September 19, 2025 • 21 mins
Michael is joined by Jimmy to look back on the week two loss Seattle - and discuss what is a key matchup on the east coast on the road to New England. The guys hear from Coach Tomlin ahead of the matchup!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the big game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Welcome, everybody. You're very welcome into this week's edition of
the Irishtatters podcast presented by er Lingus. We are here
just under ten days now to the NFL game, obviously
in Dubleco Park, Steelers Vikings. Before we do that, we've
(00:53):
got a massive matchup to talk about this weekend. Steelers
obviously going to face the Patriots on the East Coast
before they head over next week. Before we start, folks,
if you haven't got your flight yet, Steelers Nation, it's
time to take flight with Erlingis and official airline partner
of the Pittsburgh Steeters and the founding partner of Steelers Ireland.
There is never now being a better time to book
your trip to Dublin with nineteen North American Gatewiz, including
(01:15):
flights from nearby Cleveland. Get ready for war Irish hospitality,
and plenty of room on board for your terrible tyle,
whether it's a game there or a getaway. Erlingis looks
forward to saying you're very welcome to the players and
fans of the Pittsburgh Steters and you can book now
at erlingus dot com. Season debut. Very very nice to
welcome back mister Jimmy English on this podcast. Jimmy, it's
good to see you again. I know you're very very
(01:37):
excited for what's to come over in the next few weeks.
But how are you doing? First of all, all I'm great.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Mick devided to be back in the podcast if heels
like forever since we were last here talking Steeters football
with yourself, you say ten days there. I still can't
believe that it's almost here. It's going to be an
absolutely magical you know, a couple of days in the
city center, seeing all the Steers fans coming coming across
for the game, and also welcoming the wider European and
(02:06):
international NFL community to Dublin. So really really looking forward
to it. It's going to be an absolute blast. And yeah,
we're gonna have a game in our hands and Crow
Park against the Vikings, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
I can't wait to talk about that. At a different
spot that I asked, I asked the of this obviously Heimateuruman,
like lifelong Steaders fan, you live and you're from quite
close to new what does the prospect and I know
we've got weekly coming up before we talk about that,
what does the prospect of next week mean to you
as a fan outside of all the hoopla?
Speaker 3 (02:37):
And it's lucky, It's just it's it's kind of a culmination,
mick of I suppose NFL fandom in Ireland have to
get our very own game here. And it's somebody who's
been watching the game for our god knows how long
at this stage, and so I was since I was
a teenager. It's it's gonna be a very very special
moment when the Seders touchdown in Ireland. And I just
(02:59):
I've been dreaming about this day since I was a
young fan and walking out into the field under the
sideline crow Park. It's just going to be incredibly special.
So I don't know how many more ways I can
say how special it's going to be, like, it's just.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Going to be.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
I think, and I think I speak for a lot
of a lot of NFL fans in Ireland, another majority
of NFL fans in Ireland when I say that, it's
just it's something we've all been waited for. It something
we've all been looking forward to, even now for so long.
So when it does arrive, hopefully we'll be able to
just relish it and cherish it and it'll be a
(03:35):
lasting memory that we all have for the rest of
our lives.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Bengal, you couldn't said that any better month. If we
look back in week two, me and the were very
optimistic last week in the podcast and when it came
to it, when it came down to it, obviously, look,
you can win, you can lose, you can tie. In
week two, obviously a thirty one and seventeen loss in
the home opener Lacacheur against against Seattle. Jimmy, you never
(04:00):
want to lose a game, especially when it's so early
into the season. What was your sort of thoughts on it,
because for me, it was certainly like you know, definitely
when in feeling very positive about it, and it did
seem to sort of go away towards that, you know,
at the end of the third, start of the fourth,
and it looked already at that point like it was
one of those games where it just wasn't going to happen,
especially when it went to twenty four to fourteen. I
(04:22):
guess in one sense, obviously, Look, you can't hide away
from the fact that there's disappointment there. Of course I
feel that as well. But I think for any team,
whether you're two and oho right now, I row on two.
It's the start of the season. It's going to take time.
That Jaley got a new quarterback. But obviously you want
to come back to that very very quickly. What was
your faults on the game?
Speaker 3 (04:41):
Well, I think, Michael, you know, we had a great
win against the Jets in New Jersey in Week one.
I mean, a fantastic battle, two quarterbacks going at two.
You know, good teams going at it, and obviously it
wasn't perfect. You know, a lot of things that needed
to be cleaned up, which I had hoped anticipated we
would have done for the home opener against Seattle. So
(05:04):
there was definitely a feeling of positively in my side
going into that game. You know, Aaron Rodgers, you know,
showed he was reeling back the years in the game
against the Jets. So the offense showing a lot of
potential defense, you know, a few things to clean up.
