Coach McCarthy Press Conference (Week 10 vs Cincinnati Bengals) — Pittsburgh Steelers

[2:44] Good afternoon, everyone. [2:45] It's a Mike McCarthy press conference brought to you by PNC. [2:48] Bob Pompiani, Missy Matthews, the coach has already started. [2:50] Let's join him right now live. [2:52] And really, you know, play the complimentary football for me. [2:55] I think our guys are doing a hell of a job taking care of the football. [2:58] You know, the basics, taking care of the football, but doing a phenomenal job taking it away. [3:02] I mean, just not only the takeaways, but, you know, we're getting hits on the ball. [3:06] So, you know, the things that, you know, everything that's being emphasized is showing up on film. [3:11] So, you know, I think we definitely are improving in that area. [3:14] I think our fundamentals are getting better. [3:16] You can see it starts up front with us. [3:19] You know, I think the opportunity to, you know, command the line of scrimmage, [3:22] you're going to talk about each and every week, no matter who you play. [3:25] So just really staying specific to the things that we do and how we do it, you know, [3:30] as far as the techniques and so forth. [3:32] So I think we definitely took a step in the right direction of, you know, [3:35] how we're playing up front in both, you know, the run defense, run offense, [3:38] and pass rush and pass protection. [3:40] So, and then with that, you just continue to work on the connection in the perimeter. [3:44] So I just, as you go through that offense and defensively, [3:46] I think we clearly made a step in, you know, weeks, you know, [3:50] the last four weeks compared to the first four weeks. [3:52] And I think our special teams is getting close. [3:54] You know, I think the tackling is something you're always going to work on. [3:57] And you get out of training camp, you get out of that September mode, [4:01] you just got to keep emphasizing it, particularly like anything. [4:04] You know, the game of football is, you know, [4:06] the coordination between your hand, your feet, your hands, excuse me, [4:09] your feet, your hands, and your eyes. [4:11] So just staying after the little things like that. [4:13] So you scrub through the scheme, evaluations, the situation things, [4:18] and it's really, you know, [4:20] it's more about reminders than corrections. [4:24] So that's really what comes out of it. [4:26] And, you know, tomorrow will be what we'll call self-improvement Tuesday, [4:30] and we'll spend time back. [4:32] And I think it was important for the players to get away, you know, [4:35] both personally and professionally. [4:36] So, you know, I'm hoping they had a good break. [4:39] But, you know, getting them activated to the schedule, you know, [4:43] getting everybody back in tune with, you know, moving forward, [4:47] you have to be careful coming off of a bye week. [4:50] So we'll do that tomorrow and Wednesday, [4:52] and then we'll get into a full week of prep for Cincinnati. [4:55] So it's been a good week for the coaches. [4:58] I know it has been for me personally, especially being able to, you know, [5:01] have family time, particularly with the kids. [5:04] So I think we'll all be roaring ready to go once we, you know, [5:09] we hit the field. [5:10] Mike, any update, excuse me, any update on the IR guys in particular, [5:16] Harmon and Bittman? [5:17] Yeah, I met with Gabe earlier this morning. [5:19] I think just, you know, the thing is, you know, to see, you know, [5:22] to take the next step. [5:23] You know, they're all here through Friday. [5:25] So they're getting close. [5:27] But, you know, I can't really project anything for Cincinnati yet. [5:32] How does Michael Pittman's injury status [5:36] and some of the uncertainty surrounding his situation [5:39] factor into moves you may or may not make [5:41] at the trade deadline at that position? [5:44] You know, I think Michael is getting close. [5:47] You know, I think that I know his workout, I want to say Friday, [5:51] was, you know, something that, you know, hopefully we can do more, [5:54] you know, coming tomorrow and Wednesday. [5:55] So, but, you know, as far as the, you know, the other things, [5:59] as far as, you know, Omar's conversations, [6:01] I mean, there's so much more involved than that that, that, you know, [6:04] I don't think it's, you know, you look at that to do this. [6:07] You know, I would not say that's the case here. [6:10] So, you know, roster additions are definitely part of it. [6:15] We understand what's in front of us here, you know, going into tomorrow. [6:19] But, you know, we just want to get our guys, you know, get them healthy. [6:22] You know, we're going to be obviously healthier than we've been in a while. [6:26] So, it'll be good to see, you know, really what Wednesday gives us, [6:30] you know, as far as who we think is going to be ready for Cincinnati. [6:33] Boiling down that self-scouting, self-improvement thing that you just talked about, [6:37] applying it directly to Cincinnati, [6:40] what aspects of your game would you like to improve upon the most [6:44] after game one against the Bengals? [6:47] Game one against the Bengals, I'd like the outcome to be the same. [6:51] So, that would be the first thing. [6:53] But, no, I think, you know, I think we're playing differently than we were, [6:58] you know, the first time around. [6:59] I think we're better really going back to, I think, [7:01] a number of things I just already mentioned. [7:03] I think we're, you know, we're definitely performing better in the trenches. [7:06] You know, I think, you know, offensively our ball distribution is better. [7:10] I really love the way our defense has taken a big step. [7:14] You know, I think the pressure, particularly in the last game, [7:16] is, you know, something, you know, is something that will serve us very well [7:22] moving forward against anybody. [7:23] So, but, yeah, just continue to grow. [7:25] I don't, you know, just watching our games from the earlier game yesterday [7:33] in a staff meeting, I don't really think that, you know, [7:36] I think teams change. [7:38] You know, it's not who you play, it's when you play them. [7:41] You know, it's November football. [7:42] I think our football team is starting to reflect that. [7:45] And that's what's real most important. [7:46] We're playing a night game on the road, not on the river. [7:49] So, you know, those are the things I'm looking forward to [7:53] and just make sure we're ready to go to compete and win. [7:56] Looking at Cincinnati, how have you noticed Cincinnati change [7:59] from the first time you saw them, specifically with Joe Burrow [8:03] and just the way that he's played the last couple weeks? [8:05] You know, I want to say a change. [8:05] I think Joe is, you know, is on top of his game. [8:09] I mean, that was an impressive offensive performance, you know, yesterday. [8:14] So they're rolling. [8:16] So I think that's, you know, definitely the state being captain obvious here. [8:20] So I just think it's the whole thing is, you know, [8:24] just make sure that, you know, we're dialed in on how we want to play [8:27] and then, you know, in touch with the matchups, you know, ball distribution. [8:31] You know, I think he, his time clock, the way he, you know, distributes the football [8:35] and the connection he has with his receivers is top-notch. [8:40] Mike, you mentioned that time clock. [8:41] Is that what makes him so difficult to sack? [8:43] I mean, he only had one sack in that first game, but it probably was a big one. [8:46] How key is pressure and what makes him so difficult to bring to? [8:49] I mean, he's on time. [8:52] I mean, I'd say just to be as clear as possible. [8:55] I mean, the ball, the ball comes out. [8:58] He knows where to go with the football. [9:00] I think he does an exceptional job of sliding in the pocket, you know, before he escapes. [9:06] So, but, yeah, I think that, you know, if you're offensively, [9:10] I think they're playing as well as anybody in the league. [9:12] Do you think also that you have a little bit of a better handle on who you are in the secondary now, [9:17] the specter of what was going on with Joey? [9:19] He's not removed. [9:20] You played these guys once. [9:22] Like, do you feel like in the back third of your defense you have a better sense of what you got there? [9:26] Yeah, I think that's fair. [9:27] I mean, we've played eight games now. [9:29] So, I