November 6, 2025 • 25 mins
On this week's episode of The Irish Steelers Podcast, Michael looks back on a big win at home against the Colts – and we hear from Jimmy’s travels to Pittsburgh. With a huge Sunday Night matchup against the Chargers in Los Angeles, we hear from Coach Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers before making game picks.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
Everybody, You're very welcome into the latest episode of the
Irish Theaters podcast, presented by Erlingus Michael mcwady. Here a
week after I've been in Pittsburgh Guns. You know, I
feel like I was there five minutes ago.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
That's how good.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
That's how good that weekend was, even with how a
win against the Packers and since we last spoke, since
we last joined on the podcast, it's obviously been a
good weekend for the Staters, getting a win against what
was the seven and one. Later in the NFL Indianapolis
Colts twenty seven to twenty Colts fall to seven and two.
(00:41):
Steels now sitting at five or say a top of
the AFC North. We know how difficult that AFC North
Division is so at this stage heading in the week
ten as the NFL makes it's a final little trip
of ber Audumn Berlin of Madrid, It's good to see
the Steels still on top, with a good position to
be and ahead of these naxt few weeks of the season,
a big, big stretch coming up, obviously, with a very
(01:03):
very important game coming up this weekend against the LA Chargers.
A couple of check ins I wanted to do on
this week's podcast is to talk about the game for myself.
First off, actually nice to watch a game in the
early window for once. I think that's the only negative
thing I would say. But the season there's been so
many different league games and stuff, and just just good
to watch a game so early. And I have to
(01:25):
say from seeing how this team, I think, I think
we can't cut past it. You know, we did struggle
in the last two games, but we struggled offensively and
of course defensively apart from the run against the Packers.
And to see this team go out and not just
get a win, but certainly across the broad perspective of
(01:47):
the first second, the third quarter put a performance down.
Putting points on the board seventeen points scored in the
second quarter is a big, big deal. And to see
guys like Gale and Warren get two touchdowns on such
short amount of carries in terms of yards. But to
also see guys at Calvin Austin, guys that have been
(02:07):
to Ireland, the guys that know we are like really
getting there in his contract year, I think means an
awful lot. No activity from the Steelers on the trade deadline,
which I think I didn't really I don't really expect
much to happen, to be honest with I think if
we were going to improve team any further, you're looking
to get that extra wide out or an extra big
piece of the puzzle. But the one thing that I'll
(02:28):
take from the lack of activity on the trade deadline
is just how much Omar Khan, just how much Mike
Tomlin believes in the direction of this team and believes
in terms of what they have going forward for the
last step of this season. And I think it's important
as well not to make any rash decisions, not to
give up a lot of trade capital, especially when we're
bringing the draft to Pittsburgh next year.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
So I'm very happy with where we are sitting.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
We've obviously got a big few weeks ahead, and while
we have no trade deadline situation to talk, I think
we're in a good position. It was interesting for me
as good as the defense was to get a number
of different defensive stops, the first defensive stops from Dublin.
I think that really puts an energy on this defense
and it gives them the motivation that you could argue
(03:15):
that they need after what's been a couple of disappointing performances.
When you don't play well, it can be hard to
get yourself up, to get yourself motivated. And I think
it's very very important to see just how this team
have really progressed and how they have allowed themselves to
take that time, take that energy, and frankly, if you
think of how we were thinking going into this game,
(03:37):
I wasn't confident. I did not think we were going
to have a dominant game. I thought the Colts would
make it very difficult. We've known how much points the
Colts have put up on the board throughout the season.
And to see multiple defensive stops, to see strips, to
see Daniel Jones give up the ball at least three times,
to see different turnovers, I think that's very very positive
(03:58):
for all of us, regardless of some of the struggles
that we have had. It's so satisfying to see the
direction the strength that this team is taking. You know,
I look at how Wilson was there, I look at
how Joey Porter was there in front of his father,
and to see that anniversary of the Super Bowl winning
team there, How cool was that? Even if you're not
a Steelers fan, as an NFL fan, to see those
(04:20):
guys come in and to see these guys perform in
front of them, it really felt to me like a
page turning performance this week and long may that continue.
It was very very fun to see and very very
fun to actually watch from home. So look, we've obviously
got a big game coming up this weekend, and one
thing I did want to do, I wanted to chat
(04:42):
to Jimmy because while Jimmy is flying back to Ireland
for Pittsburgh, I know we had a great weekend out there,
and Jimmy, obviously there's a big win for the Steelers
of the weekend before that. What was it like getting
back to Pittsburgh. You're a lifelong Steelers fan. What was
the atmosphere like on game the.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Nick I'm sitting here in Pittsburgh International Airport waiting for
my flight home, just reflecting another incredible weekend in the
steel City. It's always a pleasure and always a privilege
to get over here for a Steelers home game and
to see them in action in Akroschuur Stadium. It never
really is. I mean, I think I must be the
Steelers lucky charm at this stage or something, because I'm
two for two in Akroschuur Stadium for Steelers' home games,
(05:23):
and just I mean, it's never really a bad time
in Pittsburgh if the fans are so passionate about the
Steelers that the atmosphere and for the build up to
the game outside and then in the stadium was incredible.
I still think I've said this a few times. I
still think the Dublin game has kind of ruined all
games for me moving forward because it was just so good.
But home games at Akroschuur Stadium are special when you
(05:46):
see the passion of you know, the passion of the fans.