So to suffer that loss against Seattle was quite disappointing,
but look, it is early days in the season. We're
(05:25):
one on one now. I think some of the things
that that jumped out of me, you know that that
our top priority used to be fixed as soon as possible,
our first and foremost pass protection. Aaron Rodgers obviously has
a great arm. You know, he's he's a surefire Hall
of Fame quarterback, but he's not as mobile as he
once was. And while he was able to evade pressure
(05:47):
when it mattered against the Seahawks, he still took four sacks.
That's eight sacks now in two games, which is just
not good enough when you're when you're trying to orchestra
a new offense and get you know, fitted into a
new offense, So offensive line definitely needs to play better,
and then run defense as well. I mean, the Steelers
proude themselves on smash meouw football stopping the run, stuff
(06:08):
in the run, and I know TJ. Watt came out
after the game and said, we have you know, the
defense had to be better stopping the run. There was
one point where kena Walker just dancing into the end
zone in the fourth quarter, and I suppose struck a
dagger into the hearts of any comeback attempts. So those
are the glaring I think priorities that need to be
addressed going into this game against the pat against the Patriots,
(06:32):
and then look, Caleb Johnson, We're not going to dwell
on that incident too much, but I think that but we.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Can't ignore it either, Like we can't ignore it, can we?
Like I mean I fell for the guy, you know,
especially in the home opener as well, but you know
I felt for Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
I mean, it looks it's you can kind of give
him some sort of some sort of benefit of the doubt,
but again, he can't have mistakes like that in the NFL.
And that really did kind of scupper I think that
was the beginning of the end for US against the Seahawks.
The Seahawks got a massive momentum swing. Obviously the air
went out of the crowd. They're and acroture, so look
(07:07):
a lot to clean up. But again there are I
mean there was, there's plenty of right spots as well.
You know, our backup linebackers played incredibly well. Nick Kerbick
had his first career interception. Jack Sawyer had his first
career sack as a rookie. I mean, so definitely lots
to be optimistic about. But I would give I would
give us honestly, I've had to give a letter grade
(07:27):
or would give this steeers a C minus right now
and had the season has started, So if you can
bring it up to a B against the Patriots, I'll
be much happier.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
We'll definitely take it for people listening as well. And
just in terms of what Jimmy said with Jack Sawyer
at College Football National Champion with Ohio State last week
there against the Sea, six tackles for solo, two tackles
for lost, one sack. That was one guy that we
talked about Jimmy on a group chat. Just so we're
talking about sort of some of the positives from the game,
I felt like, not strange, but I guess now whenever
(07:57):
you don't have the luxury of having some sort of
preseason snaps, and it's one of the things we talked
about one in the week one as well. You know,
you don't know how this offense is gonna work, so yeah,
it does take time to gel. Obviously, as I said,
Sawyer a big, big spot on this team, and I'd like,
I'm not saying he's an elite player, but certainly was
very very you know, he performed very well against the
(08:17):
actually like sort of go completely agree with in terms
of her big fantastic to see and it's almost madd
you sort of expect him to have got that before,
but to see his first one, especially at home, is great. Look,
we're we're gonna talk about it obviously on the over
end of hearing from coach Tomlin here before we look
ahead of this Patriots game, Jimmy, But for me, like,
did you not find that as an NFL fan, did
(08:38):
you not find it absolutely crazy that Aron Rodgers was
under center? And look, regardless of a result, if looking
at the whole season over eighteen weeks, he looks still
very mobile. He's got a lot of speed for a
guy in his forties. Definitely promising there if we can
get those things together.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Now, yeah, absolutely. I mean he was even the commentary
team on for the game, we're saying how he was
rolling back the years and showing flashes of his old self.
So it was great to see. I mean, I still
haven't gotten used to see the seeing Aaron Rodgers wearing
the black and goal. To be perfectly honest with you,
hopefully by the time that Dublin game comes around, we'll
have out of adjusted to having Aaron Rodgers as the
(09:14):
Steelers quarterback. But he definitely brings potential to the offense,
especially with the addition of a weapon like DK Metcalf,
who you know we saw got his first his first
career touchdown as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I
would definitely like to see DK stretch the field a
lot more. I think that's where he was. He was
brought in to be a deep threat, to be our
(09:34):
number one wide receiver and to give us, you know,
that that kind of that act, that that that weapon
that he that he provides as a receiver. So but
I think in order for that relationship between Aaron Rodgers
and DK to Gel Rogers is going to need a
lot more time in the pockets. So again, lots to
be positive about, but definitely lots to improve. But yeah, look, look,
(09:57):
you have your future Hall of Famer with the resume
Aaron Rodgers has as your signal caller under center. You
have to like our chances for the rest of the season.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
I couldn't agree more. Let's look ahead at this pictures game.
You give our picks, give our keys, and give our thoughts.
After hearing from coach Tomlin's weekly press conference ahead of
this big week for the game on the road to New.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
England, certainly there's some things, you know. I often say
two is a pattern, and we've got two games under
our belt, and so I see some things that certainly
need our attention, and so I'm excited about getting to work.
