December 12, 2024 • 32 mins
Another weekend of Steelers football awaits! Michael and Daibhog look ahead to the Steelers trip to play the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend in a huge matchup. They also hear from Coach Tomlin and Russell Wilson ahead of the game. You can follow us on all social at SteelersIreland and the game against the Eagles this weekend is on NFL Game Pass on DAZN and OTB Sports Radio. Go Steelers!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
Heap folks, Welcome into the Irisheelers podcast. On the cuff
of Week fifteen of the NFL season, Michael mcweid here,
delighted to be joined with my compatriot here davalg McKee.
Jimmy isn't here today, but we wish him well over
the weekend getting to watch his team in week fifteen.
I do my sorry, what's the crack. I'm not excited
(00:28):
to have this podcast, dobug did. I'm just already splur
my words. How you doing, hypeim I'm doing well, Imick.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
And this this one is definitely one I've been looking
forward as well, you know, because it's to feel like
it's the opposition is in my opinion, it's the toughest
game of the year so far, and it's one I
had marked out in the calendar because the Eagles are
one of those teams where you know, obviously the Philadelphia,
the rich arts history as well, you know, a bit
like Pittsburgh. And then I obviously have a lot of
friends over there living that have lived over there, including
(00:55):
Jimmy who's not here at the moment, but he he
lived in Philadelphia. He spent a bit of time he
understand the rivalry between the two teams as well. So
it's one I've been marked out for on my calendar.
But yeah, been reading sort of you know, a bit
of statistics as well this weekend and it's read shipping
up to be a great game. So I'll bet you're
breaking and breaking it down with you, Mack here.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Look, it's definitely appreciated, and I know we're gonna get
into a lot of talk around this Eagles team and
a lot of talk really around this team for the Staels.
But it's been three or four days since we last spoke,
and we obviously spoke after the weekend. It was after
the win that was we will talk about our predictions
ahead of this game. But you know, just just looking
(01:38):
into this as we enter a ten day crucial period,
how is the confidence for.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
You right now?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Like, don't give your pack away for this game, but
just just generally because I feel like we need to
win two of these games. I think that's the base
line for us. If you lose one, you lose one.
Obviously want to win all of them. But for me,
it just feels like win these two, win two, helt
of three and we're at a very good and you
never know what can happened in terms of the rest
of the places in the top five in the conference
(02:05):
right now.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yeah, mag I said it earlier in the week. I
feel I'm just gonna put my hands up and said,
I can't see us winning four out of four. I
just can't. It's the National Football League. I mean, it's
hard to win one, never mind four to four. And
the teams we've got, as if you said over our
ten ten death stretch, We've got the Philadelphia Eagles, you know,
arguably the most talented team in the league in my opinion,
(02:28):
probably I think the Lands are probably up there as best,
but I think in terms of raw talent on their team,
I think the Eagles are number one. We've got the
Baltimore Ravens, who are coming off Obviously they have the
chance this weekend they're probably gonna roll them. But they're
also coming off I lost to the Eagles last week,
so they have to win and it's gonna be a massive,
you know, step up game for them. They're gonna want revenge.
And then of course on Christmas Day, we have the
(02:50):
Kansas City Chiefs. I mean, they don't really need to
say anymore than that. Of course, they haven't been great
this year, haven't been blown teams out, but they've been
playing West to win, and of course they've won two
super Bowls, and only you can't really, no matter what
you say, you have to respect them. So arguably the
toughest ten death stretch in league history. But I'm still
I'm still sitting here with you, and I'm still confident
(03:11):
because the Pittsburgh Steelers, we know, we find out West.
We're a bit like those teams. We found out ways
to win games. And of course I'll be land if
I said my confidence was SKay haigh, because it's not.
But at the same time, I find that as if
you just said, I think winning two out of those
four games. Of course we've left at the Bengals as well,
and in Weekly eighteen, if you like Week seventeen, I'm
(03:33):
not entirely sure I think it is, but yeah, the
Bengals are an noth theing they're going to be looking
revouns so and winning two out of them four games
I think should be enough to win the division and
set us up right for the playoffs. So I'm not
going to get greaty, but I think it'll just be
one of those will take a week by we can
see how things go.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
And it's funny because we will talk about this game
and it just in a little second. But we really
can't complain of it access. Obviously we're biased because we're
we have that and me as an opportunity. We're very
thankful to do a podcast for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And
shout out to everyone listening this weekend, especially if you're.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
On the island of Ireland.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
But we've entered a week tallot where we've seen coach
Tomlin and Pot McAfee earlier on Thursday, and we've also
seen Hard Knocks. It's it's really it's weird because it
just feels like we're getting so much closer to this
team even though we live so far away, which is
a credit to the organization. But more so, Coach Tomlin
says it like it is. He's open, he's honest, he's
(04:28):
a good crack, as we say. But it has been
really enjoyable the Hard Knocks this week, and I know
you really enjoyed the segment with Joey Porter Ginger.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yeah, I know that it was another great episode. I
mean week one we got to see sort of at
first time what MG. Thomalin is like, because you know,
we see it anyway. You know, we know what he's like.
He's very upfront and in the Cress conferences, he you know,
he doesn't you know, hold back and he is just
what you get. But he was yet again the start
of the show makeer. There's been you know, a perception
(04:56):
as well in the league. Around the league for a
while the coach Thomlin tends to leave the offense, you know,
because he's because of his defensive background. But that episode
exactly proved exactly what it was. It was just a
perception because we've seen him alongside Russ, we see him
alongside Nauge even justin Fadus prepping for the game against
the Browns, and you know, he was all in on
the sort of game plan we were going to throw
the war to Cleveland defense. So that was good to see.
(05:18):
And he've just mentioned as well, Ue in the conversation
he had with with Joey Porter Jr. And now that
holds some moment which shows yet again, you know, the
relationship he has, particularly with the younger players, and you
know we've seen him last week with Nick Herbig. He
treats him as if he's you know, almost like their
own sons. You know, he has a sort of back
from and not believe that they're going to go out
and make players. So it's just really shown him at
(05:38):
his operief's best. And you know, speaking of Joey Porter
as well, Joey Porter Junior, we've got to say a
bit of joy Joey Porter Senior in the episode, you know,
the stories of him as a player, you know, against
the rest of the FC North. He mentioned obviously about
the time where he begged his wife not to wear
his jersey because of the sort of you know, shenanigans
she was gonna have to put up with. But she
wore them anyway, and unfortunately she didn't get a great reception,
(06:00):
which a want to the cities like Cleveland stuff. So
that was basil. Wasn't it amazing? Amazing? It's it's it's
hard to believe. It just shows you the levels of
the of the Riverry. I mean, Cleveland do not like us.
We do not like Cleveland, but the fans had that
much hatred for Jorry Porter, Joey Porter that there anybody
worn his jersey was just going to get flack. So yeah,
that was amazing scene and it was really it was
(06:21):
really cool to see a lot of him in the
episode as well.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
It's funny because you see it not just with the Caesars,
but with so many different teams of partners, the wives,
the friends of players where they have to go to
the different cities. Have seen George Kittle and Kyle just
Shick's partners are very close together as friends, and I've
seen him go to Buffalo recently with their jerseys and
they had no fear at all. So it was funny
see in that sense. But it's gonna be interesting, Doveo
(06:46):
to see how this plays out on Hard Knocks, especially
when you get three games in ten days, and regardless
how the games go for us, I'm intriguously going to
show that gap between the Saturday and the Wednesday, because
it's really yes, we know that if you play Sunday
that you have the enough time, you have the four
days off, and I know it's the same difference between
(07:07):
the Saturday, though I haven't say, but it's still different.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
So I'm really intrigued.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
I just feel like we're so closer one under this team,
and I can only imagine if we're going to get
like a Christmas Dinner video with a couple of weeks
or something. Yeah, something tells me that one of Christmas
Dinner with coach Tomlin.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Who does you just mentioned it there, Mike. I think
we got to see last week as well, the Thanksgiving
dinner between the Heyward family. I mean, we got to
make Connor Heyward where he's in Belfast, and we've seen
just uptoking personal what he's like. But yeah, Mike, imagine
Christmas and Mike Tomlin's house. Imagine and a lot of
crack going on there anyway, you know, like a lot
of bond there. But as he says, the standard, the
(07:44):
standard to say that he even takes you know, the
standard of Christmas dinner even serious, you know, So that
would be an interesting one. I hope to see that.
