Drive9.11.26Hr1: We Finally Made It!

0:00Good afternoon, Stealer Nation. It is the drive on the Steelers Audio Network, West Shuler, Matt Williams. And with you here for the next two hours on this Friday, Matt, we have finally made it. It is our last show before the Steelers play a meaningful football game once again. Finally, yeah, I can feel the energy. I mean, pretty psyched up. We saw two games in the last two nights. Got some good college stuff is I'm sure we'll dabble in a little bit. If I don't have time, we've already dabbled. And then Steelers Falcons, which hey, can't take anyone for granted week ones weird. I'm sure people thought, oh, the Rams are just going to roll over the Niners. This looks like a pretty nice opponent, especially with the quarterback news and I got a dressers and I mean, there's just it's on a great time to be a falcon. That is, I think the big news of the day where we start.

1:01Well, real quick, Matt, yeah, I do have to mention 25 years ago today, September 11th, I think if you're I think if you're of a certain age in this country, you will never forget where you were, what you were doing when that all went down. I was in fifth grade. And I still remember it like it was yesterday, nearly 3000 people in this country passed away. And so we will, we will never forget and just wanted to mention that off the jump here. Where were you? I was in fifth grade Mrs. McQuistans class. We came back from Jim and she was crying our fifth grade teacher told us that there had been, you know, an attack in New York City and that she couldn't really get into much more and didn't really know much more than that. Yeah. That our parents would be coming to pick us up. And of course, my parents were the last to pick me up. But that's not there. But that's not there. Here. No, they're best. But I still remember walking after Jim class, walking into our fifth grade classroom and Mrs. McQuistans balling her eyes out. I still remember that like it was 25 days ago, not 25 years ago. Wow. What about you? A lot different working for the pit panthers. There is a GA obviously. And when you, you'd have to know the facility and it's different

2:07on the pitside. It's probably different now as 25 years ago. But if I would go down to like the coaches locker room or the weight room or anything downstairs, you kind of take the back way through the kids, the players locker room. And there's TVs everywhere. And I vividly remember all the dudes are like whoever was there that were working out. I've went staring our equipment guy and I'm sat there with them, watch both, you know, the planes hit like holy cow, you know, and crazy. I mean, like Walt Harris or head coach, my no means my throw him under the bus. It was just a crazy day. These like, well, you know, we're practicing anyways. Yeah. I mean, it's like, that's how football that's how coaches are. It was a Tuesday or Wednesday. I mean, it was prime practice time. I forget the day of the week. And finally, the coaching staff and everybody got a meeting and we're like, no, we're not pressing. Yeah, we got a cancel everything. Obviously. And then the game subsequently got canceled. I was going to say everything was delayed for like a week. Yeah. Heinz Field was brand new at that point. We played one game at that point from the way I remember. I mentioned I have two photos in my basement from that era. One's the first game ever.

3:11Heinz Field on the on the sidelines. And next one is the game after I think we played South Florida, huge American flags spread out. And that was our first game back. But personally, it was kind of crazy too. My wife worked at the steel building, which is the tallest and biggest target in Pittsburgh. And just so happens, they plain went down pretty close to Pittsburgh. And we're just like, we have to get you out of town. However, we possibly can. And it was chaos. It was chaos. That's how we thought every city in America was the biggest buildings we're going to get hit. You know, I remembered that later on that afternoon, and because at that point, all planes were getting grounded, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. And so a lot we're landing in Pittsburgh because every single plane that was in the air needed to land somewhere. And I still remember being outside with my buddies on our street. And like every time a plane flew by. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And there's a lot of action in the air. It's a bit of a pause for a second and be like, where's that going? Yeah, yeah. So, yeah, 25 years. In some ways, it does feel like 25 years. And some ways it feels like just a few

4:15years ago. But just wanted to mention that today to start the show. Like the generation above me, we'll never forget when like man walked the moon or you know, J. K. Got's things like that. K. K. Got shot and things like that. But that's one certainly in my lifetime in yours as well that like I think I'll remember exactly what I was doing when it happened. Forever. And we will never forget. And just wanted to like I said, make sure we mentioned that here today every September 11th, you think about it and you feel it. But I think on certain milestones, 25 years as always, one of those kind of numbers quarter of a century. And hey, there's still a lot of firefighters and police officers and first responders that are, you know, fighting the ailments that they picked up from all that smoke and debris and chemicals. And so all the best of those people. And I hope they get, well, not the justice they deserve, because I don't think that's possible in this lifetime. But at least, at least some type of healing and some type of comfort in this process. So that's that is a, a, a, just something that needed to be said here to start the show. But Matt, as you mentioned in Steelers land and football

