October 13, 2025 • 21 mins
Michael is joined by Daibhog to look back on the week six victory over the Cleveland Browns - and look ahead to a key TNF matchup on the road in Cincinnati.
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
Everybody walking into the Irish Singers Podcast presented by Erlink
to say a short week. This week we're going to
look back on the win in week six and look
ahead obviously to week seven. Fursty football coming up. Michael
mcqwid this week, delighted to welcome back in not too
far from me, Welcome back in Davog Dave. Okay, good
to see you sir on this Monday. How are you doing?
(00:26):
Victory Monday? We should say, what's the crack?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
It's the best Monday of the year. Mac's Factory Monday.
All though with Steelers songs we get a lot of them.
So very happy with yesterday and looking forward to breaking
it down. It has been a while a lot of
stuff has been happened since we've last been on the
Dublin game, which I would probably run out of superlatives
to describe. Best weekend of my life probably would be
(00:48):
the best one to use.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
But what did it mean to you? Like? What did
it mean to you? Because whenever I and I know
for some people listening, yes it was, but it's your
first time on it. So when I walked out and
seen it, I couldn't belave the stadium. But when when
the team round that, et cetera. It was is incredible
and what did the media on a personal level to
say it because you've obviously been over to Pittsburgh as well,
but to see it in Dublin.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
It meant absolutely everything. I can I even said it
to the ones that was with the Poles that was
with it was felt like it was a Steelers game
at home, but only in crow Park and Dublin. I mean,
it reminded me so much of the game that we
got to go to last year against the Jets, in
which we want again. So I'm also to to know
in Steelers games as well that have been attending, So
(01:30):
in terms of the whole spectacle it was it was
absolutely amazing. The national anthem and getting to speak to
a few American folks that were over for the game,
which were a lot of them, but even you know,
as Steelers fans. The Vakans fans showed up as well before,
but it's fair to say that Steelers fan Juliet and
Umber them. So getting to see that getting a witness
(01:50):
at as first hand was was amazing and in terms
of what it meant, it met absolutely everything, and I
can't wait to do the game, whatever that may be.
I know we've only you know, we're we're only sort
of coming off the coat tails over at the moment.
But whether that be a year, two years, three years
in the line account wait to do it again.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
I feel like we could have done a movie about this.
Never mind the podcast. So let's say let's jump on
victory Monday. All right, let's let's go twenty three to
nine victory over the Cleveland Browns. Different factors break down.
Brown's obviously fall the one and five and nove defeat
to the Steelers AFC North Dog. We'll talk about it
after the top of this game is in a really
(02:29):
interesting position Steelers coming off the bye week. It remains
to be seen how early bye week will affect this team,
but certainly in a good position now, you know, I
think we all would have took one to win in Dublin,
but also going in the week seven early week as well,
sitting four and one on the season, the best team
in the AFC North Aaron Rodgers twenty one to thirty
(02:51):
and thirty five yards, two touchdowns on the dead no
rushing touchdowns for the team. But we've seen DK pick
up an our touchdown and Connor Heward as well kind
of get touchdown. Good to see him get one as well.
Defense as well. Were you happy with the game where
their elements he would have liked to see m improves
or what was your general thought of that game? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Overall, very very happy. And what I'm happy about is
you can see the clear improvement week by week on
both sides of the ball, starting on the offensive side.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
MC.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
A lot of Fairweather fans might say, well, it's only
the Browns, sorry, but as much as I can't stand them,
they're ranked top three in the league in almost every
defensive category every year. So this was never going to
be an easy game. And as you've just mentioned, Darn Rodgers,
he wasn't asked to carry the load, but when called upon,
he was sharp. You know, as you've mentioned, their twohundred
and thirty five yards, two touchdowns, no turnovers, which is
(03:40):
the key. And that connection with DK is really starting
to blossom into something special. I mean that that third
that touchdowns, striking a third quarter was just tax book
Arn Rodgers patients precise perfectly timed. It's actually dkse fourth
straight game with the touchdowns, so we're really starting to
see the payoff of having him as our number one
receiver coming through. And I just can't go through this
(04:01):
podcast without mentioning Broderick Jones. I mean, he went up
against Miles Yard, one of the best premieres pass rushers
in this league, and Yard start line. It was two tackles,
zero tackles for losses, zero sacks, and zero quarterback pressures.
I mean, Broderick Jones has been through a lot of
hate recently with all the expectations around him, but he's
absolutely answered his critics and what was by far the
(04:22):
best performance of his career. Did it just so defensively
as well as good as the Cleveland Browns defense is,
their offense was always going to struggle against our star
studied unit. I mean, there's nowhere tougher to make your
debut on American soil MANA odd of course he played
last week at the at the London game. You were there,
of course, and studio we'll watched it and listen to
(04:43):
your analogy.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
I definitely wasn't there, But one thing I will say
to this, I was sort of impressed by how Dylan
Goobile came in last weekend under that circumstances, done it
not a great game from him the week after in comparison,
and then you know, I just can't believe they treated
Joe Flacco in the circumstances. I guess they're in a
different zone to the to the Steelers.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Yeah, I no, you've you've mentioned that about Joe Flaco.