But yeah, we're really intense that you mentioned about the
gap between Saturday and Wednesday. There we get to see
what it's like every week. It's very intense, you know,
the breakdown, the preparation goes in there really can't be
there's the show. Yeah, you know, we've seen preparation that.
(08:05):
I think the Chicago Bird earlier in the year a
preseason we got to see their prep The difference is
like day and night. I fail, and we're very lucky
to have that sort of preparation in our books.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
I can confirm that. And I'm going over a Christmas.
I'm going on hot I'm actually one of New York
with my wife for Christmas, but I'm going to the
game on Christmas death. So I shout out to my
wife for her understanding. I wish you guys were I
wish we were all there for that game together. But
then I think you guys are gonna get more of
the access than I got because of Christmas.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
But really excited that A will to go over.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
I mean, like, you're gonna have to hear some advice
in the chat after this conversation, but then we'll definitely try.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
I know, I think the.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
Podcast will probably take a break out because it is Christmas,
but I will be probably on but like probably on
hand after to chat about the game. But man, the
atmosphere is gonna be class his next home game, and
I've never been to Pittsburgh, so I'm excited. Have you
any pointers you can give me on a podcast, any
advice at all, though before we hear them.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
On them, I suppose the only thing I would say
is get around and and and sort of make a
bit of noise, because Pittsburgh is a city it's it's
it's very loud and in your face. I mean, the
locals are fantastic. I would say, just get your hands dirty.
I mean we've only been once, of course, and it
was in October. But I feel like I'm part of
the city because of already. You know, I've been there
(09:23):
and I've done it. But yeah, I can't wait to
get back. And A would say, it's a very good
Christmas present to have in Pittsburgh getting to go and
watch the Steelers. I'm very very jealous of. You have
to say, what a game on the Chiefs like it's
it's it's And obviously we've had games on Christmas Day before.
I mean we beat the Ravens a couple of years
ago on Christmas Day, but I failed this one with
the Chiefs come to town. Potentially, Taylor Swift, if you can
(09:45):
get our autograph from me at appreciate at mac. But yeah,
that's that's one I'm very very jealous of. So I'm
sure you're gonna have a great time. Oh well, look
it's great. I was allowed I for you boys got
out there. I'm looking a forward to getting out there.
And look, let's let's see what happens over the nexte weeks.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
You're right, we have like game on Christmas, but it
just feels like this year, not just Christmas novo, but
the next few weeks are just different.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
And you know what, we.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
Will long for this time into a fleame month's time
when the football is over.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
So we got to enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
We got this Eagles game up first this week before
myself and Dalvo talk a little bit about the game.
Let's hear first from coach tomlm and then we're also
going to hear from Russell Wilson. A had of this
game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday on the Irish
Hitters podcast.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Dante Jackson had some spotty availability in game. He was
sick on Sunday but was able to get through. I
don't imagine that he'll be limited. And some other guys
got some minor bump, some bruises associated with competition, and
so you know, as we always do, we won't waste
a lot of time focusing our energies on those not
(10:49):
available to us. We'll appropriately focus our energies on those
that are and how we divide that labor up and
how we can best position them to perform and play
winning football individually and collectively. Now on to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Man.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Really excited about this one man, this Pennsylvania state championship.
Excited about representing Whippile in this I was just joking
this morning. Man, we could play this game in Breezewood. Man,
that'd be awesome. They're a really good football team. They
need no endorsement for me. They're the winners of nine straight.
When you look at the tape, man, you see exactly
(11:25):
why I'll start first on offense. The acquisition of Saquon
Barkley has got to be the most significant acquisition in
the NFL in twenty twenty four. That's what the tape
looks like. He's been dominant, eye opening at times, obviously,
highlight real caliber plays, long runs, touchdowns, etc. It starts
(11:49):
there for us. If you don't minimize him in some way,
you're not even going to position yourself to have a
chance to be successful. And so obviously he's got a
lot of our attention at the early stages of week,
but he can't have the totality or of your attention.
I remember the last time we were in the stadium
with him. I think it was twenty twenty and he
(12:10):
was playing for the Giants and I think Daniel Jones
was a very young quarterback at that time. We were
able to focus a significant amount of our energy on them.
We're not afforded that this time around. Jalen hurts Man
is a top notch quarterback, decision maker, leader, passer, escape artists,
(12:31):
you name it, he's capable of doing it. And so
you know, we have the challenge of working to minimize
both guys and making the decisions schematic decisions associated with
what's required to do. So you couple that with dynamic
receiving options on the other end of Jalen Hurst passes
in the form of a couple of top notch guys.
(12:53):
They've also acquired Dotson from the Commanders and so, man,
they have the type of group that you got to
make some real hardcore decisions about working to minimize and
so we're working through that. The strategic component of that, obviously,
you better play well. I've talked about their eligibles. They're
running back, their quarterback, their receivers, but you can't talk
(13:16):
about Philadelphia without talking about their front. They have some
of the most dynamic people in football up front, Lane Johnson,
you know, being the bell cow that group. Their offensive
line has been stellar for a number of years. They're
not talked about enough for obvious reasons. You get an
opportunity to talk about the dynamic play making of guys
(13:36):
like Saquan and see the highlight real plays like him
jumping people backwards that oftentimes you missed the brilliance of
a guy like Landon Dickerson Man or Lane Johnson. And
so we recognize that the game is played up front,
that they usually provide the wave that the little men ride,
and so re respect that component of what they do
(13:57):
and their capabilities in that area as well.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
On the defensive side of the ball, they.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Got a bunch of young talented players, a bunch of
Georgia guys, Guys that I've seen in draft planning over
the last several years, ultra talented.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
They've been talented up front for a number of years.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
UH.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
They play a lot of people, UH, and they invest
in those people in terms of talent acquisition. The same
could be said about this collective. They do a really
good job of mixing in some schematics. Man Vic Fangio
is a veteran coordinator who's very multiple in terms of
the schematic things that he throws at you. I'd be
(14:38):
remiss if I didn't talk about the second level play.
I think when you think about Philly's defense, you think
about the talent acquisition up front, UH, the quality play
making of the young people in the secondary UH in particular.
But when I turned the tape on me and I
saw two inside linebackers that are productive in all areas.
The high volume tacklers, they're very good and underneath the fence,
(15:01):
be it manor zone UH, the opportunistic they created a
lot of turnovers for the group. They're really good blitzers.
I just got a lot of respect for that that
collective of inside linebackers in the quality in which they're
playing at this juncture. As I mentioned earlier, they got
a couple of dynamic young playmakers in the back end,
(15:21):
and Mitchell and Cooper and study those guys in draft
prep not surprised by the contributions that they're able to
provide both guys of football players first and cover men second,
in that they're very physical for their position. They don't
turn down physical confrontation. They display global football awareness that
(15:43):
allows them to make plays other than cover people. Cooper's
shown a nice knack for screen destruction, for example, a
perimeter to play destruction, bubble screens, wide out screens, et cetera.
And so they got a real formidable group. Guys on A.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
Scored after Kean's interception and then again after Ilamin's fourth
pound stop.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Yeah, as a quarterback to kind of sense that those
are special moments where you guys can see.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
His control on Yeah, I think anytime you get to
go in a four quarter game, you're trying to find
those moments and you're you're trying to find those momentum plays. Obviously,
big Benton's interception that was the exceptional interception man, and
we just capitalized. We got in a huddle, we meet,
we said, hey, let's let's get a touchdown here and
then I'll final in Driva believe it was next one,
and just we did. We did some good things there,
and that's complementary team football. That's what championship teams do.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
You have to approach it differently. This week would likely
without George the lineup.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
You know, I think first of all, I think obviously
George is doing everything he can to get back out there.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I know that.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
I think, you know, with all the guys that we have, though,
we got guys that have great experience, have done some
amazing things in this league. Obviously in Mike Williams. Obviously
Calvin's been special this year, Scottie miller Man, he's made
some great plays. We have some guys that hit big
Ben you know, Scronning has done some amazing things too
along the way. Van has been special for us year.