5:16land, the big news of the day to a tag of Iola out for Sunday's game against the Steelers due to an oblique injury. So starting at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons will be Cooper Rush, who was just signed by the Falcons on July 29th. It was that lay down. Now he's getting ready to start. So frankly, if two of us starting, I wouldn't think that's a particularly threatening quarterback. And I've lost some respect for his game. I think he's a very limited player. And I didn't love him kind of, but I thought he was overrated then. I'm not just here to bash two of, but I think, I think the league is shown properly where he's at at this stage of the game and he can only really play a certain way. But they chose him over Rush, clearly. Rush has shown that he's below average backup throughout his career. I think that's a good way to put it. And he'll play eight to 10 years and he'll retire with a lot of millions in the bank and maybe he'll go into coach or not or whatever. But he's not, I don't know a ton about him. I've not broken down a lot of

6:20Cooper Rush tape. And I probably won't between now and kick off. But from what I know, basically, he's a three or four out of 10 in all categories. You know, and that's typical good from the neck up. But that's great. Mike McCarthy's familiar with him too. So that's where I was going to go. That's an interesting angle. I mean, if you look at the times Rush has really played well, it was with McCarthy during a stretch when that was heard. He had about a month or six weeks there where, oh, wow, who's this guy? You know, Dylan Cook type stretch. Yeah. I mean, people have their moments. And I think McCarthy had a ton to do with it. And his familiarity with Rush's strengths and weaknesses has to be a huge advantage for the Steelers more so the other way around times a thousand. Everything is seemingly advantage Steelers in this. And I will say, and I'll probably repeat this again before the show's over. I'm sure you and I will make our picks in the final segment like we always do on Fridays. If this was week six, it'd be like, there's no way you can lose this game. Yeah. Yeah. Now weird, weird things happen. We saw it last

7:22night or, well, I guess technically early this morning in Australia, depending on what time zone you're in. I don't think anyone saw the Rams kind of comfortably losing in week one. I guess the 72 dolphins can pop their champagne because we know the LA Rams won't be going 18 and 0. But yes, weird things happen week one. They do. But this is a, I mean, this is you want to talk about a hand cuff, a one hand behind your back, a playing left handed, which is ironic because they're two left handed quarterbacks are out in Atlanta. There are a lot of advantages for the Steelers, a lot of disadvantages for the Falcons on both sides of the ball. I think something will both repeat throughout the next hour and 50 minutes or whatever are week ones weird and super unpredictable. And Bajon Robbins Robinson is terrifying. Yes. I mean, terrifying. But everything else really sets up nicely. Yeah. You know, just being as honest as I possibly can be. Game being at home, Falcons top two ed rushers out. Falcons top two quarterbacks out. I mean, you're right. The one

8:25area that you look to for Atlanta is we discussed it yesterday. You point to those starts on the offensive line, what 490 combined the most in the league. And of course, Bajon Robinson, probably the finest running back in the league. If not number one, he's certainly number two or three. I'm sure it's no secret what they plan on doing. Getting the ball to him every way possible behind a decent line. You know, he might be probably is the best football player on the field on Sunday. But after that, as he is almost every week after that, it's hard to come up with a lot of things that work in Atlanta's favor. Yeah. And it's pretty easy to come up with a lot of things that work in the Steelers favor. We will dig into that more. We're going to talk to our friend, Missy Matthew. Last note, and I think this almost goes about saying, but I'm sure Patrick Graham looked at that the entire summer because it's not like Lamar Jackson just went out of the game, you know, that if the quarterback beats us in this game, I can sleep at night. But if Bajon goes for two 10 to three yards and four touchdowns, I can't live with that, you know, so the, I'm sure the intentions of all involved are Bajon, Bajon, Bajon. And some a little and a little

9:28more Bajon. Yeah. That I ever tell you about Bajon mustard sin. So his lap Bajon's last. I know he has a mustard his last year at Texas was when it was kind of like when N I L was really becoming a thing. Yeah. Yeah. And I still think it's like the most wholesome. This is what N I L was supposed to be. Yeah. He with a company in Texas partnered and they have Bajon mustard sin. It's mustard. I didn't know what it was called right. That's what N I L is supposed to be. That's great. Right. Supposed to be someone getting five million dollars to sign a couple on our absence. I like this. And yeah. Yeah. It's supposed to be Bajon mustard sin. So maybe that's actually pretty good. Maybe if the Steelers limit Bajon, we can find some of that for those of you that are loyal. Some cabassi for kill boss. For those of you that are loyal listeners of the drive, you will know our friend Matt Williamson loves him some mustard. Yeah. Oh yeah. I want to give Mr. Sam which is Matt couple more notables that I wanted to run past you here before we get to our friend and the Steelers sideline reporter, Missy Matthews. The first is we have some

