September 19, 2024 • 44 mins
Mike, Matt, and Merril preview the big matchup between two undefeated teams as the Steelers host the Chargers in their home opener this upcoming Sunday afternoon.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to the Steelers Preview show on wdve E Pittsburgh,
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here are your hosts Merril Hodge, Matt Williamson and Mike Persuda.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Steelers Preview
right here on your Steeler slagship one of two point
five dve and the Steelers Audio Network on Mike Persuda
joined us always on these Thursday night parties by Matt
Williamson of the Steelers Audio Network at Steelers dot Com.
Our buddy, Merril Hodge, our factor back. We'll be joining
(00:45):
us for segment number two as we get you ready
for the home opener the Steelers and the Chargers Sunday
at Actorshre Stadium. And Matt, the news that everybody was
probably waiting for came out a while ago. Russell Wilson
Limited in practice again today for the Steelers. All arrows
pointing to Justin Fields getting another start.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Yeah, and I don't think this should come as a
huge shock. They definitely are not rushing him back. I
get the impression next week has a pretty strong chance
to get Wilson back in the lineup, and if it
were me, I would immediately insert him when he was ready.
We'll get another game of Fields and we'll see. I
think Fields has played well. I mean, I don't think
(01:29):
he's swept anyone off their feet though.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Nor do I, but he's not turned the ball over
and he has walked off the field a winner both times,
which is the oh yeah right right of the exercise.
He certainly sounded today like a guy who is expecting
to start on Sunday. Justin Fields asked after practice today
if he came to Pittsburgh to kind of reboot or
(01:53):
restart his career, and if he did, how that's been
going so far.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
I think it's definitely a blessing being here. You know,
it's kind of bittersweet when I first got here that,
you know, I was happy to come to an organization
like this, and you know, I couldn't even be more
happier now. So I just got to get the opportunity
to go out there Sunday and meet my teammates onto
the field and help it come on to.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Be glad I get the opportunity to go out there
Sunday and lead my teammates. This will be the third
such opportunity, and uh, it's got a lot of people
wondering if this might get to the point where Fields
gets a whole bunch of opportunities. Is there any concern
that the longer you're inactive, the depth chuck could change. Now,
(02:35):
I'm just focused on on me every day.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Just focus on me being fully healthy, and I have
full confidence in our football team, and that's really what
really matters to me.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Russell Wilson, Uh not worried that he could lose this
through in activity. You said a moment ago, Matt, you
would play him when he's healthy. I would. I would
play him when he's healthy. But at what point? Is
there a point where they get to four and oh,
five and oh and you start righting? You know what,
it's a.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Good problem that has working the way it's working. It's
working the way it's working. I mean when I was
saying that just a minute ago, I was saying in
the back of my mind. Well, what would Fields have
to do Sunday to change that opinion? You know, if
Wilson's ready to roll during practice post chargers, what would
Fields have to do to say, well, maybe we'll go
(03:28):
back to you and probably something that not that he's
incapable of, but is out of the stratosphere would be
my answer to that. I mean, really dominate on the ground,
not turn the ball over again, which he's been phenomenal at.
His accuracy percentage is way up, and then his Bears days.
I mean, so he's become somewhat of a different player.
(03:48):
But it's only been two games stretch too.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
And it's only been one touchdown in two games. And
there's that for the offense. And you're right, you know penalties, Hey,
they're penalties, Yeah, yeah, a lot of times they're critical
to the result of the play. Oh, that would have
been a touchdown if there wasn't holding. It also might
have been a.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Side fumble return for a touchdown.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
I'm saying specifically the fifty one yard touchdown to George Pickens,
which was a gorgeous throw.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Oh, that was a heck of a play. Like, it's
a shame that didn't count.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
It was, no doubt. But if there's not holding there,
I think he's getting.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
Tackled potentially, or he doesn't get the ball off, or
he scrambles or whatever, or you know the other pickings. One, well,
if he doesn't pick two players, he probably isn't wide
opening the end zone.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
It might have been at least right, Yeah, coverage right.
The rest of the practice participation report for today, Roman
Wilson gets upgraded from limited to full. That also occurred
last week. Yeah, he didn't get in the lineup yet.
Do you have any hope that he sees the lineup?
He said he wants to play. You know, it's not
his call. I'm starting to wonder on him. The other
(04:54):
receivers aren't exactly lighting it up. No, but how much
time can a rookie miss? And again, now this goes
all the way back to the first padded practice of
training camp, right, and you know he's been working his
way back the last couple.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Of weeks because you know, coaches are about trust and
how to trust. You know, that's gonna be a hard
thing to gain.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
That's a tough one there. And the Isaac say Moula
did not practice for the second consecutive day, So it
doesn't appear as if he's going to be getting a
helmet on Sunday. You never know because he's a veteran, but.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
That sounds highly unlikely. But maybe next week. I mean
that sounds out of the question from what I understand. Yeah,
for the Chargers, much different story for them.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Quarterback Justin Herbert Ankle didn't practice yesterday, limited today. Sounds
like he's trending toward playing, But I wonder will he
be affected.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
Right and Damn and I had a really good conversation
to Drive about this because don't forget he had planned
or fasciitis.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I don't know if it's the same foot or not.
I have no idea, but.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
That's something I bet he still feels as well.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Kept him out of camp about three weeks.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
Yeah, and there was a lot of takers he can
be ready for week one. He hasn't looked great despite
being two and ozer. He's missed some throws and I
wonder if his lower body is bugging him.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Safety Alloyd Gilman, one of their starters on the back end,
limited for a second consecutive day, and edge rusher Joey
Bosa hip limited for a second consecutive day. Gilman didn't
play last Sunday against Carolina Bosa did Bosa probably, you know,
working through what he's got to work through.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Gilman's a quality player, though, I mean he's a legit
starting safety.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
That would be loss. The remarkable thing about this game, Matt,
is that Jim Harbaugh has arrived in Los Angeles and
taken over, and to me, the Chargers look like what
you might expect if the Baltimore Ravens in the University
of Michigan. Yea had a kid, Yeah, I mean Herbert
(06:48):
as a quarterback. There's a lot of ex Ravens coaches.
There's a lot of ex Ravens players. Yes, they are
running the ball way more than they are throwing it.
They are running it with great frequency and success as
well as frequency. Yes, I mean they got three number
one picks on that offensive line. They have a three
hundred pound defensive line. But he's playing full back. The
(07:10):
full back is crazy, right. They played two tight ends
as much as the Steelers do and JK. Dobbins two
hundred and sixty six rushing yards. Here's all you need
to know about JK. Dobbins.
Speaker 5 (07:21):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
He averaged seven point seven yards to carry against the
Panthers and his average went down.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Went down to nine point nine for the season.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
I mean, he looks like the guy he was coming
out of Ohio State, which is my favorite back in
that class.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
And I'm happy for him because he was a really
good player that injuries were just the only negative on
the guy. I don't know if you know this, but
anyone with five hundred carries in the history of the game.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
He now has the best yards per carry average. I
did not know that.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
Yeah, just these two games have put him over that.
I mean playing for the Ravens helps because lamar Gus
Edwards had a nice yards per carry out average too,
And he's kind of just a guy. But he's another
former raven We're gonna see a lot of They feel
like the Ravens a lot.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
So they have Justin Herbert. But I mean, yeah, he
hasn't thrown for one hundred and fifty yards yet. No,
his stat lines look like Justin Fields or Kenny Pickett's
did last year. Yes, Now, this is a guy who
averaged two hundred and seventy five passing yards and change.
Yeah in his first four seasons.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah, I mean like even his attempts are down from
hat almost fifty percent, almost from what he's used to
his whole career.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Up till now.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Now, I think what we have to acknowledge for the
Saints and for the Chargers is they got to play
the Panthers. I mean, the Panthers are not an NFL
team right now, and really bad, I mean like really bad,
like hard to imagine that.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
They made never look competitive exactly exactly.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
So that being said, I'm sure the Chargers could have
dropped more points on him at the end too, but
that was not a challenge that team.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
We've got a lot more to get to.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Here on Steelers Preview, we're just getting warmed up, so
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we come back, it's time to get the ball to
the Factor back. Merril Hodge will be joining us as
we continue getting ready for the Steelers and the Chargers
(09:47):
Sunday at Akrashuer Stadium. You're listening the Steelers preview right
here on your Steelers flagship one of two point five
DVE and the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Back to the Steelers preview you show on DV.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Welcome back my pursuiter and Matt Williamson getting you ready
for the Steelers and the Chargers Sunday Actorschuer Stadium right
here on your Steelers flagship one of two point five
DVE and the Steelers Audio Network. Time now to welcome
in our Factor back. Merril Hodge joining us as he
always does. And Merrill, Uh, I know we got a
lot to talk about as it relates to the Steelers
(10:24):
and the Chargers, but I gotta start with my tape
review of the Chargers and the Carolina Panthers. Oh Man.
Five plays into the game, there was a flag thrown
for illegal hands to the face, I know, and it
was thrown on the one the only the man, the myth,
the legend, Jadeveon Clowney. I saw that and I immediately
(10:48):
thought of you, Meryl.
Speaker 6 (10:51):
Y, I love at you.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
They actually later in the game, did you see they
just start dropping him into coverage. I'm like, that's how
I'm like that. Geam's a mass already.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
We too, have you see just reaching memory? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (11:05):
No, no, no, it's really if I racked my brain,
not competitive my brain.
Speaker 6 (11:10):
Yeah, it's and they had they've only had a year
to well that.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Well, listen, we we do a whole show on that,
on that team and what they've done and the decisions
they've made.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
But that that's gonna hot in for for years.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
All right, So before we let that go. Should I
be wary of Carolina now this week because you always
worry about a professional who's been embarrassed or are there
some professionals who are just destined to continue being embarrassed? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (11:38):
Well, based on well, you know, I say this the
one bright spot they you know, bention Bryceyeng is a
good move. They mean, that gives them some hope offensively,
you know, they can do some things. They're not going
to be as limited And what's unfortunate for Bryce Jong
and you didn't bring this on itself. Anybody would want
to be the first round overall pick in the National
Football League. But he's just limited skill set is just
(12:01):
it just it doesn't transition to the National football It
just doesn't. And no matter how hard he works or
what he does, he's going to be five to nine.
He's not going to change from five to nine. And
that is always going to be an arduous challenge no
matter who coaches him, and how that you can function
offensively consistent enough.
Speaker 6 (12:19):
To win, to win and win consistently, let alone a championship.
Speaker 3 (12:23):
Does watching that game make it difficult to really get
a good bead on the Chargers a little bit?
Speaker 6 (12:30):
Yeah, you know, a little bit. Yeah, you know.
