight yep, yeah, you know, and and they're
scared to make a mistake. And that's why you're punting
(26:36):
it because you don't trust your offensive line.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
Well, like I've always said, Chuck Nole used to say
to us, you earn the right to put to go
for it on fourth down. I mean, that's as simple
as I can put it. You know, by your actions
throughout the season, some accumulation of that offensive line and
the offensive line, I think it took some good steps
forward this year, it's gonna it's going to take some
(27:01):
more to make it what it's capable of being. And
that's the biggest thing about it, the capability of what
that offensive line could be and where it.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Is right now.
Speaker 4 (27:10):
There's a gap, but that gap is that's typical when
you bring in young people. But the beautiful part about
it is, you know what, what did we when we
entered into training camp. The first thing you and I
were talking about was you got to get a center
because until you get a center up there, you're not
going to have any running attack, anything settled. You know,
(27:30):
you've got to have that guy that can do that.
And we both I think we if I recall, we
both were agreeing on that. And by golly, I mean
there's nothing like the Morgan Tom Maler coming in doing
the job that he did. I was really excited when
I look back at his year.
Speaker 3 (27:46):
I really enjoy.
Speaker 4 (27:48):
The fact that this kid came in and just basically dominated,
if I can use that word. I know it's a
little bit strong, but I'm and I'm a little enthusiastic
about him but you know what, I really believe that
kid's got some some real long term potential to really
take that center position and elevate it.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Oh absolutely, I mean you know it was born on
of necessity, right, because her got injured.
Speaker 4 (28:16):
Right.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
But man, if there ever was like a Wally Pip
type moment, this.
Speaker 4 (28:22):
Was it Wally Pip, the infamous Wally Pip.
Speaker 2 (28:26):
I know exactly. I know nothing of what Wallypip looks like.
I just know the legend.
Speaker 4 (28:30):
Yeah, the legend of Wllipip. Yeah, who was it? Who
was it that took his place? Carl Brett Favre. No,
it wasn't Brett Favre. Wally was way better. No, no, no, no, no,
I thought it was far Yeah, no, no, it was
a baseball player that gum it was? Was it Lou
Garrick took over for him?
Speaker 2 (28:49):
Was it? Yeah? That's right. I'm sorry. Sorry, my brain
is my brain, my bra Yes, yes, I think it
becomes history. Yeah. Played in the big leagues for There
we Go.
Speaker 4 (29:02):
Yes, drove in more than one hundred ruds three times
for the Yankees, will play in the World Series. But
when a headache forced him from the line, Yankees lineup
nineteen twenty five, June second, Louke Garrett took over a
first base and then of course he ran off the
longest streak of playing games ever Wally Pip ever ever
remembered for the guy that dropped his hat and then
(29:24):
Louke Garrett picked it up.
Speaker 2 (29:26):
There we go. Where'd you get? Brett? Come on? Hey, hey, sorry,
sorry my brain I'm reading stuff. I'll let you know
later what I was reading that that kind of kind
of threw me off. Brett f you're reading about Brett
Farv Hey, Brett, Yes, no, I was reading something else
(29:47):
and then I just I got I got confused.
Speaker 4 (29:49):
You know, you know, did you ever hear but Carrie Collins,
I don't know now Carrie Collins Yeah, Penn State guy.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
Yeah, I'm Brady. Anyways, before the cliff again, before we
go off the cliff, and I'm actually I actually need
to get an accurate metaphor or sports metaphor correct before
we go to break oh for two waiting oh two pitch? Yeah,
exactly exactly, and I bunted there it is. I did.
(30:22):
I did make contact, but no, but I think you know,
for for for for for everything that kind of went
through that process. I mean, you know, yes, you don't
want to lose her big, but to gain the experience
that Zach Frasier got invaluable and he's only going to
be better. You know, having Mason McCormick step up from
(30:46):
when James Daniels went down, right, and for him to
play as long as he did. Now, did I know
we didn't get him in the last game broke his hand,
But you know, all of that contributes to those issues.
So that is that a part of the interdependence on
the quarterback play, having young guys in the middle, that
(31:08):
that pocket that deteriorated at times. You know, a second
year guy on the right side. I mean so from
center to right tackle, you were rookie rookie, second year
and you almost were just rookie rookie rookie.
Speaker 3 (31:24):
Right, yeah, yeah, because Troy had not been hurt.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
Yeah, if Troy doesn't get hurt, does Brojo actually actually
continue to play? So you know, there's a lot of
youth on this offensive line that had to turn over.
But there's no easy way to turn that over, right
with young guys. So was that a part of the
growing pains of that position group? You know, and we
(31:49):
talk about Oh man, we got it. We're gonna have
to get depth from these, you know, from the offensive
line position. Well, we went and we went and drafted it.