You know, guy who's won football. So we we got
(17:02):
great confidence in the guys we have. So, uh, whatever
whatever it is, you know, we know we'll be ready
to go for us.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
What did it mean to you to open up your
why Not You Center this week? Yeah? And why is
giving back to the community.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
Yeah, Tuesday was a cool day. You know, got to
do some cool things obviously go to the children's hospital.
But then, do you know, Sierra and I we have
our foundation why You Foundation. The funny thing is when
I first met c one of our first date night,
we talked about things on a bucket list and we said,
you know, you know, have a foundation together, do something
like that, and and we talked about opening up a school.
And one of the things that you know, we talked
about is having why at you centers. You know, I
(17:34):
grew up where, you know, didn't have much, but a
lot of my friends did. And I got to go
to like country clubs and these places. And I used
to go to YMCA and go play ball day and
play basketball and baseball and and just uh, you know,
go to the Boys and Girls Club whatever it may be. C.
Two and just we just had these spaces that we
wanted to you know, grow up in and play in.
And but I think also too, what we wanted to
(17:55):
do is create a place where you know, resume builders
for kids and even their fa families and their parents,
and place also to that obviously you know musically and
from a music standpoint and a young athlete standpoint, and
just just a place of opportunity. And we got to
we had the fortunate opportunity to partner up with Boys
and Girls Club, you know, and obviously Western Pa is
(18:18):
you know a great place to start in here right
here in Pittsburgh. We're so excited, uh, you know, to
to launch our one Au center here. At first one
we plan on launching others as well, and we have
plans to do that hopefully you know, three or or
three or more here soon and just you know, but
to launch our first one here in Pittsburgh is really exciting.
We're just grateful and our and we know our foundation
is super grateful too, and it's an exciting time. Russ
(18:41):
push Tunean was talking about some of that maturity that
he's seen from the young offensive line and so forth,
and were polish, and he also.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Likened that to some of what he's seen from the
young defensive backs.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
They show that much maturity. Do you try to do
any tricks that you would normally do with the young
defensive backs or do you just kind of kind of
play it more straight if those guys steep Lerning, Yeah, yeah,
you're always playing the game, you know. I think that
you're always trying to find ways to find that one
percent that can help you throughout a game or whatever
it is, practice or whatever. These guys, you know, for
(19:12):
the Eagles, they got a lot of great talent. Obviously,
I have such high regard for Sleigh, you know, I've
haten to play them all over all these years, and
he's just one of the best to do it. He's
a guy that's you know, I've sat on the Pro
Bowl buses with him and had you know, stories and
laughs and just different things. And just like I said,
you know, hold this guy in such high regard and
the type of player and person he is, you know,
and then obviously the rest of their secondary. You know,
(19:33):
Gardner's a great player back there. He's made a lot
of great plays. He's played great this season. Throughout his career.
Blankenship's playing really well, I think. You know, obviously they're
young corners and they got a lot of you know,
good players on that side of the football, and so
for us, you know, we just got to be detailed.
They got a great defensive line too. They got some
really great players up front. So we just got to
be our best and focus on what we can do.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
What do you guys have to match what they do
up in front?
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Their physical they're big, they're very to be guys, how
much emphastiff for you guys to be ready with your checks?
Speaker 4 (20:03):
And they yeah, well, we have to we have to
match their intensity. We have to match you know, really
really just bring our best. You know, I think that
they're gonna you know, be amped up and they they
get to play you know, at home and all that stuff.
It'll be a great matchup. It'll be energy. You know,
this is a type of matchup that you know, some
of the best in the NFC and some of the
(20:24):
best in the a f C. So you know, I've
gotten to play there, you know, several times. Obviously, it's
a place that you know, it's a tough environment to play,
it's a place of great energy, and like I said,
we got to bring our best.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Okay, great to hear from both coush Tom and also
our starting quarterback Russell Wilson as we go into this
big match up between one of the best teams in
the NFC and the Philadelphia Eagles on one of the
best teams in a FC, the Pittsburgh Steaters this weekend.
Do I don't know if you have an article or
they're all online, but one of the biggest stots I
have this week generally is the last time the Pittsburgh
(20:57):
Staters defeated at the Philadelphi Eagles with what year.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
In Philadelphia. Sorry, yeah, I'm very well awarem Like I
did read your articles earlier, and I'm very well aware
of it's nineteen sixty five of a couple of stoughts
for you actually, just to summarize how long ago that
was with that's four years, it's it's mad. It's four
years before Lance Armstrong sat foot in the moon Joe
name of just saying with the Jets, and the NFL
(21:23):
had changed the color of the penalty flag from white tallow.
So as you imagine, it's very very long.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I have to say, I literally, like when I seen
a lot, I literally had to google it like four
or five times.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
And then one of the things I added after it
is that our QB.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
Russell Wilson is six and now he's undefeated against the Eagles.
So hopefully, Yeah, like Lynden, like LBJ as president, it's
not long ago. I think it's time to change now.
If we look at this game. I'm not I am
not putting you down here at all. I know you're
a bit nervous about this game, and you know what
it is the team podcast, but it's okay to admit
it because I'm nervous about it as well. I think,
(22:00):
like there's so much talk around the Eagles at the moment,
davg especially the relationship on the offense between Gelon Hurts
and j Brown. We're not going to the details of that.
It's fully aware of people online. But part of me
sort of is a bit worried that they could blow
up in this game, you know, and just just go
to time. But then again, it's all our defense, which
(22:21):
just been stout all season to just keep that going.
What's your general thoughts of this Zeals team and how.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Concerned are you going forward this week? Yeah, Look, I'm
I wouldn't say concerns maybe the right word, but I'm
just a bit. I wouldn't even say nervous either, but
I'm just a bit. I can still sort of take
a step back and look, we're in a great position,
and if we were to lose this game, I don't
think it would be absolute travesty. I just think it's
a good chance to set a marker down because I
(22:47):
feel like we haven't been getting the respect we deserve.
I mean, we're beating teams left, right, and center, but
a lot of teams people will look at, Oh, it's
only the Cleveland Browns, it's only the Cincinnati Bengals to
give up like four hundred points a game. But I
just feel in furnace. You know, with the Eagles as well,
you mentioned about the record. We don't get to play
on them, not often either, but when we do it's
always a game both teams wild cherish or sorry, both
(23:07):
fans will cherish because of two obviously Pennsylvania teams, the
Bottle of Pennsylvania we call it, and obviously we spoke
a little earlier in the week, they do have a
lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively,
you know Saquon Barkley, I mean, obviously he's the clean, clear,
main threat, but they've also got good wide receivers. You
mantioned A j. Brown, Devonte Smith, a great young tight end,
and Dallas Goddard and of course Jaled Hurts, who, of
(23:29):
course maybe not the greatest pocket passer in the world,
but outside of the pocket he's a massive threat. I'm
gonna gets loose as well. So not only that, they've
always had great offensive lines ranks number two number two
behind the Lions and PFF. And defensively they're young and
have a lot of stars all over the place. So
this for me, it's it's probably gonna be one of
the toughest games I did match it probably is our
toughest game this season. We had a circle at the
(23:51):
beginning of the year. I think all three of us
we have to minute. I think we all had it
down as losses. But there's a lot of noise going
around with Garden. You know, you've just mentioned it. They're
the Hurts and a J. Brown relationship. It's dressing. You know,
they weren't exactly sat in the world alike either. You know,
they weren't sat in the world alike last week against
the three and ten Carolina Panthers. So as well as that, sorry,
just as well, we have to remember they're actually already qualified,
(24:13):
so already in the playoffs. I know they're battling for
that number one seed with Detroit, but there's awfully certainly
some room for you know, some slopping it. So let's
hope we've caught them at a good time to play
them where they're not exactly taken on all slanders and hopefully,
you know, maybe that bit of reluctance to have, well,
we'll slept in and we can come out with a vector.