As far as the game and how it unfolded, it
was less than stellar in a lot of areas, but
we certainly had an opportunity to win until the deep
(10:42):
pump moments of the game, and certainly I thought it
was some significant plays that really shaped how that game
unfolded down the stretch offensively after that big play to Jalen.
We turned the ball over in the tight red. We
spent a lot of time working in the tight red
as an offensive unit because we realize how significant that
space is in terms of determining unit performance and thus
(11:05):
the outcome of games. We oftentimes talk about it searching
for the four point swing. We don't want to settle
for field goals as an offense. We certainly want to
make our opponents settle for field goals as a defense
in that space. But as you know, we turned the
ball over, and I thought that was really significant in
terms of how the game unfolded. You know, on a
(11:26):
special team, certainly the lack of judgment by a young
return man was a significant play in the game. Is
as I mentioned after the game, a lot of times, man,
when you're in close ball games, particularly early in the year,
there's a play in that space, in that special team
space that often shapes or turns a game. It helped
(11:46):
us in a positive way with the play by Kenny
Gamewell with the Jets, and certainly the game the other day,
it was a never negative outcome. I thought our defense
wore down some, particularly as the game went on. We
had to desire to improve our run defense, and I thought,
particularly initially we did, but as an attrition component to
(12:07):
the game, and our lives got a little thin at
various points in the game. I thought we felt the
effects of that. I know certainly we were somewhat limited
with some of the schematics that we would like to
deploy because we had some new people in there, and
we're relatively new to this season, and so we weren't
as good as I'd like for us to be in
terms of our midstream adjusting in terms of some of
(12:30):
those things. And so I'm excited about getting a collective
back to work here with a six day preparation cycle
and an effort to address some of those things.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Good to hear from coach tomat on the Irishoaters podcast
presented by Erlingus. And obviously a lot of TV stuff
going on. It was nice this week that the Steelers
Vikings gave in Week four will be on Virgin Media
one for fans across that in the Ireland. Obviously you
can watch that game next weekend on Channel five even
Northern Ireland on across the Sky Sports NFL as well,
but for fans this weekend, Steelers Patriots a key Week
three game. Now steae are sitting one on one on
(13:03):
the season after two weeks. Jimmy, this game is going
to be on sky Sports this weekend at six o'clock.
I believe part nfl UK it's going to be on
the sky Sports Football channel, so a little different football
for those people in that channel this week. Did you
get a chance to catch much of the Patriots Dolphins
game of Week two because I actually watched that on
one of the Channel five broadcast Jimmian. For me, it
(13:23):
was two different elements. We knew going into that game
that the Patriots will be that team famously in September
where they have to stand in the sunlight when Miami
are covered and Lads Florida is no joke heath wise.
I know the Staateers had a very warm time and
when the Pittsburgh in the preseason, but the Patriots really
(13:44):
had a good way out in that game for a
long time. But the Dolphins, Jimmy came back and came
back and came back and nearly took that game. That
being said, we're going up against team this weekend that's
put thirty three points on the board, albeit against the
struggle in Miami Dolphins team, but on the road in
their division, certainly not a team to toy with as
we go in the Week three and really frankly needing
(14:04):
the win to get the two and one to get
that playing in Dublin. What's your thoughts ahead of this game?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
Nick, I didn't actually realize how many weapons the Patriots have.
I mean, you're looking at Trevion Henderson. You know, he's
just such a dynamic running back as and he really
flashedding that game against the dophense as a rookie. He's
got speed, he's got you know, vision, he's and the
way that the Steelers have kind of allowed the run
game to build them them in the past couple of games.
(14:30):
We're gonna have to shoot him down and shut him
down fast along with Ramandre Stevenson. So run defense, you know,
look you can kind of that kind of is negated
by some of the injuries we've had to our defensive starters.
You know, Patrick Queen went down against the Seahawks. Alex
Heismith is out for a few weeks or of high
ankle sprain, and so gaps are gonna have to be
(14:51):
filled on defense there to stop the run. Cam Hayward.
