September 16, 2024 • 22 mins
Michael, Jimmy and Daibhog return after the Steelers improved to 2-0 on the season, with a win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The win puts the Steelers top of the AFC North. The guys react to the victory and hear from both Coach Tomlin and TJ Watt after the win in the Mile High City! Following unprecedented ticket demand after yet another sold-out Fáilte Steelers Watch Party, presented by Ticketmaster, at Croke Park, we are pleased to open up a new experience for fans at this year’s event! Introducing The Endzone at Croke Park, a separated ticketed space for Steelers and NFL fans who were unable to purchase the sold out Hogan Suite tickets for the Fáilte Steelers Watch Party. The Endzone is a newly developed space inside Croke Park that will provide Steelers fans the ability to watch the Steelers-Colts game together in an American sports bar-styled atmosphere. Fans in The Endzone will have the opportunity to purchase food & beverage and authentic Steelers merchandise. You can buy tickets here: [https://am.ticketmaster.com/crokepark/buy/nflsteelersendz](https://am.ticketmaster.com/crokepark/buy/nflsteelersendz) Here We Go Steelers!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Everybody. Welcome into the Irish Steers Podcast, the podcast for
Pittsburgh Steelers fans on the island of Ireland, eminating to
all of you, not just around the island of Ireland,
but around the world. Michael mcquid, Jimmy English Dialogue McKee
after a stacked week two of the NFL season, coming
to you on a Tuesday, a day or so after
(00:32):
the Steelers go to the Male High City and get
the win over the Denver Broncos. A big win for
the Staeters thirteen to six. Never easy to play in Denver.
I'm sure we'll talk about that in a minute. And Jimmy,
it's great to see you again man. As you said,
it was just before we hit that record button around
twelve days out to this watch party in Croke Park
(00:53):
next weekend, ladsday getting excited. How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
I'm fantastic, Michael, great to be here, Great to see
you lads. As always was a pleasure talking Steelers football.
I know I say it a lot and I genuinely
do mean it. Look, we have a we have a
one for a platform here to reach Steelers fans, not
only in Ireland, then across the world. A bit of
a buzz after the game last night. Look, we got
the win. It wasn't the prettiest win in the world,
(01:18):
but it was a lot more positive I felt than
the week before against the Falcons that west. We got
a touchdown on the board. And look, I was reading
an article earlier on in Steelers dot com and Steelers
tradition is to win ugly, and that's exactly what we
did last night. It was an ugly, hard fought, blue
collar win. It was fantastic. And look, as you and
I said before, we come on, take take it and run.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Take it and run outs every week. I'll take it
every week. I'm gonna talk about it. I'm gonna talk
about the AFC nor January in the week second. But
like to be sitting here to and O and at
the at a minimum, the team going in the Dublin
week four for this watch party two and one hopefully,
so you know, bread in position to be in.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Brilliant Michael, just that I always said, I'm gonna echo
everything Jimmy says. Typical, hard fought, when Steelers football out
of its absolute finest, you know, to be two O
and two really, let's be honest, really tough away fixtuers
open up the season. I don't think we could have
asked for anything more. Of course, there's still things to
pick out, you know, the offense, particularly in the second half,
(02:23):
you know, weren't flying out of the blocks the first
half I was very happy with. But yeah, just to
back up everything you just above said, you couldn't pick
up a better place to go and win the Danver.
It's a difficult place to go. Although you know, there
was a rookie quarterback. He didn't look great, let's be honest,
but we we sort of put the pressure on them
to force them into someone's deck. So I was really
(02:44):
happy with the performance. And to be too know, with
one of the toughest scouts in the NFL, it's a
good place to be. So yeah, I'm bossing.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
The road as well. Let's not discount two. We haven't
had the easiest start of the season, and we were
in two very hostile environments allegedly but all accounts to
start the season, and we've come out smelling like roses
top of the AFC North, which is I mean, we
can we can be as picky as we want, but
the fact is that the Steelers have a winning record.
(03:15):
The first two weeks of the season, So let's keep
it rolling right.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Exactly and down to see You know, Bonex did struggle,
I thought in week two and your banging in terms
of that week one, as we said last week, sort
of situations where a team could easily flounder, and the
Steelers have gone over the line in both games, which
is just awesome to say ahead of this home opener
coming up this weekend, Jimmy, like you mentioned in AFC North,
(03:42):
the Steers now have a two game lead on the
Bengals and the Evens, And I know if we spoke
to anybody within the team or or to coach Thumbman,
they just said, we're taking each week as a time
and it's a long season. Look anytime you've got an
unbeaten run too, and and you're two games up on
your AFC North rivals and one game up on the
Browns as well, who to be to be fair to them,
(04:02):
had you know, a pretty decent performance in Jacksonville, and I'm
sure every one of those teams is going to be
one the watch. You seem how good the Bengals were,
even though they didn't win against the Chiefs, it's still
and it could be crucial, and that massive slit that
we have going into November December, Jimmy against these AFC
North teams a two game streak at the minute. We
got to keep that goal. We got to keep that
(04:23):
and change with these lads.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, it's going to be very interesting to see how
this the rest of the season in the next couple
of weeks unfold, given the fact that we don't start
that our AARC North play for for quite a while yet,
so we have a we have some time to build
up some momentum going into those into those AFC North games,
And like you said, Michael, it's it's strange to see.