We're gonna break break him down in a bit because
of course the team we're playing next, he's now quarterback
for them all of a sudden, So it just seems
like he wants to play for every other team in
the FC, nor for aside from the Steelers. But it's okay,
we don't need him. But no, honestly, you imagine they're
Dylan Gabriel. I mean the fact that the Browns awesome
to throw fifty two times was astounding to me against
(05:28):
our defense. I mean six sacks, constant pressure on Gabriel
from both the usual suspects and the unusual suspects. I
mean Giale and Ramsey coming off the corner chipping in
with two sacks. Even when the Browns you know, started
to move the ball a little, especially in those middle quarters,
Michael defense really tightened up and made the stops when
it mattered. Most there's not really much to complain about now,
if we are being picky ten padalleies, I mean not
(05:50):
something mc tommin will definitely hammer hole the fourth Thursday night.
But overall we're in a really good spot heading and
in that web find of season, so overall very happy.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
It's one thing you said you couldn't let this pod.
I told with certain guys, I can't let this podcast go,
not just being obvious, but somebody like Patrick quin In
the last three games he has had three pass deflections,
five tackles for lost, a sack and thirty tackles. I
think he assists on Sunday. You know, it's one thing
(06:18):
having these defensive leaders, but then you have PQ there
as well. These guys are just finding ways to come
in and make plays. And yeah, people will say it's
the Brands. Brian still cause a bit of trouble in London.
You can see they have moments. We know how good
Quinn Shaw Jenkins is and he was only limited to
thirty six yards on the ground on twelve attempts on Sunday.
(06:38):
This is good practice for this team. They are going
to have obviously a really interesting schedule coming up, but
different guys really showing out. Man. I guess one thing
I will say, if you want to erect both of
this and Jalen highest rusher fifty two yards, they can
run game going a bit more. But I always thought
whenever we lost Nagia but that it was going to
go down a little bit. But it's going to take time.
If that's the only thing we're worried about now is
(06:59):
trying to elevate out a bit more, we're definitely in
a good position.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
I think, yeah, no, And of course you know in
the stats sheet it didn't look pretty. But overall, I
think I think we were average in close to four
yards per carr. I mean, I know that doesn't sound
like a lot, but if you ask any Steelers fan
over the last ten years, Michael, where we struggled, it's
been running the ball. I mean, you asked the lights
of Naji Horse what it's been like behind the offensive line.
I don't think we've had a really good young game
(07:25):
since the days of L'veon Bell. So we've seen the
game in Dublin kennef Deanwell went up for over one
hundred yards. I reckon it's only a matter of time
before Jalen gets his sure, and I think it could
be this week against the Bengals defense, which not a
really good you know, defensively, never really have been great.
They have the likes of Trey Hendrickson, who's a good player.
Apparently he's questionable. I watched a bit of the game
(07:45):
on Sunday against the Packers. He came off with an injury.
So aside from that, there's not really a lot going
for them, and I think this could be a week
that we finally see Jalen Warren. I mean I'm watching
him and he's breaking tackles. I mean he's under six
foot and he's breaking tackles for four or five yards.
He's picking up you know, monstery arts. So of course
it doesn't look good on the stat sheet, but you know,
the eight test overall, I'm very very happy with Woreos
(08:06):
and it's only gonna go up from here.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Let's jump into that in a few moments. In this
furious night football game. It's it's a weird week. It's
a short week for the staters. Obviously a massive game
coming up, and it's the AFC North it always is
obviously very very important. Bengals are sitting two and four
let's hear from coach Somlon on this podcast, not just
on the upcoming game against the Bengals, but also looking
back on that victory on Sunday against the Cleveland Bryan's
(08:31):
here on the Irish Hitters Podcast presented by Erlings.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Are you going to establish a rapport? If you will,
and to do so in a short week, it's a
big time challenge, But we better do it. We better
stay on schedule, We better minimize our one dimensional passing
circumstances if we want to reduce our exposure to tray Man.
They got they got a secondary that's been together now
for a while. They went through a transition there with
(08:57):
the loss of some significant players a couple of year
years ago, but guys like DJ Turner and Dax Hill
and Geno stone Man have been together for multiple years now.
You feel that cohesion or the things that they're able
to do in the secondary to move people around, to
get in complex of schematics and check systems of coverage.
(09:18):
You see it. They do an awesome job on possession,
down play, getting sub packaged people in there and and
really matching up with with whatever you put on the field.