I mean, he's just got missed in the past couple
of games in the middle of that defensive line, as
are some of our big run stoppers. So we need
we need to we need to pull the medical metaphorical
finger out and hopefully coach Tomlin has you know, got
in there and lit a fire under them in practice
this week, because you know, as I said earlier, for
(15:14):
a team that prides himself as run stoppers and as
you know, as a ferocious defense, they have been noticeably
absent in the past couple of weeks. You have also
had the likes of Matt Collins, who played for the
Bills previously. He's a he's a great wide receiver. So
I'm Stefan Diggs, who mightn't be in his prime anymore,
but it's still instead a threat. And so again we're
(15:35):
gonna have our hands full, you know, with pass defense
as well. And again some injuries to the likes of
Joey Porter and Deshaun Elliotts, so hopefully they can get
healthy and come back. So defense is gonna have to
just gonna have to magically reappear against the Patriots on
Sunday afternoon. Sunday Evening offense. You know, again I said
earlier past protection is absolutely key here. We have to
(15:56):
give Rogers enough time to find his receivers downfield. Gen
Larren has been great in the passing game the past
couple of weeks. I'd like to see our run game
get a few more yards. He is obviously there our
number one running back now our future back, and he
look he's greater running between the tackles. He has an
additional burst, he has the strength. So I think our
(16:17):
offensive line has two jobs to do this weekend against
the Patriots, first and foremost keeping Aaron Rodgers upright and
off the ground, but also making coals for Jalen Larreen
to rack up some yards. So there's definitely work to
be done on both sides of the ball, and hopefully
we won't be relying too often on the boot of
of Boswell.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
I think you've sort of put it there very very
well in terms of everything covered with the bass with
offense and defense. For me, certainly, it's like an edition
of Madden twenty two. For anybody that's deep in their
NFL fantasy leagues right now. You know, guys like Austin
Hooper guys like as you mentioned, Stephan Diggs not forgetting
as well Hunter Henry, a guy that Drake May relied
on so much last year. So it's one of those
(17:00):
things like I think it's important to say the people
that are listening and maybe as well people and you're very,
very welcome if you are, if you're getting into this
over the next few weeks. Because of the game coming
to Dublin, this is not going to be an easy test.
We know that New England have obviously a new head
coach and Vabel obviously a legend around those parts. They're
going to obviously want to win this game and they're
gonna want to put a statement down against an Aaron
Rodgers led offense. And I look at how to even
(17:24):
though he struggled at times last week, if I think
you have an interception against the Patriots as well, he
still was able. He had a pretty good completion average
just in terms of percentages, but still was able to
get three hundred and fifteen yards in the day. And
I guess if we start off Jimmy with our keys
to the game here each before we make our game picks,
like it's obviously going to be a bit stopping Drake May.
But if we can see over two games that there
(17:47):
are teams there that can get you know, yards, get
points up against the Patriots, this is going to be
a game where we have to not just rely on
the run, but we have to see an enhanced version
or a more comfortable version. I guess than Week two
of Aaron Rodgers were those third down passes, those second
and short yard of situations where they weren't maybe followed
through last week, and ater sure they're followed through this
week because we both know what happens if Drake May
(18:10):
gets off to a good start, if that count tossco
goes their way, it could be one that you're fighting
back from from the start. Is there any key to
the game that stands out for you? And if I
say twenty four to seventeen to Pittsburgh and a two
and one record getting on that Erlinka's flight to Dublin,
what's your game pick in that way?
Speaker 3 (18:28):
Yeah, I would definitely take that makeup, I would take
the win at this stage. I think for me, you
mentioned Drake May there and preventing him from getting after
how start, pass rush has been obviously quite absent as well.
You know, the past couple of weeks, I think we've
only think we might only have three sacks across two games.
I'm not entirely sure about that, but TJ. Wat is
(18:49):
going to have to put this defense on his back.
You know, he's the second second highest paid nine quarterback
in the league. He got that massive deal for a reason.
He has a reputation as a game wrecker, and he
hasn't really wrecked any games over the past couple of weeks.
So I would like to see him get more pressure
on Drake, may throw him off his rhythm, prevent him
from selling his feet, and prevent him from, you know,
(19:12):
stopping from making us being able to make those big
plays down the field. So pass rush is going to
be the key to the game here, and I think
just playing the stake free football mental errors cost us
against the Seahawks. Calvin Austin obviously had a drop in
the end zone the resulted in a Seahawks interception last
week in Acroshure. So just things like that, playing steak
(19:33):
free football is going to be absolutely crucial to this one.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Aaron Rodgers has only played against the Patriots in the
regular season six times, and I fully agree with what
you're saying with Calvin Austin as well and trying to
utilize him. He has a very important year ahead as
we all know. Contractionly wise, did you give again pick?
Do you want to give a score before we go?
Speaker 3 (19:53):
I'm gonna go with the Steelers just about winning this
one and I'm gonna go Pittsburgh Steelters twenty one, New
England Patriots fourteen.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
I love it. Just to let people know that this
game is only on Sky Sports this weekend. It is
not on NFL Game Passed on the Zone. If you're
in Ireland or in the UK, you can listen to
the game as well on OTB Sports Radio. Jimmy, we
will see you at some stage next week in Dublin
and you're gonna be very very excited. Hopefully we see
and hopefully you see a lot of people listening to
this podcast with a two to one record and folks
(20:25):
wh use a hashtag Steers Ireland to get involved, especially
over the next week. But for now, here we go.