(04:45):
I mean, the Ravens lost in shock and against the
Raiders at home, I mean that was crazy to see.
And then to see the fantastic finish, the very close
finish between the Bengals and the Chiefs as well. So
it's fine, Margins, I think we all know what the
AFC North toes like the Steelers are going to have
(05:05):
a target on their backs as well every other team
in that division with each other. So it's going to
be very interesting to see what develops there. Keep an
eye on how our opponents do. But at the same
time we have we have an opportunity to get our
offense right, to start firing a bit more. Look, our
defense is elite. I don't think it's I don't think
it's a stretch to say we have the best defense
(05:27):
in the NFL right now. We just need to get
that offense firing. And I think from what we saw,
I mean there was massive plays yesterday. Justin Fields has
a fantastic connection with George Pickens. We can see that
there was one touchdown call back for the softest offensive
pass interference call I have ever seen in my life.
I still I was shouting at the TV when I
(05:48):
saw I couldn't believe it. And then to have the
the second, the absolute laser that that Justin Fields delivered
the pickings, double coverage, tight window by rights, we should
I had three three scores in that game. So look,
it is there. I think it is coming. It's just
we need to get there faster.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
I was like he was shot on the TV as
well last night and no decision from made a couple
of games as well. It was interesting seeing Davog mentioned
some of the teams in the North there. It's obviously
the Staters podcast but when you see the Ravens lose
at home, it shows you that wins like this are
vital and at the same time, this is probably the
best division of football. Like the Ravens and the Bengals.
(06:30):
For even losing offensively, they look really good at times,
and I think we all know that when it comes
to Davog we're gonna have to be ready for them
down the stretch.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Absolutely, and you know there are no pushovers. Although having
said that, a lot of Ravens fans were chuppering not
lost last year when we lost the Gardner minshew, So
I hope they like them apples, but no, just in
a serious note, it's it's it's hard to win in
this league. I mean the Broncos on paper, you know, realistically,
you know, I don't think they matched up quite well
(07:00):
of us. Obviously with a rookie quarterback, you know, they
haven't got the best offensive weapons coming up against our defense.
It wasn't ever going to be easy for them. And
a massive win on the road really impressed with you know,
the first half, both on offense and defense. They felt
like a sort of tale of two halves. If you're like,
you know, we looked like we were sort of slipping
back into our old ways offensively in the second half.
You know, whether we became slightly you know, too conservative,
(07:22):
or maybe we just knew we could lean on that defense.
You know, it's still a slight concern, but overall much
better offensively and justin fields. You know, I fatally improved
a lot. You know, looked much better than he did
in week one. Had one of the throws of the weekend.
That throw the pickings that Jimmy said down the sideline
was a thing of beauty. But this probably sagues and
the you know, the main negative is clearly the penalties.
(07:42):
I mean, we're actually the second most panelized team in
the league so far. Only the Browns have more more panelized.
Brother Jones specifically, you know, had a bit of a
nightmare and not drive three penalties. You know, you want
to be able to give them the benefit of the doubts,
but because you know, he's still young. But the same time,
look at Troy Fatano, you know, fifty four offensive sacks,
zero sacks allowed, zero poalty. So yeah, this is clearly
(08:03):
somewhere where product needs to improve. But it's something as
a team we just need to improve, you know, we
need to we need to sort of knuckle down on
these penalties. And if we do that, you know, I
don't really see why this team can't go all the way.
As well as that just jumping in just before I
could say, you're ready to jump in, Jimmy, but John
obviously with Pat Barmouth as well, the tight you know,
the tight end of course, big contract. Last week. I
(08:23):
thought he was crucial in the passing game as well,
a couple of big first downs. So yeah, I was
really really happy of Fancy with a lot of scene.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
It's good having Friar Mut. They've just on your point
there as he's emerging as the second most important target
for Justin Fields. And it's great to see Justin Fields
has only been in the only been in this offense
and it is a new offense for all Steelers with
Arthur Smith coming in. But it's fantastic to see how
Justin's Justin Fields. He looks like a first string quarterback.
(08:53):
That's put it that way. He doesn't look like a
backup quarterback. He's running that offense very well. He's he's calm,
he's in command, he's making his reads, he's scrambling when
he needs to. But you can see as well that
he's not scrambling, isn't his first option. You can see
when he when he's trying his best to sit in
the pocket and make his reads. And sometimes it doesn't
work out, sometimes it does. But no, I think just
(09:15):
generally it's it's it's a more it was a more positive,
more positive performance. But like you say, ruined by penalty,
is completely ruined by penalties. And I think we had
two touchdowns potentially wiped out because of flags close to
one hundred yards and penalties that just kind of happen,
especially with the likes of Broder Jones, And how do
you say is a second year player? Now, there's just
no excuse for that.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
And don look fifty four offensive stops. If it was
fifty four offensive socks, I'd be a happy man. Fifty
four socks. Oh here you're gone. I just follow do
that instead of a clipping it out. It's good crack lab.
And look, let's just before we hear and sort of
talk more about this game, let's hear from steers Heck,
which Mike Tomlin along with one of the star performers,
(09:58):
not just that game to see it is one.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
You know, really appreciative of the efforts. I just told
the guys in there start the season with two road
games B two and oh man, it's a pretty good feeling. Obviously,
we got a lot to work on, but it's good
to work on it with with the required w of
the week. I thought the first thing that kind of
captured my attention was the penalties. You can't produce or
(10:24):
sustained drives being penalized the way that we were, and
so you know, we got some work ahead of us there,
among other things that just from a knee jerk reaction standpoint, though,
that was the most troublesome component of the game. Appreciative
of the efforts in a lot of areas though, I
thought the guys played really hard. I thought they did
a nice job of making the environment irrelevant and making
(10:46):
no mistake it was a hostile environment. Possession down ball
and things of that nature. It's a tough place to play.