And so we got a full weeks ahead of us
from a prep standpoint, getting familiar with coach Golden and
and and some of the new pieces and even some
of the old pieces in terms of how they're deploying
(09:39):
them this week. On the offensive side, certainly the story
is Joe Flacco, and you know it's reasonable to expect
him to be significantly better in week two. He's been
in the stadium with them. Uh, They've been in the
stadium with him. They understand his demeanor, how he deals
with circumstances. I would imagine they worked harder we could
(10:01):
go on developing time and and cohesion. I'd imagine is
taking a significant step after having done so under some
live football circumstances. I saw him make some anticipatory throws
even last week, and so I thought he was significantly
better as the game were on. And so certainly we
got a full week's work ahead of us in terms
of minimizing a veteran, savvy, talented thrower like him, coupled
(10:25):
with the eligibles that they have, and so that certainly
has our attention. How they're choosing to deploy their backs
in the run game also has our attention. Brown obviously
is the featured runner. He's very good on the perimeter
and in the spring. In the screen game, they run
(10:47):
a lot of tosses and so forth. They use a
nice arsenal of tight ends, sample samples, Gooseki. They do
a nice job of mixing up the schematics when when
they go to those guys in a variety of ways,
so you don't get a beat on their usage. Zach's
called it for a long time. He's familiar with our
(11:09):
defensive schematics, and so we're in for all day's work
with that collective as well. I would imagine there'll be
a certain level of excitement, man, those guys having Joe
Flaccu in a home venue on a Thursday night and
some primetime ball. We covet that as well. We love
going into hostile environments. We love the visional play. We
(11:29):
certainly love and respect and appreciate being a component of
primetime football and being able to put our talents on
display for the football world. And so to appreciate that
and respect that is one thing. To be prepared for
it and to bring it to fruition is another.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
Good to hear from coach Thomman on this podcast and
Zava before we talk about this first night match up,
I know we promise it will eve it. Like if
you look at the AFC North, Theears are certainly in
a position I think a lot of us, I think
we all thought that when you bring in somebody like
Aaron Rodgers and you make that move to bring in
d Ken the offense, there's all that they're always going
to be up there. In coach Tomlin's time, they've never
(12:09):
had a losing season. They've always been in and around
that position. But one thing that stood out over the
last four or five years is how competitive this division
has been in relation to the rest of the AFC.
Like we knew we've seen the Bengals sorry made obviously
a Super Bowl run a few years ago. The Ravens
have always been up there, and the Browns not very recently,
(12:29):
but we know that Joe Flacco got them almost to
the Promised Land at one point last year as well.
So this is a division which has always been very
topsy turvey, a division which has been very, very competitive.
And this year, you know, Touchwood, we're going in the
Week seven here. You don't want to be the guy
to set in this podcast, but this year, man, things
seem to things seem to be going the way to
(12:51):
the Pittsburgh Seeders so far. Bengals trading away Joe Flacco,
we seen and we'll talk about in a minute about
how they played against the Packers. We know as well
with the Browns, the struggles that they have had in
terms of getting to that sort of point. They obviously
we're very competitive in London, couldn't get there as well.
(13:12):
Ravens sitting one in five after six weeks and in
NFL history, only four teams in NFL history have made
the playoffs. And we know Lamar's injury, but still they're struggling.
What a window of opportunity for the Steelers team. And
frankly now that bug, Yes, you go out to win
all your games, especially THEFC North games. I feel like
(13:33):
the Staders almost need to look past the division, which
I'm sure they're doing, and just win every game they
can and actually look at the AFC overall.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Yeah, and of course we're in a really really strong position,
there's no doubt not. But I think even Deshaun Elliott
said it best in one of his postgame comments. We're
just focusing on ourselves. I mean, the rest can sort
of look at themselves and they have to dust themselves
down and deal with our injuries. But we're just going
to focus on a week by week and you know
you imagined there. But the Ravens, you know, they're on five.
They're also on a bay this week, and the Browns
(14:02):
host a desperate Dolphins team that you know, it's a
perfect opportunity to put a strangle hold.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
Really nearly won against the Chargers as well'll they'll they'll
be really as well.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
They'll be they'll be desperate to come out and win
a game. I mean, you know, so we're worth sitting
here with Ravens are not going to play this week,
We're playing the Bengals. We could potentially have this division
wrapped up. I don't want to say that, do you
Manchine there. I don't want to be the gay to
say it, but I will say it. We could have
this division wrapped up by Thanksgiving. So really looking forward to,
you know, seeing how it develops. I mean, just on
(14:32):
the Thursday night game, Prime Time lights a chance for
the Steelers to know, keep them Mantum ruling. It's forty
one year old Aran Rodgers against forty year old Joe
Flacco and an FC North showdown.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Image of eighty one years of age combined. That's mental.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Who would have thought? Who would have thought it? I
mean four or five years ago, you wouldn't have said
that Joe Facta would have been playing for the Bengals.
You wouldn't said Aaron Rodgers would be playing for the Steelers.
I mean, it's really like father time is as slow
down time for these two quarterbacks. And I watched your
Flago against the Packers. You can still sling it, you
can still play ball. So yeah, look, I'm looking forward
to it, and I'm looking forward to even just even
(15:09):
chopping and changing here.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
But for you, and one thing I will say, Davog is,
you know I'll give you Flacco's props. Have the chance
to meet both quarterbacks, and what I will say from
meeting them both is, Yes, they're in their forties, they're
football guys. They love the game of football. And I'm
almost happy that Flacco has an opportunity at his age
to go into these games and play these games. And
(15:32):
it's going to be interesting to see how he plays.
Just before we talk about this game and just about
how we talk about the Bengals against the Packers since
we've actually been so we've started recording just after twelve
eastern of Monday. Obviously this game coming up on Thursday,
and Trey Hendrickson has been announced just over the last
few moments as day to day with a back injury.