They love their black and goal. So look, it really
was a fantastic day overall. Great weather as well, which
which always helps. It hasn't been a single drop of
rain here since we landed, so we'll definitely be back
in the future. And luckily we've got a good performance
as well, especially from the defense. Still, you know, a
(06:07):
few things to do on offense, I think a few
tweaks to make there, but defense stood uphen they were
needed and put on a a big show. So it's
a look. Can't follow the single thing really about the weekend.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
What impressed you from the game and what would you
like to see tweaked going forward.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
I think what impressed me most make about the Steelers'
performance this weekend was the defense. I know there have
been a lot of question marks around the unit given
their previous performances against the Bengals and then against the Packers.
Didn't have a single sack against the Packers and were
largely kind of non existent. I felt, especially the front seven,
some issues in the secondary as well with mistackles. But
(06:50):
you know, they completely turned that around against the Colts
on Sunday. Six turnovers in five sacks, the second most
turnovers under Mike Tomlin, which you know, just you know,
just kind of says a lot of them about their
mindset coming in. They knew they needed a big game.
They knew they had to put this team on their back,
especially with the high powered Couls offense coming into town.
(07:12):
You know, special shout out to to I think Peyton
Wilson and Joey Porter Junior in particular deserve special mention.
Joey Porter with his game ceiling intersection as the Colts
were attempting a comeback, and then Peyton Wilson had a
massive game as well with his own interception and then
a tip pass which Jack Sawyer picked off Brandon Echels
(07:33):
that that must pun for turn for a touchdown. I
don't know what the referees were thinking there. That was
a clear touchdown, but look, it wouldn't be. It wouldn't
be an NFL game with had a big missed call.
I think one thing though I would like to see
improved before we traveled to Los Angeles to take on
the Chargers, is we need more dynamicism and offense another
game without breaking one hundred yards. I think we barely
(07:54):
broke fifty yards on the ground rushing, and I do
think that we still are missing a second a true
number two wide receiver Calvin Austin obviously had a good game,
but I still think that we need some more kind
of offensive weapons that are not tight ends for Aaron
Rodgers to be able to go to when he doesn't
have path Ryermuth or DK Metcalf open.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
What sort of keys of the game do you have
ahead of sundon nef fotball as we Jimmy to.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Me the three keys for this game against the Chargers.
Number one is getting in justin Herbert's face and getting
pressure on him. And the Chargers are now missing unfortunately
for them, their two starting tackles and Rushawn Slater and
Joe Olt.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
So if we don't get multiple.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Pressures on him, I think it'll be very disappointing, and
I think the unit will be disappointed in themselves considering,
you know, the number of splash plays that we made
against the Colts in terms of takeaways and sacks and pressures.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Secondly, I think.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
We have to get the running game going early. We
have to lean on the running game. I mean, we
can't have another game without one hundred yards rushing, especially
given the quality of backs that we do have in
Kenneth game well and in Genle and Warren, you know.
So I think we have to lean on the ground
game early. And of course, once you lean on the
(09:11):
ground game and get that movie that opens up the
passing game, we can get DK more involved. I'd like
to see him getting more targets and more touchdowns. And
I think second the offense just has to we have
to find that spark and offense. I mean, we've been
relying so much on our tight ends this year as
pass catchers, obviously because we don't have I suppose anybody
more reliable at the receiving course. So I'd like to
(09:34):
see a bit more firepower and offense. To be honest
with you, I know we scored twenty four points off
turnovers against the Colts, but I think offense. I think
the offense got away with a lot on Sunday because
the defense is playing so well. So I would like
to see our offense step up and to see more
explosive plays from Aaron Rodgers and those guys.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Thanks very much for joining me. And look, it's one
of those things.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Before I talk about my keys to the game, we'll
look ahead of this game against the Chargers on Sunday
Night Football. Let's hear first off from coach Tomlin in
his weekly press conference on the Irishooters podcast presented by Earnings. Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
The Los Angeles Chargers. I'll start first on their defensive side.
Got a lot of respect for Jesse Minnerman and his
strategic approach to the game. On that side, he does
an awesome job of minimizing big plays. He does an
awesome job of of moving Derwin James around. Derwin is
(10:28):
just he's distraught that stirs to drink for them.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:32):
He plays safety in base He's capable of playing rundown nickel.
He's also capable of playing linebacker and passing circumstances. Minner
does an awesome job of of of of you know,
showing all of his talents in those ways.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
He's a good blitzer, he's a good tackler. His disguise,
his disguises are great. I think they do a nice
job with veterans in the secondary like Jefferson and Dante
Jackson and others who also have to be versatile as
he moves around, and I think oftentimes we don't talk
enough about that. If one person is moving around, it
(11:09):
generally creates challenges for others, and they seem to manage
all of that really really well. At the linebacker spot,
they got a nice blend of older and younger. Perryman
mixed up with Henley Man is a nice tandem. Perryman
has got really good instincts and experience. He's a good
rundown tackler. Henley is a challenge. He's a good athlete.
(11:33):
He's a sideline a sideline tackler former safety that can
see that in his game in terms of his ability
to cover grass and do some of the things that
could be challenging to other linebackers. He's also a really
good blitzer. That's a component of his game that looks
elevated in twenty twenty five relatives to twenty twenty four.
But it's a reasonable expectation to see a young talented
(11:55):
player evolve and evolve in certain areas of his game,
and certainly his blitz game is much more impactful watching
this year's tape than we were than when we were
getting ready to play him a year ago. Their edge
group is the group. They've got talent and depth in
that group. They play as many as four and five
guys along the edge. It's really impressive considering that you know,
(12:19):
Bosa is no longer a member of that group yet
and still is still their deepest and most talented position,
probably on either side of the ball. We got a
lot of people to get ready for their Khalil Max certainly,
former Defensive Player of the Year is one of worth mentioning.