Thankful for the victory, though. A couple of guys got
banged up along the way. Prouit has got a knee,
Tyler Matti kavig Uh's probably got a hamstring of some description.
I'll give you guys an update on their status next
(11:07):
time we come together, Questions, penalties and two games for
you guys going on. You know, I'm not looking for comfort,
you know, I'm not worried about officiating, messaging and seeking
comfort to what along those lines. We gotta play cleaner.
And it's as simple as that. And so we're not
gonna hope for a change. We're gonna do some things
to create a change in terms of how we approach
(11:30):
the work, and we will.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
What was the difference between officially my first have a
lot of yards, a lot of conversions, penalties.
Speaker 4 (11:37):
You know, you get holding penalties, You're gonna shut a
drive down in the National Football League, particularly at this
stage of of of team developments. You know, we just
we don't have enough cohesion to overcome those long yardist circumstances.
Really not a lot of people do in September, this
this stage of the game. You get a penalty, a
holding penalty, it's gonna shut.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
A drive down.
Speaker 4 (11:58):
So we gotta play cleaner.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Learned about justin how that he sat, she starts for it.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
You know, I think with each passing day, I'm learning
more about 'em. I just think that there's no substitute
for a relationship. You go through something together, you learn
about yourselves and each other, and so it's just been
a good process looking forward to it continuing.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Like what did you think about the defense and its
ability to create turnovers?
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Uh, good splash players.
Speaker 4 (12:22):
You you know, we got a veteran group, We got
a lot of talent over there. To be quite honest
with you, I expect it. It's appreciated, but but definitely expected.
You know, they gotta be a catalyst for us. They
know it, they own that. They don't run from that.
They run to that.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
Really crown tower. Defense played today. Like you said, it
starts just stopping the run and there trying to get
after the rookie quarterback as much as we could. I
thought they did some things well today. But I'm just
proud of the way that we would have the ball up,
especially how about Corey Trice, all that he's been able
to overcome and just seen all the work that he
puts in and uh, to see him get that play
that interception, it's huge.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
We wanted to talk a little bit about that. Maybe
the biggest play of the game came applied a little
bit of pressure, but it really came up in a
big time home he did.
Speaker 5 (13:07):
He did, and we felt like we were getting close
all day long with applying the pressure and to have
Corey make a play like that and the big time
moment was huge. But we're not surprised. So we we
love making plays, we love seeing who's gonna make plays.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
We know those plays we made. We're not trying too
hard to do a little bit more than we're supposed to.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
We're trusting each other and I think more than any.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Continuers better as a defense.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Great to hear from coach Tomlin TJ. Watt on the
Irish Steeers podcast as we rolling and just get flu
weik two looking ahead now in a little bit to
week fleet home opener for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and look,
this was a really interesting game Jimmy in the sense
if we try and give a performer each and try
and highlight someone, I mean, first off, before we do
(13:53):
that offensively over one hundred and ten yards combined on
the rush, which is great to see between jale And and Nagy.
If you had to highlight a performer in this game
that you give your Steelers game MVP too with the
starts each week, not actually who will it be?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
I mean, this is is gonna be a fairly obvious
choice make, but I'm going with George Pickens. I just
love how well she's developed since last year. I mean,
we saw what he was capable of, but I don't
think he had he didn't have the quarterback throwing him
the ball to really unlock his potential. And now with
justin fields, with his mobility, with his arm strength, with
his accuracy, you can see that Pickens is becoming his
(14:30):
is it's not becoming He is his favorite target. He
is his number one wide receiver. So it's fantastic to
see Pickens develop into that role that he was drafted
to fulfill. And you look at just some of the
ridiculous catches he had yesterday. He was an absolute mess.
He bullied Patrick's Certain all game long. I mean, at
one point Certain was hanging out of him for dear life,
(14:50):
trying to cover him up, ended up, drawn a pass
interference penalty. But not just get Pickings the ball. Give
George the ball and let's get into some touchdowns and
see what else, see what else he could do.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
One of the biggest signings that Broncos in the offseason,
ironically was Russell Wilson actually leaving first off, which was
talk about that in the second ben Pyers didn't have
a game at all yesterday. A guy called Cam Hayward,
My performer was just unbelievable. The guy dominated him and
it was great to see like that defense yesterday, lads
was on one. And it's one thing for us to
(15:26):
say about bone Nicks not having a great game. The
defense did not allow the Broncos to get in this
game at all. And even when there was one or
two occasions where frankly some of Bonex's receivers let him down,
the defense still still high. And I thought they had
a really really good performance. O we're all divog. I mean,
feel free to give us your offensive performer or just
overall performer for the Seedlers in this game. But also,
(15:47):
you know, we had a situation yesterday where our backup
QB or a guy that was not active in Russell
Wilson on the day because of injury, was getting paid
thirty six million dollars. By the time a Broncos to
Tree and Fields to see the financial deal that the
Steelers have for Russell Wilson paying like one million dollars
a season. But a great vice to have in the
locker room. And also you could hear Justin after the
(16:10):
game just how much they respect Russell as as a
leader so early into both their careers in Pittsburgh, and
you can see there's a real genuine respect there, and
that as the team builds and builds and builds, regardless
who's under center, and over the next few weeks, you
can see that the team are really building in just
among himselves as well.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
Yeah, as you said, he's an ultimate professional. I mean,
of course he's not the starter, but he's here to
support Justin Fields and his obviously, you know, Justin fieldgh is.