You've been beautifuler and your analysis. I have to say it.
Speaker 1 (24:35):
I do want to say one thing before we may
be look at this game ourselves for each of it.
George Pickens, we know at the minute he's not fully fit.
He suffered a greed to hamstrings train and look, we
are not spokespersons for this team. We can't say if
he's gonna play or not, but obviously it may be unlikely.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Players this week.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
I'm going to be really honest with you know, we
have a greater than ninety nine percent chance of making
the playoffs Sto v aug regardless of what happens here.
We got it if it's me and obviously if if
he plays on someday, I trust coach Tomlin. Of course
in the medical team and those people are employed for
that decision. But I certainly trust coach Tomlin and this
team if they want to rest them for a couple
of weeks and maybe even bring them back after the.
Speaker 2 (25:14):
Christmas and allow of you guys to come in. You've
got pop frown with there.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
I feel like those next guys up are gonna be
key against the Seagles team, especially when we know they
can score points and we're gonna have to go up
and score points in the night in this game.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
Yeah, just on you touched on George Peckins, Michael, I mean,
I'm I'm sort of in the exact same boat. I
do feel a lot because of our record and because
of where we're currently stand, we have the ability to rest,
not fully rest players, but if we've got players that
are carri and Knox, we have the opportunity to rest them.
The only thing is it's George Pepkins. I mean, we
sing in the first quarter last week against the Browns
(25:51):
when it was sort of a shock where oh God
wors George, it was it was very difficult to you know,
to get any sort of offense Fluiday in our first quarter.
So that's the one thing. I mean, I wouldn't say
we have an over reliance on him, but he's a
special player. It's a special talent, and he's going to
be messing any team. So I feel like, of course
we got that next month in Natalia. We've seen Mike
Williams came up with a big catch last Sunday against
(26:13):
the Browns. Calvin Austin at third has been playing well
all year, Pot Farmer is obviously a te you know,
a component of our past game as well. And we've
still got those two great backs in Nausea and Jilleen
Warren who are going to be able to come out
of the backfield. Jill Warren's especially, you know, his past
catching this year and his ability to fight for every
single year it has been incredible. So I'm agreeing with you.
(26:34):
I do feel that, you know, we've got the ability
to rest George if we need to, But at the
same time, he's just one of those players that can
make a massive difference, you know, in third and long
when we've got to throw it up to somebody, George
is always there and he's always coming down with it.
So I'm sad to see because I do notice that
he is down as questionable and he didn't practice today.
I've set a look on the injury report he didn't practice,
(26:55):
which is not good to see. But all we can
do is, really, you know, do with what we got him.
We are great, as you know, We're a great maximoun
up team. No matter what position, no matter what side
of the ball, We've got players to step in and
come in and stap up rate to the mark. So
that's really what I'm looking for this weekend. If he
doesn't play, of.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
Course, and one guy that we have that may step
up at certain points, and we know how good he
is is Chris Boswell. He's literally on course to break
the record this season for the amount of successful field
goals if he keeps it up on average throughout the
next few weeks. Just finally, before we make our game picks,
we've got Chris Boswell. But the Eagles are really struggling
with Jake Elliott. He has missed all his tries, five
(27:32):
of them from fifty plus yards this season. And David,
when you know how stout how good this defense of
ours is. If we can stop the Eagles on those
third down situations and they have to make a forty
fifty yard field goal, we know that there's a kicker
there that is struggling and that could be huge in
this game.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
And all we've did in the past couple of weeks,
Michael is play teams that have kickers that are struggling.
I mean, we had Dustin Hopkins last week. He has
been struggling all year. We've had Justin Tucker and you
mentioned it as well. You know we've got a kicker
that can kick field goals left right center. Boswell is
the best in this league outside of fifty yards. It's
the starter that they will prove it. So in my opinion,
(28:11):
I think you've nailed it on ahead there. And of
course we've got a special team that if, for example,
if Jake Elliott and the you know, the long snopper
for the Eagles, they're able to get it off. We've
got a special teams that are always capable of blocking
kick some punts. So you've just mentioned that there are
Tony Roman and matched it last week as well. Three
the three components of your team offense, defense, special teams.
When they're all clicking, you're undoubtably a super Bowl contender.
(28:32):
So I'm I'm a complete agreement with you. I think
you're eating could come down to Boswell this weekend, and
if it does, we've got the batter kicker especially outside
of fifty and win the Philadelphia. So yeah, I am
in a complete agreement with there. Hopefully it does, and
if it does, I can see it's coming out with it.
Here's my pick. You're gonna laugh. People are gonna laugh.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
I'm telling you now, I've just got that feeling in
the air. Russell's gonna go out and three touch signs
and win this game. I think it'll be very, very tight.
I feel like it is. It's really gonna be that
combination of two elements.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
It's gonna be.
Speaker 1 (29:05):
You know, will Gialan be able to get back on
track with a J Brown? He might do, But how
much can we contain it? As as the defense on
the day, Yes, it's gonna be down to our pass
and the running game to actually get points on the board.
But this defense is going to win this game twenty
four to twenty one, and it's going to be a
slug fest. But I tell you what, lot, if we
(29:26):
are sitting on Monday evening talking about a team that's
won again, our expectations need to go up a jump
this week.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Now, I know you've been on the fence. So if
you feel that the egos.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
Are gonna win and you want to drop that l
right now and then come back, I know those team
podcast but you can do it as grand.
Speaker 2 (29:44):
It's not happening. It's just not happening. I mean, I've
mentioned that this is the closest I was given to
a loss. But I can't. I can't bring myself to
this and you know I'm not gonna lay. I have
been on the fence with it all week. You know,
as I said earlier. I feel this is an always
was going to be the most difficult game of the year.
Philly is arguably up there with Buffalo. I think Buffalo
(30:05):
is also another difficult probably the most difficult places to
play in the league, you know, in the NFL. So
I'm expecting a very tough assignment and I do feel
like it is going to be low scoring and it
could be one of those games that it does come
down to the kicker or who has the ball. Last
you I mentioned there as well, But George Pekins another
name that I'm a dreaded seeing on the injury report
With to Shaun Elliott, I mean, he's having a magnificent season.
(30:25):
You know, he's also out of a hamstring injury. I
don't know what's going on with these hamstrings. But having
said that, you know, the Eagles are also dealing with
their injuries. You know, Jalen Carter I matched the Burger
in the week He's listed as questionable, so it'd be
interesting to see if he if he manages this kid out.
But I did flirt with the idea of giving this
as a loss this weekend, but unfortunately I just can't
bring myself to do it. So I'm going to go
for a very low scoring game, but I'm only going
(30:47):
to go Steelers nineteen, Eagles seventeen. Gonna go with Boswell
last second key winner, first win in the city of
brother brotherly love in just under sixty years. I say,
now what, I'll always say, take it to the bank,
Take it.
Speaker 1 (31:01):
To the bankman, and then tell you what if they
win it for the first time in sixty odd years
in Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, bring it on, folks, do that?
Speaker 2 (31:09):
So your predictions.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
Steeters Ireland on x on Instagram having the Jimmy spects,
but I feel like he's gonna give us a win.
We'll be back after the game this week. Please do
follow along. The game is not on Sky. It's actually
an NFL game passing that's done. They've selected the Bills
Lions game. We all agree we think that game should
be on Sky, but we know that next week we're
gonna have the Ravens game on Sky and then the
Christmas Day game in Netflix.
Speaker 2 (31:30):
So yeah, it's great to see and longmaking to meg.