And then Oway is an acquisition from the Ravens who
we have some familiar with certainly, and he's been a
(12:42):
big asset to him since his acquisition. I think he's
had four sacks or so in the last four games.
On the offensive side. Man, It certainly starts with Herbert.
For us, I feel like we caught a flyer a
year ago. He was limited from a mobility perspective when
we played him. I thought it impacted how the game unfolded,
(13:04):
and it allowed us to do some things schematically that
you somewhat hesitant to do if he has full mobility.
I think it nailed him down in the pocket some
and probably limited limited some of the things that they
choose to do schematically, like play action pass and changes
of the launch point, which is certainly a component of
Greg Roman's attack. It was minimized some last year, and
(13:26):
so as I watched tape this year, I'm cognizant of that.
Herbert is extremely talented. He can kill you with his arms.
He certainly can kill you with his legs. He can
kill you with both by by play extension. He has
a complete arsenal of people to throw to. Can't say
enough about their receiver corps. The reacquisition of Keenan Allen
(13:47):
is kind of a lynch pin man. He's a steady eddy.
He's been around Herbert in the past. You can tell
he's certainly a security blanket you you throw him in
with the emergence of Johnson and maconkey Man, they're they're
dangers group, and in recent weeks I'd be I'd probably
be wrong if I didn't mention the emergence of Gats
(14:08):
and the rookie tight end from Syracuse who's really put
together some big time games. His talent is showing. He's
a guy that's capable of some run after He's one
of those unique body types. He's almost an oversized receiver,
if you will. And so we certainly have our hands
full in these one dimensional passing moments, working to minimize
(14:29):
all those eligibles while at the same time respecting the
mobility component of Herbert. I've talked about all those things,
and I certainly hadn't mentioned the run game. And I
better when you're playing with Greg Roman offense, man, you
better be prepared to stand up against the run. They've
had some attrition in the backfield, but it hadn't slowed
down their growth and progress in that area. They drafted
(14:54):
the young runner from North Carolina and in round one,
certainly they acquired naj In free agency, both of those
guys are not available to them, but there's still been
an uptick in their run game, particularly in recent weeks,
is Vidal has found his rhythm. I think he's got
two hundred yard games in the last three weeks. Patterson
last week, in particular, is another young guy. I think
(15:16):
he had about fifty fifty yards rushing on eight or
nine carries, And so you know, there's no rest for
the weary. We got a big game versus a really
good team and their venue. One is talented offensively and
one is talented defensively and in special teams. And so
with that understanding, man were certainly preparing with an edge
(15:37):
this week, and we got some things to sort through
in terms of player availability. I expect that to clear
up as we push through the week and us to
be able to narrow our focus and position ourselves to
be our best.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
It's always good to hear from coach tom I think
the thing that really impressed I mean but coach Tomlan
each week is to hear from him in terms of
how he breaks down not just the prior performance, but
how he breaks down in detail the opponent that he's
going to face. I don't even know where he finds
the time between Sunday and Shuesday to get into the
(16:10):
Ax's nose in this detail, and it's so so impressive,
and it's always great to hear from him. Before I
give my keys to the game and look ahead to
this week's game, let's hear from Aaron Rodgers, who was
on the podium in Wednesday in Pittsburgh. I had of
this Sunday night football game against the LA Chargers on
the Irish Theaters podcast presented by Erlingus.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
And you talked about feeding off things after the last game.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
What were the things you got yet time to go
overfilm that you could do cleaner?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
That would make you, guys speak more complete offense?
Speaker 1 (16:36):
You good?
Speaker 5 (16:38):
Just the details I think could be some of the
really all the players run game, passing game, just a
little things like that. He's the next step from the sager.
I mean, you, guys, we've gone really well in the
reds also the things really well, but then you a
lot of green outs. What's the next step for you guys?
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Speak on the better offers.
Speaker 5 (16:59):
This consistency with the details, Eric, what could you do
to help MBS kind of pick this up quickly? Well?
I can translate, you know, the offense we ran in
Green Bay for a number of years into this offense
for him on a smart guy. He's played a lot
of football, been around a long time, been productive, so
(17:21):
I'm sure we'll pick it up pretty quick. What kind
of challenge is Derwin James brings the safety at different
levels that he plays in that hes yeah, I mean
he plays high safety, the I feel safety, the quarter safety,
the big nickel or a dime linebacker. You can do
it all. I mean, he's one of the top players
in the league, and you can do it at multiple positions.
He can blitz, you can cover, you can tackle. I
(17:42):
mean he's one of the more impressive players you see
on film.
Speaker 4 (17:45):
Aaron, how have you seen the receivers kind of handle
all the outside noise adding a guy or needing a guy?
Speaker 2 (17:50):
And how have you seen the breass a lead?
Speaker 5 (17:53):
I mean that was just yesterday, so I'm not sure.
I haven't heard of peep about any of it. So
not sure.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Were you holding your breath all at the trade up
one yesterday hoping that there would be a move?
Speaker 2 (18:03):
See anybody else brought in?
Speaker 5 (18:05):
You know what I've learned about the trading deadline is
and there's a lot of conversation and rarely is there
a lot of action. Maybe a little bit more of
the last few years, but in my early days there
was hardly ever any roster moves at the deadline. There
were some big ones yesterday, but you know, you feel
pretty good about your guys, and we added Marquest to
(18:26):
the Peace Squad. We've found guys on the Peace Squad
who've been playing for US. Obviously, Keishaan got elevated and
been doing a nice shot for US. Max has done
really good all year, Isaiah has done good. So we've
had guys in the Peace Squad step of every single
week and play and there'll be no difference this week here.