mean, we've had a chance to go through game plans. [9:32] We've had a chance to build game plans as a staff and with our players. [9:37] And we've had, you know, game day sideline adjustments. [9:41] So, I think you could really say that for the whole team, you know, [9:44] as far as where we are today compared to when we were when we played them the first time. [9:48] My name is the game plans. [9:51] Patrick Graham talked about how, you know, [9:53] the game plan for the Browns really didn't change the second time around defensively. [9:56] I mean, how mindful do you guys have to be as a coaching staff as far as figuring out, like, [10:00] when to switch things up and go away from some things that teams are going to be looking for [10:04] now that you guys do have a stable set of game plans out there? [10:07] Definitely. [10:07] I mean, that's really what the game plan process is. [10:10] I mean, that's why it's a, you know, you start beating the opponent on, you know, [10:14] Sunday or right after your last game. [10:16] So, you know, and really it's before that. [10:18] You know, if we, in a normal week, you know, our coaching staff's working, you know, [10:22] Thursday, Friday, Saturday on the next opponent, you know, [10:25] then it's a seven-day sequence into the game for the players and coaching. [10:30] But, you know, that's really what the game plan process is. [10:32] You reference a lot the 4-0, the four-game stretch. [10:36] I heard you publicly on the radio last week saying the three-game stretch coming up. [10:40] Do you always put seasons into chunks like that or something that ties together? [10:45] Do you like, is that like the motivational or just for focus reasons [10:49] or is that just something you're doing this year? [10:51] No, I mean, I've always done it that way. [10:52] I think it's part of being organized. [10:54] I think it's part of the efficiency of how you run your program. [10:58] You know, I think it's important as the head coach to give clear vision [11:01] and the expectations every single day, and that starts with a schedule. [11:04] You know, and then the details of the schedule is what's expected from everybody involved. [11:09] You know, we have a three-game stretch. [11:10] I actually, I do like the way our schedule is laid out. [11:15] I said that back when, you know, in the spring when it came out. [11:18] So, you know, we have a three-game stretch here. [11:21] It's important for us to get all three of these, you know, [11:23] just like we sat here, you know, after, you know, after week four saying the same thing. [11:28] So it's, and that's going to take, you know, that's going to take first, you know, going to win. [11:33] You know, we've got a tough, tough game in Cincinnati, another one in Philadelphia [11:36] and a home game, you know, after Thanksgiving with Denver. [11:40] So, yeah, I've always looked at it that way, and then, you know, it gives you a chance to, you know, reset, [11:44] and then you've got the next six. [11:45] So I've always broken up in either quarters or trimesters, [11:49] and I think it just helps keep everybody involved and detailed exactly what's out there, [11:57] and especially in year one. [11:58] You know, this is, you know, our schedule's different than what it's been, you know, around here before. [12:04] And I'm always looking to tweak, adjust, and if I think it's going to help us, you know, [12:11] prepare better for the game because, you know, preparation's extremely important. [12:15] Performance is the most important. [12:17] So, and I think a healthy performance, you know, definitely benefits from a good week of preparation. [12:25] Mike, you only got three catches out of D.J. Metcalf over the last two games. [12:29] When you look at self-improvement, how important is getting him going, [12:31] and what are some things you can do to try that? [12:33] Well, I think just like anything, I mean, you know, I look at it as a play caller. [12:37] You know, that's where I always start anything that, you know, I'm looking at offensively. [12:42] You know, am I putting D.J. in position to be successful? [12:45] So that starts with our game plan process, and, you know, [12:49] and that's definitely, you know, one of many things that we look at each and every week. [12:54] Mike, you and Omar and Andy have all talked about building a team that can travel, [12:58] and now we're into November football, like you mentioned. [13:01] And are these the types of games where you can really find something out of, like, [13:05] your football team as the weather changes and everything's maybe not as perfect as it was in September and October? [13:10] Well, I'll say this, you know, just from my experience, you know, coaching in this league, [13:13] you know, as long as your team can travel to the North Shore, we can play anywhere. [13:16] So I think we're in a good spot, you know, as far as what our roster looks like, you know, [13:21] as far as the type of players that we have here. [13:25] So, and I definitely think there's, you know, there's not anywhere that we're concerned about traveling to. [13:31] Mike, in terms of the timing of the bye, right smack dab in the middle of the season, [13:35] do you prefer it where it was? [13:37] Do you like it earlier? [13:38] Do you like it later? [13:39] What's your opinion of where the bye fell this year? [13:41] I mean, you know, my opinion is that my opinion doesn't matter, you know, as we know. [13:45] So scheduling is scheduling. [13:46] And I do prefer, you know, a bye once you get down the road a little bit. [13:52] You know, I think it definitely helps some. [13:55] I think your Thursday night game is definitely, you know, where that lands. [14:00] I love playing on the holidays. [14:02] You know, like being part of a team that played a lot of games on Thanksgiving, [14:06] I think there's a benefit to that because, you know, because with your mandatory Thursday game, [14:11] a Thanksgiving game, which ours, I know, on Black Friday, and your bye week, [14:15] it gives you three breaks in a season. [14:17] And I think it's beneficial to your team. [14:19] I've never, as a head coach, I've never felt like the bye week came in a bad time. [14:24] I don't think there's ever a bad time for a bye week. [14:26] And I just think this game is so tough on the players. [14:30] It's so tough on their bodies. [14:32] And I think this past week it reflected that. [14:34] So this was a good time for our team to be on a bye week. [14:37] You mentioned the travel. [14:38] So how do you feel like your team kind of responded after the international game, [14:42] getting right back into it for another matchup? [14:44] I think they did a hell of a job. [14:46] You know, you can see it. [14:47] They were worn down. [14:49] I mean, that was, you know, we tried to, you know, going into it, [14:55] you know, tried to be smart, doing some things, you know, before we traveled. [15:00] But you could see it Wednesday, Thursday, and really probably even the Friday. [15:04] So we backed some things off. [15:07] And, you know, with the energy that we had Sunday, you know, [15:11] I feel like we definitely hit the target. [15:13] But they were worn down. [15:15] You could feel it, you know, in certain spots of the preparation. [15:20] But I thought they did a hell of a job getting themselves ready to play against Cleveland. [15:23] Mike, I know you're always attuned to kind of schedules, trying to help player recovery. [15:27] Does flexing the game in Philadelphia before 25 to 1, [15:31] does that change anything of what your mindset might be, [15:33] especially with a short week on the back half, a Sunday night game, this week? [15:37] And how does that flex maybe change anything you're going to do? [15:40] Thanks, Bert. [15:40] Let me just find that out. [15:42] Did that happen today? [15:43] Yeah. [15:44] Oh, great. [15:45] So, hey, it wouldn't be a press conference if we take a shot at Bert. [15:50] Let's give Bert a little love here. [15:52] He's a little sensitive after his week off over there. [15:55] Me, personally, I think I don't mind it at all. [15:59] I mean, I think noon games, 1 o'clock games are great to get up in the morning and go play. [16:05] So, I personally don't have a problem with it at all. [16:08] Mike, you knew the pressure maybe improving since the last time you saw Cincinnati. [16:13] In that first contest, was that largely about because how Joe got rid of the ball? [16:18] What did you see in