Here we go, man. I hope you have a great
weekend and everyone listening have a fantastic weekend. Enjoy watching
the Staters. We both chat easton
Heap folks, Welcome into the Irisheelers podcast. On the cuff
of Week fifteen of the NFL season, Michael mcweid here,
delighted to be joined with my compatriot here davalg McKee.
Jimmy isn't here today, but we wish him well over
the weekend getting to watch his team in week fifteen.
I do my sorry, what's the crack. I'm not excited
(00:28):
to have this podcast, dobug did. I'm just already splur
my words. How you doing, hypeim I'm doing well, Imick.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
And this this one is definitely one I've been looking
forward as well, you know, because it's to feel like
it's the opposition is in my opinion, it's the toughest
game of the year so far, and it's one I
had marked out in the calendar because the Eagles are
one of those teams where you know, obviously the Philadelphia,
the rich arts history as well, you know, a bit
like Pittsburgh. And then I obviously have a lot of
friends over there living that have lived over there, including
(00:55):
Jimmy who's not here at the moment, but he he
lived in Philadelphia. He spent a bit of time he
understand the rivalry between the two teams as well. So
it's one I've been marked out for on my calendar.
But yeah, been reading sort of you know, a bit
of statistics as well this weekend and it's read shipping
up to be a great game. So I'll bet you're
breaking and breaking it down with you, Mack here.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Look, it's definitely appreciated, and I know we're gonna get
into a lot of talk around this Eagles team and
a lot of talk really around this team for the Staels.
But it's been three or four days since we last spoke,
and we obviously spoke after the weekend. It was after
the win that was we will talk about our predictions
ahead of this game. But you know, just just looking
(01:38):
into this as we enter a ten day crucial period,
how is the confidence for.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
You right now?
Speaker 1 (01:44):
Like, don't give your pack away for this game, but
just just generally because I feel like we need to
win two of these games. I think that's the base
line for us. If you lose one, you lose one.
Obviously want to win all of them. But for me,
it just feels like win these two, win two, helt
of three and we're at a very good and you
never know what can happened in terms of the rest
of the places in the top five in the conference
(02:05):
right now.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yeah, mag I said it earlier in the week. I
feel I'm just gonna put my hands up and said,
I can't see us winning four out of four. I
just can't. It's the National Football League. I mean, it's
hard to win one, never mind four to four. And
the teams we've got, as if you said over our
ten ten death stretch, We've got the Philadelphia Eagles, you know,
arguably the most talented team in the league in my opinion,
(02:28):
probably I think the Lands are probably up there as best,
but I think in terms of raw talent on their team,
I think the Eagles are number one. We've got the
Baltimore Ravens, who are coming off Obviously they have the
chance this weekend they're probably gonna roll them. But they're
also coming off I lost to the Eagles last week,
so they have to win and it's gonna be a massive,
you know, step up game for them. They're gonna want revenge.
And then of course on Christmas Day, we have the
(02:50):
Kansas City Chiefs. I mean, they don't really need to
say anymore than that. Of course, they haven't been great
this year, haven't been blown teams out, but they've been
playing West to win, and of course they've won two
super Bowls, and only you can't really, no matter what
you say, you have to respect them. So arguably the
toughest ten death stretch in league history. But I'm still
I'm still sitting here with you, and I'm still confident
(03:11):
because the Pittsburgh Steelers, we know, we find out West.
We're a bit like those teams. We found out ways
to win games. And of course I'll be land if
I said my confidence was SKay haigh, because it's not.
But at the same time, I find that as if
you just said, I think winning two out of those
four games. Of course we've left at the Bengals as well,
and in Weekly eighteen, if you like Week seventeen, I'm
(03:33):
not entirely sure I think it is, but yeah, the
Bengals are an noth theing they're going to be looking
revouns so and winning two out of them four games
I think should be enough to win the division and
set us up right for the playoffs. So I'm not
going to get greaty, but I think it'll just be
one of those will take a week by we can
see how things go.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
And it's funny because we will talk about this game
and it just in a little second. But we really
can't complain of it access. Obviously we're biased because we're
we have that and me as an opportunity. We're very
thankful to do a podcast for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And
shout out to everyone listening this weekend, especially if you're.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
On the island of Ireland.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
But we've entered a week tallot where we've seen coach
Tomlin and Pot McAfee earlier on Thursday, and we've also
seen Hard Knocks. It's it's really it's weird because it
just feels like we're getting so much closer to this
team even though we live so far away, which is
a credit to the organization. But more so, Coach Tomlin
says it like it is. He's open, he's honest, he's
(04:28):
a good crack, as we say. But it has been
really enjoyable the Hard Knocks this week, and I know
you really enjoyed the segment with Joey Porter Ginger.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yeah, I know that it was another great episode. I
mean week one we got to see sort of at
first time what MG. Thomalin is like, because you know,
we see it anyway. You know, we know what he's like.
He's very upfront and in the Cress conferences, he you know,
he doesn't you know, hold back and he is just
what you get. But he was yet again the start
of the show makeer. There's been you know, a perception
(04:56):
as well in the league. Around the league for a
while the coach Thomlin tends to leave the offense, you know,
because he's because of his defensive background. But that episode
exactly proved exactly what it was. It was just a
perception because we've seen him alongside Russ, we see him
alongside Nauge even justin Fadus prepping for the game against
the Browns, and you know, he was all in on
the sort of game plan we were going to throw
the war to Cleveland defense. So that was good to see.
(05:18):
And he've just mentioned as well, Ue in the conversation
he had with with Joey Porter Jr. And now that
holds some moment which shows yet again, you know, the
relationship he has, particularly with the younger players, and you
know we've seen him last week with Nick Herbig. He
treats him as if he's you know, almost like their
own sons. You know, he has a sort of back
from and not believe that they're going to go out
and make players. So it's just really shown him at
(05:38):
his operief's best. And you know, speaking of Joey Porter
as well, Joey Porter Junior, we've got to say a
bit of joy Joey Porter Senior in the episode, you know,
the stories of him as a player, you know, against
the rest of the FC North. He mentioned obviously about
the time where he begged his wife not to wear
his jersey because of the sort of you know, shenanigans
she was gonna have to put up with. But she
wore them anyway, and unfortunately she didn't get a great reception,
(06:00):
which a want to the cities like Cleveland stuff. So
that was basil. Wasn't it amazing? Amazing? It's it's it's
hard to believe. It just shows you the levels of
the of the Riverry. I mean, Cleveland do not like us.
We do not like Cleveland, but the fans had that
much hatred for Jorry Porter, Joey Porter that there anybody
worn his jersey was just going to get flack. So yeah,
that was amazing scene and it was really it was
(06:21):
really cool to see a lot of him in the
episode as well.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
It's funny because you see it not just with the Caesars,
but with so many different teams of partners, the wives,
the friends of players where they have to go to
the different cities. Have seen George Kittle and Kyle just
Shick's partners are very close together as friends, and I've
seen him go to Buffalo recently with their jerseys and
they had no fear at all. So it was funny
see in that sense. But it's gonna be interesting, Doveo
(06:46):
to see how this plays out on Hard Knocks, especially
when you get three games in ten days, and regardless
how the games go for us, I'm intriguously going to
show that gap between the Saturday and the Wednesday, because
it's really yes, we know that if you play Sunday
that you have the enough time, you have the four
days off, and I know it's the same difference between
(07:07):
the Saturday, though I haven't say, but it's still different.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
So I'm really intrigued.
Speaker 1 (07:10):
I just feel like we're so closer one under this team,
and I can only imagine if we're going to get
like a Christmas Dinner video with a couple of weeks
or something. Yeah, something tells me that one of Christmas
Dinner with coach Tomlin.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Who does you just mentioned it there, Mike. I think
we got to see last week as well, the Thanksgiving
dinner between the Heyward family. I mean, we got to
make Connor Heyward where he's in Belfast, and we've seen
just uptoking personal what he's like. But yeah, Mike, imagine
Christmas and Mike Tomlin's house. Imagine and a lot of
crack going on there anyway, you know, like a lot
of bond there. But as he says, the standard, the
(07:44):
standard to say that he even takes you know, the
standard of Christmas dinner even serious, you know, So that
would be an interesting one. I hope to see that.