Know that does the versatility have the tight ends to
also maybe make it not as urgent a need to
(18:46):
find whatever people define as number two? Yeah, I mean
that's a lot of outside talk. You got to look
at the way we're playing and the personnel groupings that
we like. You know, we're a multiple personnel team. We
were a lot of guys out there. We had an
offensive lineman played a lot of snaps obviously, Darnella plays
a lot of snaps, and Johnny mcpatt and Connor gets
(19:08):
in there on some plays, rotating three different backs, a
lot of different receivers, so we're not a big three
receiver team in general. And you know, Calvin's come back
and played really well for US. Roman's been more consistent,
So there was probably more noise outside of the facility
than maybe inside of facility.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Great to hear from Arn Rodgers on the Irish Theaters
podcast prevented by Erling.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
I think the reality is when you're going up.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Against the Chargers team that is actually losing their two
starting tackles. Joe Walt is out for the season of
an injury, and they've tried to actually bring in a guy.
I've brought in Trevor Penning after the three deadline, and
this is via one of the wait until lists actually
happening to talk about it. But to see Trevor Penning
coming as interesting. He hasn't lived up to the high, high,
(19:59):
high aspect that I have certainly had for him. But
he is a very regular player, and you know Penny
is really going to get to the test when they
go up against the Steelers this weekend. There's no doubt
about it. You know, this is this is in a
way a game for the Steelers. They're on the road again,
They're going out to the West Coast when you're in
Sunday night football and when you are up against it
(20:21):
and when you are expected to put a performance in,
especially after beating the team they got, Colts team. You know,
I'm going to be interested to see, first off, how
that Colts team rebinds and regroups. I'm going to see
them in person this weekend in Berlin. Have the Steelers
changed their fortune in terms of how the Colts will play?
Have they brought their confidence down a bit? And that's
a valid conversation on this podcast. Why because the way
(20:42):
the Steelers are playing now, you know they're looking to
playoff football here and you know, touch with We hope
that happens, and we hope that continues down for the
next few weeks. But if we were to face the
Colts again in the playoffs, we have seen that we
can get at that team. So it'll be interesting to
see how they picked themselves up when they go to
Butlin this weekend. I really and I say it most
(21:02):
weeks now, but I really really do mean it.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
This weekend.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
You know, this could be a massive game for our
past rush r TG at WAD. He gets to go
up against an offensive line which is not just struggling
in terms of the availability.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
That they have.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
But they have allowed the highest pressure with in the
league so far this year.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
That's not good.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
And what is five sacks, six tackles, two force fumbles,
and an interception along with four past deflections this season.
You know this is an issue for the Chargers and
they're already allowing the highest pressure we have per dropback
at twenty six point five percent. And it's going to
be on our defense to create pressure in Justin Herbert
(21:42):
and that is going to be the key to this
game for me. I think another key factor is and
I think when you look at accountability and when you
talk about how this team wants to improve, want to
get better. Yes, we won the game last week, but
when you hear a guy like Aaron Rodgers out and
publicly say that not just him, but the entire team
(22:04):
needs to do better. The offense needs to do better.
At first off, he's correct. The offense does need to
do better. We need to get more passing yards, we
need to run the ball more, and we need to
find a way to get out of it. Because the
one thing for all we can say with the Chargers
having difficulty on that offensive line. We know that they're
going to find ways to get points up on the board.
We know how good Justin Herbert is. We know the
(22:24):
weapons that he has with him, but we have weapons
as well. If you look at the whiteouts that we have,
if you look at how Washington has commitm with a
tight end situation, we know big Friar move can make plays.
I expect to see a full on, big battle on
Sunday Night football. And I'll leave you with this nice
little nugget. I expect the Steelers to win this game,
but I expect to see an improved offensive performance and
(22:47):
performance where we put up upwards of thirty points against
the Chargers, which is a big bull statement to make.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
But I can really really see.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Aaron Rodgers this week go out in prime time and
get to that next level.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
I have no doubt about it.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
Because with every week you heard him in the press
conference on this podcast, with every week they're getting better,
where every week he's getting more settled and at the
end of the day, you have reset a lot of
the factors of this team. And for him to come in,
get to week ten and get to the situation, what
a prime performance this could be for him. Really really
excited to see how this Steaeters team can play this weekend.
(23:21):
I'm going to say the Steels win thirty to twenty
seven in a whispered classic in Sunday Night Football. You
got to love when the eyes of not just the US,
but the eyes of the world are on your team
in Sunday Night Football.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Bring it on. I can't wait to see it, folks.
From me.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
In terms of that there, we're going to have a
bit of a reaction podcast later on on the Monday
or Tuesday after this year, we would love to hear
from you. You can use the hashtag Steeters Ireland. The
Jackets out in different forms of social media such as
x and also Instagram. If you use the hashtag Steers
Ireland or well, if you want to reach out to
me and let me know how you feel the team
is doing, we would love to have you on.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
So do let me know and we'd love to make
that happen. Four.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Now, just to reminder before we go, because of Sunday
Night Football, you don't just have to watch this game
on NFL Game Pass on the Zone in Ireland or
the UK or Europe. But if you're in Ireland you
can watch the game on Sky Sports NFL this Sunday night,
and if you're somehow in the car, maybe you're driving
back from Berlin on Sunday night late, you can listen
to the game as well on the OTB Sports app.
(24:23):
But from now for Michael mcgidd on the Irishuders podcast,
we have been delighted to chat a little bit of
football and we hope that you enjoy this week because
if you think about it, we haven't got that many
weeks left, especially when we get into these autumn months.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
Enjoy the game, folks.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
Hopefully next week we're talking about a big dub in LA.