Speaker 5 (12:31):
I you know, I watched the first two games, and
you know, and the Raiders weren't, you know, the Juggernaut.
You know, they played so much better against Baltimore. So
they they haven't played two great offenses. And I'm not
saying the Steelers are a great offense right now, either.
Speaker 6 (12:47):
You know, they they are I think a.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Little better than the two that we just talked about.
Other than the Raiders, I think they get better. They
got better quarterback play there, you know, than the other two.
I mean the two they got the best quarterback play.
And you know he does he knows how to play
in the game. You know, he's not elite, but he
knows how to play and he knows how to play
that position.
Speaker 6 (13:09):
So between the the both.
Speaker 5 (13:11):
Of them, though, I think I got a good feel
for what it comes down to. I think they're the
box players. Listen their edge players, and we talked about
this on the morning show. I think this game could
be like a an edge game. I mean, if you
want to watch the best edge players, you can give
them all in one arena. I mean combination. I can't
beat two better, I mean a combination of four better.
(13:34):
I guess for me that you don't see that often.
You know where those dynamic things enter entering game. But
their edge rushers are incredible. Steelers are incredible. So the
Chargers do haven't better better tackles than then did Seattle.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
Then they got a better chance of you know, dealing
with them and you know, keeping them up bathing the
first two opponents.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Well, let's talk about that. I agree with that. I
think that's a highly compelling matchup. I'll be at the
game Sunday. I may have my binoculars trained on the
two offensive edges no matter who has the ball, and
just watch it that way. But is there a favorable
matchup TJ. Watt against anybody both against Troy Utan who
(14:22):
making his second career start, Khalil Mack against anybody who's
got the edge edge.
Speaker 5 (14:29):
Well, listen, either one of those guys, you know, can
give a rookie a problem Platanu. I will say this though,
you know, he's fundamentally so much better than Jones, just
something you know, from deep pits to hands, just so
much better. You know, he gets a little nodicon, you know.
I didn't realize he had not played right tackle. So
(14:49):
that's a big ask for a kid who's never played
right tackle and just make that transition in the NFL.
I don't know if people can appreciate it because just
because he played.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
Left doesn't mean you can play right. Just because he
played right doesn't mean you can play left.
Speaker 5 (15:02):
You know, It's it's like linebacker, It's like but Khalil
Mack is the most incredible player.
Speaker 6 (15:07):
I've ever evaluated. Coming out of college.
Speaker 5 (15:09):
He could play inside, outside and defensive end, and he
looked like all world at all three, which was just
like incredible. But he'll open his hips up a little
bit at times and ill him the corner a little bit.
And with these guys, you can't give anything. I mean,
you got to be your most buttoned up against these
two because they're so good. They have so many different
(15:29):
ways to attack you. So but you know, I'm sure
that from a scheme wise, Arthur Samathy in that idiot,
he knows what he's doing. I mean, that's one thing
if you watch us. He knows how to protect quarterback.
He knows how to maximize the guys he's got. You know,
I don't I don't see that putting just the build
(15:50):
in a position where he's gonna be vulnerable very much.
Speaker 6 (15:53):
Now, there's gonna be times you gotta ask guys to block.
Speaker 5 (15:55):
I'm not saying that, but you can do some stuff
scheme wise and play calling wise that can hold those.
Speaker 6 (16:01):
Guys at bay a little bit.
Speaker 5 (16:03):
But there's going to be those times where you've got
a block and you didn't have to make that happen.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
So obviously, these edge players, they are really really good.
And I'm really impressed with the Chargers tackles but staying
out a third and long is going to be pivotal
for both these teams. Which team is more better equipped
to stay out a third and long?
Speaker 5 (16:24):
I think the Chargers are them, you know, and I've
just kind of watched them, you know, their running game,
they you know, they built on the running and you know,
their first week they were just inside zone, inside zone.
Speaker 6 (16:34):
You know. Then they brought.
Speaker 5 (16:35):
Some some whams stuff and that might have been specifically
for what the Panthers had.
Speaker 6 (16:41):
I don't know. That one's hard to tail, you know,
but they added a little to their running game. But
they're very versatile.
Speaker 5 (16:48):
You know, they do seem to want to attack you
inside zone wise, seems to be their their strength and
what they like right now. It's worly lead too, and
they're passing game.
Speaker 6 (16:59):
You know. The week one it was a really a quick.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
Contective and almost I almost thought that they're treating a
quarterback like he was a rookie the.
Speaker 6 (17:07):
Way that they had dialed stuff up. Now that evolved.
Then they then they opened it.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
Up a little more against the Panthers and they started
doing half field reads, a little some more explosive stuff,
a little more run action stuff and taking shots.
Speaker 6 (17:21):
Down the field with the Steelers, I think they will.
Speaker 5 (17:25):
Be somewhere closer to the Raiders just because of their
head dressers. You know, you know on that quarterback in
that in that pocket too long, you know, the ball's
got to come out.
Speaker 6 (17:38):
And you know when they do.
Speaker 5 (17:40):
Like they were, the run action stuff when they take
their shots, I think that's what you'll see because you
can get max protection and you can give either or
see you can double both guys and just get a
two receiver route, which the which I That's what I
anticipate when they take shots they'll do.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
Let's talk about the Chargers tackle, specifically Joel Up the
rookie right tackle. Uh they call him control all the
lead out there. That's pretty good. Uh handle Max Crosby?
Can he handle? T? J? Watt?
Speaker 6 (18:10):
Hey? Where was that kid from Notre Dame? Okay?
Speaker 2 (18:15):
His dad was a.
Speaker 3 (18:16):
Big, real good player in the league for ten years.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
John, Oh yeah, okay, Okay, I was. There's actually so
many good tackles. That's why I asked. I'm like, I
get I get these these guys lost because the kid
in Oregon State, which who was the right tackle? That's
what I was I was thinking him actually who was
a beef.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Yeah, had switch sides too. He was a left at
Notre Dame. They're playing him at right.
Speaker 5 (18:38):
Yeah yeah, because I was like, well he was a left,
yeah name, So I was like, that's that's somewhat interesting.
Speaker 6 (18:43):
But anyway, let's say it. CJ.
Speaker 5 (18:47):
Watt is a special football player. I know you were
talking about not me and not letting him hit the
quarterback and sag quarterback. But he's gonna play every down.
I mean, I'm love what TJ. What does when he
doesn't get a sack.
Speaker 6 (19:02):
Quite honestly, the plays.
Speaker 5 (19:04):
He makes when he doesn't make the tackle, the things
that he does that helps, that's just good sound football.
Speaker 6 (19:12):
That's what I love about him. That he's gonna set
the edge, he's gonna.
Speaker 5 (19:16):
Make tackles, he's gonna blow things up, he's gonna constantly penetrate,
he's gonna be He's just a constant.
Speaker 6 (19:21):
He's a disruptor on.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Every play and that will be even now, I'm jarge
rookie is that that's a lot to ask, you know,
you know, that's why you know he's got to say.
But both guys, you know, from a skill set in
college to the NFL was pretty unique and special, and
(19:45):
you can see how they've played now there's not a
lot of.
Speaker 6 (19:48):
I can't tell how how young they.
Speaker 5 (19:50):
Are unless you really study him hard and you just
see little things that they will get clearly better on.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
It.
Speaker 6 (19:56):
There'll be interesting, though, which guy breaks down.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Fundamentally, because I think that's probably where it comes down to,
is in those moments you have to block a guy,
you don't have to help, you don't have a chip,
and you just don't break down fundamentally against those pass
rushers because you do, they're giving you chip.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Well, I think people might be surprised the way the
Chargers are playing. They have Herbert, who is a perceived
franchise caliber quarterback average close to three hundred yards a
game is first couple of years to seventy five and
changed his first four seasons this year under one hundred
and fifty both games. But this team has been built
(20:34):
by Harbaugh to play hardball football, has it not. I mean,
all these tight ends and the line and the great
running backs, they're they're doing what they should with what
they have, correct because much like the Steelers, there's not
an overabundance of great wide receivers on this team.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
No true story, you know, and you can is it Roman,
I forget their offensive coordinating with the offense.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Yeah heavy the least.
Speaker 6 (21:02):
Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah. Just just so people know.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
I mean, they got their office coordinator from the Ravens
and so, and I got talked to him many times,
and he is just you talk about a guy who
knows the running game in depths. That is just like
I was just sitting there in aug going while and
we just and then we start talking about Chuck Noll
in the.
Speaker 6 (21:22):
Trap game and you know, could you bring that back?
Speaker 5 (21:24):
And we started going, we started going off off the
charts where you'd be like most people probably bored, but
I was like, you know, the guy's fascinating. You know,
that's why they're running game is I could they're committed
to it. You could tell they're committed to it. They
decided that a.
Speaker 6 (21:38):
Long time ago, that staff game together.
Speaker 5 (21:41):
That's why you know, I'm sure that they're gonna have
something for the Steelers and the things that we I
just mentioned I saw, I clearly expect you know what
I did not see, which I was actually surprised.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
Not long he was foundationally a power. Oh guy, you know,
the power was like the one.
Speaker 5 (21:58):
Of the most physical runs that exists in football. Okay,
and in fact, in Chicago when I was there, we
were committed to that. And when somebody's committed that, I'm
not to me, that means they mean business. That means
they're gonna run the football. They even just putting this
in just to put it in, and putting it in
because they're like, this is who we are. I didn't
(22:18):
see much of that, you know, and I don't know
why that is. You know, now that could be the
thing you see this week.
Speaker 6 (22:24):
You know, I'm sure they have more than they're gonna
add to because they do a lot. You know.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
I like they run the strong side on the weak
side too. You know, they're not They're not heavy on
right or left. They're not heavy on stronger a week,
especially after two weeks, they probably have very few tendencies
that you can really put your finger on, which makes
it harder against a team, a team like that that's
going to bring out more wrinkles in their running game.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
So you were talking off running scheme there, and I
think it's noteworthy that through two games we've seen very
very maybe none pulling lineman for the Steelers, and I
thought that was a real weapon the second half of
last year. It's not really an Arthur Smith thing. I mean,
do we think that's a thing of the past. Do
(23:10):
you have mixed feelings about that? Or you know what
do you think of the Steelers stramatically?
Speaker 5 (23:14):
Actually yeah, I actually was surprised at that too, because
they did it so well and the guys are so
listen pinning and Poland. I think some I go back
to the trapping system. I'm telling you, I've always felt
that there was an advantage. I love the counter game,
I think I think you know, I mentioned the power
(23:34):
runners like that, I mean a missleaning business. But I
still think the counter is the most dorsal run in
football and give you inside outside I mean physical. It
gives you everything as from a runner. It's the one
of the I think from my perspective, it was just.