that game in particular that sort of was a ramp up to how you guys improved from there? [16:23] I mean, you know, once again, I think just like anything, you know, the most important part for any football team, [16:32] whether it's your offense, defense, special teams, you know, your pass rush unit, your run blocking unit, [16:38] is continuous opportunities to continue to play, you know, and get into rotations. [16:43] I think particularly in the area of pass rush, you know, the distribution of how players are playing to play time. [16:49] I think we're in a rotation now. [16:52] We're in a good rhythm. [16:53] So, I think that's all part of it. [16:55] I think the understanding and the communication, I love the way our veteran guys communicate, you know, [17:02] with our coaches and the younger guys. [17:03] I mean, I think, you know, I think, you know, Cam and TJ and just the level of communication, [17:09] you know, the things they see and the adjustments they're making for pass rush and creating those opportunities. [17:14] So, you know, that's where things become a half a second quicker. [17:18] And the pressure, you know, that's the difference between, you know, hitting the arm of the quarterback [17:21] or bull rushing, you know, the A gap where the quarterback can't step into the throw. [17:25] So, you know, all those things matter. [17:26] All those little things matter. [17:27] And I just think that, you know, we're better today than we were, you know, back four or five weeks ago. [17:33] Mike, you had a pretty good challenge early in the game against Cleveland. [17:36] Is that something you saw and you brought that up? [17:38] Or was that something that somebody brought attention to you? [17:40] How's the process working for you? [17:41] Yeah, we have a game management process. [17:42] Tim Barbonac did a great job there. [17:44] He saw it. [17:45] It was obviously on their sidelines. [17:49] So, I mean, he's done an excellent job. [17:51] He does the education part of it in the team meetings. [17:55] That's part of the design of how I've done it for a long time because that's his, you know, [18:00] that's his job on Sundays. [18:01] So, yeah, Tim was all over that. [18:03] I thought he had two excellent challenges in the game. [18:06] Mike, you say a lot that you are what your record says you are. [18:10] Your record says you're one of the best teams in the AFC right now. [18:13] You got a chance to watch some football yesterday. [18:15] I mean, what do you like about your group, especially in relation to maybe some of the [18:18] teams that you expect to maybe be seeing, especially later in the season in January? [18:21] Yeah, but I'm also practical and realistic. [18:24] You know, I just think, you know, you don't win anything after eight games. [18:29] You know, but that's why I think it's so important just to stay in tune with who you are and where we are. [18:36] And so we know where we are and I know who we are. [18:40] And we're a team that can continue to improve. [18:42] And that's exciting. [18:43] You know, I think we have areas of improvement. [18:45] We got younger players that are starting to, hey, man, you know, this is November. [18:49] You know, it's, you know, they're starting to show some really good signs. [18:53] We have younger players that have played some football. [18:55] But I think our vets have done a really good job of, you know, keeping their eye on the target and pushing this thing forward. [19:00] So we're an improving team that won six games. [19:03] And we just got to stay in tune with that. [19:05] And as we prepare and self-improvement is always a priority, always will be as long as I'm standing here. [19:11] And I think our guys do a nice job of that. [19:14] And we need to take that week, you know, into Cincinnati. [19:17] Coach, many have said that Cincinnati's offensive line has improved. [19:23] Is that something that you agree with? [19:26] Improved from last year? [19:27] Yes. [19:28] You know, didn't play against them last year. [19:30] So I'm probably not the, you know, right guy for that. [19:32] But I think they're definitely playing, you know, they're playing well. [19:36] You know, I think that, you know, it starts up front. [19:40] You look at their numbers. [19:41] So, you know, particularly, you know, the way they're protecting their quarterback. [19:44] So, yeah, so I guess I'd have to agree with that. [19:47] Mike, why does your line play better, offensive line play better? [19:51] They line up and practice together every day. [19:53] They meet together. [19:53] I mean, it's a great group. [19:54] I think just, you know, I'm just going to give you the same answer I think I'm giving you every time this is asked. [20:00] It's just a line that gets to play and practice together every day improves. [20:04] That's been my experience. [20:05] And so, you know, those guys got, what, six starts under their belt now. [20:09] So it's showing up. [20:12] I think that the room, James Campin, you know, and those guys are, that's a tight-knit group. [20:19] It's the way it looks. [20:20] Their confidence is building. [20:22] There's more there, you know. [20:23] So, and we expect it from, you know, both our lines. [20:26] I think both our lines are playing Pittsburgh Steelers football, you know, [20:30] and they're a catalyst of what's been going on here of late. [20:34] And, you know, and our perimeter guys are connected to that. [20:37] And that's what I refer to when I talk about complementary football. [20:41] How much of an asset has James Campin been as far as week-to-week understanding game plans [20:46] and meshing it with what the strengths of that offensive line are? [20:49] James Campin's an outstanding football coach. [20:51] I mean, he does a, you know, he does a great job. [20:54] You know, Jari and Eric, you know, also there's two assistants in there. [20:58] I mean, that's a great room. [21:00] We got a lot of, I'm really happy with the rooms. [21:03] You know, I think it's, you know, you talk about, you know, culture, environment. [21:07] You know, each coach, you know, creates an atmosphere for his players. [21:11] And you can see those guys growing. [21:14] And, you know, and I'll say this about the locker room too. [21:16] I mean, these guys, you know, they like each other. [21:18] That's important. [21:19] That's not everywhere. [21:22] But this, you know, and we're winning. [21:24] But, you know, and that definitely helps. [21:26] But, no, it's a group that's growing. [21:30] And we have a lot out in front of us. [21:33] But James Campin does a great job. [21:35] Going back to some of these questions about the trade deadline. [21:38] Now, during your time in the league, [21:39] how have you seen teams change their approach, [21:41] maybe get more aggressive around the deadline? [21:43] And when you see other teams, you know, including the AFC, [21:46] like the Jaguars, making aggressive moves, [21:48] does that increase some urgency to maybe join them [21:50] and make a, you know, be a little aggressive? [21:53] Mike, that's a great question. [21:54] And I'm trying not to laugh because, I mean, you know, [21:56] I spent a decade in my life as a head coach. [22:00] I didn't even know when the hell the trade deadline was. [22:02] You know, I just knew it was somewhere around the middle of the season. [22:04] But, yeah, I mean, it's part of it. [22:07] You know, it's different. [22:09] I get it. [22:10] Everybody wants to improve the roster. [22:12] You know, and, hey, I have great confidence in Omar and Art. [22:16] If there's something there, we'll do the right thing. [22:20] But I think it's very important for me as the head coach [22:24] to keep my eye on the target. [22:26] And, you know, that's the 68-plus that are in the building. [22:30] So if we had someone that's going to help us win, [22:33] I think everybody would be for that. [22:36] You know, because this is about winning, [22:37] and we know how fast these seasons go. [22:40] You know, every NFL season, you know, it's just, you know, [22:43] it's like a runaway train. [22:46] We're on it because, you know, we're 6-2, [22:47] but, you know, we're trying to get to the front. [22:49] So, but the most important thing is I've always done this is just, [22:54] you know, I worry about the ones that are here. [22:56] You know, coach the ones that are here [22:57] and keep building what we've got going. [22:59] So we got, we have a lot of positive energy going right now. [23:04] And