Thanks millionaire for your time.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Irish Airline Aerlingus will proudly serve as the presenting partner
of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Fungus growth in North
America continues in twenty twenty five, as the airline prepares
to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one excel Or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(21:14):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with their Lingus air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the big game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Welcome, everybody. You're very welcome into this week's edition of
the Irishtatters podcast presented by er Lingus. We are here
just under ten days now to the NFL game, obviously
in Dubleco Park, Steelers Vikings. Before we do that, we've
(00:53):
got a massive matchup to talk about this weekend. Steelers
obviously going to face the Patriots on the East Coast
before they head over next week. Before we start, folks,
if you haven't got your flight yet, Steelers Nation, it's
time to take flight with Erlingis and official airline partner
of the Pittsburgh Steeters and the founding partner of Steelers Ireland.
There is never now being a better time to book
your trip to Dublin with nineteen North American Gatewiz, including
(01:15):
flights from nearby Cleveland. Get ready for war Irish hospitality,
and plenty of room on board for your terrible tyle,
whether it's a game there or a getaway. Erlingis looks
forward to saying you're very welcome to the players and
fans of the Pittsburgh Steters and you can book now
at erlingus dot com. Season debut. Very very nice to
welcome back mister Jimmy English on this podcast. Jimmy, it's
good to see you again. I know you're very very
(01:37):
excited for what's to come over in the next few weeks.
But how are you doing? First of all, all I'm great.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Mick devided to be back in the podcast if heels
like forever since we were last here talking Steeters football
with yourself, you say ten days there. I still can't
believe that it's almost here. It's going to be an
absolutely magical you know, a couple of days in the
city center, seeing all the Steers fans coming coming across
for the game, and also welcoming the wider European and
(02:06):
international NFL community to Dublin. So really really looking forward
to it. It's going to be an absolute blast. And yeah,
we're gonna have a game in our hands and Crow
Park against the Vikings, that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
I can't wait to talk about that. At a different
spot that I asked, I asked the of this obviously Heimateuruman,
like lifelong Steaders fan, you live and you're from quite
close to new what does the prospect and I know
we've got weekly coming up before we talk about that,
what does the prospect of next week mean to you
as a fan outside of all the hoopla?
Speaker 3 (02:37):
And it's lucky, It's just it's it's kind of a culmination,
mick of I suppose NFL fandom in Ireland have to
get our very own game here. And it's somebody who's
been watching the game for our god knows how long
at this stage, and so I was since I was
a teenager. It's it's gonna be a very very special
moment when the Seders touchdown in Ireland. And I just
(02:59):
I've been dreaming about this day since I was a
young fan and walking out into the field under the
sideline crow Park. It's just going to be incredibly special.
So I don't know how many more ways I can
say how special it's going to be, like, it's just.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Going to be.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
I think, and I think I speak for a lot
of a lot of NFL fans in Ireland, another majority
of NFL fans in Ireland when I say that, it's
just it's something we've all been waited for. It something
we've all been looking forward to, even now for so long.
So when it does arrive, hopefully we'll be able to
just relish it and cherish it and it'll be a
(03:35):
lasting memory that we all have for the rest of
our lives.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Bengal, you couldn't said that any better month. If we
look back in week two, me and the were very
optimistic last week in the podcast and when it came
to it, when it came down to it, obviously, look,
you can win, you can lose, you can tie. In
week two, obviously a thirty one and seventeen loss in
the home opener Lacacheur against against Seattle. Jimmy, you never
(04:00):
want to lose a game, especially when it's so early
into the season. What was your sort of thoughts on it,
because for me, it was certainly like you know, definitely
when in feeling very positive about it, and it did
seem to sort of go away towards that, you know,
at the end of the third, start of the fourth,
and it looked already at that point like it was
one of those games where it just wasn't going to happen,
especially when it went to twenty four to fourteen. I
(04:22):
guess in one sense, obviously, Look, you can't hide away
from the fact that there's disappointment there. Of course I
feel that as well. But I think for any team,
whether you're two and oho right now, I row on two.
It's the start of the season. It's going to take time.
That Jaley got a new quarterback. But obviously you want
to come back to that very very quickly. What was
your faults on the game?
Speaker 3 (04:41):
Well, I think, Michael, you know, we had a great
win against the Jets in New Jersey in Week one.
I mean, a fantastic battle, two quarterbacks going at two.
You know, good teams going at it, and obviously it
wasn't perfect. You know, a lot of things that needed
to be cleaned up, which I had hoped anticipated we
would have done for the home opener against Seattle. So
(05:04):
there was definitely a feeling of positively in my side
going into that game. You know, Aaron Rodgers, you know,
showed he was reeling back the years in the game
against the Jets. So the offense showing a lot of
potential defense, you know, a few things to clean up.
So to suffer that loss against Seattle was quite disappointing,
but look, it is early days in the season. We're
(05:25):
one on one now. I think some of the things
that that jumped out of me, you know that that
our top priority used to be fixed as soon as possible,
our first and foremost pass protection. Aaron Rodgers obviously has
a great arm. You know, he's he's a surefire Hall
of Fame quarterback, but he's not as mobile as he
once was. And while he was able to evade pressure
(05:47):
when it mattered against the Seahawks, he still took four sacks.