He said a good result in MRI, so they even
have a chance to play on Thursday the Bengals, Davog
(15:54):
will see. That certainly is positive news after what could
have been. And then Mike is sick. Looks like he's
going to be out for the Bengals. He's been quoted
by Zach Taelor as being out for a while. At
the end of the day, man, it doesn't matter. Go
win the games, get that w You're on the road
(16:15):
in the divisional matchup in prime time on Virgin and
Night Football. Go win the game. Bengals. Man, at one
point last night looked like they could actually come back
and make something of the game. And that is one
issue I look at this game. I'm not sure what
you think. Joe Flacco has that ability to make plays
if he has enough space and not enough pressure coming
(16:35):
on him, because he's been there, He's done that. Now
with what it is his third team in the AFC
North at this point. So certainly, you know, I don't
want to say a trap game, but we know that
this Bengals team can make plays. They've got some great
weapons on the offense. Regardless if they're sitting two and four,
they're gonna be looking at this going world at home.
This is our fortress. Let's make it happen.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Yeah, no, it's it's it's one of those macwhere we're
playing against a season battern. Who knows how to play
against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I mean, who else could write
a thesis if you like, on how to play the
Pittsburgh Steelers And Joe Flacco main he's played for the
Ravens for years, he's played for the Browns, and now
he's playing for the Bengals. So, you know, last week,
just as you mentioned they were about last week, there
was a lot of trends topped, you know, like how
(17:19):
the Browns have never won in Pittsburgh since two thousand
and three. Here's another start for you, Michael. They think
you're gonna like this since the open of pey Core
Stadium formally I'm known as Paul Brown Stadium in two thousand,
the Steelers in the Bengals have mossed up twenty seven times.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have won twenty two times on that occasion.
So head into Cincinnati this week doesn't exactly scream intimidating
(17:42):
if you are we're on black and gold, and you
know this team, this year's Bengals have been struggling. There's
no doubt about it. Just looking on some of the stats,
their defense racks ranks sacond worse than the league. So far,
they've given up over sixteen hundred yards and only the
Cowboys have allowed more and not as you've mentioned there
Bitray Handrickson, he's listening to this question. But after Sunday's
game with the back injury, if he doesn't play, that's
essensially their past rush and given our improvement on the
(18:05):
offensive line, it's a prime opportunity to build confidence offer
some day strong showing. So just on the offense as well,
you know you mentioned as well, they are dangerous. Jamar
Chase on his day, he's arguably the best receiver in
the NFL. And if it's not Chas causing problems, you've
got Tea h Guns on the other side, who could
be a Number one for most NFL team, so I
expect our secondary to be tested all game long. But overall,
(18:27):
I'm very confident and yeah, I'm looking forward.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
I'm going to call it now two keys to my game,
expose and get Kenny gainwell more yards. Only had six
opportunities on Sunday when they were playing the Cleveland Browns.
I really enjoy Washington or now Washington in terms of
the tight end fine different ways because we know they're
going to double team DK and allow Arn Rodgers to
(18:51):
make those decisions because I expect them to bring the
pressure early when the energy is up there. The reality
is for both teams that have both on Earth League week,
they're both going to get tired inside that third fourth quarter.
So running the ball is going to be very very effective,
also very very important. Just before we go, if I
was to say, twenty seven fourteen victory, what would you
(19:17):
say if you had to give back?
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Do you know what? I would love to agree on
that start MC. I mean, that would be very comfortable.
But I've looked at our record on Thursday Night football
over the past few years. I think in the last
eleven meetings were actually two to nine, which does not
read great. However, I will say I'm extremely confident in
this team and coaching staff and expect another big day
from DK Matcalff against relatively inexperienced Bengals defense. So make
(19:45):
keys of the game are definitely getting DK the ball.
But I also said, as I mentioned earlier, I think
Jayalen Warren is due for a breakout game of the year.
Kenny did have his day in Dublin a few weeks ago,
but I think it's Stalenes turn out just another thing
as well. I thought it would hardball. I know it's
never easy as easy as it looks on paper, and
we did see it last year on Thursday Night Football.
I don't know if you remember Michael coming in and
(20:06):
feeling like the team the Snow Game facing a backup
in James Winston playing a two and eight Browns team
and we lost. You know, short week divisional games have
a weft thrown form and record out of the windows,
so I think it might be a lot closer than
most expact, I do think we will win. A win
is a win and I'll take it every day of
the week. But I think it will be Steelers twenty
four Bengals twenty and as I always say, you can
(20:28):
take that off to the bank. Well, don't it the bank.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
But I've missed that. I've missed here and it's been
a few weeks too long for that. Man. We're both
on the same page to an extent there. I like it.
The Steelers have the opportunity to open up a three
game swing at the top of the AFC North before
a ball is even throwing the rest of the weekend
if they can win on Thursday Night football obviously in
the we ares as we call it on Friday morning.
(20:52):
That game is live on Sky Sports NFL in Ireland
and in the UK as well if you're listening, and
also you can non o TV Sports radio from now
for myself Michael from Dvogue. We will be back dialogue
back in a couple of weeks, I hope. I presume
you're welcome on every time. I'm brilliant to hear from
me again. Hoping to have a podcast rack into this
game either on Friday or early next week on Monday,
(21:14):
and then it might be a very interesting week next week.