Speaker 6 (23:53):
It was one of the one of.
Speaker 5 (23:55):
My the things I like the most to run because
it gave there's so many options in it, and the
timing in it that had to be from a running
perspective had to go along with the blocking. I love
that aspect of it, but I love to just just
have all the versatility in it.
Speaker 6 (24:13):
But I don't know.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
I actually thought that they would. I thought they would
look at and we really did this.
Speaker 6 (24:17):
Let's keep those things. Now that this artist doesn't mean
that he.
Speaker 5 (24:20):
Doesn't build on stuff too, you know, and had stuff
that happens all the time, you know, as you get
going on in the year and you need to add somewhere,
an opponent does something that they're struggling with, and you're like,
let's add it this weekend. You do it so well,
you just keep it. That does happen too.
Speaker 6 (24:35):
But I was too.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
I surprised that they didn't do a little because of
the athletes that they have, and they're obviously lying. You know,
as a whole has played so good. I've been really
impressed with them. And now they played, you know, guard
two rookies. I felt like I've been outstanding as a whole.
Speaker 6 (24:50):
They played well together and done well in.
Speaker 5 (24:53):
The running game. So it's gonna have to build on
that because this will be their best test.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
We don't have a huge sample size, only a couple
of games, but the Chargers are number one in scoring defense.
The Steelers are number two in scoring defense. They're both
allowing less than ten points a game, which even in
a small sample size is pretty impressive. Sure, if you're
Arthur Smith of the Steelers Merril, or if you're Greg
Roman and the Ravens and you're coordinating an offense against
defenses of this caliber, does that change how you go
(25:21):
about it? Or do you rally your room and say,
you know what, guys, we are running the ball down
their throats anyway, because that's what we can do. Is
the quality of How much does the quality of the
defense affect what you try? And how often on offense?
Speaker 6 (25:37):
A lot? I mean I'm telling you a lot, but
I would just say this.
Speaker 5 (25:40):
Both of them have a formula to new plays pass rushers.
Speaker 6 (25:43):
I mean, you know the best.
Speaker 5 (25:46):
I remember when when the Bears came in and they
still had that eighty five defense.
Speaker 6 (25:51):
But we knew this. We knew that.
Speaker 5 (25:55):
We knew that you're going to have to if you
want if you don't want these pass rushers, Richard Dan specifically,
we don't want Richard Dan to have a day and
get going, then we're gonna go around the ball at
him like four five straight times, which we did and
Richard Dan was so we started getting angry after three
and you can tell he just started losing his mind.
Speaker 6 (26:14):
He was like he didn't want to play that.
Speaker 5 (26:16):
I'm not saying all these guys don't want to play it,
but that's the best way you got to keep those guys.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
That day number one a great way to do it.
Speaker 5 (26:23):
And then those run action plays I'm telling you about,
And what makes that different than play action is one
line Nalvsey line attacks the line of scrimmage and they
play on the other side for like a yard. That's
run action and when you do that, you paralyze the box.
Speaker 6 (26:37):
And then you can take shots down the field.
Speaker 5 (26:39):
And I just think both teams will try to generate
their shots that way versus the drop back and nothing.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
So I look at this defense and they're playing really well.
They haven't had real, you know, stiff tests, especially Carolina
who's totally dysfunctional, but they're big guys on defense. For
the Chargers to me, are a real liability. Like I'm
not sure how many of their true defensive linemen would even.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Make this team.
Speaker 6 (27:06):
No, are you talking about the Panthers or No.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
I'm talking about the Chargers defensive tackles. Those tackles big
guys on the Charger d I should have been more specific.
Speaker 2 (27:14):
Oh, yeah.
Speaker 5 (27:15):
Yeah, Well, I'm gonna tell you like their box players,
you know, I.
Speaker 6 (27:22):
The whole, you know, the first you know, I'll just
say that I like the.
Speaker 5 (27:27):
Steelers rotation and their box players better than the Chargers.
If we're talking about depth and rotation and and versatility
of everything.
Speaker 6 (27:37):
You know, if I had to take the box, I
would take the Steelers box.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Meryl, do you think there is a path to justin
fields turning the tables on the depth chart and uh,
you know, winning enough games and playing well enough to
still be the starter when Russell Wilson is deemed healthy.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Listen, I've always thought it was hard to venture winner.
You know, he doesn't. Here's where his girlth has to happen.
He misses some some throws, some throws from an anticipation aspect,
you know, like a deep curl instead of sitting on
it and waiting for him to get the girl completed
too late. You know, bald needs to come out. You know,
(28:20):
there's a couple of those on the field. What is
a little bit of concerning this one is they missed
a hot Now he got him out of it with
these legs, but they didn't see it.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
He didn't see it.
Speaker 5 (28:33):
And I'm just gonna tell you from experience, the Charger
saw that. And don't think for one second the Chargers
aren't going to dial that up and whatever else they
can to see.
Speaker 6 (28:44):
If they can handle it, you know.
Speaker 5 (28:47):
And that that and you have to you have to show
growth in that too, because you can't.
Speaker 6 (28:52):
You can't miss those. You got to punish people to
do that. You know.
Speaker 5 (28:56):
Now, he got a out of trouble with these legs,
but you're not always going to in that one with
your legs, you know. So those are two things areas
that if he got better at I would find it
hard to pent you. You know, as long as he's
better and you're winning, you know, it would be there
would be a It would be as you know, those
(29:17):
coaches in those meeting rooms no more than what we do,
and that that's the advantage they have.
Speaker 6 (29:21):
But I would find it hard to sitting down.
Speaker 3 (29:25):
So Merril Justin Fields has been one of the most
if not the most blitzed quarterback in the league since
he's joined the NFL, and Denver came at him a
very high percentage of the time, and he completed a
really high percentage of his past first blitz I mean,
is that something that everyone's gonna do. Do you assume
the chargers I would imagine, right, yeah.
Speaker 6 (29:47):
Yeah, yeah, oh yeah, Well I told you that they
missed them too. I mean, yeah, yeah, yeah, were those
those those are the.
Speaker 5 (29:53):
Ones that there are, They're they're they're looking at So
they're not gonna take it easy.
Speaker 6 (29:59):
They're gonna the ratchet up.
Speaker 5 (30:00):
And come on, be prepared for that. I you know,
that could be the difference too. Listen, good or bad.
Speaker 6 (30:08):
You know, they either get there and we don't clean it.
He doesn't clean it.
Speaker 5 (30:12):
Up, or he cleans it up and he makes them
pay for doing it.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Maryl Last thing I got for you tonight. What's Broderick
Jones going through? You know, he mentioned his technique, three penalties,
getting yanked mid series, losing his job. He's a young guy,
highly touted, highly drafted, and he's struggling right now. Yeah,
what's his path here?
Speaker 6 (30:39):
Well, Talent tells you what you can do. Motivation tells you.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
What you will do.
Speaker 5 (30:45):
I think they could need a moment of self reflection
where he looks at himself and takes ownership.
Speaker 6 (30:50):
If he wants to be really a.
Speaker 5 (30:53):
Contributor and a really good player, and keep mind, he
does have that potential. I saw him do a down
block and literally smashed the tackle and destroy the linebacker,
and I'm like, where's that man?
Speaker 6 (31:04):
So I've seen enough of it, even though it's been glimpses.
He knows how to play and play right, he just
for whatever chooses not to. He is sloppy fundamentally. I
mean he is. I can't tell you how many.
Speaker 5 (31:16):
Times his feet, hips and hands pad level is atrocious,
hands not existing.
Speaker 6 (31:21):
You can't play like that.
Speaker 5 (31:23):
In the NFL just to be successful, you just and
he's it's almost like he's freelancing and you know, and
he has no purpose and he has no passion about
being a pro of a kid, you know, and only
you can do whatever you know.
Speaker 6 (31:43):
You can bench a kid.
Speaker 5 (31:45):
You can do all these things until they take ownership
and wake up.
Speaker 6 (31:50):
There's nothing to do. I seen what you can do.
Speaker 3 (31:53):
I've seen his feet get too close together or even
cross and then rarely said yeah.
Speaker 6 (32:01):
Yes, he said I stopped to play, And I'm like, okay, how.
Speaker 5 (32:04):
In the world he I'm gonna hit his legs there
and scissors okay, crossed? Well, yes, his his arms are
beside his hips and he's straight up. I'm like, that
is the most that is one of the most like
what I'm saying awful, that's awful from every platform you
(32:25):
can think of, feet, hips, hands, because that's how like.
Speaker 3 (32:28):
You can't get much worse. Like that's the hardest way
to block someone on the whole planet.
Speaker 5 (32:34):
And he got stuck right back into the quarterback's lap
and you know, and but then I've seen him do it, right,
Like I'm telling then I've seen it, you know, and
what here's what about me?
Speaker 6 (32:45):
He came back and was he seemed to be jawing
at the fireman.
Speaker 5 (32:50):
That they had a double that's probably is Actually who's
a guy who's actually improved his blocking by the way
in his his credit, I mean, he is really playing
like being a complete.
Speaker 6 (32:59):
Tight end, by the way. But he the way that
Comba block worked. He blocked the right guy. Fireman blocked
the right right and did a good job.
Speaker 5 (33:05):
He misses the linebacker who makes the tackle when he
comes back, and it was John at Friars And I'm like,
what what could.
Speaker 6 (33:12):
He possibly be saying to him other than why could
you block better than me? That's the only thing I'd
be saying.
Speaker 2 (33:19):
What is he doing?
Speaker 6 (33:20):
But and I was like, why would he be yelling
the farmers? He didn't do anything, he fired, just got
to walk away like whatever. But I was like, the
kid has obviously talent, but that just tells you what
you can do. You know, he's got to he's gotta
get he's got to change his approach to things and
(33:41):
take ownership.
Speaker 5 (33:41):
He does that, you know, the kid could be a
massive contributor.
Speaker 6 (33:46):
You know, to that offensive line. But not playing like
he is, he's killing. He's killing.
Speaker 5 (33:51):
That's why I got credit him for for putting him down,
because he was killing that team in the short period
he was there.
Speaker 2 (33:58):
Merrily. I'll tell you to enjoy the game, son, but
I'm sensing about eighty combined rushing attempts. I think you
got the popcorn already fired off your kind name. You're
gonna be like DiCaprio, and I mean just pointing it
to the screen. Look, they ran again, they ran again,
We run the football.
Speaker 6 (34:15):
Game might be over two hours, hours and thirty minutes.
Speaker 2 (34:19):
Hey, Meryl, great stuff. Well we'll do it again next week.