Speaker 2 (24:40):
Thanks for now
Everybody, You're very welcome into the latest episode of the
Irish Theaters podcast, presented by Erlingus Michael mcwady. Here a
week after I've been in Pittsburgh Guns. You know, I
feel like I was there five minutes ago.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
That's how good.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
That's how good that weekend was, even with how a
win against the Packers and since we last spoke, since
we last joined on the podcast, it's obviously been a
good weekend for the Staters, getting a win against what
was the seven and one. Later in the NFL Indianapolis
Colts twenty seven to twenty Colts fall to seven and two.
(00:41):
Steels now sitting at five or say a top of
the AFC North. We know how difficult that AFC North
Division is so at this stage heading in the week
ten as the NFL makes it's a final little trip
of ber Audumn Berlin of Madrid, It's good to see
the Steels still on top, with a good position to
be and ahead of these naxt few weeks of the season,
a big, big stretch coming up, obviously, with a very
(01:03):
very important game coming up this weekend against the LA Chargers.
A couple of check ins I wanted to do on
this week's podcast is to talk about the game for myself.
First off, actually nice to watch a game in the
early window for once. I think that's the only negative
thing I would say. But the season there's been so
many different league games and stuff, and just just good
to watch a game so early. And I have to
(01:25):
say from seeing how this team, I think, I think
we can't cut past it. You know, we did struggle
in the last two games, but we struggled offensively and
of course defensively apart from the run against the Packers.
And to see this team go out and not just
get a win, but certainly across the broad perspective of
(01:47):
the first second, the third quarter put a performance down.
Putting points on the board seventeen points scored in the
second quarter is a big, big deal. And to see
guys like Gale and Warren get two touchdowns on such
short amount of carries in terms of yards. But to
also see guys at Calvin Austin, guys that have been
(02:07):
to Ireland, the guys that know we are like really
getting there in his contract year, I think means an
awful lot. No activity from the Steelers on the trade deadline,
which I think I didn't really I don't really expect
much to happen, to be honest with I think if
we were going to improve team any further, you're looking
to get that extra wide out or an extra big
piece of the puzzle. But the one thing that I'll
(02:28):
take from the lack of activity on the trade deadline
is just how much Omar Khan, just how much Mike
Tomlin believes in the direction of this team and believes
in terms of what they have going forward for the
last step of this season. And I think it's important
as well not to make any rash decisions, not to
give up a lot of trade capital, especially when we're
bringing the draft to Pittsburgh next year.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
So I'm very happy with where we are sitting.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
We've obviously got a big few weeks ahead, and while
we have no trade deadline situation to talk, I think
we're in a good position. It was interesting for me
as good as the defense was to get a number
of different defensive stops, the first defensive stops from Dublin.
I think that really puts an energy on this defense
and it gives them the motivation that you could argue
(03:15):
that they need after what's been a couple of disappointing performances.
When you don't play well, it can be hard to
get yourself up, to get yourself motivated. And I think
it's very very important to see just how this team
have really progressed and how they have allowed themselves to
take that time, take that energy, and frankly, if you
think of how we were thinking going into this game,
(03:37):
I wasn't confident. I did not think we were going
to have a dominant game. I thought the Colts would
make it very difficult. We've known how much points the
Colts have put up on the board throughout the season.
And to see multiple defensive stops, to see strips, to
see Daniel Jones give up the ball at least three times,
to see different turnovers, I think that's very very positive
(03:58):
for all of us, regardless of some of the struggles
that we have had. It's so satisfying to see the
direction the strength that this team is taking. You know,
I look at how Wilson was there, I look at
how Joey Porter was there in front of his father,
and to see that anniversary of the Super Bowl winning
team there, How cool was that? Even if you're not
a Steelers fan, as an NFL fan, to see those
(04:20):
guys come in and to see these guys perform in
front of them, it really felt to me like a
page turning performance this week and long may that continue.
It was very very fun to see and very very
fun to actually watch from home. So look, we've obviously
got a big game coming up this weekend, and one
thing I did want to do, I wanted to chat
(04:42):
to Jimmy because while Jimmy is flying back to Ireland
for Pittsburgh, I know we had a great weekend out there,
and Jimmy, obviously there's a big win for the Steelers
of the weekend before that. What was it like getting
back to Pittsburgh. You're a lifelong Steelers fan. What was
the atmosphere like on game the.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Nick I'm sitting here in Pittsburgh International Airport waiting for
my flight home, just reflecting another incredible weekend in the
steel City. It's always a pleasure and always a privilege
to get over here for a Steelers home game and
to see them in action in Akroschuur Stadium. It never
really is. I mean, I think I must be the
Steelers lucky charm at this stage or something, because I'm
two for two in Akroschuur Stadium for Steelers' home games,
(05:23):
and just I mean, it's never really a bad time
in Pittsburgh if the fans are so passionate about the
Steelers that the atmosphere and for the build up to
the game outside and then in the stadium was incredible.
I still think I've said this a few times. I
still think the Dublin game has kind of ruined all
games for me moving forward because it was just so good.
But home games at Akroschuur Stadium are special when you
(05:46):
see the passion of you know, the passion of the fans.
They love their black and goal. So look, it really
was a fantastic day overall. Great weather as well, which
which always helps. It hasn't been a single drop of
rain here since we landed, so we'll definitely be back
in the future. And luckily we've got a good performance
as well, especially from the defense. Still, you know, a
(06:07):
few things to do on offense, I think a few
tweaks to make there, but defense stood uphen they were
needed and put on a a big show. So it's
a look. Can't follow the single thing really about the weekend.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
What impressed you from the game and what would you
like to see tweaked going forward.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
I think what impressed me most make about the Steelers'
performance this weekend was the defense. I know there have
been a lot of question marks around the unit given
their previous performances against the Bengals and then against the Packers.
