October 16, 2025 • 27 mins
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette joins Ed and Jacob to discuss the tall task of the Steelers secondary taking on JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Steelers O Line having another opportunity to improve their play against a weak Bengals defensive front.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
It's Thursday night football Steelers four and one at the
Bengals two and four tonight from pay Corpse Stadium in
Cincinnati and Jacob. I was there with my two sons
last this past summer, just visiting Cincinnati. We were on
our way to Indianapolis and stopped in for a little
bit to grab it by de walked around, went into
the Bengals pro shop and got some photos with my
(00:28):
two young boys putting our thumbs down in and around
the Cincinnati merchandise.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
So I did my job. Didn't have the terrible towel
with me to show off.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Come on, Ray, you gotta have the towel. If you
you should, you got you gotta hate your presence. Know
when it went in enemy territory.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
You have to do.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Let's see if Ray fit Apaldo. He's a professional. From
the Pittsburgh Postcazette. I'm guessing he did not bring his
terrible tow to Cincinnati tonight.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Ray, you are in Cincy. Do you have a terrible towel?
Speaker 4 (00:56):
I have some old terrible tows I just come a
new one. At the game on Sunday, they were giving
out some cancer awareness terrible towels that were a different colors.
So yeah, there's there's a bunch in my house. But
you know, with my job, I don't wave them anymore.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
You're not writing a professional story and then getting out
the town in the press box. Okay, I understand. Hey, Ray,
Jacob and I were talking. Let's start with this. The
Steelers on Thursday Night Football nine and eleven. Historically under
Mike Tomlin two and eight on the road, but in
the Divisional a divisional road game, they are o and
six as a franchise, They are oh and eight as
(01:34):
a franchise playing divisional road games.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Does that streak break tonight?
Speaker 4 (01:40):
Man, those aren't good numbers to be to be dealing
with it through the Steelers. But I mean, if ever
they were going to break that streak, guys, this is
the team to do it against. They're not very good defensively,
they're even banged up on that side of the ball.
Now obviously they're banged up with Joe Burrow their best
player on all offense of the game. And the Steers
(02:01):
are actually playing really well I think in the in
the past two games leading into this contest. So uh,
to answer a question, it would be a huge upset.
I think if they lost, but I don't think we
can poo pooh like what's transpired in the past. It's
tough to go on the road on a short week.
The Steelers record indicates that, and uh, they're gonna have
(02:23):
to play wellkon or if they're gonna come out of
there with it went.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
Yeah, we've seen the Bengals play upset to the the
Steelers specifically in the past. You remember twenty twenty uh
that I believe it was the Monday night game or
was it a Thursday night game? Ray where the there
was that Steelers season when they started eleven or zero.
I think they had lost. They just lost their first
game of the season. They were eleven to one. They
go into Cincinnati, who was without Joe Burrow in his
(02:47):
rookie year. You remember he had that season ending injury
about like week six or so, and the Bengals pulled
off the episode. Do you remember that was the game
where Juju Smiths just Smith Schuster got lit up. Uh,
and then the Bengals had that scoop and score.
Speaker 4 (03:00):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (03:01):
So we've seen the Bengals play the upset, play the
underdog to the Steelers in prime time before.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Yeah, correct me if I'm wrong, And this is the
thing that I remember about that game. Ryan Finley was
playing quarterback. Yes, he was running. He was running the
read option. Ryan Finley from running the Reid options game. Yeah,
I mean that twenty twenty season deteriorated pretty quickly after
that eleven and start the thing I remember about that
(03:32):
but due pre got injured, I think, yeah, or the
victory before the first loss. I think they still won
that game that he was injured in against the Ravens.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
But Wednesday afternoon game, right.
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Yeah, remember those remember those altogether, But yeah, they kind
of fell apart after that. I don't know if it
was all because of but do but I don't know.
If you spin a forward outside linebacker. Depth isn't a
problem this year, guys. I mean, that's probably their deepest position.
I'm sure we'll get to that later. Ry.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Let's talk about Joe Flacco now in Cincinnati, and you
and I and Jacob talked about this a couple of
weeks ago after that trade, and then Mike Tomlin agreed
with us this past week. A trade within the division
doesn't make sense. It does set the Bengals up better.
We think Jake Browning and Listen, nobody's going to replace
a quarterback like Joe Burrow. So you know, Joe Flacco
an upgrade from Jake Browning, but still nowhere near the
(04:33):
level of Joe Burrow. But again we go back to
those historic numbers and Joe Flacco, whether he was a
member of the Ravens, the Colts, or most recently the Browns,
has always played well against the Steelers.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
Yeah, I mean that Colts game. Anthony Richardson actually played
well early in that game, then they happened to injure him,
and then Placo came in. It was a close game.
Justin Field had some met tweers and I think he
fumbled late in that game. But that was a winnable game.
But Flacco has always played well against the Steelers. Like
(05:05):
people talk about how they beat him three times in
two thousand and eight, that's true. They beat him in
the playoffs in twenty ten, that's true too. But go
back to that twenty ten playoff game, man Flacco was
rolling early. That was twenty one to seven early in
the third quarter before Ryan Clark intercepted him. And even
if you go back to the AFC Championship game, during
(05:26):
his rookie season and No. Eight. That game was sixteen
to fourteen. All Joe Flacco had to do in that
final four minutes was moved on like another forty yards
in the field goal range, and you know they would
have gone ahead late in that football game. So you know,
he's he's always played well against them. He's been on
good teams. Obviously, the Ravens were the Steelers chief rival
(05:48):
in those times. But no doubt he is more of
a threat to beat the Steelers than Jake Browning was.
