The Steelers won their preseason opener Saturday night. Poni is back from vacation early because he’s so excited from what Kenny Pickett did in his debut. Chris said Mitch Trubisky looked just as good and should stay the starter on this team. Donny said Pickett stole the show, but all three QBs looked solid. Poni thinks the Pickett critics have to admit they saw great things from the rookie QB on Saturday. Chris wants to see Pickett play with the first team, at least a little bit, in the next preseason game against Jacksonville. That way, the argument of competition isn’t there. The offensive line was bad in pass protection, but the run blocking looked solid, leading to a nice night from Anthony McFarland and Jaylen Warren.
Former Steeler Chris Hoke joined the show. Chris had his breakdown of Saturday night’s game and what he saw from the quarterbacks. Chris said Mason Rudolph is the best looking of the group and should get more first team reps in practices and games. Chris talked about the weight it carries for QBs for what kind of guys they are competing against in preseason games. He doubted that he would still make the team today because there is a lack of reps in practices/games that was not an issue 20 years ago. A few players he thinks helped themselves Saturday night included Jaylen Warren, Master Teague and Steven Sims. He referenced the loaded receiving corps and said it will be difficult for the Steelers to decided on the last one or two spots.