But yeah, we're really intense that you mentioned about the
gap between Saturday and Wednesday. There we get to see
what it's like every week. It's very intense, you know,
the breakdown, the preparation goes in there really can't be
there's the show. Yeah, you know, we've seen preparation that.
(08:05):
I think the Chicago Bird earlier in the year a
preseason we got to see their prep The difference is
like day and night. I fail, and we're very lucky
to have that sort of preparation in our books.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
I can confirm that. And I'm going over a Christmas.
I'm going on hot I'm actually one of New York
with my wife for Christmas, but I'm going to the
game on Christmas death. So I shout out to my
wife for her understanding. I wish you guys were I
wish we were all there for that game together. But
then I think you guys are gonna get more of
the access than I got because of Christmas.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
But really excited that A will to go over.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
I mean, like, you're gonna have to hear some advice
in the chat after this conversation, but then we'll definitely try.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
I know, I think the.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
Podcast will probably take a break out because it is Christmas,
but I will be probably on but like probably on
hand after to chat about the game. But man, the
atmosphere is gonna be class his next home game, and
I've never been to Pittsburgh, so I'm excited. Have you
any pointers you can give me on a podcast, any
advice at all, though before we hear them.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
On them, I suppose the only thing I would say
is get around and and and sort of make a
bit of noise, because Pittsburgh is a city it's it's
it's very loud and in your face. I mean, the
locals are fantastic. I would say, just get your hands dirty.
I mean we've only been once, of course, and it
was in October. But I feel like I'm part of
the city because of already. You know, I've been there
(09:23):
and I've done it. But yeah, I can't wait to
get back. And A would say, it's a very good
Christmas present to have in Pittsburgh getting to go and
watch the Steelers. I'm very very jealous of. You have
to say, what a game on the Chiefs like it's
it's it's And obviously we've had games on Christmas Day before.
I mean we beat the Ravens a couple of years
ago on Christmas Day, but I failed this one with
the Chiefs come to town. Potentially, Taylor Swift, if you can
(09:45):
get our autograph from me at appreciate at mac. But yeah,
that's that's one I'm very very jealous of. So I'm
sure you're gonna have a great time. Oh well, look
it's great. I was allowed I for you boys got
out there. I'm looking a forward to getting out there.
And look, let's let's see what happens over the nexte weeks.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
You're right, we have like game on Christmas, but it
just feels like this year, not just Christmas novo, but
the next few weeks are just different.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
And you know what, we.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
Will long for this time into a fleame month's time
when the football is over.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
So we got to enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
We got this Eagles game up first this week before
myself and Dalvo talk a little bit about the game.
Let's hear first from coach tomlm and then we're also
going to hear from Russell Wilson. A had of this
game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday on the Irish
Hitters podcast.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Dante Jackson had some spotty availability in game. He was
sick on Sunday but was able to get through. I
don't imagine that he'll be limited. And some other guys
got some minor bump, some bruises associated with competition, and
so you know, as we always do, we won't waste
a lot of time focusing our energies on those not
(10:49):
available to us. We'll appropriately focus our energies on those
that are and how we divide that labor up and
how we can best position them to perform and play
winning football individually and collectively. Now on to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Man.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Really excited about this one man, this Pennsylvania state championship.
Excited about representing Whippile in this I was just joking
this morning. Man, we could play this game in Breezewood. Man,
that'd be awesome. They're a really good football team. They
need no endorsement for me. They're the winners of nine straight.
When you look at the tape, man, you see exactly
(11:25):
why I'll start first on offense. The acquisition of Saquon
Barkley has got to be the most significant acquisition in
the NFL in twenty twenty four. That's what the tape
looks like. He's been dominant, eye opening at times, obviously,
highlight real caliber plays, long runs, touchdowns, etc. It starts
(11:49):
there for us. If you don't minimize him in some way,
you're not even going to position yourself to have a
chance to be successful. And so obviously he's got a
lot of our attention at the early stages of week,
but he can't have the totality or of your attention.
I remember the last time we were in the stadium
with him. I think it was twenty twenty and he
(12:10):
was playing for the Giants and I think Daniel Jones
was a very young quarterback at that time. We were
able to focus a significant amount of our energy on them.
We're not afforded that this time around. Jalen hurts Man
is a top notch quarterback, decision maker, leader, passer, escape artists,
(12:31):
you name it, he's capable of doing it. And so
you know, we have the challenge of working to minimize
both guys and making the decisions schematic decisions associated with
what's required to do. So you couple that with dynamic
receiving options on the other end of Jalen Hurst passes
in the form of a couple of top notch guys.
(12:53):
They've also acquired Dotson from the Commanders and so, man,
they have the type of group that you got to
make some real hardcore decisions about working to minimize and
so we're working through that. The strategic component of that, obviously,
you better play well. I've talked about their eligibles. They're
running back, their quarterback, their receivers, but you can't talk
(13:16):
about Philadelphia without talking about their front. They have some
of the most dynamic people in football up front, Lane Johnson,
you know, being the bell cow that group. Their offensive
line has been stellar for a number of years. They're
not talked about enough for obvious reasons. You get an
opportunity to talk about the dynamic play making of guys
(13:36):
like Saquan and see the highlight real plays like him
jumping people backwards that oftentimes you missed the brilliance of
a guy like Landon Dickerson Man or Lane Johnson. And
so we recognize that the game is played up front,
that they usually provide the wave that the little men ride,
and so re respect that component of what they do
(13:57):
and their capabilities in that area as well.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
On the defensive side of the ball, they.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Got a bunch of young talented players, a bunch of
Georgia guys, Guys that I've seen in draft planning over
the last several years, ultra talented.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
They've been talented up front for a number of years.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
UH.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
They play a lot of people, UH, and they invest
in those people in terms of talent acquisition. The same
could be said about this collective. They do a really
good job of mixing in some schematics. Man Vic Fangio
is a veteran coordinator who's very multiple in terms of
the schematic things that he throws at you. I'd be
(14:38):
remiss if I didn't talk about the second level play.
I think when you think about Philly's defense, you think
about the talent acquisition up front, UH, the quality play
making of the young people in the secondary UH in particular.
But when I turned the tape on me and I
saw two inside linebackers that are productive in all areas.
The high volume tacklers, they're very good and underneath the fence,
(15:01):
be it manor zone UH, the opportunistic they created a
lot of turnovers for the group. They're really good blitzers.
I just got a lot of respect for that that
collective of inside linebackers in the quality in which they're
playing at this juncture. As I mentioned earlier, they got
a couple of dynamic young playmakers in the back end,
(15:21):
and Mitchell and Cooper and study those guys in draft
prep not surprised by the contributions that they're able to
provide both guys of football players first and cover men second,
in that they're very physical for their position. They don't
turn down physical confrontation. They display global football awareness that
(15:43):
allows them to make plays other than cover people. Cooper's
shown a nice knack for screen destruction, for example, a
perimeter to play destruction, bubble screens, wide out screens, et cetera.
And so they got a real formidable group. Guys on A.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
Scored after Kean's interception and then again after Ilamin's fourth
pound stop.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Yeah, as a quarterback to kind of sense that those
are special moments where you guys can see.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
His control on Yeah, I think anytime you get to
go in a four quarter game, you're trying to find
those moments and you're you're trying to find those momentum plays. Obviously,
big Benton's interception that was the exceptional interception man, and
we just capitalized. We got in a huddle, we meet,
we said, hey, let's let's get a touchdown here and
then I'll final in Driva believe it was next one,
and just we did. We did some good things there,
and that's complementary team football. That's what championship teams do.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
You have to approach it differently. This week would likely
without George the lineup.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
You know, I think first of all, I think obviously
George is doing everything he can to get back out there.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I know that.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
I think, you know, with all the guys that we have, though,
we got guys that have great experience, have done some
amazing things in this league. Obviously in Mike Williams. Obviously
Calvin's been special this year, Scottie miller Man, he's made
some great plays. We have some guys that hit big
Ben you know, Scronning has done some amazing things too
along the way. Van has been special for us year.