And I think that's why partially why Mike Palman was
so upset about it. I think the other part of
you know, Tomin being upset and saying what he said was,
you know, just the competitive balance and competitive nature of
the NFL and like a team like the Brown's basically
(06:11):
giving up in early October. I think that really bothers Mike,
and I think it goes against the way the Steelers,
you know, their DNA is, you know, So I think
that was part of it too. But yeah, certainly some
very interesting comments on Monday when Mike said that he usually,
you know, he'll have he'll have his opinions on things,
(06:31):
but he doesn't usually broadcast them in that forum.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Yeah, I think when you look at Flacco, he's a
step up from Browning, but still a significant step down
from Joe Burrow. But we were talking about this in
our first segment today, Ed and I we were saying
this might be in the entirety of Joe Flacco's career,
with his entire time spending in Baltimore than his first
and in Cleveland, then his quick trip to Indianapolis and
(06:58):
his return to Cleveland, this is probably the best receiving
cores he's.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Had in his career.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
I mean, if you think back to Baltimore when he
was there, I know they've had talented receivers like Steve Smith,
O'Dell was there in the later years, but really for
the entirety of Joe's year, you remember, like Derek Mason
was the best receiver he had available to him for years,
right before Steve Smith came over from Carolina. So the
reason why you probably saw Joe Flacco carve up eighteen
(07:27):
points in the second half against Green Bay on the road,
it's probably because of those two guys he is available
to him. And I think it's fair to say that
if there's a way for the Bengals to beat the Steelers,
it's through t Higgins and it's through Jamar Chase.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
Yeah, those two pretty good sivers if you're a quarterback
stepping into a new situation. I'm atic, you know, I'm
not sure why Jake Browning didn't have a lot of success.
You know, I know their offensive line isn't great. I
know the running game is non existent. Zach Taylor, He's
been around long enough, he's been a head coach long
enough to know that you can't be that one dimensional
(08:04):
and have success in the NFL. So I'm sure you know,
as they try to recalibrate here with with Joe Flacco,
I'm sure you know, and a re emphasis on the
running game, certainly do so. Maybe maybe we'll see that
tonight as well. But you're right, I mean, Jamar Chase
and Higgins are two of the best receivers in the NFL.
(08:25):
You know, the story was written in the summer, it
was written again this week. I mean, this is the
reason the Steelers went out and got Sway and Jalen Ramsey.
It's for exactly for games like this. You know, they
got Joey Porter to match up probably with Higgins. They
got Ramsey to probably match up with Chase and they
got Blaye to you know, to take on whoever else
(08:47):
is in that receiving course. So you know, they were
preparing for Joe Burrow in the summer. Now they got
Joe Flacco. But no doubt if Joe Flacco has time,
if he could sit in the pocket, he's going to
be able to pick out those as well.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Yeah, to your point about Zach Taylor operating on as
the head coach and then his ability to lead this team,
two things that really stick out to me are the
fact that you mentioned the lack of run game. It's
very surprising given that last year Chase Brown had a
very good year. Granted, you know it was a much
more balanced offense with Joe Burrow. But the second point
(09:23):
I wanted to make was, you remember a couple of
years ago, the last time Joe Burrow had a season
ending injury, Drake Browning came in and people were saying,
could this guy be the MVP of the team, rescuing
them from the depths of without Joe Burrow and leading
them right. He was in a what like a three
game win streak before he ended up playing Pittsburgh and
then having that Christmas Day victory by the Steelers via
(09:46):
Mason Rudolph. So weird to see Jake Browning kind of
take a large step backward from the progress he made
a couple of years ago. And same goes for Chase
brown considering what he was able to produce last year.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
Yeah, well, talking about Browning first, I think we we
saw firsthand in Pittsburgh how backups, backup quarterbacks can get hot.
They can be effective for a while, but then maybe
you sit back and you evaluate it as a front
office or as a coaching staff, and maybe he's not
the guy that you want going forward. I think, you know,
(10:20):
case in point, Mason Rudolph preconsecutive wins in the regular season,
plays half decent, and that playoff lost to Buffalo, and
they don't even try to resign it like they went
in a in a completely, you know, different direction with
Justin Fields and Russell Wilson that year. So you know,
I'm not saying that the Bengals, you know, misevaluated Browning,
(10:41):
but I think sometimes backups can can look good in
one stretch and then when they have to play for
a longer stretch, maybe they're they're exposed a little bit,
So that's probably what happened, you know, wistintin Abbie. Joe Flacco,
even at at age forty, I think is a better
option for them. I don't know if they can get
back in it. I mean, I think it's gonna be
(11:02):
tough for Baltimore to get back in Cleveland quit on
the season. I guess if there's any team in the
AFC North that's gonna threton the Steelers right now, it's
probably the Bengals and Joe Flacko if he can get hot.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
Looking at the Bengals defense, Ray big disappointment this season
as well. Just like the offense, ranking thirty first in
the NFL by allowing three hundred and ninety four yards
per game thirty points per game average, giving up the
run defense has been very in effective, the fifth most
rushing yards per game at one hundred and nineteen. The
pass defense not much better so far, thirty first as
(11:36):
well in the NFL. This again checks all the boxes
for the Steelers. Ray for Aaron Rodgers in the passing
game to have a big night. The running game for
the Steelers getting some momentum last week against the Browns
with Jalen Warren back mixing and Kenny Gainwell. Even saw
Caleb Johnson with a nice run last week. Again, the
run always sets up the pass. I would think going
(11:56):
to this game tonight that the Steelers should have successful
both sides as long as they don't turn the ball over, right,
They got to stay positive in that category like they've
done most of this year. But everything's setting up for
Aaron Rodgers in the run game and the passing game
all to have a big night.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Yeah. Another game for Darnell Washington too, because this is
a four to three team and he's been really effective
in that role. Spencer Anderson as the extra offensive lineman
and well, so I don't think they've had so much
success guys doing that the last two games against the
Vikings in the Browns, I don't think they're going to
go away from it. So I think you'll see more
of that jumbo personnel package. And yes, I would expect
(12:35):
a run game to be heavily involved tonight. And forgive
me for not knowing this, I was traveling yesterday. What
did the Bengals do with Trey Hendrickson? Has he been
he questionable?
Speaker 3 (12:46):
Questionable? Yeah, I mean it's still early, but it's still
eleven o'clock in the morning, so that could change. Yeah,
looks like that designation has not changed since yesterday.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Yeah, still question.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Yeah. So my point is he's their best pass rusher,
he's their best defensive player, and if he doesn't play, obviously,
that's not going to bode well for the Bengals today.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
You could also argue Ray that look at the tape
from last week. Look how ineffective the Browns pass rush
was against the Steelers offensive line. Miles Garrett was a
non factor. What do you combine two assisted tackles on
the day? And I think I think Miles Garrett and
Trey Hendrickson are pretty much even keel. You remember Trey
was the one who led the league in sacks a
(13:31):
year ago, but it was Miles Garrett who won DPOY
two years ago. So they're both very talented. But if
you can stop Miles Garrett and have to deal with
everyone else in that Browns pass rush and make everyone
else pretty much the same ineffective level as Garrett, and
if all you have to worry about is Hendrickson, who's
even if he does play tonight, he's not gonna be
(13:51):
playing at one hundred percent, then it should be a
pretty easy going for the offensive line.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
I have to imagine, yeah, you would think. And they
also have Aaron Rodgers in their back pocket who's gonna
be able to sit back and decipher exactly what the
Bengals want to do in this football game. So it's
nice to have a quarterback like Rogers who can be
at the line of Scribman's change the play or get
(14:18):
them into a better play. And I don't think that's
something they really had since Ben Roethlisberger. So we saw
it on a couple occasions again against the Cleveland Browns,
and I don't think you can underestimate what he's meant,
you know, to that part of the offense. So yeah,
you're you're gonna see a jumbo package again tonight. We'll
(14:41):
see if Roman Wilson is more involved, you know, with
all Calvin Austin. We'll see if Pat Fryermuth is more involved,
because Calvin Austin isn't in there. But uh yeah, like
I said, they've been so good with that jumbo personnel package.