You know, he's not a rookie, but he's by no
means of vetter and he's still got a long way
to go in his career. So I don't expect any
different from Russ. He is an ultimate professional. He's got
a Super Bowl ring, probably should have had two, although
(16:50):
we know what happened there. But yeah, ultimate professional doesn't
surprise me. My iuch standing performer. You know, I have
to say Jimmy has sort of stolen nice under here,
but I'll go a different route, but just have to
say something on George Pickens. You know, a lot of
star performers. You know, although the stats don't scream spectacular,
I would love to have give it to George Pickins.
(17:10):
You know, it's a guy who had a contender of
Cats of the Year and the touchdown. Should have both
had these down the staff sheet, but only for penalties
that were absolutely out of his control. For me, he
deserved some good recognition. Most star receivers would have thrown
their ties out of the prom but Pickins showed your
strange you know, he gets a lot of stick in
the media for some reason about being difficult, but he
should all those so called experts up. So, but I'm
(17:31):
going to go a different route. I'll go with Justin Fields.
You know, just as Jimmy said, I was really impressed
with how his first option wasn't to roll out right
or rollout left and scrambled for the first time. I
was really impressed with how he was willing. His first
option was to drop back and and sling it from
the pocket. So and I think he deserves a lot
of credit. And of course is professionalism at the podium afterwards.
(17:52):
You know, even after the Atlanta game, he said he
was proud to be a Pittsburgh seeler, and that's what
we're really looking for. We're we're looking for the guys
that are proud to ward the black and and he
definitely slides in there. So for that reason, he's my
player of the game.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
I love it. I love it. Let's talk about this
more during the week. Obviously, real optimism on this podcast
and real optimism along among Steeler Nation as we get
in the week three, we will talk about this time
of stretch that probably later in the week Thursday, Friday time, folks.
But Steelers Chargers, Jimmy, like, just initial thoughts. This Chargers
(18:25):
team have had a really, really good started the season
because see coach Harber's come in and he's a lot
just Herbert to sort of have the ruins and really
take a pressure of him, especially when it comes to
the run game. They look good and this is going
to be a really difficult challenge for both teams that
are two and zero, and something's got to give this Sunday.
But look, I'm happy as a home opener. What's your
(18:45):
initial thoughts.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Yeah, well, first of all, definitely agree with you. I
bet at being a home opener and being excited there.
I mean, I think this Sunday coming is exactly one
month since until myself, Dave and our friend Dean, if
you're listening, that we take our seats in Akroscher Stadium
for the Steelers Jets on October twenty. It cannot wait
for that. Myself and Dave and Dean had let me
(19:08):
get together last weekend to review our trip across the pond.
But talking in terms of the Chargers, make I mean
historically in the past couple of seasons they have had
our number to to a great a great degree. We
for whatever reason that may be, we just we struggled
to shut down Herbert, especially now with with Ji Harbot
(19:30):
coming in, it adds an extra dimension of toughness and
you can see that is his return to the NFL
is has been dominant so far. Like you say, so,
I think it comes down to stuff in the run games,
stopping the run games, shut down JK. Dobbins take away
that dimension of the game. Confused, a confound, trying and
confound Herbert, and just I think consistency on defense, keep
(19:52):
getting after the quarterback like we like we've been doing
with with with with TJ. Watt and the defense there
and just harass the quarterback cause k Us and hopefully
our offense can step up and do a better job.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
It looks coach Harbor Dallogg knows the Staders like so
many other coaches in this league's been there so many
times with the San Francis, California Nineers back in the day.
What's your faults in this game as we win this Sunday.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
Yeah, initial thoughts. Obviously we'll get the previous maybe later
in the week, but the initial thoughts. We it's a
difficult game. It's a difficult You don't get many more
difficult teams at home than the Chargers. It's passibly with
Jim Jim Harbaugh, he'll probably be giving his brother a bell.
You know, nobody knows the Steelers better than than John Harbaugh.
You know we faced them twice a year for ten years,
(20:40):
odd faced like. So it's going to be a massive game.
As I say, they've got a lot of good offensive
pieces JK. Dobbins, Quentin Johnston as well, the wide receiver
who had two touchdowns this weekend against the Panthers. Although
everybody's beaten them at the moment, so but at the
same time, yeah, we have to come in the main
thing I'll be looking for just a quick one less penalties.
(21:01):
I mean, if we can sort of knail down the
penalties this weekend. And I think we're chewing for another
win in three and zero because there are team that
are going to be able to put up points. You know,
they've got an electric offense, their defense is improved, Kalil
Max Stilling, a great player, Joey Bosa. So it's really
about how can we sort of knael down these penalties
and obviously focus, you know, going into into game next week.