More on that very soon with davog Girmy Logan and
thanks to everybody for listening. We will chat you very
soon here we Goma.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
I'll get back here we go
Everybody walking into the Irish Singers Podcast presented by Erlink
to say a short week. This week we're going to
look back on the win in week six and look
ahead obviously to week seven. Fursty football coming up. Michael
mcqwid this week, delighted to welcome back in not too
far from me, Welcome back in Davog Dave. Okay, good
to see you sir on this Monday. How are you doing?
(00:26):
Victory Monday? We should say, what's the crack?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
It's the best Monday of the year. Mac's Factory Monday.
All though with Steelers songs we get a lot of them.
So very happy with yesterday and looking forward to breaking
it down. It has been a while a lot of
stuff has been happened since we've last been on the
Dublin game, which I would probably run out of superlatives
to describe. Best weekend of my life probably would be
(00:48):
the best one to use.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
But what did it mean to you? Like? What did
it mean to you? Because whenever I and I know
for some people listening, yes it was, but it's your
first time on it. So when I walked out and
seen it, I couldn't belave the stadium. But when when
the team round that, et cetera. It was is incredible
and what did the media on a personal level to
say it because you've obviously been over to Pittsburgh as well,
but to see it in Dublin.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
It meant absolutely everything. I can I even said it
to the ones that was with the Poles that was
with it was felt like it was a Steelers game
at home, but only in crow Park and Dublin. I mean,
it reminded me so much of the game that we
got to go to last year against the Jets, in
which we want again. So I'm also to to know
in Steelers games as well that have been attending, So
(01:30):
in terms of the whole spectacle it was it was
absolutely amazing. The national anthem and getting to speak to
a few American folks that were over for the game,
which were a lot of them, but even you know,
as Steelers fans. The Vakans fans showed up as well before,
but it's fair to say that Steelers fan Juliet and
Umber them. So getting to see that getting a witness
(01:50):
at as first hand was was amazing and in terms
of what it meant, it met absolutely everything, and I
can't wait to do the game, whatever that may be.
I know we've only you know, we're we're only sort
of coming off the coat tails over at the moment.
But whether that be a year, two years, three years
in the line account wait to do it again.
Speaker 1 (02:07):
I feel like we could have done a movie about this.
Never mind the podcast. So let's say let's jump on
victory Monday. All right, let's let's go twenty three to
nine victory over the Cleveland Browns. Different factors break down.
Brown's obviously fall the one and five and nove defeat
to the Steelers AFC North Dog. We'll talk about it
after the top of this game is in a really
(02:29):
interesting position Steelers coming off the bye week. It remains
to be seen how early bye week will affect this team,
but certainly in a good position now, you know, I
think we all would have took one to win in Dublin,
but also going in the week seven early week as well,
sitting four and one on the season, the best team
in the AFC North Aaron Rodgers twenty one to thirty
(02:51):
and thirty five yards, two touchdowns on the dead no
rushing touchdowns for the team. But we've seen DK pick
up an our touchdown and Connor Heward as well kind
of get touchdown. Good to see him get one as well.
Defense as well. Were you happy with the game where
their elements he would have liked to see m improves
or what was your general thought of that game? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (03:11):
Overall, very very happy. And what I'm happy about is
you can see the clear improvement week by week on
both sides of the ball, starting on the offensive side.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
MC.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
A lot of Fairweather fans might say, well, it's only
the Browns, sorry, but as much as I can't stand them,
they're ranked top three in the league in almost every
defensive category every year. So this was never going to
be an easy game. And as you've just mentioned, Darn Rodgers,
he wasn't asked to carry the load, but when called upon,
he was sharp. You know, as you've mentioned, their twohundred
and thirty five yards, two touchdowns, no turnovers, which is
(03:40):
the key. And that connection with DK is really starting
to blossom into something special. I mean that that third
that touchdowns, striking a third quarter was just tax book
Arn Rodgers patients precise perfectly timed. It's actually dkse fourth
straight game with the touchdowns, so we're really starting to
see the payoff of having him as our number one
receiver coming through. And I just can't go through this
(04:01):
podcast without mentioning Broderick Jones. I mean, he went up
against Miles Yard, one of the best premieres pass rushers
in this league, and Yard start line. It was two tackles,
zero tackles for losses, zero sacks, and zero quarterback pressures.
I mean, Broderick Jones has been through a lot of
hate recently with all the expectations around him, but he's
absolutely answered his critics and what was by far the
(04:22):
best performance of his career. Did it just so defensively
as well as good as the Cleveland Browns defense is,
their offense was always going to struggle against our star
studied unit. I mean, there's nowhere tougher to make your
debut on American soil MANA odd of course he played
last week at the at the London game. You were there,
of course, and studio we'll watched it and listen to
(04:43):
your analogy.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
I definitely wasn't there, But one thing I will say
to this, I was sort of impressed by how Dylan
Goobile came in last weekend under that circumstances, done it
not a great game from him the week after in comparison,
and then you know, I just can't believe they treated
Joe Flacco in the circumstances. I guess they're in a
different zone to the to the Steelers.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Yeah, I no, you've you've mentioned that about Joe Flaco.