Speaker 6 (34:22):
Absolutely, go Stealers, Sea guys.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
Meryl Hodge the factor back right here on Steelers Preview
nobody in America is gonna enjoy this game. This rock
fight at the fifty yard line. Yeah right, beautiful stuff
coming up in the in the world of Hodge. We
got one more segment to go here on the preview,
so you're gonna want to keep it here with Matt
Williamson a Mike Pursuda. This is Steelers Preview right here
(34:45):
on your Steelers flagship one of two point five DVE
and the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (34:51):
Back to the Steelers preview show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (34:56):
Welcome back to the preview Mike Pursuit of Matt Williamson
and h I don't think Merrill's calmed down yet. No,
I think he's really looking forward to this one.
Speaker 3 (35:04):
And this is right up his alley, and these two
head coaches are going to be stubborn, tough.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
I think it's gonna be a fun game.
Speaker 6 (35:13):
You know.
Speaker 2 (35:14):
I liking it. I think I've told you before. I
try to go to the Army Navy game every year. Okay.
And one of the things, now, this is not going
to be triple option football, no no, but it's going
to be run the football, and it's going to be
first downs are important and field position is important. Fundamentally,
and field goals are important, and they both have good
field goal kickers. And you know, a good rock fight
(35:35):
at the fifty, yeah, or fist fight at the fifty,
however you want to, you know, sum that up. That's
that's fun stuff. We like Steelers Ravens, right, those are
kind of the same. And hey, it charges a lot.
Speaker 3 (35:46):
Of Ravens DNA, like you mentioned to start the show.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
Chargers are trying to be the raven the Baltimore Wolverines
or the you know, the the under pound fullback. I
gotta love that. The University of Michigan Baltimore campus. I
don't know, but it's I think it's gonna be fun.
Speaker 3 (36:00):
I mean, he had a first round rookie and they
only threw the ball what twelve thirteen times? Sometimes at Michigan.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Oh the pacer right right, they threw They attempted two
passes in the second half and one because they were
just running the ball. Yeah, and do that. Why would
you stop if it's working on I don't know that
either side is going to have consistent success because I
think both these defenses are good, but hey, that's why
they play the games. What to expect is brought to
(36:26):
You by Brian Patton and Associates. It's all about the benefits, Matt.
I've kind of gone into the weeds on this the
first couple of weeks, and I'm gonna do it again
because I saw something in Justin Herbert last week and
again assuming he's going to play. Yeah, he was up
from uh did not work to limit it today. But
he likes to run the ball. He likes to scramble.
(36:47):
He likes to either extend or just take off and go.
But sometimes he starts to take off and then he
gets an idea in his head or receies something and
he'll pull up right before it gets to the line
of scrimmage and try to prova pass. Somebody will break open.
He'll try to play a little street ball. Two times
he turned it over against Carolina doing that once. He
(37:08):
once he pulled up and threw the ball and threw
it the bad spot and it got picked. And another
time he got crumpled and he fumbled and Carolina got it.
I expect Justin Herbert to turn the ball over at
least once doing something.
Speaker 3 (37:24):
Like that, especially against his front not necessarily dropping.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
Back and just oh, I didn't see the safety or
oh I sailed it, or oh the cornerback jumped the
route like a goofy turnover on a goofy kind of play.
And if Justin Field stays as disciplined as he has
and the Steelers don't turn it over as they have not,
maybe that's the difference. But I think Pittsburgh's gonna win
takeaway giveaway at least plus one.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
Okay, that's what I expect. Well, that almost always results
in a Steeler win. I mean, the numbers are bonkers
when they don't throw an interception. Even when they right,
I mean, even when they tie the turnover battle, the
Steelers win. They don't lose it. They're a really really
hard team to beat. And say what you want about fields,
they have not produced touchdowns with them. But that has
(38:12):
changed drastically from his Bears days. I mean he was
negative plays, sacks, turnovers, huge positive plays too, but he
has not been that roller coaster good or bad here.
And I think there's something to do with coaching staff.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
So you got an expectation. I think it's goun be
a really physical game.
Speaker 3 (38:31):
I think special teams favors the Steelers.
Speaker 2 (38:34):
Yeah, that really is.
Speaker 3 (38:36):
We didn't talk a lot about JK. Dobbins, but he
scares me. I mean, I think limiting explosive plays by
him is extremely, extremely important.
Speaker 6 (38:45):
To do it.
Speaker 3 (38:46):
I think this defense is the best in the league.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
I really do. I really do.
Speaker 3 (38:49):
I'm not trying to like get people all excited excited.
I think it's the best in the league and I
don't see a lot of weaknesses with it. I think
the front is tremendous, the speed on the back end
off in a big way, and I think Pickens has
that breakout game that he shown. No kidding, yeah, I
mean it's not certain. It's not Terrell. Their corners are okay,
(39:11):
but I think Pickens' eyeball test has been a lot
better than his numbers.
Speaker 2 (39:15):
So I'm gonna go with one. Justin Herbert turnover, You're
gonna go with George Pickens gets a blowing up. Yeah,
what to expect? Brought to you by Brian patt In Associates.
It's all about the benefits, you know, we talk about
these defenses and how low scoring it's gonna be. I mean, again,
small sample size, but just consider this the last time
two teams met in week three or later, that we're
(39:38):
both allowing ten or fewer points in a game. Was
Week four in two thousand and six. Wow, that was
Baltimore and San Diego.
Speaker 3 (39:47):
Little coincidental, okay matchup the irony there.
Speaker 2 (39:52):
Ravens won the game sixteen to thirteen.
Speaker 3 (39:55):
That's actually the score I'm picking for this game, is it?
Speaker 6 (39:57):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (39:58):
I mean, if people are wondering when is the Steelers
offense going to break out? And if you hear Arthur
Smith through Troy Toda, we told a bunch of us yesterday.
Coach Arthur told us, were like, a damn, that's about
to break. You know. Some other guys have talked about that,
and guys have referenced the first half in Denver and
how close they were really putting up points there. I
(40:20):
think it's not gonna look like it's looked the first
two weeks eventually, but I don't think Sunday's gonna be
the day. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (40:28):
I still think the Chargers defense is good, not great.
I mean I understand they have not I don't think
they've been challenged all that much. And the two things
I keep coming back to in this game. We talk
about all the similarities, but of the four units, I
think the Steelers defense stands alone as the best.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
Of the four offenses are about to push. Yeah, but
they also have a quarterback, you know who they're treating
like a game manager, right, But they've also got some
injury issues. They got the they got single early in
that game, and he threw a twenty nine or thirty
yard touchdown pass for a touchdown to his wide receiver
(41:10):
Quinton Johnston, who was disappointing last year coming out of TCU,
and he's already had two touchdowns against Carolina. He had
two all last season. And the word from the Chargers
camp is it's the quote unquote new Q okay Quinton Johnson.
He gets it now. Marboys pumped his tires. He's playing
with confidence second time around the block in the NFL.
(41:34):
He gets it that kind of thing. Herbert will take
the occasional shotdown field, especially if you give him single,
But for the most part, I think they're going to
try to bludge in you.
Speaker 3 (41:43):
Oh and Johnston has had two very good games and
he is a first round pick. But if Porter follows
him like he did Sutton in London, I don't think
we'll hear.
Speaker 2 (41:55):
Much from Johnston.
Speaker 3 (41:56):
I don't think he's nearly at the level of those two,
especially London.
Speaker 2 (42:00):
Here's a crazy observation, all right, for Joey Porter in
this game, is it more important that he tackle well
than shut down the other team's best receiver?
Speaker 3 (42:08):
Their receivers are so light if you could play ten
on ten with Johnston and Porter are just doing their
own thing somewhere else. I think that favors the Steelers
dramatically as opposed to tackling and all.
Speaker 2 (42:18):
They'll tack the edge with Dobbins getting them outside. Oh,
they definitely will.
Speaker 3 (42:21):
I mean they love the run outside behind those tackles
with tight ends and Dobbin's speed.
Speaker 2 (42:26):
But that that's a that's a good point.
Speaker 3 (42:27):
I mean he's going to have to tackle Dobbins in
space and that's dangerous.
Speaker 2 (42:31):
Terrell Edmunds, the Steelers defensive coordinator, was asked about that today.
Has Porter improved his tackling? He said absolutely they. I
don't see it as a problem right to the point.
They've been working on it and it's way better than
it was because we were talking last year. At times
he ain't tackling anybody.
Speaker 3 (42:47):
No, and that goes back to Penn State, because like
his last nine or ten games of Penn State, they
didn't even throw at them.
Speaker 2 (42:54):
I think the other guy, uh Jackson, will be fine
Steelers corner Jackson. Yeah, I'm impressed.
Speaker 3 (43:00):
I think the secondary as.
Speaker 2 (43:01):
A wholes of playing physical oh yea yeah yeah, gals
stick his face in there. Yeah yeah.
Speaker 3 (43:07):
I bet they challenged Beanie Bishop to tackle too.
Speaker 2 (43:10):
Yeah. Run right at him, right, and you know that's
a guy that h Well, the word coming out of
West Virginia was, at least the word I got was
he was a better physical player than you would think
given his stature. He's made some tackles. I haven't looked
at him as a I don't think he's been great.
Speaker 3 (43:26):
But that's if that's your weakest link of the defense,
I think you're in pretty good shape.
Speaker 2 (43:29):
Anything like that. Just last thing I got tonight, the
second touchdown drive for the Chargers against Carolina, I think
pretty typical for them. Levin plays sixty five yards six
minutes in one second. They ran it nine times for
fifty five yards. They had one penalty on the defense
for five yards. They were one for two passing for
five yards. Now they threw it in the end zone,
(43:50):
but to matriculate the ball down the field is Henk
Stram would say nine carries and Dobbin's Gusta bus, Edwards
and Herbert all carried multiple times.
Speaker 3 (44:01):
It sounds like exactly what both these head coaches want
to do. I mean, who can force the other team
to play left handed?
Speaker 2 (44:06):
That's the whole key. Here they coming, here we go.
That's gonna do it. For the preview tonight. Thanks to
Merrill for joining us as he always does and bringing
the heat that we count on him to bring. Thanks
to Justin Miller for keeping the board up and running
and keeping us on the air. And thank you for
finding us however and wherever you found us. We do
(44:27):
this every week in advance of the Steeler game, So
if you're new to the show, we'd love to have
you back until next week. For Matt Williamson on Mike Pursuda,
you've been listening to Steelers preview right here on your
Steelers flagship one O two point five DVE and the
Steelers Audio Network. Good Night everyone,
Welcome to the Steelers Preview show on wdve E Pittsburgh,
brought to you by your neighborhood Ford Store. The F
one fifty is the official truck of the Pittsburgh Steelers
by Brian Patton and associates. It's all about the benefits
and by the Steelers Pro Shop. Get it direct from
the team at shop dot Steelers dot com. And now
here are your hosts Merril Hodge, Matt Williamson and Mike Persuda.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Good evening and welcome to another edition of Steelers Preview
right here on your Steeler slagship one of two point
five dve and the Steelers Audio Network on Mike Persuda
joined us always on these Thursday night parties by Matt
Williamson of the Steelers Audio Network at Steelers dot Com.