(21:23):
So let's say preview it a bit later on in
the week. But I'm pretty confident.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
We're looking forward to the game home opener for the
Staters on Sunday six pm. I t NFL game Pass
on the zone for that game this Sunday OTB Sports
Radio folks. Great the Chapias again, folks, if you're listening,
please do use the hashtag Steelers Ireland. I'd love to
hear from me ahead of the watch party in Coup
Park next week, and do check out. We'll put a
(21:48):
ticket link in for the end zone tickets, which I
believe are still available for next Sunday. I'll put that
in the bio at the end of this podcast for
myself from Jimmy from Dabog. Have a great week, folks.
We will chat to you as we get charged up
for this come up with her. There's your pun. Here
we go, lads, Here we go.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
H
Everybody. Welcome into the Irish Steers Podcast, the podcast for
Pittsburgh Steelers fans on the island of Ireland, eminating to
all of you, not just around the island of Ireland,
but around the world. Michael mcquid, Jimmy English Dialogue McKee
after a stacked week two of the NFL season, coming
to you on a Tuesday, a day or so after
(00:32):
the Steelers go to the Male High City and get
the win over the Denver Broncos. A big win for
the Staeters thirteen to six. Never easy to play in Denver.
I'm sure we'll talk about that in a minute. And Jimmy,
it's great to see you again man. As you said,
it was just before we hit that record button around
twelve days out to this watch party in Croke Park
(00:53):
next weekend, ladsday getting excited. How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
I'm fantastic, Michael, great to be here, Great to see
you lads. As always was a pleasure talking Steelers football.
I know I say it a lot and I genuinely
do mean it. Look, we have a we have a
one for a platform here to reach Steelers fans, not
only in Ireland, then across the world. A bit of
a buzz after the game last night. Look, we got
the win. It wasn't the prettiest win in the world,
(01:18):
but it was a lot more positive I felt than
the week before against the Falcons that west. We got
a touchdown on the board. And look, I was reading
an article earlier on in Steelers dot com and Steelers
tradition is to win ugly, and that's exactly what we
did last night. It was an ugly, hard fought, blue
collar win. It was fantastic. And look, as you and
I said before, we come on, take take it and run.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Take it and run outs every week. I'll take it
every week. I'm gonna talk about it. I'm gonna talk
about the AFC nor January in the week second. But
like to be sitting here to and O and at
the at a minimum, the team going in the Dublin
week four for this watch party two and one hopefully,
so you know, bread in position to be in.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Brilliant Michael, just that I always said, I'm gonna echo
everything Jimmy says. Typical, hard fought, when Steelers football out
of its absolute finest, you know, to be two O
and two really, let's be honest, really tough away fixtuers
open up the season. I don't think we could have
asked for anything more. Of course, there's still things to
pick out, you know, the offense, particularly in the second half,
(02:23):
you know, weren't flying out of the blocks the first
half I was very happy with. But yeah, just to
back up everything you just above said, you couldn't pick
up a better place to go and win the Danver.
It's a difficult place to go. Although you know, there
was a rookie quarterback. He didn't look great, let's be honest,
but we we sort of put the pressure on them
to force them into someone's deck. So I was really
(02:44):
happy with the performance. And to be too know, with
one of the toughest scouts in the NFL, it's a
good place to be. So yeah, I'm bossing.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
The road as well. Let's not discount two. We haven't
had the easiest start of the season, and we were
in two very hostile environments allegedly but all accounts to
start the season, and we've come out smelling like roses
top of the AFC North, which is I mean, we
can we can be as picky as we want, but
the fact is that the Steelers have a winning record.
(03:15):
The first two weeks of the season, So let's keep
it rolling right.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Exactly and down to see You know, Bonex did struggle,
I thought in week two and your banging in terms
of that week one, as we said last week, sort
of situations where a team could easily flounder, and the
Steelers have gone over the line in both games, which
is just awesome to say ahead of this home opener
coming up this weekend, Jimmy, like you mentioned in AFC North,
(03:42):
the Steers now have a two game lead on the
Bengals and the Evens, And I know if we spoke
to anybody within the team or or to coach Thumbman,
they just said, we're taking each week as a time
and it's a long season. Look anytime you've got an
unbeaten run too, and and you're two games up on
your AFC North rivals and one game up on the
Browns as well, who to be to be fair to them,
(04:02):
had you know, a pretty decent performance in Jacksonville, and I'm
sure every one of those teams is going to be
one the watch. You seem how good the Bengals were,
even though they didn't win against the Chiefs, it's still
and it could be crucial, and that massive slit that
we have going into November December, Jimmy against these AFC
North teams a two game streak at the minute. We
got to keep that goal. We got to keep that
(04:23):
and change with these lads.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Yeah, it's going to be very interesting to see how
this the rest of the season in the next couple
of weeks unfold, given the fact that we don't start
that our AARC North play for for quite a while yet,
so we have a we have some time to build
up some momentum going into those into those AFC North games,
And like you said, Michael, it's it's strange to see.
(04:45):
I mean, the Ravens lost in shock and against the
Raiders at home, I mean that was crazy to see.
And then to see the fantastic finish, the very close
finish between the Bengals and the Chiefs as well. So
it's fine, Margins, I think we all know what the
AFC North toes like the Steelers are going to have
(05:05):
a target on their backs as well every other team
in that division with each other. So it's going to
be very interesting to see what develops there. Keep an
eye on how our opponents do. But at the same
time we have we have an opportunity to get our
offense right, to start firing a bit more. Look, our
defense is elite. I don't think it's I don't think
it's a stretch to say we have the best defense
(05:27):
in the NFL right now. We just need to get
that offense firing. And I think from what we saw,
I mean there was massive plays yesterday. Justin Fields has
a fantastic connection with George Pickens. We can see that
there was one touchdown call back for the softest offensive
pass interference call I have ever seen in my life.