That's eight sacks now in two games, which is just
not good enough when you're when you're trying to orchestra
a new offense and get you know, fitted into a
new offense, So offensive line definitely needs to play better,
and then run defense as well. I mean, the Steelers
proude themselves on smash meouw football stopping the run, stuff
(06:08):
in the run, and I know TJ. Watt came out
after the game and said, we have you know, the
defense had to be better stopping the run. There was
one point where kena Walker just dancing into the end
zone in the fourth quarter, and I suppose struck a
dagger into the hearts of any comeback attempts. So those
are the glaring I think priorities that need to be
addressed going into this game against the pat against the Patriots,
(06:32):
and then look, Caleb Johnson, We're not going to dwell
on that incident too much, but I think that but we.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Can't ignore it either, Like we can't ignore it, can we?
Like I mean I fell for the guy, you know,
especially in the home opener as well, but you know
I felt for Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
I mean, it looks it's you can kind of give
him some sort of some sort of benefit of the doubt,
but again, he can't have mistakes like that in the NFL.
And that really did kind of scupper I think that
was the beginning of the end for US against the Seahawks.
The Seahawks got a massive momentum swing. Obviously the air
went out of the crowd. They're and acroture, so look
(07:07):
a lot to clean up. But again there are I
mean there was, there's plenty of right spots as well.
You know, our backup linebackers played incredibly well. Nick Kerbick
had his first career interception. Jack Sawyer had his first
career sack as a rookie. I mean, so definitely lots
to be optimistic about. But I would give I would
give us honestly, I've had to give a letter grade
(07:27):
or would give this steeers a C minus right now
and had the season has started, So if you can
bring it up to a B against the Patriots, I'll
be much happier.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
We'll definitely take it for people listening as well. And
just in terms of what Jimmy said with Jack Sawyer
at College Football National Champion with Ohio State last week
there against the Sea, six tackles for solo, two tackles
for lost, one sack. That was one guy that we
talked about Jimmy on a group chat. Just so we're
talking about sort of some of the positives from the game,
I felt like, not strange, but I guess now whenever
(07:57):
you don't have the luxury of having some sort of
preseason snaps, and it's one of the things we talked
about one in the week one as well. You know,
you don't know how this offense is gonna work, so yeah,
it does take time to gel. Obviously, as I said,
Sawyer a big, big spot on this team, and I'd like,
I'm not saying he's an elite player, but certainly was
very very you know, he performed very well against the
(08:17):
actually like sort of go completely agree with in terms
of her big fantastic to see and it's almost madd
you sort of expect him to have got that before,
but to see his first one, especially at home, is great. Look,
we're we're gonna talk about it obviously on the over
end of hearing from coach Tomlin here before we look
ahead of this Patriots game, Jimmy, But for me, like,
did you not find that as an NFL fan, did
(08:38):
you not find it absolutely crazy that Aron Rodgers was
under center? And look, regardless of a result, if looking
at the whole season over eighteen weeks, he looks still
very mobile. He's got a lot of speed for a
guy in his forties. Definitely promising there if we can
get those things together.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Now, yeah, absolutely. I mean he was even the commentary
team on for the game, we're saying how he was
rolling back the years and showing flashes of his old self.
So it was great to see. I mean, I still
haven't gotten used to see the seeing Aaron Rodgers wearing
the black and goal. To be perfectly honest with you,
hopefully by the time that Dublin game comes around, we'll
have out of adjusted to having Aaron Rodgers as the
(09:14):
Steelers quarterback. But he definitely brings potential to the offense,
especially with the addition of a weapon like DK Metcalf,
who you know we saw got his first his first
career touchdown as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I
would definitely like to see DK stretch the field a
lot more. I think that's where he was. He was
brought in to be a deep threat, to be our
(09:34):
number one wide receiver and to give us, you know,
that that kind of that act, that that that weapon
that he that he provides as a receiver. So but
I think in order for that relationship between Aaron Rodgers
and DK to Gel Rogers is going to need a
lot more time in the pockets. So again, lots to
be positive about, but definitely lots to improve. But yeah, look, look,
(09:57):
you have your future Hall of Famer with the resume
Aaron Rodgers has as your signal caller under center. You
have to like our chances for the rest of the season.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
I couldn't agree more. Let's look ahead at this pictures game.
You give our picks, give our keys, and give our thoughts.
After hearing from coach Tomlin's weekly press conference ahead of
this big week for the game on the road to New.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
England, certainly there's some things, you know. I often say
two is a pattern, and we've got two games under
our belt, and so I see some things that certainly
need our attention, and so I'm excited about getting to work.