Our buddy, Merril Hodge, our factor back. We'll be joining
(00:45):
us for segment number two as we get you ready
for the home opener the Steelers and the Chargers Sunday
at Actorshre Stadium. And Matt, the news that everybody was
probably waiting for came out a while ago. Russell Wilson
Limited in practice again today for the Steelers. All arrows
pointing to Justin Fields getting another start.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Yeah, and I don't think this should come as a
huge shock. They definitely are not rushing him back. I
get the impression next week has a pretty strong chance
to get Wilson back in the lineup, and if it
were me, I would immediately insert him when he was ready.
We'll get another game of Fields and we'll see. I
think Fields has played well. I mean, I don't think
(01:29):
he's swept anyone off their feet though.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Nor do I, but he's not turned the ball over
and he has walked off the field a winner both times,
which is the oh yeah right right of the exercise.
He certainly sounded today like a guy who is expecting
to start on Sunday. Justin Fields asked after practice today
if he came to Pittsburgh to kind of reboot or
(01:53):
restart his career, and if he did, how that's been
going so far.
Speaker 4 (01:57):
I think it's definitely a blessing being here. You know,
it's kind of bittersweet when I first got here that,
you know, I was happy to come to an organization
like this, and you know, I couldn't even be more
happier now. So I just got to get the opportunity
to go out there Sunday and meet my teammates onto
the field and help it come on to.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Be glad I get the opportunity to go out there
Sunday and lead my teammates. This will be the third
such opportunity, and uh, it's got a lot of people
wondering if this might get to the point where Fields
gets a whole bunch of opportunities. Is there any concern
that the longer you're inactive, the depth chuck could change. Now,
(02:35):
I'm just focused on on me every day.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Just focus on me being fully healthy, and I have
full confidence in our football team, and that's really what
really matters to me.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Russell Wilson, Uh not worried that he could lose this
through in activity. You said a moment ago, Matt, you
would play him when he's healthy. I would. I would
play him when he's healthy. But at what point? Is
there a point where they get to four and oh,
five and oh and you start righting? You know what,
it's a.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Good problem that has working the way it's working. It's
working the way it's working. I mean when I was
saying that just a minute ago, I was saying in
the back of my mind. Well, what would Fields have
to do Sunday to change that opinion? You know, if
Wilson's ready to roll during practice post chargers, what would
Fields have to do to say, well, maybe we'll go
(03:28):
back to you and probably something that not that he's
incapable of, but is out of the stratosphere would be
my answer to that. I mean, really dominate on the ground,
not turn the ball over again, which he's been phenomenal at.
His accuracy percentage is way up, and then his Bears days.
I mean, so he's become somewhat of a different player.
(03:48):
But it's only been two games stretch too.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
And it's only been one touchdown in two games. And
there's that for the offense. And you're right, you know penalties, Hey,
they're penalties, Yeah, yeah, a lot of times they're critical
to the result of the play. Oh, that would have
been a touchdown if there wasn't holding. It also might
have been a.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Side fumble return for a touchdown.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
I'm saying specifically the fifty one yard touchdown to George Pickens,
which was a gorgeous throw.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Oh, that was a heck of a play. Like, it's
a shame that didn't count.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
It was, no doubt. But if there's not holding there,
I think he's getting.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
Tackled potentially, or he doesn't get the ball off, or
he scrambles or whatever, or you know the other pickings. One, well,
if he doesn't pick two players, he probably isn't wide
opening the end zone.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
It might have been at least right, Yeah, coverage right.
The rest of the practice participation report for today, Roman
Wilson gets upgraded from limited to full. That also occurred
last week. Yeah, he didn't get in the lineup yet.
Do you have any hope that he sees the lineup?
He said he wants to play. You know, it's not
his call. I'm starting to wonder on him. The other
(04:54):
receivers aren't exactly lighting it up. No, but how much
time can a rookie miss? And again, now this goes
all the way back to the first padded practice of
training camp, right, and you know he's been working his
way back the last couple.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Of weeks because you know, coaches are about trust and
how to trust. You know, that's gonna be a hard
thing to gain.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
That's a tough one there. And the Isaac say Moula
did not practice for the second consecutive day, So it
doesn't appear as if he's going to be getting a
helmet on Sunday. You never know because he's a veteran, but.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
That sounds highly unlikely. But maybe next week. I mean
that sounds out of the question from what I understand. Yeah,
for the Chargers, much different story for them.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Quarterback Justin Herbert Ankle didn't practice yesterday, limited today. Sounds
like he's trending toward playing, But I wonder will he
be affected.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
Right and Damn and I had a really good conversation
to Drive about this because don't forget he had planned
or fasciitis.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I don't know if it's the same foot or not.
I have no idea, but.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
That's something I bet he still feels as well.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Kept him out of camp about three weeks.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
Yeah, and there was a lot of takers he can
be ready for week one. He hasn't looked great despite
being two and ozer. He's missed some throws and I
wonder if his lower body is bugging him.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Safety Alloyd Gilman, one of their starters on the back end,
limited for a second consecutive day, and edge rusher Joey
Bosa hip limited for a second consecutive day. Gilman didn't
play last Sunday against Carolina Bosa did Bosa probably, you know,
working through what he's got to work through.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Gilman's a quality player, though, I mean he's a legit
starting safety.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
That would be loss. The remarkable thing about this game, Matt,
is that Jim Harbaugh has arrived in Los Angeles and
taken over, and to me, the Chargers look like what
you might expect if the Baltimore Ravens in the University
of Michigan. Yea had a kid, Yeah, I mean Herbert
(06:48):
as a quarterback. There's a lot of ex Ravens coaches.
There's a lot of ex Ravens players. Yes, they are
running the ball way more than they are throwing it.
They are running it with great frequency and success as
well as frequency. Yes, I mean they got three number
one picks on that offensive line. They have a three
hundred pound defensive line. But he's playing full back. The
(07:10):
full back is crazy, right. They played two tight ends
as much as the Steelers do and JK. Dobbins two
hundred and sixty six rushing yards. Here's all you need
to know about JK. Dobbins.
Speaker 5 (07:21):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
He averaged seven point seven yards to carry against the
Panthers and his average went down.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Went down to nine point nine for the season.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
I mean, he looks like the guy he was coming
out of Ohio State, which is my favorite back in
that class.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
And I'm happy for him because he was a really
good player that injuries were just the only negative on
the guy. I don't know if you know this, but
anyone with five hundred carries in the history of the game.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
He now has the best yards per carry average. I
did not know that.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
Yeah, just these two games have put him over that.
I mean playing for the Ravens helps because lamar Gus
Edwards had a nice yards per carry out average too,
And he's kind of just a guy. But he's another
former raven We're gonna see a lot of They feel
like the Ravens a lot.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
So they have Justin Herbert. But I mean, yeah, he
hasn't thrown for one hundred and fifty yards yet. No,
his stat lines look like Justin Fields or Kenny Pickett's
did last year. Yes, Now, this is a guy who
averaged two hundred and seventy five passing yards and change.
Yeah in his first four seasons.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah, I mean like even his attempts are down from
hat almost fifty percent, almost from what he's used to
his whole career.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Up till now.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Now, I think what we have to acknowledge for the
Saints and for the Chargers is they got to play
the Panthers. I mean, the Panthers are not an NFL
team right now, and really bad, I mean like really bad,
like hard to imagine that.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
They made never look competitive exactly exactly.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
So that being said, I'm sure the Chargers could have
dropped more points on him at the end too, but
that was not a challenge that team.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
We've got a lot more to get to.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Here on Steelers Preview, we're just getting warmed up, so
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(09:26):
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we come back, it's time to get the ball to
the Factor back. Merril Hodge will be joining us as
we continue getting ready for the Steelers and the Chargers
(09:47):
Sunday at Akrashuer Stadium. You're listening the Steelers preview right
here on your Steelers flagship one of two point five
DVE and the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Back to the Steelers preview you show on DV.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Welcome back my pursuiter and Matt Williamson getting you ready
for the Steelers and the Chargers Sunday Actorschuer Stadium right
here on your Steelers flagship one of two point five
DVE and the Steelers Audio Network. Time now to welcome
in our Factor back. Merril Hodge joining us as he
always does. And Merrill, Uh, I know we got a
lot to talk about as it relates to the Steelers
(10:24):
and the Chargers, but I gotta start with my tape
review of the Chargers and the Carolina Panthers. Oh Man.
Five plays into the game, there was a flag thrown
for illegal hands to the face, I know, and it
was thrown on the one the only the man, the myth,
the legend, Jadeveon Clowney. I saw that and I immediately
(10:48):
thought of you, Meryl.
Speaker 6 (10:51):
Y, I love at you.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
They actually later in the game, did you see they
just start dropping him into coverage. I'm like, that's how
I'm like that. Geam's a mass already.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
We too, have you see just reaching memory? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (11:05):
No, no, no, it's really if I racked my brain,
not competitive my brain.
Speaker 6 (11:10):
Yeah, it's and they had they've only had a year
to well that.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Well, listen, we we do a whole show on that,
on that team and what they've done and the decisions
they've made.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
But that that's gonna hot in for for years.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
All right, So before we let that go. Should I
be wary of Carolina now this week because you always
worry about a professional who's been embarrassed or are there
some professionals who are just destined to continue being embarrassed? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (11:38):
Well, based on well, you know, I say this the
one bright spot they you know, bention Bryceyeng is a
good move. They mean, that gives them some hope offensively,
you know, they can do some things. They're not going
to be as limited And what's unfortunate for Bryce Jong
and you didn't bring this on itself. Anybody would want
to be the first round overall pick in the National
Football League. But he's just limited skill set is just
(12:01):
it just it doesn't transition to the National football It
just doesn't. And no matter how hard he works or
what he does, he's going to be five to nine.
He's not going to change from five to nine. And
that is always going to be an arduous challenge no
matter who coaches him, and how that you can function
offensively consistent enough.
Speaker 6 (12:19):
To win, to win and win consistently, let alone a championship.
Speaker 3 (12:23):
Does watching that game make it difficult to really get
a good bead on the Chargers a little bit?
Speaker 6 (12:30):
Yeah, you know, a little bit. Yeah, you know.
Speaker 5 (12:31):
I you know, I watched the first two games, and
you know, and the Raiders weren't, you know, the Juggernaut.