You know, guy who's won football. So we we got
(17:02):
great confidence in the guys we have. So, uh, whatever
whatever it is, you know, we know we'll be ready
to go for us.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
What did it mean to you to open up your
why Not You Center this week? Yeah? And why is
giving back to the community.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
Yeah, Tuesday was a cool day. You know, got to
do some cool things obviously go to the children's hospital.
But then, do you know, Sierra and I we have
our foundation why You Foundation. The funny thing is when
I first met c one of our first date night,
we talked about things on a bucket list and we said,
you know, you know, have a foundation together, do something
like that, and and we talked about opening up a school.
And one of the things that you know, we talked
about is having why at you centers. You know, I
(17:34):
grew up where, you know, didn't have much, but a
lot of my friends did. And I got to go
to like country clubs and these places. And I used
to go to YMCA and go play ball day and
play basketball and baseball and and just uh, you know,
go to the Boys and Girls Club whatever it may be. C.
Two and just we just had these spaces that we
wanted to you know, grow up in and play in.
And but I think also too, what we wanted to
(17:55):
do is create a place where you know, resume builders
for kids and even their fa families and their parents,
and place also to that obviously you know musically and
from a music standpoint and a young athlete standpoint, and
just just a place of opportunity. And we got to
we had the fortunate opportunity to partner up with Boys
and Girls Club, you know, and obviously Western Pa is
(18:18):
you know a great place to start in here right
here in Pittsburgh. We're so excited, uh, you know, to
to launch our one Au center here. At first one
we plan on launching others as well, and we have
plans to do that hopefully you know, three or or
three or more here soon and just you know, but
to launch our first one here in Pittsburgh is really exciting.
We're just grateful and our and we know our foundation
is super grateful too, and it's an exciting time. Russ
(18:41):
push Tunean was talking about some of that maturity that
he's seen from the young offensive line and so forth,
and were polish, and he also.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Likened that to some of what he's seen from the
young defensive backs.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
They show that much maturity. Do you try to do
any tricks that you would normally do with the young
defensive backs or do you just kind of kind of
play it more straight if those guys steep Lerning, Yeah, yeah,
you're always playing the game, you know. I think that
you're always trying to find ways to find that one
percent that can help you throughout a game or whatever
it is, practice or whatever. These guys, you know, for
(19:12):
the Eagles, they got a lot of great talent. Obviously,
I have such high regard for Sleigh, you know, I've
haten to play them all over all these years, and
he's just one of the best to do it. He's
a guy that's you know, I've sat on the Pro
Bowl buses with him and had you know, stories and
laughs and just different things. And just like I said,
you know, hold this guy in such high regard and
the type of player and person he is, you know,
and then obviously the rest of their secondary. You know,
(19:33):
Gardner's a great player back there. He's made a lot
of great plays. He's played great this season. Throughout his career.
Blankenship's playing really well, I think. You know, obviously they're
young corners and they got a lot of you know,
good players on that side of the football, and so
for us, you know, we just got to be detailed.
They got a great defensive line too. They got some
really great players up front. So we just got to
be our best and focus on what we can do.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
What do you guys have to match what they do
up in front?
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Their physical they're big, they're very to be guys, how
much emphastiff for you guys to be ready with your checks?
Speaker 4 (20:03):
And they yeah, well, we have to we have to
match their intensity. We have to match you know, really
really just bring our best. You know, I think that
they're gonna you know, be amped up and they they
get to play you know, at home and all that stuff.
It'll be a great matchup. It'll be energy. You know,
this is a type of matchup that you know, some
of the best in the NFC and some of the
(20:24):
best in the a f C. So you know, I've
gotten to play there, you know, several times. Obviously, it's
a place that you know, it's a tough environment to play,
it's a place of great energy, and like I said,
we got to bring our best.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Okay, great to hear from both coush Tom and also
our starting quarterback Russell Wilson as we go into this
big match up between one of the best teams in
the NFC and the Philadelphia Eagles on one of the
best teams in a FC, the Pittsburgh Steaters this weekend.
Do I don't know if you have an article or
they're all online, but one of the biggest stots I
have this week generally is the last time the Pittsburgh
(20:57):
Staters defeated at the Philadelphi Eagles with what year.
Speaker 2 (21:02):
In Philadelphia. Sorry, yeah, I'm very well awarem Like I
did read your articles earlier, and I'm very well aware
of it's nineteen sixty five of a couple of stoughts
for you actually, just to summarize how long ago that
was with that's four years, it's it's mad. It's four
years before Lance Armstrong sat foot in the moon Joe
name of just saying with the Jets, and the NFL
(21:23):
had changed the color of the penalty flag from white tallow.
So as you imagine, it's very very long.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I have to say, I literally, like when I seen
a lot, I literally had to google it like four
or five times.
Speaker 2 (21:34):
And then one of the things I added after it
is that our QB.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
Russell Wilson is six and now he's undefeated against the Eagles.
So hopefully, Yeah, like Lynden, like LBJ as president, it's
not long ago. I think it's time to change now.
If we look at this game. I'm not I am
not putting you down here at all. I know you're
a bit nervous about this game, and you know what
it is the team podcast, but it's okay to admit
it because I'm nervous about it as well. I think,
(22:00):
like there's so much talk around the Eagles at the moment,
davg especially the relationship on the offense between Gelon Hurts
and j Brown. We're not going to the details of that.
It's fully aware of people online. But part of me
sort of is a bit worried that they could blow
up in this game, you know, and just just go
to time. But then again, it's all our defense, which
(22:21):
just been stout all season to just keep that going.
What's your general thoughts of this Zeals team and how.
Speaker 2 (22:26):
Concerned are you going forward this week? Yeah, Look, I'm
I wouldn't say concerns maybe the right word, but I'm
just a bit. I wouldn't even say nervous either, but
I'm just a bit. I can still sort of take
a step back and look, we're in a great position,
and if we were to lose this game, I don't
think it would be absolute travesty. I just think it's
a good chance to set a marker down because I
(22:47):
feel like we haven't been getting the respect we deserve.
I mean, we're beating teams left, right, and center, but
a lot of teams people will look at, Oh, it's
only the Cleveland Browns, it's only the Cincinnati Bengals to
give up like four hundred points a game. But I
just feel in furnace. You know, with the Eagles as well,
you mentioned about the record. We don't get to play
on them, not often either, but when we do it's
always a game both teams wild cherish or sorry, both
(23:07):
fans will cherish because of two obviously Pennsylvania teams, the
Bottle of Pennsylvania we call it, and obviously we spoke
a little earlier in the week, they do have a
lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively,
you know Saquon Barkley, I mean, obviously he's the clean, clear,
main threat, but they've also got good wide receivers. You
mantioned A j. Brown, Devonte Smith, a great young tight end,
and Dallas Goddard and of course Jaled Hurts, who, of
(23:29):
course maybe not the greatest pocket passer in the world,
but outside of the pocket he's a massive threat. I'm
gonna gets loose as well. So not only that, they've
always had great offensive lines ranks number two number two
behind the Lions and PFF. And defensively they're young and
have a lot of stars all over the place. So
this for me, it's it's probably gonna be one of
the toughest games I did match it probably is our
toughest game this season. We had a circle at the
(23:51):
beginning of the year. I think all three of us
we have to minute. I think we all had it
down as losses. But there's a lot of noise going
around with Garden. You know, you've just mentioned it. They're
the Hurts and a J. Brown relationship. It's dressing. You know,
they weren't exactly sat in the world alike either. You know,
they weren't sat in the world alike last week against
the three and ten Carolina Panthers. So as well as that, sorry,
just as well, we have to remember they're actually already qualified,
(24:13):
so already in the playoffs. I know they're battling for
that number one seed with Detroit, but there's awfully certainly
some room for you know, some slopping it. So let's
hope we've caught them at a good time to play
them where they're not exactly taken on all slanders and hopefully,
you know, maybe that bit of reluctance to have, well,
we'll slept in and we can come out with a vector.