As far as the game and how it unfolded, it
was less than stellar in a lot of areas, but
we certainly had an opportunity to win until the deep
(10:42):
pump moments of the game, and certainly I thought it
was some significant plays that really shaped how that game
unfolded down the stretch offensively after that big play to Jalen.
We turned the ball over in the tight red. We
spent a lot of time working in the tight red
as an offensive unit because we realize how significant that
space is in terms of determining unit performance and thus
(11:05):
the outcome of games. We oftentimes talk about it searching
for the four point swing. We don't want to settle
for field goals as an offense. We certainly want to
make our opponents settle for field goals as a defense
in that space. But as you know, we turned the
ball over, and I thought that was really significant in
terms of how the game unfolded. You know, on a
(11:26):
special team, certainly the lack of judgment by a young
return man was a significant play in the game. Is
as I mentioned after the game, a lot of times, man,
when you're in close ball games, particularly early in the year,
there's a play in that space, in that special team
space that often shapes or turns a game. It helped
(11:46):
us in a positive way with the play by Kenny
Gamewell with the Jets, and certainly the game the other day,
it was a never negative outcome. I thought our defense
wore down some, particularly as the game went on. We
had to desire to improve our run defense, and I thought,
particularly initially we did, but as an attrition component to
(12:07):
the game, and our lives got a little thin at
various points in the game. I thought we felt the
effects of that. I know certainly we were somewhat limited
with some of the schematics that we would like to
deploy because we had some new people in there, and
we're relatively new to this season, and so we weren't
as good as I'd like for us to be in
terms of our midstream adjusting in terms of some of
(12:30):
those things. And so I'm excited about getting a collective
back to work here with a six day preparation cycle
and an effort to address some of those things.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Good to hear from coach tomat on the Irishoaters podcast
presented by Erlingus. And obviously a lot of TV stuff
going on. It was nice this week that the Steelers
Vikings gave in Week four will be on Virgin Media
one for fans across that in the Ireland. Obviously you
can watch that game next weekend on Channel five even
Northern Ireland on across the Sky Sports NFL as well,
but for fans this weekend, Steelers Patriots a key Week
three game. Now steae are sitting one on one on
(13:03):
the season after two weeks. Jimmy, this game is going
to be on sky Sports this weekend at six o'clock.
I believe part nfl UK it's going to be on
the sky Sports Football channel, so a little different football
for those people in that channel this week. Did you
get a chance to catch much of the Patriots Dolphins
game of Week two because I actually watched that on
one of the Channel five broadcast Jimmian. For me, it
(13:23):
was two different elements. We knew going into that game
that the Patriots will be that team famously in September
where they have to stand in the sunlight when Miami
are covered and Lads Florida is no joke heath wise.
I know the Staateers had a very warm time and
when the Pittsburgh in the preseason, but the Patriots really
(13:44):
had a good way out in that game for a
long time. But the Dolphins, Jimmy came back and came
back and came back and nearly took that game. That
being said, we're going up against team this weekend that's
put thirty three points on the board, albeit against the
struggle in Miami Dolphins team, but on the road in
their division, certainly not a team to toy with as
we go in the Week three and really frankly needing
(14:04):
the win to get the two and one to get
that playing in Dublin. What's your thoughts ahead of this game?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
Nick, I didn't actually realize how many weapons the Patriots have.
I mean, you're looking at Trevion Henderson. You know, he's
just such a dynamic running back as and he really
flashedding that game against the dophense as a rookie. He's
got speed, he's got you know, vision, he's and the
way that the Steelers have kind of allowed the run
game to build them them in the past couple of games.
(14:30):
We're gonna have to shoot him down and shut him
down fast along with Ramandre Stevenson. So run defense, you know,
look you can kind of that kind of is negated
by some of the injuries we've had to our defensive starters.
You know, Patrick Queen went down against the Seahawks. Alex
Heismith is out for a few weeks or of high
ankle sprain, and so gaps are gonna have to be
(14:51):
filled on defense there to stop the run. Cam Hayward.
