Former Steeler Chris Hoke joined the show. Chris is very impressed by Kenny Pickett through camp, but thinks all three QBs have played well. He likes what he sees from Mason Rudolph, but knows the situation with the current third string QB on the roster. Chris said Pickett has made veteran-like decisions through the first two games and has answered the bell every time this preseason. Poni asked how the players might answer the QB question if Mike Tomlin brings it up, but thinks they would support a move to the rookie. Chris said Mitch Trubisky understands the situation and knows his days are numbered with a first round rookie QB on the roster. The guys asked Chris about the offensive line struggles in camp and if it will impact the progression of Pickett. Chris asked Chris about rookie Mark Robinson and if he can push Devin Bush, who is facing pressure in the last year of his rookie deal. 

Kenny Pickett spoke to the media today. Poni didn’t sense the same urgency in Pickett’s answers that we heard from Mitch Trubisky. The guys debated what time dictates the first-in, last-out. Donny brought up a good diet point about players that he heard on Hard Knocks last night. 

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff said the big stories from practice were the post-practice comments from Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. Jeff slipped up by saying the wrong name, but went back to say he feels Trubisky is the man to start week one. Jeff referenced the experience Trubisky has and why that likely gives him the edge for QB1 simply on merit heading into the first real game. Jeff doesn’t think Trubisky will get many reps on Sunday and will lock in the starting spot. Jeff questioned who the Steelers starter is by the end of October and believes it is all up to Mitch. Jeff is very puzzled by the Genard Avery news, but said the team appears to be high on other depth edge options. Jeff is excited for the Backyard Brawl next week.

The Thursday Night Football theme on Amazon sucks.  

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff said the big stories from practice were the post-practice comments from Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. Jeff slipped up by saying the wrong name, but went back to say he feels Trubisky is the man to start week one. Jeff referenced the experience Trubisky has and why that likely gives him the edge for QB1 simply on merit heading into the first real game. Jeff doesn’t think Trubisky will get many reps on Sunday and will lock in the starting spot. Jeff questioned who the Steelers starter is by the end of October and believes it is all up to Mitch. Jeff is very puzzled by the Genard Avery news, but said the team appears to be high on other depth edge options. Jeff is excited for the Backyard Brawl next week.

Could a 25-year-old guy who played baseball in high school dominate the LLWS? 

Mitch Trubisky told the media he feels as if he has done enough to win the Steelers starting QB job, but knows the battle is still active between himself and Kenny Pickett. Unless Trubisky is coached up so well by Mike Tomlin already, what Tomlin said the other day wasn’t BS. Trubisky addressed the “week one starting quarterback” question as a trick question. The guys think Trubisky is feeling the pressure of Pickett breathing down his neck for the starting job. 

Poni listed every Super Bowl MVP, but slipped up on one of the five Tom Brady wins.

Doug Whaley joined The Fan Morning Show with words for how the Steelers should handle Kenny Pickett. Doug doesn’t want to see the Steelers start him right away because he thinks the offensive line will ruin his career, like David Carr. 

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. He said whoever Mike Tomlin decides on as the Steelers starting QB will be the guy giving the team the best chance to win, whether that be Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett. Mike said a team shouldn’t be afraid to put a player on the field because of the weakness at another position. Mike thinks Tomlin was being genuine regarding the question mark at QB, saying the decision will be made after Sunday’s preseason finale. Poni asked about what kind of availability at offensive line will be free agents once final cuts are made to make improvements to the Steelers unit. Mike said Tomlin always does a great job of using the pieces he has to make something work. With the Steelers lacking depth at edge rusher, Chris asked Mike what options are out there to fill some spots. Mike commented on the strange Tom Brady situation in Tampa Bay, but said the Bucs PR completely blew it. Mike is confident it is Brady’s final season because it took him every chip he had with his family to come back for this year. Mike had some very strong thoughts on Deshaun Watson and his lack of an apology and if he will be a different person once he goes through the rehab process. Mike, the West Virginia native, doesn’t have high hopes for his Mountaineers going into the season. 

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. He said whoever Mike Tomlin decides on as the Steelers starting QB will be the guy giving the team the best chance to win, whether that be Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett. Mike said a team shouldn’t be afraid to put a player on the field because of the weakness at another position. Mike thinks Tomlin was being genuine regarding the question mark at QB, saying the decision will be made after Sunday’s preseason finale. Poni asked about what kind of availability at offensive line will be free agents once final cuts are made to make improvements to the Steelers unit. Mike said Tomlin always does a great job of using the pieces he has to make something work. With the Steelers lacking depth at edge rusher, Chris asked Mike what options are out there to fill some spots. Mike commented on the strange Tom Brady situation in Tampa Bay, but said the Bucs PR completely blew it. Mike is confident it is Brady’s final season because it took him every chip he had with his family to come back for this year. Mike had some very strong thoughts on Deshaun Watson and his lack of an apology and if he will be a different person once he goes through the rehab process. Mike, the West Virginia native, doesn’t have high hopes for his Mountaineers going into the season. 

Mitch Trubisky spoke to the media today and had it in question who would be the team’s starter. The guys are back on what Mike Tomlin said about QB play heading into the preseason finale. What should the Steelers do at QB? The guys mentioned the points Trubisky brought up about everything in the off-season that leads to him as QB1. One-time Steeler Len Dawson passed away. Who are some one-time Pittsburgh athletes that got away? 

Pat Narduzzi has named Kedon Slovis the starter for Pitt heading into the Backyard Brawl with West Virginia. Poni went to get his tickets for the game and heard quite the interesting story about our buddy, Adam Crowley. Pitt fans have Mullsy’s back. The guys wondered where other Fan talents stand when it comes down to Pitt-WVU.

College kids are back at school. Poni listed every Super Bowl MVP, but slipped up on one of the five Tom Brady wins. 

Pat Narduzzi has named Kedon Slovis the starter for Pitt heading into the Backyard Brawl with West Virginia. Poni went to get his tickets for the game and heard quite the interesting story about our buddy, Adam Crowley. Pitt fans have Mullsy’s back. The guys wondered where other Fan talents stand when it comes down to Pitt-WVU.

NFL insider Aaron Wilson from Pro Football Network joined the show. Aaron broke the story of the Steelers cutting Chris Oladokun earlier today. Aaron is also surprised by the Genard Avery release. The guys asked Aaron about the Steelers lack of depth at edge rusher behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. He said they may wait and see what is available and if there are any surprise cuts. Aaron said he believes the QB1 spot is still up for grabs between Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky and it will come down to Sunday afternoon. He expects the team to keep Mason Rudolph on the roster, especially after the move made today.