I think they're going to lean into that again tonight.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
Guys, Ray we were all pleasantly surprised last week, how
Roger Jones handled Miles Garret Garrett very ineffective. I think
you get two assist tackles on the whole game and
that was it. And Roger Jones was matched up against
him quite a bit during that game. Talk about a
confidence builder going up against one of the best in
the NFL. And then you turn around tonight against Trey Hendrickson,
which potentially, if you do get him, he's not going
(15:17):
to be one hundred percent. He could potentially put back
to back games together against two of the best edge
rushers in the NFL. I would think that'll do a
lot for his confidence moving forward.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Yeah, I think this coaching staff has done a really
nice job of continuing to have Rogers get the ball
off quickly. That's been really important for this football team.
Aaron doesn't hold the ball like Russell Wilson this so
you're not going to see the number of sacks that
the Steelers gave up last year continue into this year. Yeah,
it looked bad early, but I think the Steelers coaching
(15:50):
staff Ann Rodgers have made a lot of adjustments. And
I don't know this for a fact, but I would
imagine you're going to see a similar Lain plan here
against Hens. You're going to see double teams. You're going
to see chips from running backs. You you as an
offensive coordinator or as a quarterback, you're going to try
to neutralize the other team's best player. So if Hendrickson
(16:11):
is out there, I would expect him to get to
Miles Garrett treatment. And if they can have a much
success against Hendrickson as they did last weeking against Garrett,
that's going to be a great development for this offense.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
Jalen Ramsey versus Jamar Chase Tonight Ray, I mean this,
this looks to be a classic matchup between those two
big playmakers. Also from a talking standpoint, right, probably two
of the best in the game to get after each
other from a trash talking standpoint.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
But Ramsey's been on a roll.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
I mean he's he's he's looked everything what we expected
him to be coming in and he's definitely held up
that part of the bargain.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
I will say this, when we talked to Mike Tomlin
in the summer, he said, Jalen Ramsey's going to be
on Jamar Chase no doubt. Now does that change because
Jalen Ramsey is still probably not one hundred percent from
that hamstring injury and playing on a short week. I
don't know, So we'll have to wait and see how that,
(17:07):
you know, plays out tonight. But yes, I do think
at least on a few occasions you're gonna see Ramsey
matched up against the Chase. I think that's must watch
for viewing. And don't forget about T Higgins. I mean
T Higgins throughout his career has been even a bigger
form in the Steelers' side than Jamar Chase has. Now
Jamar Chase has been injured, hasn't played as many games
(17:28):
as Higgins has against the Steelers. But my point is
he's no slouch and that's going to be a pretty
good matchup for Jillie Porter if that's the way the
Steelers want to sort it out with coverage.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Me leake Harrison questionable going in he was activated off
of that twenty one day window or he's in the
twenty one day window from ir again, another guy that
they brought in to the replace at Landon Roberts who
left THEA free agency last year. A lot of expectations
in around Harrison, especially taught stopping the run. Would you
think we'll see him tonight or are they going to
(17:59):
continue to wait to get him activated.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Well, it doesn't seem like this is a game they
need him. You know, we just mentioned the Bengals don't
run the ball a lot, so you know, and Harrison
actually is also a backup outside linebacker. But those guys
are playing so well. I would I would think they
would probably just keep him in that window and then
continue to evaluate him and then maybe activate him in
a game where you know, he could be a little
(18:23):
bit more more useful. Now, the one thing we haven't
talked about is Miles killobrew injury. Harrison does play a
little bit on special team So would they would they
activate Harrison just for special teams duties? They might. If
they need bodies and they feel like he's a core
special teamer, they might do that. So they could do
that anytime before the game tonight. I think they could
(18:45):
do it up until about six twenty or so. So yeah,
that's certainly something to watch leading up the pregame.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Ray, let's get your weekly update on the potential of
trading for a number two wide receiver. I feel like
we talk about it each and every week. Where do
you stand currently this I mean Calvin Austin is out again.
The Steelers have written this store, though very successfully at
least the last couple of games. Right, DK Metcalf's been
highly involved four straight games with a touchdown reception. Austin's
(19:11):
been out now for consecutive games. He won't play tonight.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
But where do you stand on that is there's still
a deal to be made.
Speaker 1 (19:18):
The latest rumor I saw is Pat Fryarmuth's name kind
of being danced around now a little bit as a
potential guy that they could trade to bring in another
wide receiver.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Your thoughts, Yeah, I think Omar is always going to
be on the lookout for ways to improve his football team.
If he thinks there's a trade that can be made
where you know that's going to give the Steelers a
better chance down the stretch to get a better seed
and be a better team in the playoffs, he will
do that. I also think, you know, Calvin's probably going
(19:49):
to come back to that Packers game, So I think
they'll evaluate the roster again tonight. We'll see how how
they come through this Bengals game, how the offense looks.
To your point, they really you know, every tight end
had a catch last week against the Browns, you know,
not it wasn't the receivers. You know, Roman Wilson had
one catch, but it was the tight ends who stepped
(20:10):
up and took on a lot of that receiving production
last last week. So we'll see if that's the case
again this week. The one reason I think Omar is
probably going to look to do something, and I'm not
saying he's definitely gonna do it, but I still say
I've said this from the beginning of the season. You
(20:30):
could probably survive with al the Calvin Austin or Roman
Wilson or a Scotti Miller, You're probably not gonna be
able to survive without a DK Metcalf. So that's like
the one thing that no one wants to talk about.
