We took a walk down memory lane to remember the classic that was Super Bowl XLIII between the Steelers and Cardinals. We talked about what we were doing during the game and how we were feeling in the final moments. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly from The Athletic joined the show. Mark reacted to the Gerry Dulac column about the Steelers current receiving corps. Mark thinks it’s ludicrous to put the attitudes of Diontae Johnson and George Pickens in the realm of Antonio Brown. He doesn’t think those guys will impact the team negatively this season. Mark expects Johnson to be back in black & gold next season, but not the season after that. Is Mark worried that we are in for Mike Tomlin game on Sunday? Mark said he’s worried more about the Patriots than the Cardinals. 

We also looked at a Gerry Dulac column on the worrisome world of the Steelers receivers. Should there be a fear that Diontae Johnson and/or George Pickens will become the headache that was Antonio Brown?

Crowley said fans shouldn’t boo Diontae Johnson on Sunday no matter the circumstance. The guys don’t like the viewpoint of telling fans what they should/shouldn’t do when they are in the stadium. And if the marriage with Johnson is over at season’s end, do you have any fear of the Steelers replacing him? The guys think telling fans not to boo or act negative towards a player is an open admission that the player is mentally weak. 

Black & Gold Bets.

Tristan Jarry made history last night. 

The Steelers are getting set to face the Cardinals on Sunday in what looks to be a rainy day in Pittsburgh. Should the Steelers be on upset alert? One betting expert says so. Are the guys worried about this Steelers team being this big of a favorite this season? Chris said you have to be aware of an upset because of Kyler Murray. Poni said the Steelers are going into uncharted waters here. 

The NFL Draft could be Pittsburgh bound in 2026 or 2027. The guys debated if it is an event that is better on TV. Donny said he wants to experience it, but he does wonder what his thought process will be on it by the time he’s in his early 30’s when it would be in town. 

The Fan Morning Show had Kevin Colbert on this morning. Poni said he would have had a few difficulties with the interview given the parameters, but gave a shout out to Crowley and Dorin for a good job.

We took a look at every current Steeler that was drafted by the team and gave them a grade. 

Eddie Faulkner talked today following the win over Cincy. Chris thinks it is clear that the offense was tired of the voice that was Matt Canada and he felt like he downplayed that for a while. The guys think Faulkner seems way more comfortable in that position and it could lead to better results. We also got some NFL scheduling news and the Steelers-Colts matchup will be a Saturday 4:30 kick. 

KDKA TV legend Bob Pompeani joined the show. Bob reacted to the breaking scheduling news with the Steelers-Colts game being played on a Saturday that will air on KDKA TV. Bob expects the Steelers to go 3-1 in the next four games. Bob said Diontae Johnson will be out there on the first play Sunday afternoon. Bob talked about a special birthday party he attended yesterday. 

Power Rankings.

Chris Hoke, Steelers Super Bowl champ, talked about the difference in leadership that he sees with the team now compared to when he played. He made the comment in relation to Diontae Johnson and the current situation. Hoke compared it to players from his era. We also joked about Ron Cook’s dental hygiene after Shannon Sharpe noted to his followers than he brushes his teeth 7-10 times a day. 

Steve Palazzolo from Pro Football Focus joined the show. Steve doubled down on why Myles Garrett is a better player than TJ Watt right now. Steve loved what he saw from Kenny Pickett in Cincinnati and he’s happy the stats actually added up to the grade. Steve talked about some of the scheming differences he noticed in the first game without Matt Canada. The guys asked about the impact of the Steelers getting Minkah Fitzpatrick back on the field. Steve explained why the grades for Broderick Jones might not match what you are seeing. Steve said he has been impressed by Jones despite him having a handful of negative plays. 

Donny Football Debrief – Is the transfer portal too much like the Wild West in college sports?