We're gonna break break him down in a bit because
of course the team we're playing next, he's now quarterback
for them all of a sudden, So it just seems
like he wants to play for every other team in
the FC, nor for aside from the Steelers. But it's okay,
we don't need him. But no, honestly, you imagine they're
Dylan Gabriel. I mean the fact that the Browns awesome
to throw fifty two times was astounding to me against
(05:28):
our defense. I mean six sacks, constant pressure on Gabriel
from both the usual suspects and the unusual suspects. I
mean Giale and Ramsey coming off the corner chipping in
with two sacks. Even when the Browns you know, started
to move the ball a little, especially in those middle quarters,
Michael defense really tightened up and made the stops when
it mattered. Most there's not really much to complain about now,
if we are being picky ten padalleies, I mean not
(05:50):
something mc tommin will definitely hammer hole the fourth Thursday night.
But overall we're in a really good spot heading and
in that web find of season, so overall very happy.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
It's one thing you said you couldn't let this pod.
I told with certain guys, I can't let this podcast go,
not just being obvious, but somebody like Patrick quin In
the last three games he has had three pass deflections,
five tackles for lost, a sack and thirty tackles. I
think he assists on Sunday. You know, it's one thing
(06:18):
having these defensive leaders, but then you have PQ there
as well. These guys are just finding ways to come
in and make plays. And yeah, people will say it's
the Brands. Brian still cause a bit of trouble in London.
You can see they have moments. We know how good
Quinn Shaw Jenkins is and he was only limited to
thirty six yards on the ground on twelve attempts on Sunday.
(06:38):
This is good practice for this team. They are going
to have obviously a really interesting schedule coming up, but
different guys really showing out. Man. I guess one thing
I will say, if you want to erect both of
this and Jalen highest rusher fifty two yards, they can
run game going a bit more. But I always thought
whenever we lost Nagia but that it was going to
go down a little bit. But it's going to take time.
If that's the only thing we're worried about now is
(06:59):
trying to elevate out a bit more, we're definitely in
a good position.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
I think, yeah, no, And of course you know in
the stats sheet it didn't look pretty. But overall, I
think I think we were average in close to four
yards per carr. I mean, I know that doesn't sound
like a lot, but if you ask any Steelers fan
over the last ten years, Michael, where we struggled, it's
been running the ball. I mean, you asked the lights
of Naji Horse what it's been like behind the offensive line.
I don't think we've had a really good young game
(07:25):
since the days of L'veon Bell. So we've seen the
game in Dublin kennef Deanwell went up for over one
hundred yards. I reckon it's only a matter of time
before Jalen gets his sure, and I think it could
be this week against the Bengals defense, which not a
really good you know, defensively, never really have been great.
They have the likes of Trey Hendrickson, who's a good player.
Apparently he's questionable. I watched a bit of the game
(07:45):
on Sunday against the Packers. He came off with an injury.
So aside from that, there's not really a lot going
for them, and I think this could be a week
that we finally see Jalen Warren. I mean I'm watching
him and he's breaking tackles. I mean he's under six
foot and he's breaking tackles for four or five yards.
He's picking up you know, monstery arts. So of course
it doesn't look good on the stat sheet, but you know,
the eight test overall, I'm very very happy with Woreos
(08:06):
and it's only gonna go up from here.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Let's jump into that in a few moments. In this
furious night football game. It's it's a weird week. It's
a short week for the staters. Obviously a massive game
coming up, and it's the AFC North it always is
obviously very very important. Bengals are sitting two and four
let's hear from coach Somlon on this podcast, not just
on the upcoming game against the Bengals, but also looking
back on that victory on Sunday against the Cleveland Bryan's
(08:31):
here on the Irish Hitters Podcast presented by Erlings.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
Are you going to establish a rapport? If you will,
and to do so in a short week, it's a
big time challenge, But we better do it. We better
stay on schedule, We better minimize our one dimensional passing
circumstances if we want to reduce our exposure to tray Man.
They got they got a secondary that's been together now
for a while. They went through a transition there with
(08:57):
the loss of some significant players a couple of year
years ago, but guys like DJ Turner and Dax Hill
and Geno stone Man have been together for multiple years now.
You feel that cohesion or the things that they're able
to do in the secondary to move people around, to
get in complex of schematics and check systems of coverage.
(09:18):
You see it. They do an awesome job on possession,
down play, getting sub packaged people in there and and
really matching up with with whatever you put on the field.