10:30injury updates from two key players that left Wednesday nights opener. First day, Darnelld sounds like they dodged the major bullet. He dodged a major bullet. I think I'm optimistic that he's he's going to miss this coming weekend. Well, next weekend, I should say next game two. Yeah. Game two, but that's it. They just expect him to miss one week is the latest out of Seattle. So good news for Darnell, good news for the sea hawks. Yeah. And I hate talking injuries. You know that. But I guess it wasn't the hip bone or joint. It was as you can imagine, there's weird clusters of muscles like frankly between your groin, but all of that whole area. And this was kind of a weird muscle strain from what I heard today. Now could that end up being worse than thought? It's not like, oh, a hammy. I mean, it's on a normal injury, but it's definitely good news because hips and injury and seasons without a doubt. So good news for Sam Darnelld, not such good news for AJ Brown and the Patriots, but this lines up nice for Steelers. He's expected to miss about four to six weeks. Are the reports out of New England? And yes, that does lie on. He's definitely out. He's

11:33on. I know there's no chance he's playing next week in New England when the Steelers do travel up the Foxboro and they had their problems, but their problems really exacerbated when he went out. Yes, they did. Yeah. And hopefully you can keep those problems humming. If you're the if you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, Matt, before we go to break and get to Missy, I had some numbers for you. You are the stats guy, but I wanted to lay these out for you in the scene setter here. Okay. The Pittsburgh Steelers in the last 10 years. Do you know what their record is in week one? Seven three seven two and one really? Okay. Pretty good by you. Yeah. Yeah. Good by you. That tie of course against the Browns. If very few at home, very few at home in the the or since the year 2000 in the 21st century, the Steelers 16 9 and one in season openers. Not bad. The last 20 years Steelers 13 6 and one in season openers. The Steelers, their first game at home, Matt are 17 and eight. I bet that's good. And since since this crowd shows up,

12:38then Hinesfield opened in 2001 17 and eight in their first home opener no matter when it is. Yes. So the Steelers have done well in season openers over the last 10 years. They've done well in home openers since Acresure Stadium Hines field was built on the North Shore just a couple of little good home and see it to get a start. Yeah. I like sound that. So let's keep that going. Let's let's get another notch in the wind column there and then head to New England 1 and 0 with a chance to really start the season off on a positive foot. Speaking of foot, someone who will be walking these sidelines on Sunday afternoon, Missy Matthews. She will join us when we return. We'll get her thoughts from the sideline. Everything that she expects from the Steelers from Cooper Rush, from Beigeon Robinson and all those fun storylines heading into Sunday. We've got plenty to get to as we get you ready here on a Friday show. West Mueller, Matt Williamson, Missy Matthews joins us next. It's the drive Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network. And now a word from our sponsor, Bud Light. There's nothing better than the clean crisp.

13:42There's nothing better than the clean crisp. What if we just got out of here and grab some mud lights? Man, we're on air for four more hours. I'll figure it out. Sounds good to me. Anything for the clean crisp taste of Bud Light. Stop up now. Bud Light, easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Enjoy responsibly, copyright 2026 and has a Bush Bud Light beer St. Louis, Missouri. I used to have cable internet, but I'm a 100% kind of fan. So I switched to Verizon Fios. It's 100% fiber internet that's super reliable. So I streamed 100% at the NFL drafts live with ultra low lag. And after what went down in the first round, still getting video calls from my best friend, rubbing it in that he called all the pigs. I told you they were building their own line. I win the bet. Get 100% fiber internet with Verizon Fios because when it comes to your teammates, 100% are nothing. Call 1-3-3 Verizon to switch today. Get that hot dog costume ready.

14:44Nation Radio. I don't know what it is gang, but once a month, this microphone is required in the studio to fall into my lap. Why does we get ready to go into a segment? Mike drop. Oh, good lord. I think TV got that one on video. So maybe it'll make the YouTube recap. But you hear that bounce. It's a Friday in the regular season. And you know what that means. The queen of the sideline Steelers reporter, Missy Matthews, kind enough to join us here on this Friday. And Missy, thank you for taking the time. Welcome back once again here to the regular season. I got to imagine you're fired up for some football and a game here where seemingly a lot of things already are going the Steelers way. Yeah, it is really crazy how, you know, we started