That guy is so important in this football team that
I think they would almost do a trade just because
they would be worried more about insurance for DK rather
(20:51):
than the lack of a quote unquote true number two receiver.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
Yeah, but you have to wonder if DK does go down,
where does that leave his team? And God forbid, if
that happens and then that injury for Calvin Ausin is reaggravated,
they are left with basically nobody, and I just have
to assume there's there's some kind of contingency plan in
the works. Maybe not right now, like you said, because
if Calvin Austin is only going to miss two games
(21:18):
last week and this week and be ready to go
for Sunday Night against the Packers next then I guess
they're an okay shape. Uh, but you have I just
feel like there has to be something else that's that's
that's being formulated right now, just in case in like
the break break glass in case of emergency scenario.
Speaker 4 (21:37):
Yeah, yeah, Well, I think the trade deadline is early
in November, I want to say the third or the fourth,
so they still have three weeks to evaluate that and
maybe you know, gauge what the interest is of other
teams around the NFL. And you can't forget like some
teams in the next two to three weeks could fall
out of contention and then they would be more likely
(21:59):
to to deal a way a piece than somebody who's
still in a division race or you know, still in
a wildcard race. So there's a lot of factors that
will go into this. But you guys know this just
based on Omar's history, since he's been the GM never
say never on a trade. He does things much differently
than his predecessor, Kevin Colbert.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
Is there a guy out there, Ray that's caught your
eyes so far, whether it's on a contender or a
team that's in a free fall and could be sellers
at the trade deadline, that that's caught your attention that
you'd like to see playing the Black and Gold at
some point this year.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
Well, you know, people keep bringing up to Kobe Myers,
I think because the Raiders are probably gonna be out
of contention, so he would be one guy to keep
an eye on. People keep bringing up Chris o'lavae. But
there's an injury history there. Do you really want to
trade for someone with an injury history? And I know
this happened a long time ago, but sometimes, you know,
(22:56):
you learn from your past mistakes. Remember they signed that
free agents green?
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Yeah, he had like that one good game and then
he just couldn't stay healthy.
Speaker 4 (23:07):
Yeah, and he had like but the point is he
had previous medical problems with his feet that were we're
still problem out for him when he became a Steeler.
So like, and I know a lot of is more concussions.
But I mean that's probably even it's probably even a
better point guys, because concussions really it's hard to project
how guys are going to come through those, especially if
(23:29):
you've had multiple in your career. So those would be
two names to watch. There's probably a few more out there,
but I guess at this point as we sit here
on October sixteenth, Myers would probably be my top guy
to watch.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
We're talking with Raith and Alpaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Make sure you check out Ray's excellent coverage at the
PG each and every day. He's in Cincinnati for Thursday
Night football for the Steelers Bengals tonight.
Speaker 2 (23:55):
Right, we have a few minutes left with you.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
I always like to end with this, the Steeler Bengal
ivory the series in the Steeler favor Steelers seventy one
and forty all time against the Bengals, And there was
a time during the nineties that the Steelers really owned
this series. When you saw Cincinnati on the schedule, you
basically chalked it up as an automatic win, and then
they backed that up and usually beat the Bengals. Wasn't
(24:17):
until Marvin Lewis went over there that really started to
turn that franchise around. Of course Joe Burrow most recently
making this a very competitive series. There's been some historic
playoff games back door in the two thousand and five run,
the AFC Wildcard game there against Carson Palmer, the twenty
fifteen wild Card game with the ab incident where he
gets knocked out in that game. There's a lot of
(24:38):
history here between these two teams. But let me ask you,
what's one of your favorite memories between Steelers and Bengals
over the years.
Speaker 4 (24:47):
Well, I'll give you two, and you just mentioned them
in Passing, But two thousand and five DJ Hushman's witss
cleats with the parable cow I think that was right
when they I think that US made the Steelers. Yeah,
and then they never lost again. And obviously they got
the Bengals in the playoff game on the road. I
(25:09):
think there was like a flea flicker involved there where
I think they got the Hines Ward or Randa El
deep down the field that kind of blew that game open.
And who can forget the twenty fifteen game just the Bengals.
It was more the Bengals imploding.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
Steers winning it.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
Yeah, like pac Man Jones Joey Porter on the field,
I think the bank, I think pac Man Jones called
him Jerry Porter con chusing him with a former West Virginia.
Speaker 3 (25:37):
Receiving that, And like Instagram live rant he did in
the in the aftermath.
Speaker 4 (25:42):
Right, Yes, yeah, so those are my you know, I
always tend to pick the playoff moments because those are
always bigger. But yeah, those are the two that come
to mind for me.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
So when Ray You're in Cincinnati, I'm guessing at a
hotel getting ready for the game tonight. Is today a
Skyline Chili day for you? Or you a Skyline chili guy?
Speaker 4 (26:02):
I hope not. Well, we went to the Montgomery in
last night, which is the best Reds place in Cincinnati,
So we got some barbecue last night. I'm not sure
what the saffronam is going to hold yet. I just
got done with breakfast. I'll have to think about lunch
a little bit. But I will tell you I am
not a Skyline chili guy. If it's going to be anything,
(26:23):
it's going to be something other than Skyline chili.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Yeah, I'm with you, man, I'm a chili guy, but
I can't put it on pasta, spaghetti or any of
that that Cincinnati stuff.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
Ray, Any game prediction do you have that? In the
PG today?
Speaker 1 (26:37):
I apologize I haven't looked yet, but I do have
a subscription, so you should be happy about that, but
I haven't. I haven't looked yet online, but been Any
prediction yet on tonight's game from you?
Speaker 4 (26:47):
Yeah, I think the Steelers are going to pull it out.
I'm going to go Steelers twenty Bengals thirteen. I do
think it's going to be a close game, and I
think Flacco was gonna at least for a little while.
The threat to the Steelers, I like it. I like it.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
Jacob and I will be doing our picks in the
next segment. But yeah, if that would hold true, it'll
be the first time the Steelers have won a road
divisional game in the history of the franchise tonight. And
I agree with you what you said Ray, at the
top of Jacob and I were talking about this. Tonight,
I think is their best opportunity to do that. It's
checking a lot of boxes, that's for sure in their favors.