You know, they played so much better against Baltimore. So
they they haven't played two great offenses. And I'm not
saying the Steelers are a great offense right now, either.
Speaker 6 (12:47):
You know, they they are I think a.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
Little better than the two that we just talked about.
Other than the Raiders, I think they get better. They
got better quarterback play there, you know, than the other two.
I mean the two they got the best quarterback play.
And you know he does he knows how to play
in the game. You know, he's not elite, but he
knows how to play and he knows how to play
that position.
Speaker 6 (13:09):
So between the the both.
Speaker 5 (13:11):
Of them, though, I think I got a good feel
for what it comes down to. I think they're the
box players. Listen their edge players, and we talked about
this on the morning show. I think this game could
be like a an edge game. I mean, if you
want to watch the best edge players, you can give
them all in one arena. I mean combination. I can't
beat two better, I mean a combination of four better.
(13:34):
I guess for me that you don't see that often.
You know where those dynamic things enter entering game. But
their edge rushers are incredible. Steelers are incredible. So the
Chargers do haven't better better tackles than then did Seattle.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
Then they got a better chance of you know, dealing
with them and you know, keeping them up bathing the
first two opponents.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Well, let's talk about that. I agree with that. I
think that's a highly compelling matchup. I'll be at the
game Sunday. I may have my binoculars trained on the
two offensive edges no matter who has the ball, and
just watch it that way. But is there a favorable
matchup TJ. Watt against anybody both against Troy Utan who
(14:22):
making his second career start, Khalil Mack against anybody who's
got the edge edge.
Speaker 5 (14:29):
Well, listen, either one of those guys, you know, can
give a rookie a problem Platanu. I will say this though,
you know, he's fundamentally so much better than Jones, just
something you know, from deep pits to hands, just so
much better. You know, he gets a little nodicon, you know.
I didn't realize he had not played right tackle. So
(14:49):
that's a big ask for a kid who's never played
right tackle and just make that transition in the NFL.
I don't know if people can appreciate it because just
because he played.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
Left doesn't mean you can play right. Just because he
played right doesn't mean you can play left.
Speaker 5 (15:02):
You know, It's it's like linebacker, It's like but Khalil
Mack is the most incredible player.
Speaker 6 (15:07):
I've ever evaluated. Coming out of college.
Speaker 5 (15:09):
He could play inside, outside and defensive end, and he
looked like all world at all three, which was just
like incredible. But he'll open his hips up a little
bit at times and ill him the corner a little bit.
And with these guys, you can't give anything. I mean,
you got to be your most buttoned up against these
two because they're so good. They have so many different
(15:29):
ways to attack you. So but you know, I'm sure
that from a scheme wise, Arthur Samathy in that idiot,
he knows what he's doing. I mean, that's one thing
if you watch us. He knows how to protect quarterback.
He knows how to maximize the guys he's got. You know,
I don't I don't see that putting just the build
(15:50):
in a position where he's gonna be vulnerable very much.
Speaker 6 (15:53):
Now, there's gonna be times you gotta ask guys to block.
Speaker 5 (15:55):
I'm not saying that, but you can do some stuff
scheme wise and play calling wise that can hold those.
Speaker 6 (16:01):
Guys at bay a little bit.
Speaker 5 (16:03):
But there's going to be those times where you've got
a block and you didn't have to make that happen.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
So obviously, these edge players, they are really really good.
And I'm really impressed with the Chargers tackles but staying
out a third and long is going to be pivotal
for both these teams. Which team is more better equipped
to stay out a third and long?
Speaker 5 (16:24):
I think the Chargers are them, you know, and I've
just kind of watched them, you know, their running game,
they you know, they built on the running and you know,
their first week they were just inside zone, inside zone.
Speaker 6 (16:34):
You know. Then they brought.
Speaker 5 (16:35):
Some some whams stuff and that might have been specifically
for what the Panthers had.
Speaker 6 (16:41):
I don't know. That one's hard to tail, you know,
but they added a little to their running game. But
they're very versatile.
Speaker 5 (16:48):
You know, they do seem to want to attack you
inside zone wise, seems to be their their strength and
what they like right now. It's worly lead too, and
they're passing game.
Speaker 6 (16:59):
You know. The week one it was a really a quick.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
Contective and almost I almost thought that they're treating a
quarterback like he was a rookie the.
Speaker 6 (17:07):
Way that they had dialed stuff up. Now that evolved.
Then they then they opened it.
Speaker 5 (17:11):
Up a little more against the Panthers and they started
doing half field reads, a little some more explosive stuff,
a little more run action stuff and taking shots.
Speaker 6 (17:21):
Down the field with the Steelers, I think they will.
Speaker 5 (17:25):
Be somewhere closer to the Raiders just because of their
head dressers. You know, you know on that quarterback in
that in that pocket too long, you know, the ball's
got to come out.
Speaker 6 (17:38):
And you know when they do.
Speaker 5 (17:40):
Like they were, the run action stuff when they take
their shots, I think that's what you'll see because you
can get max protection and you can give either or
see you can double both guys and just get a
two receiver route, which the which I That's what I
anticipate when they take shots they'll do.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
Let's talk about the Chargers tackle, specifically Joel Up the
rookie right tackle. Uh they call him control all the
lead out there. That's pretty good. Uh handle Max Crosby?
Can he handle? T? J? Watt?
Speaker 6 (18:10):
Hey? Where was that kid from Notre Dame? Okay?
Speaker 2 (18:15):
His dad was a.
Speaker 3 (18:16):
Big, real good player in the league for ten years.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
John, Oh yeah, okay, Okay, I was. There's actually so
many good tackles. That's why I asked. I'm like, I
get I get these these guys lost because the kid
in Oregon State, which who was the right tackle? That's
what I was I was thinking him actually who was
a beef.
Speaker 3 (18:34):
Yeah, had switch sides too. He was a left at
Notre Dame. They're playing him at right.
Speaker 5 (18:38):
Yeah yeah, because I was like, well he was a left,
yeah name, So I was like, that's that's somewhat interesting.
Speaker 6 (18:43):
But anyway, let's say it. CJ.
Speaker 5 (18:47):
Watt is a special football player. I know you were
talking about not me and not letting him hit the
quarterback and sag quarterback. But he's gonna play every down.
I mean, I'm love what TJ. What does when he
doesn't get a sack.
Speaker 6 (19:02):
Quite honestly, the plays.
Speaker 5 (19:04):
He makes when he doesn't make the tackle, the things
that he does that helps, that's just good sound football.
Speaker 6 (19:12):
That's what I love about him. That he's gonna set
the edge, he's gonna.
Speaker 5 (19:16):
Make tackles, he's gonna blow things up, he's gonna constantly penetrate,
he's gonna be He's just a constant.
Speaker 6 (19:21):
He's a disruptor on.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Every play and that will be even now, I'm jarge
rookie is that that's a lot to ask, you know,
you know, that's why you know he's got to say.
But both guys, you know, from a skill set in
college to the NFL was pretty unique and special, and
(19:45):
you can see how they've played now there's not a
lot of.
Speaker 6 (19:48):
I can't tell how how young they.
Speaker 5 (19:50):
Are unless you really study him hard and you just
see little things that they will get clearly better on.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
It.
Speaker 6 (19:56):
There'll be interesting, though, which guy breaks down.
Speaker 5 (20:00):
Fundamentally, because I think that's probably where it comes down to,
is in those moments you have to block a guy,
you don't have to help, you don't have a chip,
and you just don't break down fundamentally against those pass
rushers because you do, they're giving you chip.
Speaker 2 (20:12):
Well, I think people might be surprised the way the
Chargers are playing. They have Herbert, who is a perceived
franchise caliber quarterback average close to three hundred yards a
game is first couple of years to seventy five and
changed his first four seasons this year under one hundred
and fifty both games. But this team has been built
(20:34):
by Harbaugh to play hardball football, has it not. I mean,
all these tight ends and the line and the great
running backs, they're they're doing what they should with what
they have, correct because much like the Steelers, there's not
an overabundance of great wide receivers on this team.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
No true story, you know, and you can is it Roman,
I forget their offensive coordinating with the offense.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Yeah heavy the least.
Speaker 6 (21:02):
Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah. Just just so people know.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
I mean, they got their office coordinator from the Ravens
and so, and I got talked to him many times,
and he is just you talk about a guy who
knows the running game in depths. That is just like
I was just sitting there in aug going while and
we just and then we start talking about Chuck Noll
in the.
Speaker 6 (21:22):
Trap game and you know, could you bring that back?
Speaker 5 (21:24):
And we started going, we started going off off the
charts where you'd be like most people probably bored, but
I was like, you know, the guy's fascinating. You know,
that's why they're running game is I could they're committed
to it. You could tell they're committed to it. They
decided that a.
Speaker 6 (21:38):
Long time ago, that staff game together.
Speaker 5 (21:41):
That's why you know, I'm sure that they're gonna have
something for the Steelers and the things that we I
just mentioned I saw, I clearly expect you know what
I did not see, which I was actually surprised.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
Not long he was foundationally a power. Oh guy, you know,
the power was like the one.
Speaker 5 (21:58):
Of the most physical runs that exists in football. Okay,
and in fact, in Chicago when I was there, we
were committed to that. And when somebody's committed that, I'm
not to me, that means they mean business. That means
they're gonna run the football. They even just putting this
in just to put it in, and putting it in
because they're like, this is who we are. I didn't
(22:18):
see much of that, you know, and I don't know
why that is. You know, now that could be the
thing you see this week.
Speaker 6 (22:24):
You know, I'm sure they have more than they're gonna
add to because they do a lot. You know.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
I like they run the strong side on the weak
side too. You know, they're not They're not heavy on
right or left. They're not heavy on stronger a week,
especially after two weeks, they probably have very few tendencies
that you can really put your finger on, which makes
it harder against a team, a team like that that's
going to bring out more wrinkles in their running game.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
So you were talking off running scheme there, and I
think it's noteworthy that through two games we've seen very
very maybe none pulling lineman for the Steelers, and I
thought that was a real weapon the second half of
last year. It's not really an Arthur Smith thing. I mean,
do we think that's a thing of the past. Do
(23:10):
you have mixed feelings about that? Or you know what
do you think of the Steelers stramatically?
Speaker 5 (23:14):
Actually yeah, I actually was surprised at that too, because
they did it so well and the guys are so
listen pinning and Poland. I think some I go back
to the trapping system. I'm telling you, I've always felt
that there was an advantage. I love the counter game,
I think I think you know, I mentioned the power
(23:34):
runners like that, I mean a missleaning business. But I
still think the counter is the most dorsal run in
football and give you inside outside I mean physical. It
gives you everything as from a runner. It's the one
of the I think from my perspective, it was just.