15:48on Monday on Labor Day preparing for two, maybe Pennix don't know. Then Kevin Stepanthi says, all right, it's going to be two. We go through the week and then yesterday we find out he got injured in practice today. Kevin Stepanthi just straight up ruled him out. Also, Michael Pennix Jr. as well. So Cooper, I'm getting the start. A guy Mike McCarthy knows well. And I'm here for it. I'm here for a good home opener. And I'm excited about what this event can do. Yeah, I think it sets up well. And we've had the on for a while. So I need to kind of go back quite a few months. And now you've been exposed to coach McCarthy quite a bit. And I'm curious what you've seen different about the team, the man, how he handles practice, how he deals with you guys, interviews, how different the facility is. It's definitely not quite the same. Yeah, I don't I mean, I'm sure by the coaches area because there's more coaches, those things have

16:49really changed. I haven't really seen for myself what it looks like. But I do think, you know, he has a way of doing things, but he's been ahead coach at two other places. So I kind of liked he's he's lived in learn, right? He's probably done things in Green Bay, maybe even in Dallas, he was like, eh, that's not it. And so you're bringing fresh ideas and different things to this organization. And I just think having an offensive minded coach is not a bad thing, especially when you are trying to figure out this quarterback position. I think just a wound, what we saw from him in terms of his quote unquote QB school with all of them. Mason Rudolph even was like, man, I wish I had coach McCarthy like when I was a rookie when I was a younger player. And you saw what it did for Will Howard and for Drew Aller. And I just think Aaron continuing to be the teammate that he was last year, which may be surprised people. But even when we played the

17:50Packers last year, Jordan Love was not even like remotely, you know, downplaying the impact that Aaron Rogers had on him when they were in Green Bay together and how he wanted to give back. And I think Aaron has continued that. Drew Aller said he was like one of the first people, you know, to reach out to him when he was drafted. And I just think you could tell Mason loved him last year, will love him last year. And I just think that's one of those things that you're seeing. And then to see him and Mike McCarthy together is it's weird, but not weird, I guess at this point. To see them reunited. But you can just see they both are just so so on the same page. And I'm excited to finally see Aaron in a real game with a helmet hearing Mike McCarthy's Jinser accent telling him to play and seeing how they execute. So I think a lot of differences, but also the guys all bought it. Not that that's probably shocking. I don't know how well that would do for you from

18:52a business standpoint. If you're like, I'm not going with this guy. I'm not going with the flow. But I truly think there's something about the details, the way it was very different training camp taking care of their bodies. I think it'll be interesting to see the tackling and the different thing when a real game comes on Sunday. And we finally get to see a lot of the players that really saw them practices. Yeah, the attention to details. Always the first thing that pops to mind when anyone asks about the differences. And that's not a Tom Lennock at all, but it's just very obvious how every little thing is scripted and thought out down to the second. And I'm curious to talk to you actually probably next week or in a couple weeks of how different are the sidelines during real games. I'm not sure if you could get that vibe in the preseason. The only thing I really noticed is that, you know, if you're not a player or coach, you're not in the box. And not that that was necessarily like a problem. I would not say that one bit. But I think even the doctors, they're very much like on the sidelines kind of standing more with me now

19:57all the time. And then when they need to go to the blue tent, they need to watch a replay of video. They need to attend to a player. Then you see them kind of go into that area. So I think, again, the attention to detail, I think it's even down to like who is in certain places on the field during games. Obviously the coaches booth, that was, you know, the one thing they were trying to figure out who was better aware on the field or up there during the preseason, but it doesn't sound like much has changed. And I guess obviously we will find out it. I would be surprised if I saw Patrick Graham on the sidelines Sunday. It seems like having him up in the booth worked well for them. Missy, the Falcons certainly have their concerns heading into this one, but one area where they, they won't be trifling is over there starting running back. Beijon Robinson, who's not only maybe the finest running back in the league. He is, I think, one of just point blank period, the best football players in the world right now. I'm going to interrupt super quick. They did a, the my Thursday show

20:59with Merrill and Mike Prasuda. And I brought up Beijon to Merrill and he said, he kind of reminds me of a mixture of Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. I'm like, is that it? No, I know that sounds crazy, but yeah, that's kind of what he reminds me of. That's pretty good. Missy with their with their issues at quarterback, because I don't want to poo poo, Drake London and Kyle Pits, who are very talented players on their own right, but with their issues at quarterback, it feels like if Atlanta's offense is going to find level footing, if they're going to have success, it starts and ends with that running game with Beijon Robinson. Oh, yeah. I mean, he's just an absolute beast. You see, I think this is the sixth season. They've had a different starter at quarterback in week one. And obviously he wasn't there for all of it, but you know that he makes the difference. There's a reason why whether it was my boys or myself and other people and fantasy draft, you know, taking him first or second, depending on, you know, which way you're going with how