(27:23):
If they're gonna do it, tonight's tonight to do it. Ray,
Thank you so much enjoying the game tonight.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
Thanks ray A.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
Right guys talking this week.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette joining us. It
is the Steelers Standard with Ed Trup and Jacob Bret
here on Steelers Nation Radio, part of the Steelers Audio
Network
It's Thursday night football Steelers four and one at the
Bengals two and four tonight from pay Corpse Stadium in
Cincinnati and Jacob. I was there with my two sons
last this past summer, just visiting Cincinnati. We were on
our way to Indianapolis and stopped in for a little
bit to grab it by de walked around, went into
the Bengals pro shop and got some photos with my
(00:28):
two young boys putting our thumbs down in and around
the Cincinnati merchandise.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
So I did my job. Didn't have the terrible towel
with me to show off.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Come on, Ray, you gotta have the towel. If you
you should, you got you gotta hate your presence. Know
when it went in enemy territory.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
You have to do.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Let's see if Ray fit Apaldo. He's a professional. From
the Pittsburgh Postcazette. I'm guessing he did not bring his
terrible tow to Cincinnati tonight.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Ray, you are in Cincy. Do you have a terrible towel?
Speaker 4 (00:56):
I have some old terrible tows I just come a
new one. At the game on Sunday, they were giving
out some cancer awareness terrible towels that were a different colors.
So yeah, there's there's a bunch in my house. But
you know, with my job, I don't wave them anymore.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
You're not writing a professional story and then getting out
the town in the press box. Okay, I understand. Hey, Ray,
Jacob and I were talking. Let's start with this. The
Steelers on Thursday Night Football nine and eleven. Historically under
Mike Tomlin two and eight on the road, but in
the Divisional a divisional road game, they are o and
six as a franchise, They are oh and eight as
(01:34):
a franchise playing divisional road games.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Does that streak break tonight?
Speaker 4 (01:40):
Man, those aren't good numbers to be to be dealing
with it through the Steelers. But I mean, if ever
they were going to break that streak, guys, this is
the team to do it against. They're not very good defensively,
they're even banged up on that side of the ball.
Now obviously they're banged up with Joe Burrow their best
player on all offense of the game. And the Steers
(02:01):
are actually playing really well I think in the in
the past two games leading into this contest. So uh,
to answer a question, it would be a huge upset.
I think if they lost, but I don't think we
can poo pooh like what's transpired in the past. It's
tough to go on the road on a short week.
The Steelers record indicates that, and uh, they're gonna have
(02:23):
to play wellkon or if they're gonna come out of
there with it went.
Speaker 3 (02:25):
Yeah, we've seen the Bengals play upset to the the
Steelers specifically in the past. You remember twenty twenty uh
that I believe it was the Monday night game or
was it a Thursday night game? Ray where the there
was that Steelers season when they started eleven or zero.
I think they had lost. They just lost their first
game of the season. They were eleven to one. They
go into Cincinnati, who was without Joe Burrow in his
(02:47):
rookie year. You remember he had that season ending injury
about like week six or so, and the Bengals pulled
off the episode. Do you remember that was the game
where Juju Smiths just Smith Schuster got lit up. Uh,
and then the Bengals had that scoop and score.
Speaker 4 (03:00):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (03:01):
So we've seen the Bengals play the upset, play the
underdog to the Steelers in prime time before.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Yeah, correct me if I'm wrong, And this is the
thing that I remember about that game. Ryan Finley was
playing quarterback. Yes, he was running. He was running the
read option. Ryan Finley from running the Reid options game. Yeah,
I mean that twenty twenty season deteriorated pretty quickly after
that eleven and start the thing I remember about that
(03:32):
but due pre got injured, I think, yeah, or the
victory before the first loss. I think they still won
that game that he was injured in against the Ravens.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
But Wednesday afternoon game, right.
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Yeah, remember those remember those altogether, But yeah, they kind
of fell apart after that. I don't know if it
was all because of but do but I don't know.
If you spin a forward outside linebacker. Depth isn't a
problem this year, guys. I mean, that's probably their deepest position.
I'm sure we'll get to that later. Ry.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Let's talk about Joe Flacco now in Cincinnati, and you
and I and Jacob talked about this a couple of
weeks ago after that trade, and then Mike Tomlin agreed
with us this past week. A trade within the division
doesn't make sense. It does set the Bengals up better.
We think Jake Browning and Listen, nobody's going to replace
a quarterback like Joe Burrow. So you know, Joe Flacco
an upgrade from Jake Browning, but still nowhere near the
(04:33):
level of Joe Burrow. But again we go back to
those historic numbers and Joe Flacco, whether he was a
member of the Ravens, the Colts, or most recently the Browns,
has always played well against the Steelers.
Speaker 4 (04:44):
Yeah, I mean that Colts game. Anthony Richardson actually played
well early in that game, then they happened to injure him,
and then Placo came in. It was a close game.
Justin Field had some met tweers and I think he
fumbled late in that game. But that was a winnable game.
But Flacco has always played well against the Steelers. Like
(05:05):
people talk about how they beat him three times in
two thousand and eight, that's true. They beat him in
the playoffs in twenty ten, that's true too. But go
back to that twenty ten playoff game, man Flacco was
rolling early. That was twenty one to seven early in
the third quarter before Ryan Clark intercepted him. And even
if you go back to the AFC Championship game, during
(05:26):
his rookie season and No. Eight. That game was sixteen
to fourteen. All Joe Flacco had to do in that
final four minutes was moved on like another forty yards
in the field goal range, and you know they would
have gone ahead late in that football game. So you know,
he's he's always played well against them. He's been on
good teams. Obviously, the Ravens were the Steelers chief rival
(05:48):
in those times. But no doubt he is more of
a threat to beat the Steelers than Jake Browning was.
And I think that's why partially why Mike Palman was
so upset about it. I think the other part of
you know, Tomin being upset and saying what he said was,
you know, just the competitive balance and competitive nature of
the NFL and like a team like the Brown's basically
(06:11):
giving up in early October. I think that really bothers Mike,
and I think it goes against the way the Steelers,
you know, their DNA is, you know, So I think
that was part of it too. But yeah, certainly some
very interesting comments on Monday when Mike said that he usually,
you know, he'll have he'll have his opinions on things,
(06:31):
but he doesn't usually broadcast them in that forum.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Yeah, I think when you look at Flacco, he's a
step up from Browning, but still a significant step down
from Joe Burrow. But we were talking about this in
our first segment today, Ed and I we were saying
this might be in the entirety of Joe Flacco's career,
with his entire time spending in Baltimore than his first
and in Cleveland, then his quick trip to Indianapolis and
(06:58):
his return to Cleveland, this is probably the best receiving
cores he's.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
Had in his career.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
I mean, if you think back to Baltimore when he
was there, I know they've had talented receivers like Steve Smith,
O'Dell was there in the later years, but really for
the entirety of Joe's year, you remember, like Derek Mason
was the best receiver he had available to him for years,
right before Steve Smith came over from Carolina. So the
reason why you probably saw Joe Flacco carve up eighteen
(07:27):
points in the second half against Green Bay on the road,
it's probably because of those two guys he is available
to him. And I think it's fair to say that
if there's a way for the Bengals to beat the Steelers,
it's through t Higgins and it's through Jamar Chase.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
Yeah, those two pretty good sivers if you're a quarterback
stepping into a new situation. I'm atic, you know, I'm
not sure why Jake Browning didn't have a lot of success.
