PM Team FULL Show 9-10-26

Another day of Joey Porter Jr. being listed as ‘limited’ in practice. Today was labeled as a big practice because it was a padded one. What is the likelihood Peezy doesn’t play in this game? Poni is getting the feel that it’s under 50/50 as of now. Given what is happening with the Falcons, is it worth having Porter out there since he hasn’t done a whole lot this summer?

Steelers reporter Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said the Joey Porter Jr. situation is being held very close to the vest at the Steelers facility. Ray told the guys they could only watch some individual portions of practice, but Porter only took part in a few drills. Ray isn’t sure if Porter would be ready to go anyway, contract or not, on Sunday. What’s the best way for the team and player to go about this? Ray acknowledged that this contract is a little bit different than some deals done by the Steelers in the past, but he still thinks there’s about a 50% chance a contract is signed before Sunday’s kick. Ray expects Asante Samuel Jr. to play plenty in the game regardless. Ray’s official prediction is 8-9 and no playoff appearance.

2 Truth’s & a Lie.

Aaron Rodgers wonders if he would be welcomed back in Green Bay. Rodgers was on Not Just Football w/ Cam Heyward and had plenty to say. He also blasted ESPN for how they cover some of their news and pick sides while they do it. The guys think we could see a more outspoken Rodgers this season now that Mike Tomlin is gone and he can push around Mike McCarthy a little bit more.

Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve thinks Joey Porter Jr. is more like a 22-24-million-dollar corner than a $30M guy like a few others in his class. Steve said Porter does have some clear strengths and is coming off his best season, but isn’t as well-rounded as the other top tier guys. Steve reacted to Cooper Rush getting all of the 1st team reps in Falcons practice. How concerned do the Steelers have to be about the Falcons playmakers? Steve thinks Kevin Stefanski may have his best offense in front of him, it just comes down to figuring out the QB. Steve described the Steelers defensive front as ‘excellent’ even with a few aging players. Steve said the big question with Aaron Rodgers is – what type of game does he want to play? Steve can easily see a 9-8 or 10-7 season. Does Rodgers still have enough zip on the ball? Steve has the Steelers making the playoffs, but they do not win a game once there.

Donny Football Debrief – Dom DiSandro, better known as ‘Big Dom,’ is under investigation after being ratted on by a former player. We also got more nuggets on the Falcons injury situation, which may point to Cooper Rush starting for Atlanta on Sunday.

Will the role change at all for TJ Watt in 2026? If the Steelers go with the ‘less is more’ approach with Watt, will it lead to better overall results? Mike McCarthy likes what the team has on the edge – their strongest position group. Are we over the days of saying Watt is a top tier edge rusher? Poni sees a bounce back year for Watt and he finishes top 5 in sacks. Will the change in usage help out the former DPOY?

KDKA TV’s Bob Pompeani joined the show. Pomp is curious by the line on the game with the Steelers still sitting at just 3.5-point favorites in this game. What does that say about the nation’s outlook on the Steelers? Pomp said it’s a Bijan Robinson game because they can’t lose to whoever is at QB for the Falcons. Pomp thinks there is too much to lose for Joey Porter Jr. if he doesn’t play in this game due to his contract dispute. Bob has the Steelers finishing 10-7, but said it’s not good enough to win the AFC North. Pomp believes the Steelers will win a playoff game on the road.

Power Rankings – Steelers MVP candidates.

BREAKING: Tua Tagovailoa injured his back in practice today and is now questionable for Sunday. The Steelers are already benefiting from facing a pretty average QB and may benefit even more if Cooper Rush is called upon. Is this turning into a must-win in the sense of difficulty level? The Patriots lost last night after 3 Drake Maye interceptions. The Pats also lost AJ Brown to a high-ankle sprain, which means he will miss the Week 2 matchup. Are you feeling better about the Steelers season now? Chris doesn’t think Aaron Rodgers will change much this year and a deeper dive into the numbers shows he was bottom tier of the league in 2025.

Do we see the Steelers as a playoff team as they receive some early-season schedule luck?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. How do the Pirates have to finish the season for it to be deemed a success? Even a strong finish but no playoffs should force questions about the GM putting together the best team possible after several blown games in the first half. Jason credited Ben Cherington for building the offense, but said he deserves criticism for the lack of bullpen early on. Is the front office going to use Paul Skenes as an excuse after he put together a subpar season? What will the plan be to replace Brandon Lowe assuming he leaves after a historic season? Jason thinks this season was absolutely a step in the right direction for Oneil Cruz, even with an injury that spurred things in the middle. Jason said Don Kelly is in a ‘unique’ and ‘difficult’ position because of the strong push in the direction of analytics that may go over his head. Jason added that Kelly is an asset to them. Jason reported to us that Ryan O’Hearn will be activated tomorrow and start for the Pirates this weekend at Wrigley Field. Jason thinks the Pirates will need 86 wins to make the playoffs, which means a 13-3 finish.

Steelers reporter Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said the Joey Porter Jr. situation is being held very close to the vest at the Steelers facility. Ray told the guys they could only watch some individual portions of practice, but Porter only took part in a few drills. Ray isn’t sure if Porter would be ready to go anyway, contract or not, on Sunday. What’s the best way for the team and player to go about this? Ray acknowledged that this contract is a little bit different than some deals done by the Steelers in the past, but he still thinks there’s about a 50% chance a contract is signed before Sunday’s kick. Ray expects Asante Samuel Jr. to play plenty in the game regardless. Ray’s official prediction is 8-9 and no playoff appearance.

Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve thinks Joey Porter Jr. is more like a 22-24-million-dollar corner than a $30M guy like a few others in his class. Steve said Porter does have some clear strengths and is coming off his best season, but isn’t as well-rounded as the other top tier guys. Steve reacted to Cooper Rush getting all of the 1st team reps in Falcons practice. How concerned do the Steelers have to be about the Falcons playmakers? Steve thinks Kevin Stefanski may have his best offense in front of him, it just comes down to figuring out the QB. Steve described the Steelers defensive front as ‘excellent’ even with a few aging players. Steve said the big question with Aaron Rodgers is – what type of game does he want to play? Steve can easily see a 9-8 or 10-7 season. Does Rodgers still have enough zip on the ball? Steve has the Steelers making the playoffs, but they do not win a game once there.

PM Team Picks Week 1.

Will the role change at all for TJ Watt in 2026? If the Steelers go with the ‘less is more’ approach with Watt, will it lead to better overall results? Mike McCarthy likes what the team has on the edge – their strongest position group. Are we over the days of saying Watt is a top tier edge rusher? Poni sees a bounce back year for Watt and he finishes top 5 in sacks. Will the change in usage help out the former DPOY?

KDKA TV’s Bob Pompeani joined the show. Pomp is curious by the line on the game with the Steelers still sitting at just 3.5-point favorites in this game. What does that say about the nation’s outlook on the Steelers? Pomp said it’s a Bijan Robinson game because they can’t lose to whoever is at QB for the Falcons. Pomp thinks there is too much to lose for Joey Porter Jr. if he doesn’t play in this game due to his contract dispute. Bob has the Steelers finishing 10-7, but said it’s not good enough to win the AFC North. Pomp believes the Steelers will win a playoff game on the road.