22:01you rank the running backs available to you. I just think he is what makes that offense go. And I think, Matt, it might have, it was either you or Rob yesterday, we are taping the matchup show. You know, you go back to what Kevin Stafansky did in Cleveland with Nick Trubb. Yeah. Yeah. This is like no offense to Nick Trubb, but like an upgraded Nick Trubb. Especially the passing. Kind of like that. Yeah. I mean, he does it all. His scrimmage arts are just absolutely insane. And just how fast he is. I think that's when you pop on film or you even get a chance to watch him in person, you're just like, whoa, I mean, it's, it's impressive. And you know, it is definitely something the Steelers are going to have to think about in terms of the defense and what they're going to be able to do because at the end of the day, they have to stop him upfront. You don't want this to get into him getting to multiple levels and then just taking off. So it will be

23:03interesting to see the least, I think, especially even more so with Cooper Rush starting. You're going to lean on Beige on as much as you can. Yeah. And I'm really going to start to key on more and more with this quarterback news out of Atlanta. Not the two of was super threatening, but I would think that McCarthy and company are even going to be more dedicated to their own run game. You know, let's try to eat some clock, be fresher in the fourth quarter. Those were big problems for this team a year ago. Let's keep Beige on off the field. I doubt this is a type of game. You have to score 30 to win. You know, I mean, so I think it's a great way to just keep feeding Warren and Rico over and over. Oh, yeah. And I think, you know, giving that O line that's really configured some additions, you know, hats on the back, some self boosters per say, I think would be huge as well. And I think everybody wants to see Rico and Jalen and how snaps are to beat up and how they fit into the offense and will we see them on the field together. So I'm excited. I think, you know,

24:08there's a lot of guys that we know of, but have not seen the full compliment of them that I think no matter what, even special team, you know, you're going to be watching special teams to see what Kaden Weijen does. There's just so many things. A full bag. Attention to yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, um, yeah, not a lack of things to be excited about. Now, there never is for home openers, but I think especially when you have, you know, a brand new head coach and era for the first time in 20 years. So many storylines, I think, underneath that, like, Missy, you mentioned at the start of this conversation, Aaron Rogers heading into his last season, I feel like we've barely talked about that just because there's, yeah, yeah, there's been all the eyes on Mike McCarthy. There's been what's going on at right tackle, what's going on at wide receiver, what's going on with Joey Porter, Jr. But entering, entering the final season here of a guy who's going to moonwalk into the Hall of Fame, a four time MVP, and one of the best ever do it, um, is, is certainly something that, uh, that I don't think is

25:12going to fly under the radar this year, Missy. And I'm sure that's something that, you know, when we get closer to the back half of the season and down the stretch, uh, that these guys will be talking about. And, uh, I'm sure there, there has to be right and kind of an, just an onus in that locker room of, you know, hey, we want to get Mike McCarthy's era here off to a good start. We want to get Aaron Rogers final season, um, you know, same thing and worthy of the, the career that he's had for 20 plus years. Oh, yeah. I mean, even the defense of guys this week, um, because, you know, Aaron's been asked about it multiple ways and different occasions throughout this off season now ramping up to the regular season. And it's just like, he's just at peace, at peace with it. Um, if that makes sense, it's, he doesn't want this like farewell tour, he doesn't want it to be a big thing. He's just literally here to chase another super bowl to, um, build off of last season with some of the guys that he worked with last year. And then obviously you're adding in new people and I think it's safe to say that Roman Wilson has a completely different standing

26:14with Aaron than he did last year and what he could mean to this often. Um, and it is crazy because when the NFL research team sends out some of their stats, he has 163 career wins, which is six still time, then has 165. So like, he's probably going to pass Ben at some point. It's just the different milestones and, you know, history that he has created in the National Football League and most of it with Michael Carsey has been pretty cool to see and it's just, it's almost like, you know, the full circle. It all comes back to the beginning. They've been apart for seven years. And now they have a chance to go for it one last time together and see what happens. And we can't wait to see how it all plays out. Be getting, of course, Sunday, one o'clock at extra stadium against the Atlanta Falcons. Make sure you're listening to Missy Matthews on the sidelines, one of 2.5 DVE your Steelers flagship, of course, Steelers Nation Radio as well. Missy

27:16will be on the call with Rob King and Max Starks. Missy, thank you so much for taking the time for us here on this Friday and we will see you on Sunday. Sounds good. Can't wait guys. There she goes. Make sure you are obviously tuning into everything we do on game days for those who aren't familiar. Matt hosts the pre pre pre game show with our buddy Tom Opperman. That will begin what Matt it's four hours before 9 a.m 9 to 11 stage A.E. this year. That's right. Yeah. If you're going down to the game for home games and you want to swing by and say hello to the great Matt Williamson and our buddy Tom Opperman. You can do that at stage A.E 9 to 11. A tad whistle from the DVE morning down there will be their host. It starts hopping by guess I haven't seen a regular season game live music and all that stuff. It'll be pretty cool set up. It'll be bumping first game of the year. I don't care what sported it is man first home game of the year. There's always a vibe and an energy and optimism and usually the weather is good this time of year. Yes. I think weather is supposed to be good. I think it is. I think you're right. So really looking forward to Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Missy for joining us.