And so we got a full weeks ahead of us
from a prep standpoint, getting familiar with coach Golden and
and and some of the new pieces and even some
of the old pieces in terms of how they're deploying
(09:39):
them this week. On the offensive side, certainly the story
is Joe Flacco, and you know it's reasonable to expect
him to be significantly better in week two. He's been
in the stadium with them. Uh, They've been in the
stadium with him. They understand his demeanor, how he deals
with circumstances. I would imagine they worked harder we could
(10:01):
go on developing time and and cohesion. I'd imagine is
taking a significant step after having done so under some
live football circumstances. I saw him make some anticipatory throws
even last week, and so I thought he was significantly
better as the game were on. And so certainly we
got a full week's work ahead of us in terms
of minimizing a veteran, savvy, talented thrower like him, coupled
(10:25):
with the eligibles that they have, and so that certainly
has our attention. How they're choosing to deploy their backs
in the run game also has our attention. Brown obviously
is the featured runner. He's very good on the perimeter
and in the spring. In the screen game, they run
(10:47):
a lot of tosses and so forth. They use a
nice arsenal of tight ends, sample samples, Gooseki. They do
a nice job of mixing up the schematics when when
they go to those guys in a variety of ways,
so you don't get a beat on their usage. Zach's
called it for a long time. He's familiar with our
(11:09):
defensive schematics, and so we're in for all day's work
with that collective as well. I would imagine there'll be
a certain level of excitement, man, those guys having Joe
Flaccu in a home venue on a Thursday night and
some primetime ball. We covet that as well. We love
going into hostile environments. We love the visional play. We
(11:29):
certainly love and respect and appreciate being a component of
primetime football and being able to put our talents on
display for the football world. And so to appreciate that
and respect that is one thing. To be prepared for
it and to bring it to fruition is another.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
Good to hear from coach Thomman on this podcast and
Zava before we talk about this first night match up,
I know we promise it will eve it. Like if
you look at the AFC North, Theears are certainly in
a position I think a lot of us, I think
we all thought that when you bring in somebody like
Aaron Rodgers and you make that move to bring in
d Ken the offense, there's all that they're always going
to be up there. In coach Tomlin's time, they've never
(12:09):
had a losing season. They've always been in and around
that position. But one thing that stood out over the
last four or five years is how competitive this division
has been in relation to the rest of the AFC.
Like we knew we've seen the Bengals sorry made obviously
a Super Bowl run a few years ago. The Ravens
have always been up there, and the Browns not very recently,
(12:29):
but we know that Joe Flacco got them almost to
the Promised Land at one point last year as well.
So this is a division which has always been very
topsy turvey, a division which has been very, very competitive.
And this year, you know, Touchwood, we're going in the
Week seven here. You don't want to be the guy
to set in this podcast, but this year, man, things
seem to things seem to be going the way to
(12:51):
the Pittsburgh Seeders so far. Bengals trading away Joe Flacco,
we seen and we'll talk about in a minute about
how they played against the Packers. We know as well
with the Browns, the struggles that they have had in
terms of getting to that sort of point. They obviously
we're very competitive in London, couldn't get there as well.
(13:12):
Ravens sitting one in five after six weeks and in
NFL history, only four teams in NFL history have made
the playoffs. And we know Lamar's injury, but still they're struggling.
What a window of opportunity for the Steelers team. And
frankly now that bug, Yes, you go out to win
all your games, especially THEFC North games. I feel like
(13:33):
the Staders almost need to look past the division, which
I'm sure they're doing, and just win every game they
can and actually look at the AFC overall.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Yeah, and of course we're in a really really strong position,
there's no doubt not. But I think even Deshaun Elliott
said it best in one of his postgame comments. We're
just focusing on ourselves. I mean, the rest can sort
of look at themselves and they have to dust themselves
down and deal with our injuries. But we're just going
to focus on a week by week and you know
you imagined there. But the Ravens, you know, they're on five.
They're also on a bay this week, and the Browns
(14:02):
host a desperate Dolphins team that you know, it's a
perfect opportunity to put a strangle hold.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
Really nearly won against the Chargers as well'll they'll they'll
be really as well.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
They'll be they'll be desperate to come out and win
a game. I mean, you know, so we're worth sitting
here with Ravens are not going to play this week,
We're playing the Bengals. We could potentially have this division
wrapped up. I don't want to say that, do you
Manchine there. I don't want to be the gay to
say it, but I will say it. We could have
this division wrapped up by Thanksgiving. So really looking forward to,
you know, seeing how it develops. I mean, just on
(14:32):
the Thursday night game, Prime Time lights a chance for
the Steelers to know, keep them Mantum ruling. It's forty
one year old Aran Rodgers against forty year old Joe
Flacco and an FC North showdown.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
Image of eighty one years of age combined. That's mental.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Who would have thought? Who would have thought it? I
mean four or five years ago, you wouldn't have said
that Joe Facta would have been playing for the Bengals.
You wouldn't said Aaron Rodgers would be playing for the Steelers.
I mean, it's really like father time is as slow
down time for these two quarterbacks. And I watched your
Flago against the Packers. You can still sling it, you
can still play ball. So yeah, look, I'm looking forward
to it, and I'm looking forward to even just even
(15:09):
chopping and changing here.
Speaker 1 (15:10):
But for you, and one thing I will say, Davog is,
you know I'll give you Flacco's props. Have the chance
to meet both quarterbacks, and what I will say from
meeting them both is, Yes, they're in their forties, they're
football guys. They love the game of football. And I'm
almost happy that Flacco has an opportunity at his age
to go into these games and play these games. And
(15:32):
it's going to be interesting to see how he plays.
Just before we talk about this game and just about
how we talk about the Bengals against the Packers since
we've actually been so we've started recording just after twelve
eastern of Monday. Obviously this game coming up on Thursday,
and Trey Hendrickson has been announced just over the last
few moments as day to day with a back injury.