Didn't have a single sack against the Packers and were
largely kind of non existent. I felt, especially the front seven,
some issues in the secondary as well with mistackles. But
(06:50):
you know, they completely turned that around against the Colts
on Sunday. Six turnovers in five sacks, the second most
turnovers under Mike Tomlin, which you know, just you know,
just kind of says a lot of them about their
mindset coming in. They knew they needed a big game.
They knew they had to put this team on their back,
especially with the high powered Couls offense coming into town.
(07:12):
You know, special shout out to to I think Peyton
Wilson and Joey Porter Junior in particular deserve special mention.
Joey Porter with his game ceiling intersection as the Colts
were attempting a comeback, and then Peyton Wilson had a
massive game as well with his own interception and then
a tip pass which Jack Sawyer picked off Brandon Echels
(07:33):
that that must pun for turn for a touchdown. I
don't know what the referees were thinking there. That was
a clear touchdown, but look, it wouldn't be. It wouldn't
be an NFL game with had a big missed call.
I think one thing though I would like to see
improved before we traveled to Los Angeles to take on
the Chargers, is we need more dynamicism and offense another
game without breaking one hundred yards. I think we barely
(07:54):
broke fifty yards on the ground rushing, and I do
think that we still are missing a second a true
number two wide receiver Calvin Austin obviously had a good game,
but I still think that we need some more kind
of offensive weapons that are not tight ends for Aaron
Rodgers to be able to go to when he doesn't
have path Ryermuth or DK Metcalf open.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
What sort of keys of the game do you have
ahead of sundon nef fotball as we Jimmy to.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Me the three keys for this game against the Chargers.
Number one is getting in justin Herbert's face and getting
pressure on him. And the Chargers are now missing unfortunately
for them, their two starting tackles and Rushawn Slater and
Joe Olt.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
So if we don't get multiple.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Pressures on him, I think it'll be very disappointing, and
I think the unit will be disappointed in themselves considering,
you know, the number of splash plays that we made
against the Colts in terms of takeaways and sacks and pressures.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Secondly, I think.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
We have to get the running game going early. We
have to lean on the running game. I mean, we
can't have another game without one hundred yards rushing, especially
given the quality of backs that we do have in
Kenneth game well and in Genle and Warren, you know.
So I think we have to lean on the ground
game early. And of course, once you lean on the
(09:11):
ground game and get that movie that opens up the
passing game, we can get DK more involved. I'd like
to see him getting more targets and more touchdowns. And
I think second the offense just has to we have
to find that spark and offense. I mean, we've been
relying so much on our tight ends this year as
pass catchers, obviously because we don't have I suppose anybody
more reliable at the receiving course. So I'd like to
(09:34):
see a bit more firepower and offense. To be honest
with you, I know we scored twenty four points off
turnovers against the Colts, but I think offense. I think
the offense got away with a lot on Sunday because
the defense is playing so well. So I would like
to see our offense step up and to see more
explosive plays from Aaron Rodgers and those guys.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
Thanks very much for joining me. And look, it's one
of those things.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Before I talk about my keys to the game, we'll
look ahead of this game against the Chargers on Sunday
Night Football. Let's hear first off from coach Tomlin in
his weekly press conference on the Irishooters podcast presented by Earnings. Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
The Los Angeles Chargers. I'll start first on their defensive side.
Got a lot of respect for Jesse Minnerman and his
strategic approach to the game. On that side, he does
an awesome job of minimizing big plays. He does an
awesome job of of moving Derwin James around. Derwin is
(10:28):
just he's distraught that stirs to drink for them.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:32):
He plays safety in base He's capable of playing rundown nickel.
He's also capable of playing linebacker and passing circumstances. Minner
does an awesome job of of of of you know,
showing all of his talents in those ways.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
He's a good blitzer, he's a good tackler. His disguise,
his disguises are great. I think they do a nice
job with veterans in the secondary like Jefferson and Dante
Jackson and others who also have to be versatile as
he moves around, and I think oftentimes we don't talk
enough about that. If one person is moving around, it
(11:09):
generally creates challenges for others, and they seem to manage
all of that really really well. At the linebacker spot,
they got a nice blend of older and younger. Perryman
mixed up with Henley Man is a nice tandem. Perryman
has got really good instincts and experience. He's a good
rundown tackler. Henley is a challenge. He's a good athlete.
(11:33):
He's a sideline a sideline tackler former safety that can
see that in his game in terms of his ability
to cover grass and do some of the things that
could be challenging to other linebackers. He's also a really
good blitzer. That's a component of his game that looks
elevated in twenty twenty five relatives to twenty twenty four.
But it's a reasonable expectation to see a young talented
(11:55):
player evolve and evolve in certain areas of his game,
and certainly his blitz game is much more impactful watching
this year's tape than we were than when we were
getting ready to play him a year ago. Their edge
group is the group. They've got talent and depth in
that group. They play as many as four and five
guys along the edge. It's really impressive considering that you know,
(12:19):
Bosa is no longer a member of that group yet
and still is still their deepest and most talented position,
probably on either side of the ball. We got a
lot of people to get ready for their Khalil Max certainly,
former Defensive Player of the Year is one of worth mentioning.
And then Oway is an acquisition from the Ravens who
we have some familiar with certainly, and he's been a
(12:42):
big asset to him since his acquisition. I think he's
had four sacks or so in the last four games.
On the offensive side. Man, It certainly starts with Herbert.