28:18Then I also do a pre game hit right after Missy's. Yes you do. Yeah. On the pre game show. About an hour before kick off 45 minutes with my pursuit of Jerry do lack and Bob Labriola of course. We've got to get to a break here because what we're do for one and because two if you've been watching on YouTube I've been holding this microphone in my hand the entire interview. I've been scanning the room for duct tape that seems to fix things around here. Okay. This is like the third time since you're like Mick Jagger on you know. You know there you go. I can't get no working mic stand. An attrat. An attrat. And they told me it wasn't in the budget. No. You'll learn Williamson. It's the drive. Steeler's Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network. And now a word from our sponsor Bud Light. There's nothing better than the clean crisp. There's nothing better than the clean crisp. What if we just got out of here and grab some

29:20Bud lights. But man we're on air for four more hours. I'll figure it out. Sounds good to me. Anything for the clean crisp taste of Bud Light. Stop up now. Bud Light. Easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Enjoy responsibly. Copyright 2026 and has your Bush Bud Light beer St. Louis Missouri. I used to have cable internet but I'm a 100% kind of fan. So I switched to Verizon Fios. It's 100% fiber internet that's super reliable. So I streamed 100% at the NFL drafts live with ultra low and after what went down in the first round still getting video calls from my best friend rubbing it in that he called all the pigs. I told you they were building their own line. I win the bet. Get 100% fiber internet with Verizon Fios because when it comes to your team it's 100% or nothing. Call 1-8-3 for Verizon to switch today. Get that hotdog costume ready. You're tuned to the drive on your 24-7 home of the black and gold. Steelers Nation Radio.

30:32Matt today is the probably last day for a long time that we can do some seasonal preview conversation. Yeah, I guess so. Because after I have pretty quick. As you've mentioned, 44 teams you can't do that after week one. It's like nobody cares. They don't care about last year anymore. Talk to me about what's going on here. So with that I had some some over and unders for you. Okay. Individual statistics for Steelers and then some maybe just bigger superlatives. All right. Sounds fun. As it relates to this upcoming season that I wanted to run past you and discuss with you here to close down this first game. It's work for you. No question. All right. Let's start here, Matt Williamson, Aaron Rogers, over under 28 and a half touchdown passes. Under, but it's a good number. I think they're going to play a lot of powerful ball when they get in tight and that's not Rogers' history. I mean, it throws a lot of touchdown passes for a reason.

31:33But if the O'Line starts popping the most efficient way to get a yard or two is you hand it to a big back. You know, it just is. I mean, that hasn't changed in 60 years. My hunch is McCarthy's very aware that run behind Darnell or the full back behind Darnell with a back that's low to the ground and hard to tackle. I think the rushing touchdowns will go up. I guess is my rebuttal to that. I think you're right. I've seen that number though. I've seen that number as high as 30 in some places. Yeah, which I think is a little too. I think about you take that. That's a pretty good year. If you tell me right now, Aaron throws 30 touchdown passes. Yeah, even 28, 29, you know, absolutely take that right now. Over under six and a half interceptions for Aaron Rogers. That's another good one. I mean, that's about where I'd put the line to. We know he's very conscious of you know, putting the ball in harm's way and his interception of touching on ratio and his career

32:34is ridiculously good. I'm going to go over. I mean, that's it's hard to say seven and under. Yeah, I mean, that's it. I'm going to assume he plays 17 games. Right. There's gonna be a tip ball here and there. If he goes 28 and seven, that's a four to one touchdown interception. Yeah, right. Yeah, I mean, if I told you when 26 to nine, I would take it. I probably would probably be like, that's good. No, free to one. Yeah, it's pretty good. Right. You're right. All right, Matt. Trent Jordan, what? Little background here first. Okay. In 23, TJ, 2023, TJ had 19 sacks. Okay. Not bad. 24. He had 11 and a half last year. He had seven. TJ watt over under nine and a half sacks this season. I was sitting there going, I'm expecting 12. So I'm going to go over. Oh, so you're going way over. I almost put that down. I think he's highly capable. I almost put that number at 10 and a half. Okay. But I went down to nine and a half. Maybe I should have kept it at 10 and a half. You would have still gone over regardless. I still think he's a very good pass rusher. I expect his snap count to come down. And that may work through his advantage just in terms of freshness and all the