I still I was shouting at the TV when I
(05:48):
saw I couldn't believe it. And then to have the
the second, the absolute laser that that Justin Fields delivered
the pickings, double coverage, tight window by rights, we should
I had three three scores in that game. So look,
it is there. I think it is coming. It's just
we need to get there faster.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
I was like he was shot on the TV as
well last night and no decision from made a couple
of games as well. It was interesting seeing Davog mentioned
some of the teams in the North there. It's obviously
the Staters podcast but when you see the Ravens lose
at home, it shows you that wins like this are
vital and at the same time, this is probably the
best division of football. Like the Ravens and the Bengals.
(06:30):
For even losing offensively, they look really good at times,
and I think we all know that when it comes
to Davog we're gonna have to be ready for them
down the stretch.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Absolutely, and you know there are no pushovers. Although having
said that, a lot of Ravens fans were chuppering not
lost last year when we lost the Gardner minshew, So
I hope they like them apples, but no, just in
a serious note, it's it's it's hard to win in
this league. I mean the Broncos on paper, you know, realistically,
you know, I don't think they matched up quite well
(07:00):
of us. Obviously with a rookie quarterback, you know, they
haven't got the best offensive weapons coming up against our defense.
It wasn't ever going to be easy for them. And
a massive win on the road really impressed with you know,
the first half, both on offense and defense. They felt
like a sort of tale of two halves. If you're like,
you know, we looked like we were sort of slipping
back into our old ways offensively in the second half.
You know, whether we became slightly you know, too conservative,
(07:22):
or maybe we just knew we could lean on that defense.
You know, it's still a slight concern, but overall much
better offensively and justin fields. You know, I fatally improved
a lot. You know, looked much better than he did
in week one. Had one of the throws of the weekend.
That throw the pickings that Jimmy said down the sideline
was a thing of beauty. But this probably sagues and
the you know, the main negative is clearly the penalties.
(07:42):
I mean, we're actually the second most panelized team in
the league so far. Only the Browns have more more panelized.
Brother Jones specifically, you know, had a bit of a
nightmare and not drive three penalties. You know, you want
to be able to give them the benefit of the doubts,
but because you know, he's still young. But the same time,
look at Troy Fatano, you know, fifty four offensive sacks,
zero sacks allowed, zero poalty. So yeah, this is clearly
(08:03):
somewhere where product needs to improve. But it's something as
a team we just need to improve, you know, we
need to we need to sort of knuckle down on
these penalties. And if we do that, you know, I
don't really see why this team can't go all the way.
As well as that just jumping in just before I
could say, you're ready to jump in, Jimmy, but John
obviously with Pat Barmouth as well, the tight you know,
the tight end of course, big contract. Last week. I
(08:23):
thought he was crucial in the passing game as well,
a couple of big first downs. So yeah, I was
really really happy of Fancy with a lot of scene.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
It's good having Friar Mut. They've just on your point
there as he's emerging as the second most important target
for Justin Fields. And it's great to see Justin Fields
has only been in the only been in this offense
and it is a new offense for all Steelers with
Arthur Smith coming in. But it's fantastic to see how
Justin's Justin Fields. He looks like a first string quarterback.
(08:53):
That's put it that way. He doesn't look like a
backup quarterback. He's running that offense very well. He's he's calm,
he's in command, he's making his reads, he's scrambling when
he needs to. But you can see as well that
he's not scrambling, isn't his first option. You can see
when he when he's trying his best to sit in
the pocket and make his reads. And sometimes it doesn't
work out, sometimes it does. But no, I think just
(09:15):
generally it's it's it's a more it was a more positive,
more positive performance. But like you say, ruined by penalty,
is completely ruined by penalties. And I think we had
two touchdowns potentially wiped out because of flags close to
one hundred yards and penalties that just kind of happen,
especially with the likes of Broder Jones, And how do
you say is a second year player? Now, there's just
no excuse for that.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
And don look fifty four offensive stops. If it was
fifty four offensive socks, I'd be a happy man. Fifty
four socks. Oh here you're gone. I just follow do
that instead of a clipping it out. It's good crack lab.
And look, let's just before we hear and sort of
talk more about this game, let's hear from steers Heck,
which Mike Tomlin along with one of the star performers,
(09:58):
not just that game to see it is one.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
You know, really appreciative of the efforts. I just told
the guys in there start the season with two road
games B two and oh man, it's a pretty good feeling. Obviously,
we got a lot to work on, but it's good
to work on it with with the required w of
the week. I thought the first thing that kind of
captured my attention was the penalties. You can't produce or
(10:24):
sustained drives being penalized the way that we were, and
so you know, we got some work ahead of us there,
among other things that just from a knee jerk reaction standpoint, though,
that was the most troublesome component of the game. Appreciative
of the efforts in a lot of areas though, I
thought the guys played really hard. I thought they did
a nice job of making the environment irrelevant and making
(10:46):
no mistake it was a hostile environment. Possession down ball
and things of that nature. It's a tough place to play.
Thankful for the victory, though. A couple of guys got
banged up along the way. Prouit has got a knee,
Tyler Matti kavig Uh's probably got a hamstring of some description.