we got a big-time game, Sunday night football in Cincinnati. [23:07] So it's going to be a great, great atmosphere. [23:10] And, you know, we got a chance to, you know, to sweep the Bengals. [23:13] And that's what you have to do in division games. [23:14] You have to win these division games. [23:16] They're so important. [23:17] And that's what we're focused on. [23:20] Thank you. [23:20] All right. [23:23] That's Mike McCarthy talking about sweeping the Bengals. [23:26] Wouldn't that be nice, Missy, [23:27] because they've already won the first game. [23:29] And I would expect, similar to the first game, a high-scoring affair was 30-27 here. [23:34] Jalen Warren had a heck of a day, as did both quarterbacks. [23:36] And I would expect the same kind of thing. [23:38] A lot at stake in this game. [23:40] Yeah. [23:40] And just, you know, Joe Burrow's stats through the last four games have been fairly impressive. [23:45] And they've scored 30 or more points in their last four games. [23:49] So, as you said, they're going to have to get some points on the board in terms of the Steelers' offense. [23:53] If they want to hang with the Bengals on Sunday night, I expect it to be a very electric atmosphere, to say the least. [23:59] And the Steelers have been playing very good defensive football. [24:01] Number two in red zone defense right now. [24:04] I think they're still among the top teams in sacks. [24:06] When you talk about points allowed, all of that is good. [24:09] And they're going to have to be stingy in this game. [24:11] Plus, the offense needs to step up. [24:12] Missy and I will break it down more as we continue. [24:14] We will be hearing from some of the coordinators as we go along. [24:17] But this is the Mike McCarthy Press Conference brought to you by PNC. [24:42] Game day. [24:44] A shared experience between all of us. [24:47] Another turnover. [24:49] Shared by those who make history. [24:51] E.J. Watt. [24:52] Strip sack. [24:54] And those who witness it. [24:56] Go, do, do, do, do. [24:57] Final touchdown. [24:59] Pittsburgh Steelers. [25:01] And it's gone. [25:02] Be there for every moment. [25:05] Physicality on full display. [25:07] It means a lot, obviously. [25:14] Division win. [25:15] Divisional win. [25:16] Six and two before the bye. [25:18] We knew what it was going to be. [25:19] We knew what it was going to take. [25:20] And so we came out executed. [25:21] What has just been working so well for you? [25:24] It feels like every single game you're getting better, better setting record after record. [25:29] Just playing with the boys I play with. [25:32] I wouldn't want to be part of any other team. [25:34] We all built that camaraderie during camp. [25:36] And, you know, we've all been with each other. [25:38] And we see eye to eye every week. [25:39] And so it ain't like I'm just out there playing football. [25:42] I'm playing football with my brothers. [25:44] Jalen, did you consider yourself an explosive back? [25:47] All these big runs you got, these big plays, 20-plus yards. [25:51] Any secret to that? [25:53] What you've been doing? [25:54] Just keep your legs moving. [25:56] That's pretty much it. [25:57] Yeah. [25:57] Jalen, could you take us through what you saw in that 51-yard run, especially as you were kind of weaving in through traffic there? [26:06] It was a trap play. [26:07] When I got an open space, I like to pick the guy closest to me, or I like to hit the sideline. [26:12] I did that. [26:13] Was hitting the sideline, seeing his momentum, pushing him that way. [26:17] I forgot what, I don't know what receiver was over there. [26:19] Seen him changing directions. [26:21] So I just cut up, made the safety miss, was running, running out of gas, and then I was finding the next dude to make a cut. [26:30] I try to make cuts into my blockers so I can get a blocker on my way down. [26:35] And so that's basically what it was. [26:37] I don't know what it looks like. [26:38] I don't know what I was doing. [26:39] But, yeah, that's what it was. [26:44] Get all your Steelers gear direct from the team. [26:47] Shop the Steelers Pro Shop in-store or online for all things black and gold. [26:52] You can get jerseys, hats, authentic memorabilia, custom gear, and exclusives you can't find anywhere else. [27:01] And, of course, get the ultimate Steelers game-day accessory, the terrible towel. [27:06] Steelers Nation shops here. [27:08] Get your gear in-store or online at shop.steelers.com. [27:12] In a game that features two teams that are 6-2 looking for an edge, Missy, special teams always plays a big role. [27:42] And it will again this week in Cincinnati. [27:44] Right now, special teams coach Danny Crossman is at the microphone. [27:48] When the new kickoff roll came about, there were all different types of influences. [27:53] Rugby, Gala football, Australian football. [27:56] When you do a self-scouting special teams, you guys now have 31 other teams to kind of look at and years of. [28:01] How deep do you go into the bag of trying to be on an innovative edge? [28:05] Because it is still so new in trying to kind of ride that line of what's going on in the league versus maybe there's other sports out there that do similar things that you can find out. [28:14] I think a lot of those real deep, deep dives into other things and other ideas, those are more off-season, you know, where you're trying to maybe look at something completely maybe out of the box. [28:27] You know, this time of year, you know, you don't have the time for that. [28:30] You're more looking at, you know, ideas, concepts, you know, what may be working, you know, what are the numbers saying of, you know, where are balls being kicked, what distance, what hang time, what location. [28:41] Return-wise, what are the advantages of playing single high, double, are you stacking guys? [28:46] Like, those are more of the in-season things we're looking at and looking for to do wholesale mass changes, you know, during the season, minus, you know, injuries and, you know, personnel. [28:58] You know, I'm not a big believer in that. [29:02] Danny, early in the season, I think you described your punter as like a pitcher with lots of pitches. [29:07] Can you elaborate on that? [29:09] And how much did that come into play last time you guys played the Bengals? [29:12] Well, again, I think the situations in the game, you know, weather, which we're about to get into the second half of the year, which is going to probably maybe be a little bit more of a factor. [29:22] But then you just look at the concepts of alignment. [29:26] You know, you're going to see some teams where I think you saw it around the league this week where, you know, some teams are, you know, overplaying a return or maybe locationally. [29:33] And you're seeing punters able to get the ball back to a little bit more of a dead space. [29:38] You know, you get, you know, a situation where all of a sudden, you know, guys may be playing a little bit tight and, you know, you hit more of a line drive and you end up being able to put the ball over the returner's head to be able to flip the field. [29:50] You know, but there's risk to all that. [29:52] You know, you don't get a hold of one and you're trying to play that line drive, you know, flip the field. [29:56] Now you're hitting a poor hang time kick directly to a returner who, you know, to me, every returner in the league is dangerous enough to take it to the house. [30:04] So there's a risk reward, but to be able to mix up what you're doing, if you get, if you're too bland, I mean, teams are too good in this league and players are too good. [30:12] They're going to take advantage of you. [30:14] And does weather affect that? [30:15] Does time of year affect that? [30:16] Without question, you know, and we've had, fortunately, knock on whatever this material is. [30:22] I mean, we went through three games before the last game where we had phenomenal conditions last, you know, when we played Cleveland. [30:29] But the three games before that, I mean, if you looked at our pregame, you know, thank goodness the weather that we had in pregame wasn't what we ended up in the game. [30:38] Because, you know, in Tampa where the wind was just ripping and roaring and, you know, Indianapolis here with the rain and the wind, you know, which, you know, some of those things reduce and make you a little bit more, you know, one or two dimensional in terms of what you're able to do based on the conditions. [30:55] How