33:38stuff too. I don't know how much the whole moving around thing. I've talked about this a lot. I don't think it gives you a massive advantage to take high Smith and put him on the left and watt on the right. But I do think you'll see more stunting looping. I think he'll drop into coverage more. You know, like he's hardly done that over the years. And that's not good for sacks. But I'm just talking about in usage on passing downs could change even if his alignment doesn't change drastically. They weren't a bad sack team last year. But I think collectively they're going to get a bunch. They might come from everywhere. They might come from everywhere. And I think they'll trust their coroner's model have 10. Yeah. Him has five right. Benton has five and a half. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Harmon has two. Yeah. And Ramsey has two. Queen has two. Like back in the day, the steel one. I mean, the Steelers led to league what five years in row and sacks. And they would get four from Vince Williams. Yep. Three from Hilton. You know, like that kind of dried up

34:44lately. They're all coming from the edge guys. And they're really good group. But those little bonus ones are nice. Yes, they are. Yeah. That's when the Steelers were really leading the league in sacks. Yeah. Every year as you were getting them from your ed rushers, but you were getting them from that corner and you were getting them from that lineback. They have like well guys with multiple sacks when the season was ended. Some of them are two, three. So let's stick with this then. By the way, before we started this, I meant to mention thanks to video producer stat guy. Now resident faculty facilities, janitor, microphone picture, microphone fixer TV for fixing my microphone there. Jack of all trades over there. He sure is. I tell you what, the more you can do. Last year, Alex ismith in 13 games had nine and a half sacks. Over under 10 for Alex ismith this year. Good number. I was sitting there saying I think nine is a quality year for him. I know it has an old true, but I think what will out sack him. Okay. I think both of them will see a reduction in snaps. They'll also see an increase of snaps with her big. I don't know. Let's just kind of a gut

35:51thing. I mean, I think that's right in that neighborhood. Double digits. Nine to 12 seems about right, but I leaned under just because I don't want every one of these to be positives. Aaron's going to throw a million touchdowns and TJ is going to have 26. I mean, it's not how he works. So much of the pot to go around. Right. That's just not how it works. You know, Matt finally, we'll go to Nick Herbig then seven and a half sacks in 15 games last year. He also had three force fumbles in an interception. Yeah. Over under nine and a half for Nick Herbig. I was sitting here going. I'm going to go with nine. If he goes over, I'm going over. It's funny because when you preface it, it gives me a second to think. I'm like, what would I set it at? I'm like, if he goes over nine, I'm going to go under because per pass rush attempt, I bet he'll be the stealer's best pass rusher, including what, including Heismith. You know, per snaps attacking the quarterback, I bet he gets home the highest percentage. But I got to think he still has fewer snaps of what and highs. I would, I would think he's going to be third barring major. Of course, of course.

36:53I think we can say, Matt, there is the percentage. If you were to get Vegas to give you one statistically of all three of those guys playing all 17 games, probably pretty low. Of course. But does one miss one game? Does one miss four or five games that we'll play into? I don't know the answer to that. So I can't answer those things. Right. So I got to kind of look at it through a lens of they all have semi equal health and reasonably good health. Love it. You know, Matt, last year, the Steelers as a team had 48 total team sacks. I'm going over on that. I was going to put the over under it 50 and a half over. I don't think they'll lead the league, but I think they'll be top five 51 and a half. You know, you're getting about that neighborhood. I think they'll trust their corners more, thus blitz more. I think that has it to say this because it could make the the posing coaching staff look bad, but I think there'll be fewer easy completions for opposing quarterbacks. Okay. Where the ball just comes out. I mean, the time to throw against the Steelers is always very low because they fear the past rush.

37:58And I didn't feel like the past rush married with the coverage scheme well enough to realize that. I know the ball's coming out, but I'm giving up too many easy completions. I need to contest that first read a little bit more and I expect that to happen. Thus, I pat the ball for half a second more and here comes our big, you know, sure. A couple more of these, Matt. DK Metcalf in 23 had eight touchdowns 24 or five touchdowns last year, six touchdowns. DK Metcalf over or under seven and a half touchdowns. I'll still say under. Is that a good number? Is that a good number? That's a good number. Yeah. I think his average of the target will go. I think his average of the target will go up. I think it's degree of difficulty. You'll go up. So maybe if you like combine all the yardage he got on touchdowns, that'll go up, although he did have that super long one in minutes against the Vikings. But I think he'll score. Hopefully he gets a couple more of those this year. Yeah, like I could see him scoring more like three times this year instead of just once. And that one