I'll give you guys an update on their status next
(11:07):
time we come together, Questions, penalties and two games for
you guys going on. You know, I'm not looking for comfort,
you know, I'm not worried about officiating, messaging and seeking
comfort to what along those lines. We gotta play cleaner.
And it's as simple as that. And so we're not
gonna hope for a change. We're gonna do some things
to create a change in terms of how we approach
(11:30):
the work, and we will.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
What was the difference between officially my first have a
lot of yards, a lot of conversions, penalties.
Speaker 4 (11:37):
You know, you get holding penalties, You're gonna shut a
drive down in the National Football League, particularly at this
stage of of of team developments. You know, we just
we don't have enough cohesion to overcome those long yardist circumstances.
Really not a lot of people do in September, this
this stage of the game. You get a penalty, a
holding penalty, it's gonna shut.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
A drive down.
Speaker 4 (11:58):
So we gotta play cleaner.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Learned about justin how that he sat, she starts for it.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
You know, I think with each passing day, I'm learning
more about 'em. I just think that there's no substitute
for a relationship. You go through something together, you learn
about yourselves and each other, and so it's just been
a good process looking forward to it continuing.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Like what did you think about the defense and its
ability to create turnovers?
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Uh, good splash players.
Speaker 4 (12:22):
You you know, we got a veteran group, We got
a lot of talent over there. To be quite honest
with you, I expect it. It's appreciated, but but definitely expected.
You know, they gotta be a catalyst for us. They
know it, they own that. They don't run from that.
They run to that.
Speaker 5 (12:41):
Really crown tower. Defense played today. Like you said, it
starts just stopping the run and there trying to get
after the rookie quarterback as much as we could. I
thought they did some things well today. But I'm just
proud of the way that we would have the ball up,
especially how about Corey Trice, all that he's been able
to overcome and just seen all the work that he
puts in and uh, to see him get that play
that interception, it's huge.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
We wanted to talk a little bit about that. Maybe
the biggest play of the game came applied a little
bit of pressure, but it really came up in a
big time home he did.
Speaker 5 (13:07):
He did, and we felt like we were getting close
all day long with applying the pressure and to have
Corey make a play like that and the big time
moment was huge. But we're not surprised. So we we
love making plays, we love seeing who's gonna make plays.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
We know those plays we made. We're not trying too
hard to do a little bit more than we're supposed to.
Speaker 5 (13:26):
We're trusting each other and I think more than any.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Continuers better as a defense.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Great to hear from coach Tomlin TJ. Watt on the
Irish Steeers podcast as we rolling and just get flu
weik two looking ahead now in a little bit to
week fleet home opener for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and look,
this was a really interesting game Jimmy in the sense
if we try and give a performer each and try
and highlight someone, I mean, first off, before we do
(13:53):
that offensively over one hundred and ten yards combined on
the rush, which is great to see between jale And and Nagy.
If you had to highlight a performer in this game
that you give your Steelers game MVP too with the
starts each week, not actually who will it be?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
I mean, this is is gonna be a fairly obvious
choice make, but I'm going with George Pickens. I just
love how well she's developed since last year. I mean,
we saw what he was capable of, but I don't
think he had he didn't have the quarterback throwing him
the ball to really unlock his potential. And now with
justin fields, with his mobility, with his arm strength, with
his accuracy, you can see that Pickens is becoming his
(14:30):
is it's not becoming He is his favorite target. He
is his number one wide receiver. So it's fantastic to
see Pickens develop into that role that he was drafted
to fulfill. And you look at just some of the
ridiculous catches he had yesterday. He was an absolute mess.
He bullied Patrick's Certain all game long. I mean, at
one point Certain was hanging out of him for dear life,
(14:50):
trying to cover him up, ended up, drawn a pass
interference penalty. But not just get Pickings the ball. Give
George the ball and let's get into some touchdowns and
see what else, see what else he could do.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
One of the biggest signings that Broncos in the offseason,
ironically was Russell Wilson actually leaving first off, which was
talk about that in the second ben Pyers didn't have
a game at all yesterday. A guy called Cam Hayward,
My performer was just unbelievable. The guy dominated him and
it was great to see like that defense yesterday, lads
was on one. And it's one thing for us to
(15:26):
say about bone Nicks not having a great game. The
defense did not allow the Broncos to get in this
game at all. And even when there was one or
two occasions where frankly some of Bonex's receivers let him down,
the defense still still high. And I thought they had
a really really good performance. O we're all divog. I mean,
feel free to give us your offensive performer or just
overall performer for the Seedlers in this game. But also,
(15:47):
you know, we had a situation yesterday where our backup
QB or a guy that was not active in Russell
Wilson on the day because of injury, was getting paid
thirty six million dollars. By the time a Broncos to
Tree and Fields to see the financial deal that the
Steelers have for Russell Wilson paying like one million dollars
a season. But a great vice to have in the
locker room. And also you could hear Justin after the
(16:10):
game just how much they respect Russell as as a
leader so early into both their careers in Pittsburgh, and
you can see there's a real genuine respect there, and
that as the team builds and builds and builds, regardless
who's under center, and over the next few weeks, you
can see that the team are really building in just
among himselves as well.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
Yeah, as you said, he's an ultimate professional. I mean,
of course he's not the starter, but he's here to
support Justin Fields and his obviously, you know, Justin fieldgh is.