But you know, be careful what you wish for, because
now you've got to deal with the byproduct of when
you go youthful. They're gonna make mistakes. They're gonna be
(32:10):
young at times. And you know, and I think you know,
with a veteran left side. We'll see how that how
that shakes Outlet me. We have guys are free agents.
Speaker 4 (32:23):
Yeah, go ahead, all right, what's the most mental errors
you've had in the season.
Speaker 2 (32:27):
Remember I'm mentally incapable of remembering the aras.
Speaker 4 (32:33):
I just I remember my rookie my second year when
I became a starter, went sixteen games.
Speaker 3 (32:39):
I had three mental errors. I remember Raleigh dodged my line. Coach.
Speaker 4 (32:42):
We're having an exit meeting basically, and I don't think
they used the term exit meetings, but that was in
the season.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Bon Voyage.
Speaker 4 (32:51):
Yeah, exactly, So, he says, he says, you know you
had three mental errors, right, He says, I can live
with one. All right, says Mike Webster hasn't had a
mental air in three years, and I'm like, curses Webby.
Speaker 2 (33:07):
Yeah, dog, but at what year was was Webby though
that you hadn't had one in three years?
Speaker 3 (33:14):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (33:14):
Well yeah, but I mean a rookie. Yeah well I
was a second.
Speaker 3 (33:19):
Year guy, you know.
Speaker 2 (33:22):
Yeah, I mean rookie plus.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
But it was so funny. Remember that's Webby again. Webby
just always always makes me look bad.
Speaker 2 (33:32):
Yeah, I mean you should hope the center would not
have middle airs.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
Yeah right, that's true.
Speaker 2 (33:39):
Kind of a pre wreck to be a long term
center and be a legendary.
Speaker 3 (33:44):
Center, a legend legend gets man.
Speaker 2 (33:48):
Yeah, so you know, but I want to say I
probably well, I mean I know I had at least
one every year.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
So well, you had the corner blitz.
Speaker 2 (33:59):
Yeah, out, that was like my kryptonite was how could
you not see that as tall as you are? You
know here it happened once a year because you get
so enamored with everything else. You know.
Speaker 4 (34:13):
One of the greatest pickups I ever made was in
a game against the Giants when Lawrence Taylor came out
of delayed blitz and I just somehow managed to see
him coming off the slot.
Speaker 3 (34:25):
I mean he was he was.
Speaker 4 (34:26):
Out, you know, in in position, and I you know,
it was just like a wall situation or whatever. But
I was locked in with another guy. But I couldn't
believe it, you know. And in the meding room, my
coach Ron black Litt says, I didn't think you were
going to see him. We're preparing to we were preparing
to take a body bag out there when Lawrence Taylor
(34:51):
starting to blitz from outside.
Speaker 2 (34:52):
The clown ambulance come out right, stretcher oops a little
mini van? Yeah, free, Is that really a siren? It's
just another clown sitting on top of it, making sounds
exactly exactly. Oh man, oh gosh, you know, I mean yeah,
(35:14):
I mean I would say probably two to three maybe
at the most. Yeah, it was probably that. I'm probably
right in that same range as you as far as mintlayers,
because you know, especially a tackle, you know, you're on
the island, I mean, oh yeah, yeah, just about ninety
percent of the time, right, I mean, you're just it's like, yep, yep,
(35:35):
I got the inman on the line of scrimmage more
often than not, unless you know, unless it's run plays,
you know, backside cutoffs, you know, going on going on
the three technique yep, or working to the inside weak
side backer.
Speaker 3 (35:50):
But can you catch those guys? Those guys were murderous
to catch.
Speaker 2 (35:55):
Oh no, I mean I just played it. I just
played it planning for the cutback if it stayed fronts.
So that's your fault, running back, Yeah, that was your fault.
I'm reverse walling. But I don't know what you're doing.
Oh yeah, get into the foot race with those guys
and try and get underneath them. Jesus, I know, the
(36:19):
best you can hope for is parallel. What's the best
you can hope for on the backside? Cut off with
the linebacker off the ball linebacker when you're uncovered that
that's the best best you could ever hope for. And
so that's what I'd always say. If that guy made
the play man, should you should have cut it back? Like?
What are you talking about? I'm like, you should have
cut it down? Know your personnel, But no, where, no, no, no. That.
(36:44):
I have a lot of strengths and that is not
one of them. So if you want to continue to
venture forward, uh to the play side and keep pressing
it front side, just know if you don't hit the cutback,
I'm not going to get there. Thank you, Thank you.
You're welcome, goodbye, love you.
Speaker 4 (37:03):
I know you didn't say that though for Willie Parker
and the Super Bowl, baby when he does, because I
was front side.
Speaker 2 (37:08):
I know I was front side, baby, I was front side.