39:00was a lot of run after the catch from what I remember. It was like I would like to plant route and he just beat everybody. Now that certainly could be in the cards, but I'd like to see one or two or three or he just runs past the do you know, a 190 pound corner tries jammed up with the line, gets some of them and then met calf. It gets big in the open. Stiff arm to head. Yeah, opens up that gate and Aaron Lobson easy throw over the top and he's dancing in the end zone. You know, he did a lot of that in Seattle. Three more questions for you in this exercise, Matt Williamson. This one's a yes or no. A stealers offense of lime and makes a pro ball or an all pro. Yes or no. Yes. Zach Frazier. He's the odds on favor. But I think Falkon who's got a shot. Yeah. One of those it feels like one of those guys. It's time. It's time. And I will say lender. Oh no, because lender bomb still in the AFC. And so is Creed. But lender bomb is now going to be on a team that's getting much less attention. Yeah. And Frazier's been around long enough now that he's got every. He's not seeking up on

40:02anybody. You know, all right. Two more, Matt. And it's quite simply. I want to know who's going to be your offensive MVP for the Steelers who's going to be your defensive MVP for the Steelers. And you can start on either side. Only thinking offense at this moment. I can't give it to a running back. I can't see one just being so dominant. It's almost hard not to pick every Rogers. But I gave it to Kenny gain. I never would have guessed gain. Well, on September 11th last year. No doubt. I think Frazier is the best answer. Oh, baby. But they that's something rarely you going to give it to a center. But I think he's going to be their most valuable non quarterback. Pick the quarterbacks kind of boring. You know, pick the quarterback is. Yeah. We're doing the bills. I'm like Josh Allen defensively. I don't say I'm like I say he's their best player. But I think Benton's going to be in the conversation. Okay. And I think that's kind of a bold take. That is a bit

41:06of a bold take at this point. I like it. How about this optimistic move defensive MVP Joey Porter Jr. Well, I would love that with with a new contract. Maybe week one or two he gets his feet wet and then get what you pay for. If you are asking for a guy on the defensive side of the football who's going to make their first pro bowl or all pro. I think he's probably the easy answer. Yeah. Could have been one last year. I think the three Ed druchers might cancel each other out for an MVP type of performance. And you know, it's cliche. It's a little boring. cliche. Because as you and I have mentioned before, whenever you're kind of consistently getting accolades for your greatness, it almost becomes more difficult to stand out. Yeah, it's like, actually, can't be. But was he better than last year? I don't. Right. Right. Right. It's a little cliche, Matt, but it's also true. It's a it's a passing league. Yeah. Yeah. And so I mean, if Joey has another year in terms of lockdown, not giving up touchdowns,

42:07plus he adds three or four interceptions, taking the ball away. Go along with it. Taking the ball away. Yeah, yeah. Certainly helped. I can stand on the ball. Yeah. I can definitely, I could definitely see that. Tait wet that will certainly be keeping an eye on the status of number 24 as it relates to Sunday and potentially onward. That you and I are going to know anything while we're on the air, but there's still four to eight hours to kick off when we turn the record button off. And I'd love it within the next 24. If there was a breaking news from a Jerry Doolack or an Adam Scheff, there's somebody at Joy Porter, Jr. in the Pittsburgh Steelers have put pen to paper. But for now, we wait and we anticipate Matt. That is an hour in the books and hour number two. I want to have the return of. Do you remember a fun little segment we did last year? Five star Friday, where quite remember the details. But yes, I do remember it's just a matchup segment. I just want to ask you about the biggest matchups in this game and who you think has the advantages. We'll take a look around the league and do our NFL picks. We will also of course give our prediction for how Sunday plays out at Acresher Stadium 1 pm

43:10for the Steelers and the Falcons. All that and more as we head into hour number two, West Mueller, Matt Williamson. It's the drive Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network. And now a word from our sponsor, Bud Light. There's nothing better than the clean crisp. There's nothing better than the clean crisp. What if we just got out of here and grab some Bud Light? But man, we're on air for four more hours. I'll figure it out. Sounds good to me. Anything for the clean crisp taste of Bud Light. Stock up now. Bud Light, easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Enjoy responsibly, copyright 2026 and has a Bud Light beer St. Louis Missouri. I used to have cable internet, but I'm a 100% kind of fan. So I switched to Verizon Fios. It's 100% fiber internet that's super reliable. So I streamed 100% of the NFL draft live with ultra low lag. And after what went down in the first round, still getting video calls from my best friend rubbing it in that he called all the picks. I told you they were building their own line.

44:13I win the bet. Get 100% fiber internet with Verizon Fios because when it comes to your team, it's 100% or nothing. Call 1-3-3 Verizon to switch today. Get that hotdog, costume ready.