I mean, he's just got missed in the past couple
of games in the middle of that defensive line, as
are some of our big run stoppers. So we need
we need to we need to pull the medical metaphorical
finger out and hopefully coach Tomlin has you know, got
in there and lit a fire under them in practice
this week, because you know, as I said earlier, for
(15:14):
a team that prides himself as run stoppers and as
you know, as a ferocious defense, they have been noticeably
absent in the past couple of weeks. You have also
had the likes of Matt Collins, who played for the
Bills previously. He's a he's a great wide receiver. So
I'm Stefan Diggs, who mightn't be in his prime anymore,
but it's still instead a threat. And so again we're
(15:35):
gonna have our hands full, you know, with pass defense
as well. And again some injuries to the likes of
Joey Porter and Deshaun Elliotts, so hopefully they can get
healthy and come back. So defense is gonna have to
just gonna have to magically reappear against the Patriots on
Sunday afternoon. Sunday Evening offense. You know, again I said
earlier past protection is absolutely key here. We have to
(15:56):
give Rogers enough time to find his receivers downfield. Gen
Larren has been great in the passing game the past
couple of weeks. I'd like to see our run game
get a few more yards. He is obviously there our
number one running back now our future back, and he
look he's greater running between the tackles. He has an
additional burst, he has the strength. So I think our
(16:17):
offensive line has two jobs to do this weekend against
the Patriots, first and foremost keeping Aaron Rodgers upright and
off the ground, but also making coals for Jalen Larreen
to rack up some yards. So there's definitely work to
be done on both sides of the ball, and hopefully
we won't be relying too often on the boot of
of Boswell.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
I think you've sort of put it there very very
well in terms of everything covered with the bass with
offense and defense. For me, certainly, it's like an edition
of Madden twenty two. For anybody that's deep in their
NFL fantasy leagues right now. You know, guys like Austin
Hooper guys like as you mentioned, Stephan Diggs not forgetting
as well Hunter Henry, a guy that Drake May relied
on so much last year. So it's one of those
(17:00):
things like I think it's important to say the people
that are listening and maybe as well people and you're very,
very welcome if you are, if you're getting into this
over the next few weeks. Because of the game coming
to Dublin, this is not going to be an easy test.
We know that New England have obviously a new head
coach and Vabel obviously a legend around those parts. They're
going to obviously want to win this game and they're
gonna want to put a statement down against an Aaron
Rodgers led offense. And I look at how to even
(17:24):
though he struggled at times last week, if I think
you have an interception against the Patriots as well, he
still was able. He had a pretty good completion average
just in terms of percentages, but still was able to
get three hundred and fifteen yards in the day. And
I guess if we start off Jimmy with our keys
to the game here each before we make our game picks,
like it's obviously going to be a bit stopping Drake May.
But if we can see over two games that there
(17:47):
are teams there that can get you know, yards, get
points up against the Patriots, this is going to be
a game where we have to not just rely on
the run, but we have to see an enhanced version
or a more comfortable version. I guess than Week two
of Aaron Rodgers were those third down passes, those second
and short yard of situations where they weren't maybe followed
through last week, and ater sure they're followed through this
week because we both know what happens if Drake May
(18:10):
gets off to a good start, if that count tossco
goes their way, it could be one that you're fighting
back from from the start. Is there any key to
the game that stands out for you? And if I
say twenty four to seventeen to Pittsburgh and a two
and one record getting on that Erlinka's flight to Dublin,
what's your game pick in that way?
Speaker 3 (18:28):
Yeah, I would definitely take that makeup, I would take
the win at this stage. I think for me, you
mentioned Drake May there and preventing him from getting after
how start, pass rush has been obviously quite absent as well.
You know, the past couple of weeks, I think we've
only think we might only have three sacks across two games.
I'm not entirely sure about that, but TJ. Wat is
(18:49):
going to have to put this defense on his back.
You know, he's the second second highest paid nine quarterback
in the league. He got that massive deal for a reason.
He has a reputation as a game wrecker, and he
hasn't really wrecked any games over the past couple of weeks.
So I would like to see him get more pressure
on Drake, may throw him off his rhythm, prevent him
from selling his feet, and prevent him from, you know,
(19:12):
stopping from making us being able to make those big
plays down the field. So pass rush is going to
be the key to the game here, and I think
just playing the stake free football mental errors cost us
against the Seahawks. Calvin Austin obviously had a drop in
the end zone the resulted in a Seahawks interception last
week in Acroshure. So just things like that, playing steak
(19:33):
free football is going to be absolutely crucial to this one.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Aaron Rodgers has only played against the Patriots in the
regular season six times, and I fully agree with what
you're saying with Calvin Austin as well and trying to
utilize him. He has a very important year ahead as
we all know. Contractionly wise, did you give again pick?
Do you want to give a score before we go?
Speaker 3 (19:53):
I'm gonna go with the Steelers just about winning this
one and I'm gonna go Pittsburgh Steelters twenty one, New
England Patriots fourteen.
Speaker 2 (20:04):
I love it. Just to let people know that this
game is only on Sky Sports this weekend. It is
not on NFL Game Passed on the Zone. If you're
in Ireland or in the UK, you can listen to
the game as well on OTB Sports Radio. Jimmy, we
will see you at some stage next week in Dublin
and you're gonna be very very excited. Hopefully we see
and hopefully you see a lot of people listening to
this podcast with a two to one record and folks
(20:25):
wh use a hashtag Steers Ireland to get involved, especially
over the next week. But for now, here we go.
Thanks millionaire for your time.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Irish Airline Aerlingus will proudly serve as the presenting partner
of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Fungus growth in North
America continues in twenty twenty five, as the airline prepares
to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one excel Or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(21:14):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with their Lingus air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Popular Podcasts
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com