You know, he's not a rookie, but he's by no
means of vetter and he's still got a long way
to go in his career. So I don't expect any
different from Russ. He is an ultimate professional. He's got
a Super Bowl ring, probably should have had two, although
(16:50):
we know what happened there. But yeah, ultimate professional doesn't
surprise me. My iuch standing performer. You know, I have
to say Jimmy has sort of stolen nice under here,
but I'll go a different route, but just have to
say something on George Pickens. You know, a lot of
star performers. You know, although the stats don't scream spectacular,
I would love to have give it to George Pickins.
(17:10):
You know, it's a guy who had a contender of
Cats of the Year and the touchdown. Should have both
had these down the staff sheet, but only for penalties
that were absolutely out of his control. For me, he
deserved some good recognition. Most star receivers would have thrown
their ties out of the prom but Pickins showed your
strange you know, he gets a lot of stick in
the media for some reason about being difficult, but he
should all those so called experts up. So, but I'm
(17:31):
going to go a different route. I'll go with Justin Fields.
You know, just as Jimmy said, I was really impressed
with how his first option wasn't to roll out right
or rollout left and scrambled for the first time. I
was really impressed with how he was willing. His first
option was to drop back and and sling it from
the pocket. So and I think he deserves a lot
of credit. And of course is professionalism at the podium afterwards.
(17:52):
You know, even after the Atlanta game, he said he
was proud to be a Pittsburgh seeler, and that's what
we're really looking for. We're we're looking for the guys
that are proud to ward the black and and he
definitely slides in there. So for that reason, he's my
player of the game.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
I love it. I love it. Let's talk about this
more during the week. Obviously, real optimism on this podcast
and real optimism along among Steeler Nation as we get
in the week three, we will talk about this time
of stretch that probably later in the week Thursday, Friday time, folks.
But Steelers Chargers, Jimmy, like, just initial thoughts. This Chargers
(18:25):
team have had a really, really good started the season
because see coach Harber's come in and he's a lot
just Herbert to sort of have the ruins and really
take a pressure of him, especially when it comes to
the run game. They look good and this is going
to be a really difficult challenge for both teams that
are two and zero, and something's got to give this Sunday.
But look, I'm happy as a home opener. What's your
(18:45):
initial thoughts.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Yeah, well, first of all, definitely agree with you. I
bet at being a home opener and being excited there.
I mean, I think this Sunday coming is exactly one
month since until myself, Dave and our friend Dean, if
you're listening, that we take our seats in Akroscher Stadium
for the Steelers Jets on October twenty. It cannot wait
for that. Myself and Dave and Dean had let me
(19:08):
get together last weekend to review our trip across the pond.
But talking in terms of the Chargers, make I mean
historically in the past couple of seasons they have had
our number to to a great a great degree. We
for whatever reason that may be, we just we struggled
to shut down Herbert, especially now with with Ji Harbot
(19:30):
coming in, it adds an extra dimension of toughness and
you can see that is his return to the NFL
is has been dominant so far. Like you say, so,
I think it comes down to stuff in the run games,
stopping the run games, shut down JK. Dobbins take away
that dimension of the game. Confused, a confound, trying and
confound Herbert, and just I think consistency on defense, keep
(19:52):
getting after the quarterback like we like we've been doing
with with with with TJ. Watt and the defense there
and just harass the quarterback cause k Us and hopefully
our offense can step up and do a better job.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
It looks coach Harbor Dallogg knows the Staders like so
many other coaches in this league's been there so many
times with the San Francis, California Nineers back in the day.
What's your faults in this game as we win this Sunday.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
Yeah, initial thoughts. Obviously we'll get the previous maybe later
in the week, but the initial thoughts. We it's a
difficult game. It's a difficult You don't get many more
difficult teams at home than the Chargers. It's passibly with
Jim Jim Harbaugh, he'll probably be giving his brother a bell.
You know, nobody knows the Steelers better than than John Harbaugh.
You know we faced them twice a year for ten years,
(20:40):
odd faced like. So it's going to be a massive game.
As I say, they've got a lot of good offensive
pieces JK. Dobbins, Quentin Johnston as well, the wide receiver
who had two touchdowns this weekend against the Panthers. Although
everybody's beaten them at the moment, so but at the
same time, yeah, we have to come in the main
thing I'll be looking for just a quick one less penalties.
(21:01):
I mean, if we can sort of knail down the
penalties this weekend. And I think we're chewing for another
win in three and zero because there are team that
are going to be able to put up points. You know,
they've got an electric offense, their defense is improved, Kalil
Max Stilling, a great player, Joey Bosa. So it's really
about how can we sort of knael down these penalties
and obviously focus, you know, going into into game next week.
(21:23):
So let's say preview it a bit later on in
the week. But I'm pretty confident.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
We're looking forward to the game home opener for the
Staters on Sunday six pm. I t NFL game Pass
on the zone for that game this Sunday OTB Sports
Radio folks. Great the Chapias again, folks, if you're listening,
please do use the hashtag Steelers Ireland. I'd love to
hear from me ahead of the watch party in Coup
Park next week, and do check out. We'll put a
(21:48):
ticket link in for the end zone tickets, which I
believe are still available for next Sunday. I'll put that
in the bio at the end of this podcast for
myself from Jimmy from Dabog. Have a great week, folks.
We will chat to you as we get charged up
for this come up with her. There's your pun. Here
we go, lads, Here we go.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
H
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