long has it been to get Jobity helping out on your units? [30:58] I don't know how common it is for D linemen to run down on kickoffs and block on kickoffs. [31:02] You know what, it's, you look around, you know, the teams around the league, the more resources you have in the kicking game, the more bodies you have available, and especially big bodies that can move, that can run, you know, that, you know, more of the teams that are doing that are more of the teams that are built a little bit differently than we are in terms of what they're looking for in the defensive line. [31:22] You know, you're getting more of the, you know, the 6'1", 6'2", 285 pound penetrate defensive lineman who athletic, that skill set translates a little bit better. [31:32] But, you know, we've been really happy with what he's been able to bring and look forward to what he brings going forward. [31:38] Danny, how is, is Paycourt Stadium any tougher with the wind conditions? [31:42] I know I've heard in the past that there's, you know, the way it's built, the way it's off the river, there can be swirling winds. [31:48] How do you guys kind of go about that, and does it help the fact that you play at Akershire Stadium right next to a river with a similar structure? [31:54] Yeah, yeah, I mean, it's similar, a little different patterns, but it's similar. [31:58] But that's why I don't spend a lot of time looking at weather forecasts until much later in the week because, you know, as we all know, things change quite rapidly around here. [32:09] You start worrying about something on Tuesday, you may worry yourself into a corner, which I try not to do. [32:15] Enough things to worry about that I know are happening. [32:18] But it's real. [32:19] Like, there's stadiums all over the league that, you know, you're in it long enough, you play long enough, you study it long enough, you sort of have an idea. [32:26] And if it's a normal pattern, you have a little bit of an idea of what's happening. [32:29] But then, you know, some of these times you get some of these crazy storms in November, December, and they're blowing in from the opposite direction. [32:35] And then you've got to, you know, you've got to figure it out on the move. [32:40] Appreciate you all. [32:41] Thank you. [32:44] All right, the Steelers still looking for some big plays on their special teams. [32:48] Hopefully Caden Weijin could do that. [32:49] That's a big part of this game because field position, Missy, as we know, is always big in a game like this, especially playing Joe Burrow, who's number one in the league in total touchdowns, passing touchdowns, completion percentage. [33:00] The shorter field is something you don't want to give him. [33:02] No, absolutely not. [33:03] And, you know, talking about special teams in Cincinnati, I don't know the exact stat, but Chris Boswell has won a lot of games in that specific stadium. [33:12] A lot of game winners by kicking a field goal. [33:15] So, if it has to come down to that, I think everyone has all the faith in Boz. [33:19] Last time they played 30-27. [33:21] It was a big day for Rodgers, who had three touchdown passes, and Joe Burrow. [33:25] The key could be ball possession time. [33:27] And the Steelers, of course, outrushed their opponents in the last couple of games, like 348-52. [33:31] If they can continue to do that, and they did it in the first game because Jalen Warren had a big game, total yards, including rushing yards. [33:38] I think that's a key to it as well. [33:39] Yeah, it was crazy that week three game, Rico got hurt week two against the Patriots. [33:44] So, he wasn't able to play. [33:46] That started kind of the Jalen Warren thing. [33:47] But heading into that game, Jalen Warren was questionable. [33:50] Aaron Rodgers even said, Mike McCarthy said, do not throw to him at practice. [33:53] I don't want his shoulder to get hurt anymore. [33:55] And then we just saw him go off and continue to be the Jalen Warren that we have seen through the last few weeks. [34:01] And you heard Mike McCarthy at the beginning of this program talk about D.K. Metcalf. [34:05] I'd like to get him more involved. [34:06] He only has three catches in the last couple of games, which, of course, has generated all the talk about what the Steelers should do with the trade deadline, which is tomorrow at 4. [34:13] So far, nothing. [34:15] But they certainly could use help there if they go out and get it at that position and also in safety. [34:18] I think you have to fortify each of these areas as you go down the stretch. [34:22] Yeah, and I think it's kind of hard. [34:23] You know, Mike McCarthy talked about the IR guys. [34:26] That includes Michael Pittman, of course, that they all stayed through Pittsburgh until Friday to get some workouts in and whatnot. [34:32] So I do think that was an interesting comment, but they're not going to be back until tomorrow. [34:37] The trade deadline is at 4 p.m. tomorrow. [34:39] So it's not like you're going to know for sure if any of the wide receivers or Roman Wilson are able to come back. [34:44] You're going to have to kind of make that decision. [34:46] And as he said, he has all the faith in Omar Khan and his staff doing due diligence as the trade deadline is almost 24 hours away now. [34:53] That's about it, 24 hours. [34:54] We'll know from there. [34:55] And then it's the big game on Sunday, Steelers-Bangles. [34:58] Such a huge game, really the marquee game of the weekend. [35:01] We'll be back with more coverage of the Mike McCarthy Press Conference brought to you by PNC right here on KDK Plus and Steelers Digital Platforms. [35:07] Get all your Steelers gear direct from the team. [35:27] Shop the Steelers Pro Shop in-store or online for all things black and gold. [35:31] You can get jerseys, hats, authentic memorabilia, custom gear, and exclusives you can't find anywhere else. [35:42] And, of course, get the ultimate Steelers game-day accessory, the terrible towel. [35:46] Steelers Nation shops here. [35:48] Get your gear in-store or online at shop.steers.com. [35:52] The amount of times we've sat in here and talked about at halftime we had a lead and we weren't able to keep the foot on the gas are countless. [36:04] So to be able to have that tenacity throughout the second half and continue to push and have those splash plays and bow up when it matters is very important. [36:16] And it's huge to show that we have it in us. [36:18] What would you like about what you did from a pressure package point of view coming into this one that perhaps was absent in the first half, at least against Cleveland, on that Thursday night? [36:27] I don't know. [36:28] I mean, we always have a lot of good packages and a lot of good schematics. [36:34] I think it just comes down to execution. [36:36] And any time you can make them as one-dimensional as we had to make them today and you stop the screens, there's really not much else left for them to do. [36:44] And we were able to pin our ears back and get after them. [36:46] Taking a little bit of help, you seem to be active. [36:49] Yeah, PQ's been rushing really well. [36:52] And, I mean, that's something that you throw on the tape. [36:54] And PQ's always been a phenomenal picker on the inside, a phenomenal rusher. [36:59] Getting to the quarterback and being able to finish against a quarterback like that, he's hard to get down to. [37:03] So awesome plays by PQ. [37:06] Do you like where you are heading into the bye and what do you like? [37:09] Yeah, I mean, I like that we've won games many different ways. [37:13] We've come from behind. [37:14] We've been able to hold leads. [37:16] We've played games we haven't looked great. [37:18] We've played games we've looked great. [37:19] So we just need to continue to grow and build off this performance. [37:23] And it's awesome to see, I mean, Joby. [37:25] I mean, it's just continuing to be young guys. [37:28] And I think D-Harm's coming back soon too, hopefully. [37:31] So I think this bye week comes at a great time for us. [37:38] Game day. [37:39] A shared experience between all of us. [37:43] Another turnover. [37:44] Shared by those who make history. [37:46] E.J. Watt strips that. [37:49] And those who witness it. [37:51] Let's go. [37:53] Fire moves down. [37:55] Hit the Steelers. [37:57] It's gone. [37:58] Be there for every moment. [38:01] Physicality on full display. [38:24] Bob Pompiani, Missy Matthews, back at Mike McCarthy press conference. [38:28] Coach McCarthy's