Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t believe the Steelers will be able to keep up with the real contenders in the AFC. Is he right? Do the Steelers have what it takes to beat a team like the Dolphins or Chiefs or Bengals? 

The guys credited the strengths of the offense yesterday – the offensive line, Jaylen Warren, Najee Harris, the play caller – basically every aspect except for Kenny Pickett. Donny said Pickett shouldn’t remind us of Duck Hodges. 

The Steelers clawed out another win yesterday against the Packers to get them to 6-3. The offense showed at least one dimension as they ran the football for over 200 yards. But another rough day for Kenny Pickett. When, if ever, will we see the QB have a breakout game? Even Poni is worried.

The guys ran through a history of Steelers-Packers matchups, including the several HOF QBs to lead the teams, and why we won’t see that on Sunday. 

What’s the fan vibe check heading into Steelers-Packers?

HOCKEY TALK! The Penguins swept a west coast trip for the first time since the 1996-1997 season. Chris made Donny play a little quiz game. 

We transitioned the chat to the Chuks Okorafor situation and there are reports out what he said that led to his benching. Did the player have the fair gripe? We broke down the two reports. Does it make you feel any sort of sympathy for the player in this situation? 

With Chuks Okorafor off the field, does Broderick Jones put the Steelers in a better overall situation? Chris said the Steelers now have their two best tackles on the field and Jones is being a big team player by playing on the right side. Are fans happy with the change to get Jones on the field? 

College Football Minute – Another big one for James Franklin and Penn State tomorrow. Will they beat Michigan?

MLB Free Agency is underway, but nothing has happened. Literally nothing. What is up with that? Every other sport sees huge moves as soon as free agency gets going, but in baseball we are still playing the waiting game. Chris made a push for the Pirates to sign Rhys Hoskins to fill the void at 1B. Will they settle for a reunion with Carlos Santana instead? How serious will the Pirates be in the off-season? We switched the chat back to Steelers-Packers as Chris presented the Steelers story that isn’t being talked about enough. He said the Steelers defense needs to give a lot more for the rest of the season. They have allowed A LOT of yards, but the timely splash plays have saved them. Donny brought up defenses of the past that were legit THE top defenses in the game and how this group isn’t really close. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly from The Athletic joined the show. Mark gave his insight on what happened with Chuks Okorafor and why he got benched. Mark talked about what Broderick Jones was able to clean up to get him ready to play and how the athleticism plays a key factor in his ability. Mark talked about the difference that Diontae Johnson has made in his return. He said the defense has to make a statement this week with a bad offense coming into the stadium. Mark laid out what the Steelers have in front of them on the schedule and why the tour of Ohio will be very meaningful. He added that games against the Cardinals and Patriots have to be taken advantage of – those are two of the worst teams in football. 

Mega Matchups – A battle in the trenches between the Steelers tackles and the Packers edge rushers. 

Friday Vibe Check. How are fans feeling about the Steelers matchup with the Packers on Sunday? Chris described it as close to a must-win as you can have with this record. Will we see a game when the Steelers defense puts their foot down against a bad offense? Will we see the Steelers offense wake up? Caller said Chuks Okorafor is one of the worst second contracts ever given out by the Steelers. The schedule immediately after this game picks up and that makes it feel like more of a must-win. 

What should we be looking forward to with this team in this second half of the season?

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff, an Ohio State grad, had immediate thoughts on the Jim Harbaugh suspension. Jeff doesn’t buy into the notion that Harbaugh isn’t aware of what was going on. Jeff gave the latest on the Steelers injury report and that Cam Heyward will be good to go. Jeff painted a picture of what is going on with Chuks Okorafor following his benching. Jeff said seeing Broderick Jones move reminded him of Alan Faneca in his prime, even at a different position, due to the sheer athleticism. Jeff credited Pat Meyer and Matt Canada for what we saw on the ground last week. Jeff talked about the strategy the Steelers have with easing in their rookies. Jeff gave his biggest thing that he will be watching as the team enters the second half of the season. Jeff gave his arrow up and arrow down players for the week.  

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff, an Ohio State grad, had immediate thoughts on the Jim Harbaugh suspension. Jeff doesn’t buy into the notion that Harbaugh isn’t aware of what was going on. Jeff gave the latest on the Steelers injury report and that Cam Heyward will be good to go. Jeff painted a picture of what is going on with Chuks Okorafor following his benching. Jeff said seeing Broderick Jones move reminded him of Alan Faneca in his prime, even at a different position, due to the sheer athleticism. Jeff credited Pat Meyer and Matt Canada for what we saw on the ground last week. Jeff talked about the strategy the Steelers have with easing in their rookies. Jeff gave his biggest thing that he will be watching as the team enters the second half of the season. Jeff gave his arrow up and arrow down players for the week.  

MLB Free Agency is underway, but nothing has happened. Literally nothing. What is up with that? Every other sport sees huge moves as soon as free agency gets going, but in baseball we are still playing the waiting game. Chris made a push for the Pirates to sign Rhys Hoskins to fill the void at 1B. Will they settle for a reunion with Carlos Santana instead? How serious will the Pirates be in the off-season? 

We transitioned the chat to the Chuks Okorafor situation and there are reports out what he said that led to his benching. Did the player have the fair gripe? We broke down the two reports. Does it make you feel any sort of sympathy for the player in this situation?