You know, I know their offensive line isn't great. I
know the running game is non existent. Zach Taylor, He's
been around long enough, he's been a head coach long
enough to know that you can't be that one dimensional
(08:04):
and have success in the NFL. So I'm sure you know,
as they try to recalibrate here with with Joe Flacco,
I'm sure you know, and a re emphasis on the
running game, certainly do so. Maybe maybe we'll see that
tonight as well. But you're right, I mean, Jamar Chase
and Higgins are two of the best receivers in the NFL.
(08:25):
You know, the story was written in the summer, it
was written again this week. I mean, this is the
reason the Steelers went out and got Sway and Jalen Ramsey.
It's for exactly for games like this. You know, they
got Joey Porter to match up probably with Higgins. They
got Ramsey to probably match up with Chase and they
got Blaye to you know, to take on whoever else
(08:47):
is in that receiving course. So you know, they were
preparing for Joe Burrow in the summer. Now they got
Joe Flacco. But no doubt if Joe Flacco has time,
if he could sit in the pocket, he's going to
be able to pick out those as well.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Yeah, to your point about Zach Taylor operating on as
the head coach and then his ability to lead this team,
two things that really stick out to me are the
fact that you mentioned the lack of run game. It's
very surprising given that last year Chase Brown had a
very good year. Granted, you know it was a much
more balanced offense with Joe Burrow. But the second point
(09:23):
I wanted to make was, you remember a couple of
years ago, the last time Joe Burrow had a season
ending injury, Drake Browning came in and people were saying,
could this guy be the MVP of the team, rescuing
them from the depths of without Joe Burrow and leading
them right. He was in a what like a three
game win streak before he ended up playing Pittsburgh and
then having that Christmas Day victory by the Steelers via
(09:46):
Mason Rudolph. So weird to see Jake Browning kind of
take a large step backward from the progress he made
a couple of years ago. And same goes for Chase
brown considering what he was able to produce last year.
Speaker 4 (09:59):
Yeah, well, talking about Browning first, I think we we
saw firsthand in Pittsburgh how backups, backup quarterbacks can get hot.
They can be effective for a while, but then maybe
you sit back and you evaluate it as a front
office or as a coaching staff, and maybe he's not
the guy that you want going forward. I think, you know,
(10:20):
case in point, Mason Rudolph preconsecutive wins in the regular season,
plays half decent, and that playoff lost to Buffalo, and
they don't even try to resign it like they went
in a in a completely, you know, different direction with
Justin Fields and Russell Wilson that year. So you know,
I'm not saying that the Bengals, you know, misevaluated Browning,
(10:41):
but I think sometimes backups can can look good in
one stretch and then when they have to play for
a longer stretch, maybe they're they're exposed a little bit,
So that's probably what happened, you know, wistintin Abbie. Joe Flacco,
even at at age forty, I think is a better
option for them. I don't know if they can get
back in it. I mean, I think it's gonna be
(11:02):
tough for Baltimore to get back in Cleveland quit on
the season. I guess if there's any team in the
AFC North that's gonna threton the Steelers right now, it's
probably the Bengals and Joe Flacko if he can get hot.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
Looking at the Bengals defense, Ray big disappointment this season
as well. Just like the offense, ranking thirty first in
the NFL by allowing three hundred and ninety four yards
per game thirty points per game average, giving up the
run defense has been very in effective, the fifth most
rushing yards per game at one hundred and nineteen. The
pass defense not much better so far, thirty first as
(11:36):
well in the NFL. This again checks all the boxes
for the Steelers. Ray for Aaron Rodgers in the passing
game to have a big night. The running game for
the Steelers getting some momentum last week against the Browns
with Jalen Warren back mixing and Kenny Gainwell. Even saw
Caleb Johnson with a nice run last week. Again, the
run always sets up the pass. I would think going
(11:56):
to this game tonight that the Steelers should have successful
both sides as long as they don't turn the ball over, right,
They got to stay positive in that category like they've
done most of this year. But everything's setting up for
Aaron Rodgers in the run game and the passing game
all to have a big night.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Yeah. Another game for Darnell Washington too, because this is
a four to three team and he's been really effective
in that role. Spencer Anderson as the extra offensive lineman
and well, so I don't think they've had so much
success guys doing that the last two games against the
Vikings in the Browns, I don't think they're going to
go away from it. So I think you'll see more
of that jumbo personnel package. And yes, I would expect
(12:35):
a run game to be heavily involved tonight. And forgive
me for not knowing this, I was traveling yesterday. What
did the Bengals do with Trey Hendrickson? Has he been
he questionable?
Speaker 3 (12:46):
Questionable? Yeah, I mean it's still early, but it's still
eleven o'clock in the morning, so that could change. Yeah,
looks like that designation has not changed since yesterday.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Yeah, still question.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Yeah. So my point is he's their best pass rusher,
he's their best defensive player, and if he doesn't play, obviously,
that's not going to bode well for the Bengals today.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
You could also argue Ray that look at the tape
from last week. Look how ineffective the Browns pass rush
was against the Steelers offensive line. Miles Garrett was a
non factor. What do you combine two assisted tackles on
the day? And I think I think Miles Garrett and
Trey Hendrickson are pretty much even keel. You remember Trey
was the one who led the league in sacks a
(13:31):
year ago, but it was Miles Garrett who won DPOY
two years ago. So they're both very talented. But if
you can stop Miles Garrett and have to deal with
everyone else in that Browns pass rush and make everyone
else pretty much the same ineffective level as Garrett, and
if all you have to worry about is Hendrickson, who's
even if he does play tonight, he's not gonna be
(13:51):
playing at one hundred percent, then it should be a
pretty easy going for the offensive line.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
I have to imagine, yeah, you would think. And they
also have Aaron Rodgers in their back pocket who's gonna
be able to sit back and decipher exactly what the
Bengals want to do in this football game. So it's
nice to have a quarterback like Rogers who can be
at the line of Scribman's change the play or get
(14:18):
them into a better play. And I don't think that's
something they really had since Ben Roethlisberger. So we saw
it on a couple occasions again against the Cleveland Browns,
and I don't think you can underestimate what he's meant,
you know, to that part of the offense. So yeah,
you're you're gonna see a jumbo package again tonight. We'll
(14:41):
see if Roman Wilson is more involved, you know, with
all Calvin Austin. We'll see if Pat Fryermuth is more involved,
because Calvin Austin isn't in there. But uh yeah, like
I said, they've been so good with that jumbo personnel package.