Speaker 6 (23:53):
It was one of the one of.
Speaker 5 (23:55):
My the things I like the most to run because
it gave there's so many options in it, and the
timing in it that had to be from a running
perspective had to go along with the blocking. I love
that aspect of it, but I love to just just
have all the versatility in it.
Speaker 6 (24:13):
But I don't know.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
I actually thought that they would. I thought they would
look at and we really did this.
Speaker 6 (24:17):
Let's keep those things. Now that this artist doesn't mean
that he.
Speaker 5 (24:20):
Doesn't build on stuff too, you know, and had stuff
that happens all the time, you know, as you get
going on in the year and you need to add somewhere,
an opponent does something that they're struggling with, and you're like,
let's add it this weekend. You do it so well,
you just keep it. That does happen too.
Speaker 6 (24:35):
But I was too.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
I surprised that they didn't do a little because of
the athletes that they have, and they're obviously lying. You know,
as a whole has played so good. I've been really
impressed with them. And now they played, you know, guard
two rookies. I felt like I've been outstanding as a whole.
Speaker 6 (24:50):
They played well together and done well in.
Speaker 5 (24:53):
The running game. So it's gonna have to build on
that because this will be their best test.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
We don't have a huge sample size, only a couple
of games, but the Chargers are number one in scoring defense.
The Steelers are number two in scoring defense. They're both
allowing less than ten points a game, which even in
a small sample size is pretty impressive. Sure, if you're
Arthur Smith of the Steelers Merril, or if you're Greg
Roman and the Ravens and you're coordinating an offense against
defenses of this caliber, does that change how you go
(25:21):
about it? Or do you rally your room and say,
you know what, guys, we are running the ball down
their throats anyway, because that's what we can do. Is
the quality of How much does the quality of the
defense affect what you try? And how often on offense?
Speaker 6 (25:37):
A lot? I mean I'm telling you a lot, but
I would just say this.
Speaker 5 (25:40):
Both of them have a formula to new plays pass rushers.
Speaker 6 (25:43):
I mean, you know the best.
Speaker 5 (25:46):
I remember when when the Bears came in and they
still had that eighty five defense.
Speaker 6 (25:51):
But we knew this. We knew that.
Speaker 5 (25:55):
We knew that you're going to have to if you
want if you don't want these pass rushers, Richard Dan specifically,
we don't want Richard Dan to have a day and
get going, then we're gonna go around the ball at
him like four five straight times, which we did and
Richard Dan was so we started getting angry after three
and you can tell he just started losing his mind.
Speaker 6 (26:14):
He was like he didn't want to play that.
Speaker 5 (26:16):
I'm not saying all these guys don't want to play it,
but that's the best way you got to keep those guys.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
That day number one a great way to do it.
Speaker 5 (26:23):
And then those run action plays I'm telling you about,
And what makes that different than play action is one
line Nalvsey line attacks the line of scrimmage and they
play on the other side for like a yard. That's
run action and when you do that, you paralyze the box.
Speaker 6 (26:37):
And then you can take shots down the field.
Speaker 5 (26:39):
And I just think both teams will try to generate
their shots that way versus the drop back and nothing.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
So I look at this defense and they're playing really well.
They haven't had real, you know, stiff tests, especially Carolina
who's totally dysfunctional, but they're big guys on defense. For
the Chargers to me, are a real liability. Like I'm
not sure how many of their true defensive linemen would even.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Make this team.
Speaker 6 (27:06):
No, are you talking about the Panthers or No.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
I'm talking about the Chargers defensive tackles. Those tackles big
guys on the Charger d I should have been more specific.
Speaker 2 (27:14):
Oh, yeah.
Speaker 5 (27:15):
Yeah, Well, I'm gonna tell you like their box players,
you know, I.
Speaker 6 (27:22):
The whole, you know, the first you know, I'll just
say that I like the.
Speaker 5 (27:27):
Steelers rotation and their box players better than the Chargers.
If we're talking about depth and rotation and and versatility
of everything.
Speaker 6 (27:37):
You know, if I had to take the box, I
would take the Steelers box.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Meryl, do you think there is a path to justin
fields turning the tables on the depth chart and uh,
you know, winning enough games and playing well enough to
still be the starter when Russell Wilson is deemed healthy.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
Listen, I've always thought it was hard to venture winner.
You know, he doesn't. Here's where his girlth has to happen.
He misses some some throws, some throws from an anticipation aspect,
you know, like a deep curl instead of sitting on
it and waiting for him to get the girl completed
too late. You know, bald needs to come out. You know,
(28:20):
there's a couple of those on the field. What is
a little bit of concerning this one is they missed
a hot Now he got him out of it with
these legs, but they didn't see it.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
He didn't see it.
Speaker 5 (28:33):
And I'm just gonna tell you from experience, the Charger
saw that. And don't think for one second the Chargers
aren't going to dial that up and whatever else they
can to see.
Speaker 6 (28:44):
If they can handle it, you know.
Speaker 5 (28:47):
And that that and you have to you have to show
growth in that too, because you can't.
Speaker 6 (28:52):
You can't miss those. You got to punish people to
do that. You know.
Speaker 5 (28:56):
Now, he got a out of trouble with these legs,
but you're not always going to in that one with
your legs, you know. So those are two things areas
that if he got better at I would find it
hard to pent you. You know, as long as he's
better and you're winning, you know, it would be there
would be a It would be as you know, those
(29:17):
coaches in those meeting rooms no more than what we do,
and that that's the advantage they have.
Speaker 6 (29:21):
But I would find it hard to sitting down.
Speaker 3 (29:25):
So Merril Justin Fields has been one of the most
if not the most blitzed quarterback in the league since
he's joined the NFL, and Denver came at him a
very high percentage of the time, and he completed a
really high percentage of his past first blitz I mean,
is that something that everyone's gonna do. Do you assume
the chargers I would imagine, right, yeah.
Speaker 6 (29:47):
Yeah, yeah, oh yeah, Well I told you that they
missed them too. I mean, yeah, yeah, yeah, were those
those those are the.
Speaker 5 (29:53):
Ones that there are, They're they're they're looking at So
they're not gonna take it easy.
Speaker 6 (29:59):
They're gonna the ratchet up.
Speaker 5 (30:00):
And come on, be prepared for that. I you know,
that could be the difference too. Listen, good or bad.
Speaker 6 (30:08):
You know, they either get there and we don't clean it.
He doesn't clean it.
Speaker 5 (30:12):
Up, or he cleans it up and he makes them
pay for doing it.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
Maryl Last thing I got for you tonight. What's Broderick
Jones going through? You know, he mentioned his technique, three penalties,
getting yanked mid series, losing his job. He's a young guy,
highly touted, highly drafted, and he's struggling right now. Yeah,
what's his path here?
Speaker 6 (30:39):
Well, Talent tells you what you can do. Motivation tells you.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
What you will do.
Speaker 5 (30:45):
I think they could need a moment of self reflection
where he looks at himself and takes ownership.
Speaker 6 (30:50):
If he wants to be really a.
Speaker 5 (30:53):
Contributor and a really good player, and keep mind, he
does have that potential. I saw him do a down
block and literally smashed the tackle and destroy the linebacker,
and I'm like, where's that man?
Speaker 6 (31:04):
So I've seen enough of it, even though it's been glimpses.
He knows how to play and play right, he just
for whatever chooses not to. He is sloppy fundamentally. I
mean he is. I can't tell you how many.
Speaker 5 (31:16):
Times his feet, hips and hands pad level is atrocious,
hands not existing.
Speaker 6 (31:21):
You can't play like that.
Speaker 5 (31:23):
In the NFL just to be successful, you just and
he's it's almost like he's freelancing and you know, and
he has no purpose and he has no passion about
being a pro of a kid, you know, and only
you can do whatever you know.
Speaker 6 (31:43):
You can bench a kid.
Speaker 5 (31:45):
You can do all these things until they take ownership
and wake up.
Speaker 6 (31:50):
There's nothing to do. I seen what you can do.
Speaker 3 (31:53):
I've seen his feet get too close together or even
cross and then rarely said yeah.
Speaker 6 (32:01):
Yes, he said I stopped to play, And I'm like, okay, how.
Speaker 5 (32:04):
In the world he I'm gonna hit his legs there
and scissors okay, crossed? Well, yes, his his arms are
beside his hips and he's straight up. I'm like, that
is the most that is one of the most like
what I'm saying awful, that's awful from every platform you
(32:25):
can think of, feet, hips, hands, because that's how like.
Speaker 3 (32:28):
You can't get much worse. Like that's the hardest way
to block someone on the whole planet.
Speaker 5 (32:34):
And he got stuck right back into the quarterback's lap
and you know, and but then I've seen him do it, right,
Like I'm telling then I've seen it, you know, and
what here's what about me?
Speaker 6 (32:45):
He came back and was he seemed to be jawing
at the fireman.
Speaker 5 (32:50):
That they had a double that's probably is Actually who's
a guy who's actually improved his blocking by the way
in his his credit, I mean, he is really playing
like being a complete.
Speaker 6 (32:59):
Tight end, by the way. But he the way that
Comba block worked. He blocked the right guy. Fireman blocked
the right right and did a good job.
Speaker 5 (33:05):
He misses the linebacker who makes the tackle when he
comes back, and it was John at Friars And I'm like,
what what could.
Speaker 6 (33:12):
He possibly be saying to him other than why could
you block better than me? That's the only thing I'd
be saying.
Speaker 2 (33:19):
What is he doing?
Speaker 6 (33:20):
But and I was like, why would he be yelling
the farmers? He didn't do anything, he fired, just got
to walk away like whatever. But I was like, the
kid has obviously talent, but that just tells you what
you can do. You know, he's got to he's gotta
get he's got to change his approach to things and
(33:41):
take ownership.
Speaker 5 (33:41):
He does that, you know, the kid could be a
massive contributor.
Speaker 6 (33:46):
You know, to that offensive line. But not playing like
he is, he's killing. He's killing.
Speaker 5 (33:51):
That's why I got credit him for for putting him down,
because he was killing that team in the short period
he was there.
Speaker 2 (33:58):
Merrily. I'll tell you to enjoy the game, son, but
I'm sensing about eighty combined rushing attempts. I think you
got the popcorn already fired off your kind name. You're
gonna be like DiCaprio, and I mean just pointing it
to the screen. Look, they ran again, they ran again,
We run the football.
Speaker 6 (34:15):
Game might be over two hours, hours and thirty minutes.
Speaker 2 (34:19):
Hey, Meryl, great stuff. Well we'll do it again next week.