already spoken. [38:30] You heard from Danny Crossman right now. [38:31] That's offensive coordinator. [38:32] Ryan Angelico at the microphone. [38:34] Let's hear from him. [38:35] We've still got a long ways to go, but certainly pleased with where we're going. [38:41] Obviously, you're playing with the Cincinnati defense. [38:42] But when you're building a game plan, how much do you consider, [38:45] hey, that offense is going to score a lot. [38:47] There's a greater chance that you might end up in a track meet type of game in this one. [38:52] Yeah, totally. [38:53] Tremendous amount of respect for their offense. [38:55] But as you go into a game, any game, you're trying to take care of the football, [39:02] control the time of possession, and not put your defense in harm's way. [39:06] And that becomes playing field position, moving the ball, but yet being aggressive. [39:12] Obviously, we want to score, and we have playmakers on our side that we feel real good about with the ball in their hands. [39:19] So we're certainly not going to go out there and just run, run, punt. [39:24] We're going to try to be as explosive as we can be and get the ball in the hands of our playmakers and be as effective as we can. [39:32] When you had some time to step back during the bye week and do a self-scout, how do you evaluate where you guys are in terms of the passing game right now? [39:40] Yeah, I think it's like anything. [39:42] It's a work in progress. [39:43] I think you see some good things, and then we try to take a dive into what are we doing, how can we help our players, do we have the right concepts, are we putting them in the best positions? [39:54] And it's probably a little bit of everything. [39:56] You know, we're trying to pare it down to what we do well, what our players do well, and then, you know, schematically, can we give them the best chance to be successful? [40:06] So that's really where the deep dive went, and hopefully as we move forward, we'll, you know, we'll start to, you know, get into those areas that we feel we can make better. [40:18] Coach, speaking of the passing game, your thoughts on how Darnell Washington continues to make the moves of every opportunity, even leading and receiving the last game? [40:28] Yeah, no, Darnell is consistent. [40:31] It's just great to see. [40:33] I think there's a trust factor with him and Aaron. [40:36] There's a trust factor with this team. [40:38] When he gets the ball in his hands, good things are going to happen, and he's such a big body. [40:43] Even when he's covered, he's not covered. [40:45] He's got the height advantage. [40:46] He's got the size advantage. [40:48] His strength, you can't go around him or throw him as a DB. [40:51] So he's a tough cover, and, you know, certainly, you know, he's made some big plays for us. [40:57] Because of that, I know you've used DK on the fades down by the goal line. [41:04] I mean, is Darnell, is he proving more to you that you could throw him out there, split him out, and that could be an option for you? [41:10] Yeah, no, in the New Orleans game, you know, certainly Aaron went to him. [41:14] But, yeah, Darnell, the problem is you want Darnell running fades or blocking. [41:18] So we're – but absolutely, we feel like Darnell down there is very capable of going up and producing. [41:26] And, you know, certainly we have some plays that are in for him down there that, you know, he'll get some ops for that. [41:32] Brian, you were asked about the passing game. [41:34] Specifically, how do you get DK going? [41:37] Yeah, I think that was one thing we looked at, you know, is, you know, we got a tremendous amount of confidence in DK. [41:42] We got to look at are we putting DK in the right position to be successful. [41:46] So, you know, there's some things that we're going to try to do to help him and certainly, you know, get him more ops to be effective [41:56] because certainly he's a, you know, he's a really dynamic player and we have a lot of confidence in him to be that player. [42:03] When you see a team a second time in the season, you've had success in one specific area like we were talking about before in the run game. [42:08] Obviously, you're anticipating some sort of counter to what you did from them. [42:13] So how do you not get in your own head about they know what we know? [42:16] Yeah, no, I mean, you trust in your process, your fundamentals, your techniques. [42:21] And, yeah, we're all going to try to do stuff a little bit different. [42:25] But at the end of the day, you're going to run these concepts. [42:27] It's just a matter of how you're getting to those concepts. [42:30] Are you changing them up? [42:31] But we're not going to run away from the things that have made us successful. [42:34] They may just look different, but certainly we're going to do those concepts. [42:38] Brian, what does having a run blocker, the caliber and size of Darnell Washington, do for you guys in the run game? [42:46] How does that help you? Does it give you more flexibility? [42:49] Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, as mentioned earlier, Darnell in the pass game, which, you know, about Darnell is, you know, [42:55] he's, you know, one of the few tight ends that you could leave on a defensive end and you're not worried about the matchup, [43:02] you know, whether it's in the run game or protections. [43:06] So anytime you can, you have a tight end, it's not going to get short-necked in the hole, [43:13] like where he can expand the hole and really widen that C-gap. [43:18] It allows you to get combinations and double teams inside. [43:22] You know, it allows you to run to a three-man surface. [43:25] So that's comforting where you don't feel like it's a mismatch. [43:29] And then with his ability to go out in the pass game, if the defense tries to load up heavy to his side, [43:37] it's opening up things in other areas, certainly for Darnell. [43:41] So it's anytime you have a tight end that can do that, it's a plus. [43:46] Brian, do you go in? I mean, I know Roman can't come back until the following week, [43:52] but do you have that optimism, like, hey, we're going to get a couple of these guys back soon? [43:56] Yeah, we'll see as we, you know, tomorrow will be another day. [44:00] And then Wednesday when we get out and see what we're doing out there [44:04] and how guys are running and how they're feeling. [44:06] And, you know, that process will take place as we go through the week. [44:10] Is there optimism that whenever they're back that some of the opportunities [44:13] that you guys are trying to create for DK might be a little more available to them? [44:17] Yeah, I mean, you're saying will DK's opportunity? [44:20] Yeah, like when Pittman and Roman get back, will that maybe help benefit DK? [44:25] Yeah, I think it'll help all of them for sure. [44:27] I think any time you can get, you know, your full group of guys back, [44:31] it certainly eliminates the stress that other guys have to do to pick up the load. [44:35] So I would agree with that. [44:39] Anything else? [44:41] All right. [44:42] Thanks, guys. [44:42] Thank you. [44:43] Brian Angelico, offensive coordinator. [44:47] Missy, the one thing that's really been a stark difference is this offensive line. [44:50] Ever since those two guys, Hoffman at guard, Ihana short tackle, [44:54] they have really put themselves in the groove. [44:56] And you can tell Mike McCarthy's really excited about the potential even moving forward, [44:59] saying we still can get better. [45:01] Yeah, and he said James Camp and the offensive line coach was one of his first hires [45:05] when he took the head coaching job with the Steelers, [45:07] somebody who's old school and can get offensive lines to work together. [45:11] And we talked about it when it was happening, you know, switching that right side. [45:14] Will this work? [45:15] And to their credit, it's worked very well. [45:17] And I think it's a young group. [45:18] I think they're kind of growing up together and they're feeding off of each other [45:22] and turning into something that will hopefully be there for years to come. [45:25] We're due for a commercial break. [45:27] We'll take it right now. [45:27] When we come back, we may hear from Patrick Graham, the defensive coordinator. [45:30] Boy, that defense is really on a heater right now, making life miserable for other offenses. [45:35] They hope that continues this Sunday in Cincinnati. [45:37] We're back right