I think they're going to lean into that again tonight.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
Guys, Ray we were all pleasantly surprised last week, how
Roger Jones handled Miles Garret Garrett very ineffective. I think
you get two assist tackles on the whole game and
that was it. And Roger Jones was matched up against
him quite a bit during that game. Talk about a
confidence builder going up against one of the best in
the NFL. And then you turn around tonight against Trey Hendrickson,
which potentially, if you do get him, he's not going
(15:17):
to be one hundred percent. He could potentially put back
to back games together against two of the best edge
rushers in the NFL. I would think that'll do a
lot for his confidence moving forward.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Yeah, I think this coaching staff has done a really
nice job of continuing to have Rogers get the ball
off quickly. That's been really important for this football team.
Aaron doesn't hold the ball like Russell Wilson this so
you're not going to see the number of sacks that
the Steelers gave up last year continue into this year. Yeah,
it looked bad early, but I think the Steelers coaching
(15:50):
staff Ann Rodgers have made a lot of adjustments. And
I don't know this for a fact, but I would
imagine you're going to see a similar Lain plan here
against Hens. You're going to see double teams. You're going
to see chips from running backs. You you as an
offensive coordinator or as a quarterback, you're going to try
to neutralize the other team's best player. So if Hendrickson
(16:11):
is out there, I would expect him to get to
Miles Garrett treatment. And if they can have a much
success against Hendrickson as they did last weeking against Garrett,
that's going to be a great development for this offense.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
Jalen Ramsey versus Jamar Chase Tonight Ray, I mean this,
this looks to be a classic matchup between those two
big playmakers. Also from a talking standpoint, right, probably two
of the best in the game to get after each
other from a trash talking standpoint.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
But Ramsey's been on a roll.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
I mean he's he's he's looked everything what we expected
him to be coming in and he's definitely held up
that part of the bargain.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
I will say this, when we talked to Mike Tomlin
in the summer, he said, Jalen Ramsey's going to be
on Jamar Chase no doubt. Now does that change because
Jalen Ramsey is still probably not one hundred percent from
that hamstring injury and playing on a short week. I
don't know, So we'll have to wait and see how that,
(17:07):
you know, plays out tonight. But yes, I do think
at least on a few occasions you're gonna see Ramsey
matched up against the Chase. I think that's must watch
for viewing. And don't forget about T Higgins. I mean
T Higgins throughout his career has been even a bigger
form in the Steelers' side than Jamar Chase has. Now
Jamar Chase has been injured, hasn't played as many games
(17:28):
as Higgins has against the Steelers. But my point is
he's no slouch and that's going to be a pretty
good matchup for Jillie Porter if that's the way the
Steelers want to sort it out with coverage.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Me leake Harrison questionable going in he was activated off
of that twenty one day window or he's in the
twenty one day window from ir again, another guy that
they brought in to the replace at Landon Roberts who
left THEA free agency last year. A lot of expectations
in around Harrison, especially taught stopping the run. Would you
think we'll see him tonight or are they going to
(17:59):
continue to wait to get him activated.
Speaker 4 (18:02):
Well, it doesn't seem like this is a game they
need him. You know, we just mentioned the Bengals don't
run the ball a lot, so you know, and Harrison
actually is also a backup outside linebacker. But those guys
are playing so well. I would I would think they
would probably just keep him in that window and then
continue to evaluate him and then maybe activate him in
a game where you know, he could be a little
(18:23):
bit more more useful. Now, the one thing we haven't
talked about is Miles killobrew injury. Harrison does play a
little bit on special team So would they would they
activate Harrison just for special teams duties? They might. If
they need bodies and they feel like he's a core
special teamer, they might do that. So they could do
that anytime before the game tonight. I think they could
(18:45):
do it up until about six twenty or so. So yeah,
that's certainly something to watch leading up the pregame.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Ray, let's get your weekly update on the potential of
trading for a number two wide receiver. I feel like
we talk about it each and every week. Where do
you stand currently this I mean Calvin Austin is out again.
The Steelers have written this store, though very successfully at
least the last couple of games. Right, DK Metcalf's been
highly involved four straight games with a touchdown reception. Austin's
(19:11):
been out now for consecutive games. He won't play tonight.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
But where do you stand on that is there's still
a deal to be made.
Speaker 1 (19:18):
The latest rumor I saw is Pat Fryarmuth's name kind
of being danced around now a little bit as a
potential guy that they could trade to bring in another
wide receiver.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Your thoughts, Yeah, I think Omar is always going to
be on the lookout for ways to improve his football team.
If he thinks there's a trade that can be made
where you know that's going to give the Steelers a
better chance down the stretch to get a better seed
and be a better team in the playoffs, he will
do that. I also think, you know, Calvin's probably going
(19:49):
to come back to that Packers game, So I think
they'll evaluate the roster again tonight. We'll see how how
they come through this Bengals game, how the offense looks.
To your point, they really you know, every tight end
had a catch last week against the Browns, you know,
not it wasn't the receivers. You know, Roman Wilson had
one catch, but it was the tight ends who stepped
(20:10):
up and took on a lot of that receiving production
last last week. So we'll see if that's the case
again this week. The one reason I think Omar is
probably going to look to do something, and I'm not
saying he's definitely gonna do it, but I still say
I've said this from the beginning of the season. You
(20:30):
could probably survive with al the Calvin Austin or Roman
Wilson or a Scotti Miller, You're probably not gonna be
able to survive without a DK Metcalf. So that's like
the one thing that no one wants to talk about.