You've been beautifuler and your analysis. I have to say it.
Speaker 1 (24:35):
I do want to say one thing before we may
be look at this game ourselves for each of it.
George Pickens, we know at the minute he's not fully fit.
He suffered a greed to hamstrings train and look, we
are not spokespersons for this team. We can't say if
he's gonna play or not, but obviously it may be unlikely.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Players this week.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
I'm going to be really honest with you know, we
have a greater than ninety nine percent chance of making
the playoffs Sto v aug regardless of what happens here.
We got it if it's me and obviously if if
he plays on someday, I trust coach Tomlin. Of course
in the medical team and those people are employed for
that decision. But I certainly trust coach Tomlin and this
team if they want to rest them for a couple
of weeks and maybe even bring them back after the.
Speaker 2 (25:14):
Christmas and allow of you guys to come in. You've
got pop frown with there.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
I feel like those next guys up are gonna be
key against the Seagles team, especially when we know they
can score points and we're gonna have to go up
and score points in the night in this game.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
Yeah, just on you touched on George Peckins, Michael, I mean,
I'm I'm sort of in the exact same boat. I
do feel a lot because of our record and because
of where we're currently stand, we have the ability to rest,
not fully rest players, but if we've got players that
are carri and Knox, we have the opportunity to rest them.
The only thing is it's George Pepkins. I mean, we
sing in the first quarter last week against the Browns
(25:51):
when it was sort of a shock where oh God
wors George, it was it was very difficult to you know,
to get any sort of offense Fluiday in our first quarter.
So that's the one thing. I mean, I wouldn't say
we have an over reliance on him, but he's a
special player. It's a special talent, and he's going to
be messing any team. So I feel like, of course
we got that next month in Natalia. We've seen Mike
Williams came up with a big catch last Sunday against
(26:13):
the Browns. Calvin Austin at third has been playing well
all year, Pot Farmer is obviously a te you know,
a component of our past game as well. And we've
still got those two great backs in Nausea and Jilleen
Warren who are going to be able to come out
of the backfield. Jill Warren's especially, you know, his past
catching this year and his ability to fight for every
single year it has been incredible. So I'm agreeing with you.
(26:34):
I do feel that, you know, we've got the ability
to rest George if we need to, But at the
same time, he's just one of those players that can
make a massive difference, you know, in third and long
when we've got to throw it up to somebody, George
is always there and he's always coming down with it.
So I'm sad to see because I do notice that
he is down as questionable and he didn't practice today.
I've set a look on the injury report he didn't practice,
(26:55):
which is not good to see. But all we can
do is, really, you know, do with what we got him.
We are great, as you know, We're a great maximoun
up team. No matter what position, no matter what side
of the ball, We've got players to step in and
come in and stap up rate to the mark. So
that's really what I'm looking for this weekend. If he
doesn't play, of.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
Course, and one guy that we have that may step
up at certain points, and we know how good he
is is Chris Boswell. He's literally on course to break
the record this season for the amount of successful field
goals if he keeps it up on average throughout the
next few weeks. Just finally, before we make our game picks,
we've got Chris Boswell. But the Eagles are really struggling
with Jake Elliott. He has missed all his tries, five
(27:32):
of them from fifty plus yards this season. And David,
when you know how stout how good this defense of
ours is. If we can stop the Eagles on those
third down situations and they have to make a forty
fifty yard field goal, we know that there's a kicker
there that is struggling and that could be huge in
this game.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
And all we've did in the past couple of weeks,
Michael is play teams that have kickers that are struggling.
I mean, we had Dustin Hopkins last week. He has
been struggling all year. We've had Justin Tucker and you
mentioned it as well. You know we've got a kicker
that can kick field goals left right center. Boswell is
the best in this league outside of fifty yards. It's
the starter that they will prove it. So in my opinion,
(28:11):
I think you've nailed it on ahead there. And of
course we've got a special team that if, for example,
if Jake Elliott and the you know, the long snopper
for the Eagles, they're able to get it off. We've
got a special teams that are always capable of blocking
kick some punts. So you've just mentioned that there are
Tony Roman and matched it last week as well. Three
the three components of your team offense, defense, special teams.
When they're all clicking, you're undoubtably a super Bowl contender.
(28:32):
So I'm I'm a complete agreement with you. I think
you're eating could come down to Boswell this weekend, and
if it does, we've got the batter kicker especially outside
of fifty and win the Philadelphia. So yeah, I am
in a complete agreement with there. Hopefully it does, and
if it does, I can see it's coming out with it.
Here's my pick. You're gonna laugh. People are gonna laugh.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
I'm telling you now, I've just got that feeling in
the air. Russell's gonna go out and three touch signs
and win this game. I think it'll be very, very tight.
I feel like it is. It's really gonna be that
combination of two elements.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
It's gonna be.
Speaker 1 (29:05):
You know, will Gialan be able to get back on
track with a J Brown? He might do, But how
much can we contain it? As as the defense on
the day, Yes, it's gonna be down to our pass
and the running game to actually get points on the board.
But this defense is going to win this game twenty
four to twenty one, and it's going to be a
slug fest. But I tell you what, lot, if we
(29:26):
are sitting on Monday evening talking about a team that's
won again, our expectations need to go up a jump
this week.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Now, I know you've been on the fence. So if
you feel that the egos.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
Are gonna win and you want to drop that l
right now and then come back, I know those team
podcast but you can do it as grand.
Speaker 2 (29:44):
It's not happening. It's just not happening. I mean, I've
mentioned that this is the closest I was given to
a loss. But I can't. I can't bring myself to
this and you know I'm not gonna lay. I have
been on the fence with it all week. You know,
as I said earlier. I feel this is an always
was going to be the most difficult game of the year.
Philly is arguably up there with Buffalo. I think Buffalo
(30:05):
is also another difficult probably the most difficult places to
play in the league, you know, in the NFL. So
I'm expecting a very tough assignment and I do feel
like it is going to be low scoring and it
could be one of those games that it does come
down to the kicker or who has the ball. Last
you I mentioned there as well, But George Pekins another
name that I'm a dreaded seeing on the injury report
With to Shaun Elliott, I mean, he's having a magnificent season.
(30:25):
You know, he's also out of a hamstring injury. I
don't know what's going on with these hamstrings. But having
said that, you know, the Eagles are also dealing with
their injuries. You know, Jalen Carter I matched the Burger
in the week He's listed as questionable, so it'd be
interesting to see if he if he manages this kid out.
But I did flirt with the idea of giving this
as a loss this weekend, but unfortunately I just can't
bring myself to do it. So I'm going to go
for a very low scoring game, but I'm only going
(30:47):
to go Steelers nineteen, Eagles seventeen. Gonna go with Boswell
last second key winner, first win in the city of
brother brotherly love in just under sixty years. I say,
now what, I'll always say, take it to the bank,
Take it.
Speaker 1 (31:01):
To the bankman, and then tell you what if they
win it for the first time in sixty odd years
in Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, bring it on, folks, do that?
Speaker 2 (31:09):
So your predictions.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
Steeters Ireland on x on Instagram having the Jimmy spects,
but I feel like he's gonna give us a win.
We'll be back after the game this week. Please do
follow along. The game is not on Sky. It's actually
an NFL game passing that's done. They've selected the Bills
Lions game. We all agree we think that game should
be on Sky, but we know that next week we're
gonna have the Ravens game on Sky and then the
Christmas Day game in Netflix.
Speaker 2 (31:30):
So yeah, it's great to see and longmaking to meg.
Here we go, man. I hope you have a great
weekend and everyone listening have a fantastic weekend. Enjoy watching
the Staters. We both chat easton
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