after this on KDK Plus and Steeler Digital Platforms. [45:41] Game day, a shared experience between all of us. [46:04] Another turnover. [46:06] Shared by those who make history. [46:08] E.J. Watt strips that. [46:11] And those who witness it. [46:13] Let's go. [46:15] Final Pittsburgh Steelers. [46:20] Be there for every moment. [46:22] Physicality on full display. [46:28] Defense played excellent. [46:30] Special teams. [46:32] Did fine. [46:33] But offense should have been a lot more points. [46:38] Yeah. [46:38] You look back at those two goal line opportunities there. [46:41] What happened on those? [46:42] Well, there were a couple other opportunities. [46:44] But, yeah, we didn't execute down there on the goal line. [46:48] Do you think I'd say about this team that you can not play your best but win? [46:53] We'd like to play our best and still win. [46:56] We also like to win. [46:57] So, we're 6-2 going by first in the division. [47:00] So, right where we want to be. [47:02] Aaron, the side end of your season, did you have a good feeling about that potential coming into this game? [47:07] Or was that just a matter of they happen to be open? [47:09] They happen to be open. [47:10] But we always feel good about our tight ends and our backs and trying to get them the ball in space. [47:16] Especially when there's going to be, you know, some man-match coverage where we like the matchups inside. [47:22] Anything left to be surprised about Aaron? [47:25] What? [47:25] Jake, is there anything left to be surprised about with Jalen? [47:29] No, he's, I mean, he's put himself in all the conversations. [47:32] He's playing incredible. [47:35] You know, to be able to call a trap on third and 20 and get a first down is pretty wild. [47:41] Don't expect that. [47:42] I couldn't remember the last time that happened when I was out there. [47:45] So, I love having him on our team. [47:47] Fantastic teammates. [47:48] And he's just making a lot of plays. [47:50] Game success today? [47:53] No, for guys up front. [47:54] You know, I thought we controlled the line of scrimmage. [47:56] You know, when we played up there in Cleveland, we had a bunch of sacks. [48:01] You know, didn't run it super efficiently. [48:04] But I felt like from the first go, we had a good mindset. [48:06] We protected well. [48:07] We opened up some holes. [48:09] And Jalen and Rico ran well. [48:10] Get all your Steelers gear direct from the team. [48:15] Shop the Steelers Pro Shop in-store or online for all things black and gold. [48:20] You can get jerseys, hats, authentic memorabilia, custom gear, and exclusives you can't find anywhere else. [48:30] And, of course, get the ultimate Steelers game day accessory, the terrible towel. [48:35] Steelers Nation shops here. [48:36] Get your gear in-store or online at shop.steaters.com. [48:57] Welcome back. [48:58] Mike McCarthy, Press Conference, brought to you by PNC. [49:01] Missy, we're going to talk about the Cincinnati offense because right now they are red hot. [49:04] And the Steelers' defense has been very good at what they've been doing lately. [49:07] So, Chase and Higgins are just difficult matchups. [49:10] Yes. [49:10] Even the first time, I thought the Steelers did a pretty good job on Chase, but he still had 98 yards. [49:15] What's the best way to take care of that dynamic duo in Cincinnati? [49:19] Is it by pressuring Burrow, it's risky if you do that, or do you just, you know, take your chances one-on-one? [49:25] I think you have to do a little bit of both, and I think you have to disguise some things that you're doing. [49:29] But it's really about getting after Burrow. [49:31] And we've seen the Steelers be able to do that. [49:33] And I think a lot of, you know, getting the hands of the passes defense, TJ Watt has intercepted Joe Burrow before. [49:39] I think those guys are really going to be important in terms of what they're doing. [49:43] But as Coach McCarthy was saying, Joe Burrow is always on time. [49:46] Clearly, the connection with Jamar Chase is there and what they're able to do. [49:50] It's just crazy. [49:52] And it's going to be something that is definitely going to be, you know, high on the defensive plan because those two guys really make that offense go. [49:58] The other thing the Steelers do very well is batting balls in the air. [50:01] And sometimes you can get an interception after that, too. [50:03] We've seen it with Benton, especially with Cam Hayward. [50:05] The other thing I want to say about their offense is we never talk about Mike Kosicki, but if you look at the numbers, [50:10] he has as many touchdown receptions as T. Higgins. [50:12] He's often lost in the shuffle because all the concentration goes to those guys. [50:17] He finds himself in the middle of the field. [50:18] So I think the Steelers have some very good tight ends. [50:21] I think Mike Kosicki is one of those guys you've got to keep an eye on. [50:23] Yeah, definitely. [50:24] And I think some of the underneath stuff, that's a lot of what the Bengals did against the Falcons yesterday in Madrid that you could kind of see, you know, [50:31] not catching them off guard, but it always doesn't have to be a 50-yard bomb to chase. [50:35] And I think that's where the tight end position with Kosicki, as you said, kind of comes into that frame. [50:40] But also, you don't want them to run the ball. [50:42] They're just that complete offense where they have so many weapons that it's hard to just take one out [50:47] because it's almost like you have to take two in order to take one part of their offensive plan out completely. [50:53] The Steelers' defense has been very stingy in their run defense game. [50:58] Jonathan Taylor had 45 yards. [51:00] Bucky Irving, who's been really good, 40-some yards. [51:02] You saw what happened with New Orleans. [51:05] They could hardly run the ball. [51:06] Same with Cleveland. [51:07] So if that happens, it's going to be a passing opportunity for Joe Burrow, a lot of passes. [51:14] But down and distance makes a big difference. [51:16] If they can hold it to third and long, his numbers are good there, but still not as good as if he has better field position. [51:21] Right, and I think that was, you know, going back to special teams, as you said, [51:24] you don't want to give him a short field because for him, that's almost guaranteed points, [51:28] whether it's a field goal or a touchdown. [51:30] So it will be a tall task, I think, you know, for the Steelers' defense. [51:34] But I think, you know, going back to week three to where they are now, [51:36] it is completely different in terms of how they're operating as an entire unit. [51:41] Also, I think great performance tandem-wise by Patrick Queen and Peyton Wilson. [51:47] Those two guys have come together very well. [51:50] In fact, I think this is probably Peyton Wilson's best season. [51:53] He's hitting it at a good time when he has some contract language probably coming up in the next year or so. [51:57] So those two guys, what have they done well together? [51:59] Why has Patrick Queen been so good the last couple of weeks where it looked like he struggled early in the season? [52:04] I think it's the communication. [52:05] I think it's him being on the same page with Patrick Graham and then being able to communicate that to the guys on the field. [52:10] And sometimes that can be difficult depending on what the environment is that you're in. [52:15] But they have something down pat. [52:16] Even Patrick Graham was talking about, you know, sometimes in defensive meetings, I'm only talking to Patrick Queen [52:21] because I know if he hears me, he gets it. [52:24] That will be, you know, decimated to other people and they'll be able to get that as well. [52:28] So it's interesting how that relationship has quickly found the right spot where it's working for everybody [52:34] in terms of the defense and relaying the plays and calling it. [52:37] And I think, too, you go back to Patrick Graham coming down on the field instead of being up in the coach's box. [52:42] The guy we haven't really talked a lot is Deshaun Elliott. [52:44] He's getting in there slowly but surely. [52:46] I would imagine this will be a good opportunity for him to get back, you know, a lot more snaps [52:50] and a lot more presence that he could have in that secondary. [52:52] Yeah, and I think, you know, he said heading into the bye weekend that he feels like he can play as many snaps as they need to. [52:58] Are