That guy is so important in this football team that
I think they would almost do a trade just because
they would be worried more about insurance for DK rather
(20:51):
than the lack of a quote unquote true number two receiver.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
Yeah, but you have to wonder if DK does go down,
where does that leave his team? And God forbid, if
that happens and then that injury for Calvin Ausin is reaggravated,
they are left with basically nobody, and I just have
to assume there's there's some kind of contingency plan in
the works. Maybe not right now, like you said, because
if Calvin Austin is only going to miss two games
(21:18):
last week and this week and be ready to go
for Sunday Night against the Packers next then I guess
they're an okay shape. Uh, but you have I just
feel like there has to be something else that's that's
that's being formulated right now, just in case in like
the break break glass in case of emergency scenario.
Speaker 4 (21:37):
Yeah, yeah, Well, I think the trade deadline is early
in November, I want to say the third or the fourth,
so they still have three weeks to evaluate that and
maybe you know, gauge what the interest is of other
teams around the NFL. And you can't forget like some
teams in the next two to three weeks could fall
out of contention and then they would be more likely
(21:59):
to to deal a way a piece than somebody who's
still in a division race or you know, still in
a wildcard race. So there's a lot of factors that
will go into this. But you guys know this just
based on Omar's history, since he's been the GM never
say never on a trade. He does things much differently
than his predecessor, Kevin Colbert.
Speaker 3 (22:20):
Is there a guy out there, Ray that's caught your
eyes so far, whether it's on a contender or a
team that's in a free fall and could be sellers
at the trade deadline, that that's caught your attention that
you'd like to see playing the Black and Gold at
some point this year.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
Well, you know, people keep bringing up to Kobe Myers,
I think because the Raiders are probably gonna be out
of contention, so he would be one guy to keep
an eye on. People keep bringing up Chris o'lavae. But
there's an injury history there. Do you really want to
trade for someone with an injury history? And I know
this happened a long time ago, but sometimes, you know,
(22:56):
you learn from your past mistakes. Remember they signed that
free agents green?
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Yeah, he had like that one good game and then
he just couldn't stay healthy.
Speaker 4 (23:07):
Yeah, and he had like but the point is he
had previous medical problems with his feet that were we're
still problem out for him when he became a Steeler.
So like, and I know a lot of is more concussions.
But I mean that's probably even it's probably even a
better point guys, because concussions really it's hard to project
how guys are going to come through those, especially if
(23:29):
you've had multiple in your career. So those would be
two names to watch. There's probably a few more out there,
but I guess at this point as we sit here
on October sixteenth, Myers would probably be my top guy
to watch.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
We're talking with Raith and Alpaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Make sure you check out Ray's excellent coverage at the
PG each and every day. He's in Cincinnati for Thursday
Night football for the Steelers Bengals tonight.
Speaker 2 (23:55):
Right, we have a few minutes left with you.
Speaker 1 (23:57):
I always like to end with this, the Steeler Bengal
ivory the series in the Steeler favor Steelers seventy one
and forty all time against the Bengals, And there was
a time during the nineties that the Steelers really owned
this series. When you saw Cincinnati on the schedule, you
basically chalked it up as an automatic win, and then
they backed that up and usually beat the Bengals. Wasn't
(24:17):
until Marvin Lewis went over there that really started to
turn that franchise around. Of course Joe Burrow most recently
making this a very competitive series. There's been some historic
playoff games back door in the two thousand and five run,
the AFC Wildcard game there against Carson Palmer, the twenty
fifteen wild Card game with the ab incident where he
gets knocked out in that game. There's a lot of
(24:38):
history here between these two teams. But let me ask you,
what's one of your favorite memories between Steelers and Bengals
over the years.
Speaker 4 (24:47):
Well, I'll give you two, and you just mentioned them
in Passing, But two thousand and five DJ Hushman's witss
cleats with the parable cow I think that was right
when they I think that US made the Steelers. Yeah,
and then they never lost again. And obviously they got
the Bengals in the playoff game on the road. I
(25:09):
think there was like a flea flicker involved there where
I think they got the Hines Ward or Randa El
deep down the field that kind of blew that game open.
And who can forget the twenty fifteen game just the Bengals.
It was more the Bengals imploding.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
Steers winning it.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
Yeah, like pac Man Jones Joey Porter on the field,
I think the bank, I think pac Man Jones called
him Jerry Porter con chusing him with a former West Virginia.
Speaker 3 (25:37):
Receiving that, And like Instagram live rant he did in
the in the aftermath.
Speaker 4 (25:42):
Right, Yes, yeah, so those are my you know, I
always tend to pick the playoff moments because those are
always bigger. But yeah, those are the two that come
to mind for me.
Speaker 1 (25:54):
So when Ray You're in Cincinnati, I'm guessing at a
hotel getting ready for the game tonight. Is today a
Skyline Chili day for you? Or you a Skyline chili guy?
Speaker 4 (26:02):
I hope not. Well, we went to the Montgomery in
last night, which is the best Reds place in Cincinnati,
So we got some barbecue last night. I'm not sure
what the saffronam is going to hold yet. I just
got done with breakfast. I'll have to think about lunch
a little bit. But I will tell you I am
not a Skyline chili guy. If it's going to be anything,
(26:23):
it's going to be something other than Skyline chili.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Yeah, I'm with you, man, I'm a chili guy, but
I can't put it on pasta, spaghetti or any of
that that Cincinnati stuff.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
Ray, Any game prediction do you have that? In the
PG today?
Speaker 1 (26:37):
I apologize I haven't looked yet, but I do have
a subscription, so you should be happy about that, but
I haven't. I haven't looked yet online, but been Any
prediction yet on tonight's game from you?
Speaker 4 (26:47):
Yeah, I think the Steelers are going to pull it out.
I'm going to go Steelers twenty Bengals thirteen. I do
think it's going to be a close game, and I
think Flacco was gonna at least for a little while.
The threat to the Steelers, I like it. I like it.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
Jacob and I will be doing our picks in the
next segment. But yeah, if that would hold true, it'll
be the first time the Steelers have won a road
divisional game in the history of the franchise tonight. And
I agree with you what you said Ray, at the
top of Jacob and I were talking about this. Tonight,
I think is their best opportunity to do that. It's
checking a lot of boxes, that's for sure in their favors.
(27:23):
If they're gonna do it, tonight's tonight to do it. Ray,
Thank you so much enjoying the game tonight.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
Thanks ray A.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
Right guys talking this week.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette joining us. It
is the Steelers Standard with Ed Trup and Jacob Bret
here on Steelers Nation Radio, part of the Steelers Audio
Network
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