I'm hell on the front side now, yeah, oh oh yeah,
front side. Yeah, I got you, I got you. I'm
gonna nail that three technique. I'm gonna I'm gonna hit
that front side backer and I'm gonna keep the wire
the whole wide open.
Speaker 3 (37:26):
But backside, backside.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
Another man about that about that? You know, listen, listen.
Gunfighters get shot too.
Speaker 3 (37:36):
That's true.
Speaker 2 (37:39):
If you can't. Hey, if I tell you I'm better
at eight o'clock, don't come at seven thirty five saying hey,
we we gotta, we gotta, we gotta shoot out. I
told you eight o'clock is my prime time, exactly exactly.
Oh my gosh. All right, well, here we're gonna break,
We're gonna get it. We're gonna step aside and we'll
be back. Promise we'll be back on the hinges after
(37:59):
this marcial break. Here a Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (38:21):
This is in the Locker Room, presented by Ford and
brought to you by ACRO Sure the official insurance and
cybersecurity partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers by Bett MGM, Huntington Bank, PNC, PEPSI,
and by Betex. Where now meets next? Now here's Craig
Wolfley and Max Starks.
Speaker 3 (38:42):
All right, welcome back.
Speaker 4 (38:43):
When you are off the air we're talking about I said, Max,
what what were you distracted about? And Max, what were
you distracted about?
Speaker 2 (38:50):
Tell us, Well, wolf men of a certain age, right,
have this thing that they're supposed to do, uh in life. Uh,
it's prevented. But here's the thing, it's preventative. Yes, And
that's the best part about it, right, is that you
know you're you're taking a proactive approach in your health
(39:10):
right in your life, and you're making sure that you
could be around for your family in the future. Right.
I preface that by saying, yes, I am, I am
due for my Yeah, let's just get it out there.
Speaker 3 (39:25):
There you go, the more you know, well, yeah, the
other side of that.
Speaker 2 (39:29):
Okay, So my note came out on that one reading that.
Speaker 3 (39:33):
There you go.
Speaker 4 (39:34):
So here's here's what happened years ago. Right, it was
first colon Oscar be coming up. So for the kid here,
so uh, touch calls me. I says, hey, you got
to drink this fluid like a galon this stuff. It's nasty,
you know, And he goes yeah. He goes, hey, but
you know what, I drank that in like thirty five minutes.
I went, stop it. You didn't drink all that crap
(39:55):
in thirty five minutes? It was, yes, I did. And
he says, I bet you can't beat it.
Speaker 2 (40:01):
Oh yeah, gotta make it a competition, right.
Speaker 3 (40:03):
Making a competition.
Speaker 4 (40:05):
So there I sat with that gallant jugg of that
nasty stuff, and I am choking it down. And I
got to tell you something, man, I am killing myself
and I'm about I'm on the verge of throwing up
for the next hour. Right, I got it. I got
it done about forty seven minutes. Right, You're gonna throw
up one way or another. It's whether it goes up
or down, you know which which?
Speaker 3 (40:26):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 4 (40:28):
So I drink this whole thing and I'm like, oh,
you know, you're so nauseous and everything else.
Speaker 3 (40:33):
I call him.
Speaker 2 (40:34):
I go, oh, I owe you lunch. I couldn't beat you.
Speaker 4 (40:37):
He starts laughing hilariously, Like what are you laughing about?
Speaker 3 (40:41):
He goes, I never did that.
Speaker 2 (40:45):
Oh my god, so mad at him? Oh, so mad
at Touch. Oh, let me tell you that that's a
growing kick with with no cup. You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (40:57):
Oh is that brutal? That was just I was so.
Speaker 2 (41:06):
You know right now I'm pounding the fist of the
sky like Touch, How could you have done that to him?
I know, Oh that's cruel, that's cool.
Speaker 3 (41:13):
But I went for it, hook line and sticker. I
should have known better.
Speaker 2 (41:19):
Man. Yeah, he took you down the rabbit hole. Yeah,
to the deep end of the pool. Oh yeah, there's
no way. I don't care what anybody says. I'm like,
whatever the alloted time is, I'm taking all of you
a lot of time.
Speaker 4 (41:32):
Yes, take it and and cruise with it. Be very
gentle with yourself. Don't be a jag like my buddy
Touch exactly.
Speaker 2 (41:41):
Gosh, rest in peace friends like this. Who needs enemies exactly?
Trust me. Now he's laughing, he is, no question, no question,
he's laughing. Oh yeah, he's loving this. He's like, yeah,
still getting them, still getting them. I left a lasting impression.
Speaker 4 (42:07):
Okay, we got to go to break because we got
the kinger coming up. The king in the castle will
be up on the Power Hour as Optimist roars by
and Max gets his thumb out. Optimist has never stopped
all season long. We'll be back with more
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