they slowly working him in or are they seeing what they saw when Robert Spears Jennings had kind of been thrown into the fire? [53:06] So it will be interesting how that continues to mix and match and just the different personnel that they're leaving out there. [53:12] I think also, too, when you have Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins, that's going to require some different packages and personnel to try to shut those guys down. [53:22] The AFC right now is pretty jammed, and I don't think people were thinking this at the beginning of the season, [53:26] but if the Steelers should win this game and they're four-point underdogs in Cincinnati, they'd have the same record as everybody at the top spot. [53:32] And a number one seed is the only seed that comes with a bye. [53:35] I know I'm looking way down the road, but the way it sets up is they could really be knocking on that door. [53:40] And for a team like this, boy, that would be very important to get a week's rest. [53:44] Yeah, I mean, most people thought the Steelers would finish last and just the AFC North, [53:48] let alone, you know, talking about them being in the top whatever, top ten of the conference altogether. [53:54] I do think it's a big matchup. [53:56] You know, Coach Tomlin on Sunday Night Football did his, you know, bring your popcorn, [53:59] because he knows what this matchup is going to be like, especially in that prime time place. [54:06] Well, Cincinnati has a schedule that you would also think gives them opportunity to think the same way as the Steelers [54:11] because it does, at least on paper, get easier. [54:13] I can see them being probably favored in all their games coming up, including a home game against Kansas City, [54:18] just because it would be at Pacor Stadium. [54:20] But these two teams, I think, are definitely heading in the right direction as far as the playoff. [54:25] Winning the division would be huge, and this game on Sunday has a lot to do with that. [54:29] We saw Cleveland lose yesterday. [54:32] I'm just curious your thoughts on that game, especially at the end. [54:34] A lot of people thought, which I didn't agree with, that they should kick the extra point in overtime [54:39] and either take a tie, but why would you do that? [54:41] Because New Orleans has an opportunity to move the ball quickly to get in field goal range. [54:46] They went for the win, and I thought that was the right call. [54:48] I agree. [54:49] Obviously, it did not work out, as you saw Shador Sanders, you know, [54:53] not really having a place to go with the ball or for himself to find a lane there. [54:57] But I agree. [54:58] That almost reminds me of the game against the Chargers where Le'Veon Bell, they called it, [55:04] and it was fourth down or third down, and time was running out, and it was, hey, [55:08] we're going to get this touchdown. [55:09] Michael Vick game, right? [55:10] He was in there at the time. [55:10] Oh, yeah. [55:11] Michael Vick was the quarterback for that one. [55:12] Yep. [55:12] Yeah. [55:12] So, I mean, hey, you came to win the game. [55:15] Right. [55:16] Ties are ties. [55:16] I don't think people like ties so much. [55:18] But in this situation, if they had done that, New Orleans would have got the ball back. [55:23] So, Cleveland has lost two in a row. [55:25] They've fallen back. [55:26] The Ravens certainly hit some hard times, and the Steelers still have two matches down the [55:29] road against the Ravens. [55:31] We don't know who's going to be their quarterback. [55:32] At this point, it's Jacoby Bursette, but it could be a lot of different people as they [55:36] go. [55:36] Well, and it is crazy how far away just the first Ravens game is for the Steelers, but I [55:42] feel like that's usually how it goes. [55:43] It will be weird that we'll have, you know, the home and away with both the Browns and [55:48] the Bengals done after this week, and you're just kind of waiting for the Ravens now. [55:52] Mike McCarthy likes to talk about four or three games down the road. [55:55] The next three for the Steelers are at Cincinnati, at Philadelphia, and then Denver at home. [56:00] It doesn't get easier after that. [56:01] You have Texans, and then you have Jacksonville. [56:03] But this Philadelphia game is an interesting one after this one, because it's a team that [56:08] has beaten the Steelers, you know, whenever they play in Philadelphia. [56:11] But that also is a team that doesn't have a lot of key contributors, including Jalen [56:15] Hurts. [56:15] So yeah, one of my best friends is an Eagles fan. [56:18] So unfortunately, I watched that game with her a little bit yesterday. [56:21] And, you know, it's just not what they're used to, to be quite frank, in terms of what [56:25] they've done in recent years. [56:27] But it has not been a great place for the Steelers in terms of winning. [56:30] We were just looking up our notes from two years ago when the Steelers played there in [56:34] that crazy three game. [56:36] It was at Philly against the, at Baltimore, and then I think Kansas City was at home. [56:41] That was the Christmas Day game. [56:42] But the Steelers are 0-10 in Philly during the Super Bowl era. [56:46] So maybe this is the year. [56:48] This could be the year. [56:48] We'll find out. [56:49] They can, yeah, get that win. [56:50] We've got to take a break. [56:51] Back with more right after this. [57:08] Get all your Steelers gear direct from the team. [57:11] Shop the Steelers Pro Shop in-store or online for all things black and gold. [57:15] You can get jerseys, hats, authentic memorabilia, custom gear, and exclusives you can't find [57:24] anywhere else. [57:25] And, of course, get the ultimate Steelers game day accessory, the terrible towel. [57:30] Steelers Nation shops here. [57:32] Get your gear in-store or online at shop.steaters.com. [57:36] It's not just one person. [57:41] It's a group of individuals doing the job for the team. [57:44] In that same vein, do you guys feel like today was the most complete game that you played [57:50] as a team this season? [57:53] For the season, I would say yes. [57:57] You know, I thought we controlled both lines of scrimmage, especially when you get 200 yards [58:01] for the rushing. [58:02] And then on defense, you hold them to, what, 30-something yards. [58:06] So that's something we preach around here. [58:09] That's something we always want to do. [58:10] And when we do that, it's going to lead to a win most of the times. [58:13] Cam, what does it say about the defense when you've got so many different guys making [58:17] splash plays in a game? [58:19] It says that we can execute at a high level. [58:24] Obviously, there can be broken plays. [58:26] But when multiple guys can add to the party, it leads to this can be sustainable. [58:33] This is something that, you know, multiple guys can be a part of. [58:36] So we've got to continue to keep doing it from here on out. [58:38] As far as the pressure post that you talked about before, what did you see on film from [58:42] the previous game against Cleveland that you wanted to do better? [58:45] And how did that come together today? [58:47] Better extension, better control of gaps, you know, and then just throwing darts at [58:53] Deshaun. [58:53] You know, he's electric back there. [58:55] So you've got to have multiple guys getting after it. [58:57] And I thought we controlled the B gaps a lot better this time. [59:00] And so we were able to flush them out and make them go. [59:03] But I can't say enough about good things about everybody on the D line. [59:07] Our outside linebackers, obviously, you know, you can't just go one-on-one with them. [59:12] And then inside, you've got Keanu, YA, Joe Biddy, played well today. [59:17] And so it's a group effort. [59:19] And we've got to continue to keep doing it. [59:20] Game day. [59:27] A shared experience between all of us. [59:30] Another turnover. [59:31] Shared by those who make history. [59:33] E.J. Watt strips that. [59:36] And those who witness it. [59:38] Final stealer. [59:45] Be there for every moment. [59:48] Physicality on full display. [59:50] We are fresh out of time. [1:00:11] Missy, thanks very much as always. [1:00:12] Appreciate it. [1:00:13] That's going to do it for us. [1:00:14] Steelers and Bengals coming up this Sunday night. [1:00:16] First place on the line. [1:00:18] For Missy Matthews, I'm Bob Pompiani. [1:00:19] Have a great day. [1:00:20] We'll see you next Monday.