Speaker 6 (34:22):
Absolutely, go Stealers, Sea guys.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
Meryl Hodge the factor back right here on Steelers Preview
nobody in America is gonna enjoy this game. This rock
fight at the fifty yard line. Yeah right, beautiful stuff
coming up in the in the world of Hodge. We
got one more segment to go here on the preview,
so you're gonna want to keep it here with Matt
Williamson a Mike Pursuda. This is Steelers Preview right here
(34:45):
on your Steelers flagship one of two point five DVE
and the Steelers Audio Network.
Speaker 1 (34:51):
Back to the Steelers preview show on DVE.
Speaker 2 (34:56):
Welcome back to the preview Mike Pursuit of Matt Williamson
and h I don't think Merrill's calmed down yet. No,
I think he's really looking forward to this one.
Speaker 3 (35:04):
And this is right up his alley, and these two
head coaches are going to be stubborn, tough.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
I think it's gonna be a fun game.
Speaker 6 (35:13):
You know.
Speaker 2 (35:14):
I liking it. I think I've told you before. I
try to go to the Army Navy game every year. Okay.
And one of the things, now, this is not going
to be triple option football, no no, but it's going
to be run the football, and it's going to be
first downs are important and field position is important. Fundamentally,
and field goals are important, and they both have good
field goal kickers. And you know, a good rock fight
(35:35):
at the fifty, yeah, or fist fight at the fifty,
however you want to, you know, sum that up. That's
that's fun stuff. We like Steelers Ravens, right, those are
kind of the same. And hey, it charges a lot.
Speaker 3 (35:46):
Of Ravens DNA, like you mentioned to start the show.
Speaker 2 (35:48):
Chargers are trying to be the raven the Baltimore Wolverines
or the you know, the the under pound fullback. I
gotta love that. The University of Michigan Baltimore campus. I
don't know, but it's I think it's gonna be fun.
Speaker 3 (36:00):
I mean, he had a first round rookie and they
only threw the ball what twelve thirteen times? Sometimes at Michigan.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Oh the pacer right right, they threw They attempted two
passes in the second half and one because they were
just running the ball. Yeah, and do that. Why would
you stop if it's working on I don't know that
either side is going to have consistent success because I
think both these defenses are good, but hey, that's why
they play the games. What to expect is brought to
(36:26):
You by Brian Patton and Associates. It's all about the benefits, Matt.
I've kind of gone into the weeds on this the
first couple of weeks, and I'm gonna do it again
because I saw something in Justin Herbert last week and
again assuming he's going to play. Yeah, he was up
from uh did not work to limit it today. But
he likes to run the ball. He likes to scramble.
(36:47):
He likes to either extend or just take off and go.
But sometimes he starts to take off and then he
gets an idea in his head or receies something and
he'll pull up right before it gets to the line
of scrimmage and try to prova pass. Somebody will break open.
He'll try to play a little street ball. Two times
he turned it over against Carolina doing that once. He
(37:08):
once he pulled up and threw the ball and threw
it the bad spot and it got picked. And another
time he got crumpled and he fumbled and Carolina got it.
I expect Justin Herbert to turn the ball over at
least once doing something.
Speaker 3 (37:24):
Like that, especially against his front not necessarily dropping.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
Back and just oh, I didn't see the safety or
oh I sailed it, or oh the cornerback jumped the
route like a goofy turnover on a goofy kind of play.
And if Justin Field stays as disciplined as he has
and the Steelers don't turn it over as they have not,
maybe that's the difference. But I think Pittsburgh's gonna win
takeaway giveaway at least plus one.
Speaker 3 (37:49):
Okay, that's what I expect. Well, that almost always results
in a Steeler win. I mean, the numbers are bonkers
when they don't throw an interception. Even when they right,
I mean, even when they tie the turnover battle, the
Steelers win. They don't lose it. They're a really really
hard team to beat. And say what you want about fields,
they have not produced touchdowns with them. But that has
(38:12):
changed drastically from his Bears days. I mean he was
negative plays, sacks, turnovers, huge positive plays too, but he
has not been that roller coaster good or bad here.
And I think there's something to do with coaching staff.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
So you got an expectation. I think it's goun be
a really physical game.
Speaker 3 (38:31):
I think special teams favors the Steelers.
Speaker 2 (38:34):
Yeah, that really is.
Speaker 3 (38:36):
We didn't talk a lot about JK. Dobbins, but he
scares me. I mean, I think limiting explosive plays by
him is extremely, extremely important.
Speaker 6 (38:45):
To do it.
Speaker 3 (38:46):
I think this defense is the best in the league.
Speaker 2 (38:48):
I really do. I really do.
Speaker 3 (38:49):
I'm not trying to like get people all excited excited.
I think it's the best in the league and I
don't see a lot of weaknesses with it. I think
the front is tremendous, the speed on the back end
off in a big way, and I think Pickens has
that breakout game that he shown. No kidding, yeah, I
mean it's not certain. It's not Terrell. Their corners are okay,
(39:11):
but I think Pickens' eyeball test has been a lot
better than his numbers.
Speaker 2 (39:15):
So I'm gonna go with one. Justin Herbert turnover, You're
gonna go with George Pickens gets a blowing up. Yeah,
what to expect? Brought to you by Brian patt In Associates.
It's all about the benefits, you know, we talk about
these defenses and how low scoring it's gonna be. I mean, again,
small sample size, but just consider this the last time
two teams met in week three or later, that we're
(39:38):
both allowing ten or fewer points in a game. Was
Week four in two thousand and six. Wow, that was
Baltimore and San Diego.
Speaker 3 (39:47):
Little coincidental, okay matchup the irony there.
Speaker 2 (39:52):
Ravens won the game sixteen to thirteen.
Speaker 3 (39:55):
That's actually the score I'm picking for this game, is it?
Speaker 6 (39:57):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (39:58):
I mean, if people are wondering when is the Steelers
offense going to break out? And if you hear Arthur
Smith through Troy Toda, we told a bunch of us yesterday.
Coach Arthur told us, were like, a damn, that's about
to break. You know. Some other guys have talked about that,
and guys have referenced the first half in Denver and
how close they were really putting up points there. I
(40:20):
think it's not gonna look like it's looked the first
two weeks eventually, but I don't think Sunday's gonna be
the day. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (40:28):
I still think the Chargers defense is good, not great.
I mean I understand they have not I don't think
they've been challenged all that much. And the two things
I keep coming back to in this game. We talk
about all the similarities, but of the four units, I
think the Steelers defense stands alone as the best.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
Of the four offenses are about to push. Yeah, but
they also have a quarterback, you know who they're treating
like a game manager, right, But they've also got some
injury issues. They got the they got single early in
that game, and he threw a twenty nine or thirty
yard touchdown pass for a touchdown to his wide receiver
(41:10):
Quinton Johnston, who was disappointing last year coming out of TCU,
and he's already had two touchdowns against Carolina. He had
two all last season. And the word from the Chargers
camp is it's the quote unquote new Q okay Quinton Johnson.
He gets it now. Marboys pumped his tires. He's playing
with confidence second time around the block in the NFL.
(41:34):
He gets it that kind of thing. Herbert will take
the occasional shotdown field, especially if you give him single,
But for the most part, I think they're going to
try to bludge in you.
Speaker 3 (41:43):
Oh and Johnston has had two very good games and
he is a first round pick. But if Porter follows
him like he did Sutton in London, I don't think
we'll hear.
Speaker 2 (41:55):
Much from Johnston.
Speaker 3 (41:56):
I don't think he's nearly at the level of those two,
especially London.
Speaker 2 (42:00):
Here's a crazy observation, all right, for Joey Porter in
this game, is it more important that he tackle well
than shut down the other team's best receiver?
Speaker 3 (42:08):
Their receivers are so light if you could play ten
on ten with Johnston and Porter are just doing their
own thing somewhere else. I think that favors the Steelers
dramatically as opposed to tackling and all.
Speaker 2 (42:18):
They'll tack the edge with Dobbins getting them outside. Oh,
they definitely will.
Speaker 3 (42:21):
I mean they love the run outside behind those tackles
with tight ends and Dobbin's speed.
Speaker 2 (42:26):
But that that's a that's a good point.
Speaker 3 (42:27):
I mean he's going to have to tackle Dobbins in
space and that's dangerous.
Speaker 2 (42:31):
Terrell Edmunds, the Steelers defensive coordinator, was asked about that today.
Has Porter improved his tackling? He said absolutely they. I
don't see it as a problem right to the point.
They've been working on it and it's way better than
it was because we were talking last year. At times
he ain't tackling anybody.
Speaker 3 (42:47):
No, and that goes back to Penn State, because like
his last nine or ten games of Penn State, they
didn't even throw at them.
Speaker 2 (42:54):
I think the other guy, uh Jackson, will be fine
Steelers corner Jackson. Yeah, I'm impressed.
Speaker 3 (43:00):
I think the secondary as.
Speaker 2 (43:01):
A wholes of playing physical oh yea yeah yeah, gals
stick his face in there. Yeah yeah.
Speaker 3 (43:07):
I bet they challenged Beanie Bishop to tackle too.
Speaker 2 (43:10):
Yeah. Run right at him, right, and you know that's
a guy that h Well, the word coming out of
West Virginia was, at least the word I got was
he was a better physical player than you would think
given his stature. He's made some tackles. I haven't looked
at him as a I don't think he's been great.
Speaker 3 (43:26):
But that's if that's your weakest link of the defense,
I think you're in pretty good shape.
Speaker 2 (43:29):
Anything like that. Just last thing I got tonight, the
second touchdown drive for the Chargers against Carolina, I think
pretty typical for them. Levin plays sixty five yards six
minutes in one second. They ran it nine times for
fifty five yards. They had one penalty on the defense
for five yards. They were one for two passing for
five yards. Now they threw it in the end zone,
(43:50):
but to matriculate the ball down the field is Henk
Stram would say nine carries and Dobbin's Gusta bus, Edwards
and Herbert all carried multiple times.
Speaker 3 (44:01):
It sounds like exactly what both these head coaches want
to do. I mean, who can force the other team
to play left handed?
Speaker 2 (44:06):
That's the whole key. Here they coming, here we go.
That's gonna do it. For the preview tonight. Thanks to
Merrill for joining us as he always does and bringing
the heat that we count on him to bring. Thanks
to Justin Miller for keeping the board up and running
and keeping us on the air. And thank you for
finding us however and wherever you found us. We do
(44:27):
this every week in advance of the Steeler game, So
if you're new to the show, we'd love to have
you back until next week. For Matt Williamson on Mike Pursuda,
you've been listening to Steelers preview right here on your
Steelers flagship one O two point five DVE and the
Steelers Audio Network. Good Night everyone,
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