For us, I feel like we caught a flyer a
year ago. He was limited from a mobility perspective when
we played him. I thought it impacted how the game unfolded,
(13:04):
and it allowed us to do some things schematically that
you somewhat hesitant to do if he has full mobility.
I think it nailed him down in the pocket some
and probably limited limited some of the things that they
choose to do schematically, like play action pass and changes
of the launch point, which is certainly a component of
Greg Roman's attack. It was minimized some last year, and
(13:26):
so as I watched tape this year, I'm cognizant of that.
Herbert is extremely talented. He can kill you with his arms.
He certainly can kill you with his legs. He can
kill you with both by by play extension. He has
a complete arsenal of people to throw to. Can't say
enough about their receiver corps. The reacquisition of Keenan Allen
(13:47):
is kind of a lynch pin man. He's a steady eddy.
He's been around Herbert in the past. You can tell
he's certainly a security blanket you you throw him in
with the emergence of Johnson and maconkey Man, they're they're
dangers group, and in recent weeks I'd be I'd probably
be wrong if I didn't mention the emergence of Gats
(14:08):
and the rookie tight end from Syracuse who's really put
together some big time games. His talent is showing. He's
a guy that's capable of some run after He's one
of those unique body types. He's almost an oversized receiver,
if you will. And so we certainly have our hands
full in these one dimensional passing moments, working to minimize
(14:29):
all those eligibles while at the same time respecting the
mobility component of Herbert. I've talked about all those things,
and I certainly hadn't mentioned the run game. And I
better when you're playing with Greg Roman offense, man, you
better be prepared to stand up against the run. They've
had some attrition in the backfield, but it hadn't slowed
down their growth and progress in that area. They drafted
(14:54):
the young runner from North Carolina and in round one,
certainly they acquired naj In free agency, both of those
guys are not available to them, but there's still been
an uptick in their run game, particularly in recent weeks,
is Vidal has found his rhythm. I think he's got
two hundred yard games in the last three weeks. Patterson
last week, in particular, is another young guy. I think
(15:16):
he had about fifty fifty yards rushing on eight or
nine carries, And so you know, there's no rest for
the weary. We got a big game versus a really
good team and their venue. One is talented offensively and
one is talented defensively and in special teams. And so
with that understanding, man were certainly preparing with an edge
(15:37):
this week, and we got some things to sort through
in terms of player availability. I expect that to clear
up as we push through the week and us to
be able to narrow our focus and position ourselves to
be our best.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
It's always good to hear from coach tom I think
the thing that really impressed I mean but coach Tomlan
each week is to hear from him in terms of
how he breaks down not just the prior performance, but
how he breaks down in detail the opponent that he's
going to face. I don't even know where he finds
the time between Sunday and Shuesday to get into the
(16:10):
Ax's nose in this detail, and it's so so impressive,
and it's always great to hear from him. Before I
give my keys to the game and look ahead to
this week's game, let's hear from Aaron Rodgers, who was
on the podium in Wednesday in Pittsburgh. I had of
this Sunday night football game against the LA Chargers on
the Irish Theaters podcast presented by Erlingus.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
And you talked about feeding off things after the last game.
Speaker 4 (16:32):
What were the things you got yet time to go
overfilm that you could do cleaner?
Speaker 2 (16:35):
That would make you, guys speak more complete offense?
Speaker 1 (16:36):
You good?
Speaker 5 (16:38):
Just the details I think could be some of the
really all the players run game, passing game, just a
little things like that. He's the next step from the sager.
I mean, you, guys, we've gone really well in the
reds also the things really well, but then you a
lot of green outs. What's the next step for you guys?
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Speak on the better offers.
Speaker 5 (16:59):
This consistency with the details, Eric, what could you do
to help MBS kind of pick this up quickly? Well?
I can translate, you know, the offense we ran in
Green Bay for a number of years into this offense
for him on a smart guy. He's played a lot
of football, been around a long time, been productive, so
(17:21):
I'm sure we'll pick it up pretty quick. What kind
of challenge is Derwin James brings the safety at different
levels that he plays in that hes yeah, I mean
he plays high safety, the I feel safety, the quarter safety,
the big nickel or a dime linebacker. You can do
it all. I mean, he's one of the top players
in the league, and you can do it at multiple positions.
He can blitz, you can cover, you can tackle. I
(17:42):
mean he's one of the more impressive players you see
on film.
Speaker 4 (17:45):
Aaron, how have you seen the receivers kind of handle
all the outside noise adding a guy or needing a guy?
Speaker 2 (17:50):
And how have you seen the breass a lead?
Speaker 5 (17:53):
I mean that was just yesterday, so I'm not sure.
I haven't heard of peep about any of it. So
not sure.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Were you holding your breath all at the trade up
one yesterday hoping that there would be a move?
Speaker 2 (18:03):
See anybody else brought in?
Speaker 5 (18:05):
You know what I've learned about the trading deadline is
and there's a lot of conversation and rarely is there
a lot of action. Maybe a little bit more of
the last few years, but in my early days there
was hardly ever any roster moves at the deadline. There
were some big ones yesterday, but you know, you feel
pretty good about your guys, and we added Marquest to
(18:26):
the Peace Squad. We've found guys on the Peace Squad
who've been playing for US. Obviously, Keishaan got elevated and
been doing a nice shot for US. Max has done
really good all year, Isaiah has done good. So we've
had guys in the Peace Squad step of every single
week and play and there'll be no difference this week here.