He said a good result in MRI, so they even
have a chance to play on Thursday the Bengals, Davog
(15:54):
will see. That certainly is positive news after what could
have been. And then Mike is sick. Looks like he's
going to be out for the Bengals. He's been quoted
by Zach Taelor as being out for a while. At
the end of the day, man, it doesn't matter. Go
win the games, get that w You're on the road
(16:15):
in the divisional matchup in prime time on Virgin and
Night Football. Go win the game. Bengals. Man, at one
point last night looked like they could actually come back
and make something of the game. And that is one
issue I look at this game. I'm not sure what
you think. Joe Flacco has that ability to make plays
if he has enough space and not enough pressure coming
(16:35):
on him, because he's been there, He's done that. Now
with what it is his third team in the AFC
North at this point. So certainly, you know, I don't
want to say a trap game, but we know that
this Bengals team can make plays. They've got some great
weapons on the offense. Regardless if they're sitting two and four,
they're gonna be looking at this going world at home.
This is our fortress. Let's make it happen.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Yeah, no, it's it's it's one of those macwhere we're
playing against a season battern. Who knows how to play
against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I mean, who else could write
a thesis if you like, on how to play the
Pittsburgh Steelers And Joe Flacco main he's played for the
Ravens for years, he's played for the Browns, and now
he's playing for the Bengals. So, you know, last week,
just as you mentioned they were about last week, there
was a lot of trends topped, you know, like how
(17:19):
the Browns have never won in Pittsburgh since two thousand
and three. Here's another start for you, Michael. They think
you're gonna like this since the open of pey Core
Stadium formally I'm known as Paul Brown Stadium in two thousand,
the Steelers in the Bengals have mossed up twenty seven times.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have won twenty two times on that occasion.
So head into Cincinnati this week doesn't exactly scream intimidating
(17:42):
if you are we're on black and gold, and you
know this team, this year's Bengals have been struggling. There's
no doubt about it. Just looking on some of the stats,
their defense racks ranks sacond worse than the league. So far,
they've given up over sixteen hundred yards and only the
Cowboys have allowed more and not as you've mentioned there
Bitray Handrickson, he's listening to this question. But after Sunday's
game with the back injury, if he doesn't play, that's
essensially their past rush and given our improvement on the
(18:05):
offensive line, it's a prime opportunity to build confidence offer
some day strong showing. So just on the offense as well,
you know you mentioned as well, they are dangerous. Jamar
Chase on his day, he's arguably the best receiver in
the NFL. And if it's not Chas causing problems, you've
got Tea h Guns on the other side, who could
be a Number one for most NFL team, so I
expect our secondary to be tested all game long. But overall,
(18:27):
I'm very confident and yeah, I'm looking forward.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
I'm going to call it now two keys to my game,
expose and get Kenny gainwell more yards. Only had six
opportunities on Sunday when they were playing the Cleveland Browns.
I really enjoy Washington or now Washington in terms of
the tight end fine different ways because we know they're
going to double team DK and allow Arn Rodgers to
(18:51):
make those decisions because I expect them to bring the
pressure early when the energy is up there. The reality
is for both teams that have both on Earth League week,
they're both going to get tired inside that third fourth quarter.
So running the ball is going to be very very effective,
also very very important. Just before we go, if I
was to say, twenty seven fourteen victory, what would you
(19:17):
say if you had to give back?
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Do you know what? I would love to agree on
that start MC. I mean, that would be very comfortable.
But I've looked at our record on Thursday Night football
over the past few years. I think in the last
eleven meetings were actually two to nine, which does not
read great. However, I will say I'm extremely confident in
this team and coaching staff and expect another big day
from DK Matcalff against relatively inexperienced Bengals defense. So make
(19:45):
keys of the game are definitely getting DK the ball.
But I also said, as I mentioned earlier, I think
Jayalen Warren is due for a breakout game of the year.
Kenny did have his day in Dublin a few weeks ago,
but I think it's Stalenes turn out just another thing
as well. I thought it would hardball. I know it's
never easy as easy as it looks on paper, and
we did see it last year on Thursday Night Football.
I don't know if you remember Michael coming in and
(20:06):
feeling like the team the Snow Game facing a backup
in James Winston playing a two and eight Browns team
and we lost. You know, short week divisional games have
a weft thrown form and record out of the windows,
so I think it might be a lot closer than
most expact, I do think we will win. A win
is a win and I'll take it every day of
the week. But I think it will be Steelers twenty
four Bengals twenty and as I always say, you can
(20:28):
take that off to the bank. Well, don't it the bank.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
But I've missed that. I've missed here and it's been
a few weeks too long for that. Man. We're both
on the same page to an extent there. I like it.
The Steelers have the opportunity to open up a three
game swing at the top of the AFC North before
a ball is even throwing the rest of the weekend
if they can win on Thursday Night football obviously in
the we ares as we call it on Friday morning.
(20:52):
That game is live on Sky Sports NFL in Ireland
and in the UK as well if you're listening, and
also you can non o TV Sports radio from now
for myself Michael from Dvogue. We will be back dialogue
back in a couple of weeks, I hope. I presume
you're welcome on every time. I'm brilliant to hear from
me again. Hoping to have a podcast rack into this
game either on Friday or early next week on Monday,
(21:14):
and then it might be a very interesting week next week.
More on that very soon with davog Girmy Logan and
thanks to everybody for listening. We will chat you very
soon here we Goma.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
I'll get back here we go
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