Know that does the versatility have the tight ends to
also maybe make it not as urgent a need to
(18:46):
find whatever people define as number two? Yeah, I mean
that's a lot of outside talk. You got to look
at the way we're playing and the personnel groupings that
we like. You know, we're a multiple personnel team. We
were a lot of guys out there. We had an
offensive lineman played a lot of snaps obviously, Darnella plays
a lot of snaps, and Johnny mcpatt and Connor gets
(19:08):
in there on some plays, rotating three different backs, a
lot of different receivers, so we're not a big three
receiver team in general. And you know, Calvin's come back
and played really well for US. Roman's been more consistent,
So there was probably more noise outside of the facility
than maybe inside of facility.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Great to hear from Arn Rodgers on the Irish Theaters
podcast prevented by Erling.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
I think the reality is when you're going up.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
Against the Chargers team that is actually losing their two
starting tackles. Joe Walt is out for the season of
an injury, and they've tried to actually bring in a guy.
I've brought in Trevor Penning after the three deadline, and
this is via one of the wait until lists actually
happening to talk about it. But to see Trevor Penning
coming as interesting. He hasn't lived up to the high, high,
(19:59):
high aspect that I have certainly had for him. But
he is a very regular player, and you know Penny
is really going to get to the test when they
go up against the Steelers this weekend. There's no doubt
about it. You know, this is this is in a
way a game for the Steelers. They're on the road again,
They're going out to the West Coast when you're in
Sunday night football and when you are up against it
(20:21):
and when you are expected to put a performance in,
especially after beating the team they got, Colts team. You know,
I'm going to be interested to see, first off, how
that Colts team rebinds and regroups. I'm going to see
them in person this weekend in Berlin. Have the Steelers
changed their fortune in terms of how the Colts will play?
Have they brought their confidence down a bit? And that's
a valid conversation on this podcast. Why because the way
(20:42):
the Steelers are playing now, you know they're looking to
playoff football here and you know, touch with We hope
that happens, and we hope that continues down for the
next few weeks. But if we were to face the
Colts again in the playoffs, we have seen that we
can get at that team. So it'll be interesting to
see how they picked themselves up when they go to
Butlin this weekend. I really and I say it most
(21:02):
weeks now, but I really really do mean it.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
This weekend.
Speaker 1 (21:05):
You know, this could be a massive game for our
past rush r TG at WAD. He gets to go
up against an offensive line which is not just struggling
in terms of the availability.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
That they have.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
But they have allowed the highest pressure with in the
league so far this year.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
That's not good.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
And what is five sacks, six tackles, two force fumbles,
and an interception along with four past deflections this season.
You know this is an issue for the Chargers and
they're already allowing the highest pressure we have per dropback
at twenty six point five percent. And it's going to
be on our defense to create pressure in Justin Herbert
(21:42):
and that is going to be the key to this
game for me. I think another key factor is and
I think when you look at accountability and when you
talk about how this team wants to improve, want to
get better. Yes, we won the game last week, but
when you hear a guy like Aaron Rodgers out and
publicly say that not just him, but the entire team
(22:04):
needs to do better. The offense needs to do better.
At first off, he's correct. The offense does need to
do better. We need to get more passing yards, we
need to run the ball more, and we need to
find a way to get out of it. Because the
one thing for all we can say with the Chargers
having difficulty on that offensive line. We know that they're
going to find ways to get points up on the board.
We know how good Justin Herbert is. We know the
(22:24):
weapons that he has with him, but we have weapons
as well. If you look at the whiteouts that we have,
if you look at how Washington has commitm with a
tight end situation, we know big Friar move can make plays.
I expect to see a full on, big battle on
Sunday Night football. And I'll leave you with this nice
little nugget. I expect the Steelers to win this game,
but I expect to see an improved offensive performance and
(22:47):
performance where we put up upwards of thirty points against
the Chargers, which is a big bull statement to make.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
But I can really really see.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Aaron Rodgers this week go out in prime time and
get to that next level.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
I have no doubt about it.
Speaker 1 (23:01):
Because with every week you heard him in the press
conference on this podcast, with every week they're getting better,
where every week he's getting more settled and at the
end of the day, you have reset a lot of
the factors of this team. And for him to come in,
get to week ten and get to the situation, what
a prime performance this could be for him. Really really
excited to see how this Steaeters team can play this weekend.
(23:21):
I'm going to say the Steels win thirty to twenty
seven in a whispered classic in Sunday Night Football. You
got to love when the eyes of not just the US,
but the eyes of the world are on your team
in Sunday Night Football.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
Bring it on. I can't wait to see it, folks.
From me.
Speaker 1 (23:38):
In terms of that there, we're going to have a
bit of a reaction podcast later on on the Monday
or Tuesday after this year, we would love to hear
from you. You can use the hashtag Steeters Ireland. The
Jackets out in different forms of social media such as
x and also Instagram. If you use the hashtag Steers
Ireland or well, if you want to reach out to
me and let me know how you feel the team
is doing, we would love to have you on.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
So do let me know and we'd love to make
that happen. Four.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Now, just to reminder before we go, because of Sunday
Night Football, you don't just have to watch this game
on NFL Game Pass on the Zone in Ireland or
the UK or Europe. But if you're in Ireland you
can watch the game on Sky Sports NFL this Sunday night,
and if you're somehow in the car, maybe you're driving
back from Berlin on Sunday night late, you can listen
to the game as well on the OTB Sports app.
(24:23):
But from now for Michael mcgidd on the Irishuders podcast,
we have been delighted to chat a little bit of
football and we hope that you enjoy this week because
if you think about it, we haven't got that many
weeks left, especially when we get into these autumn months.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
Enjoy the game, folks.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
Hopefully next week we're talking about a big dub in LA.
Speaker 2 (24:40):
Thanks for now
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