The Pomp And Joe Show

Aaron Rodgers is in Pittsburgh and was spotted getting ice cream with Pat Freiermuth, Ben Skowronek, and Mason Rudolph. The Steelers offense should be better, but Rodgers needs the line to play well.

What happens to Will Howard? Joe thinks it's established that Will Howard is the starter. "Aaron Rodgers returning may cost Will Howard a roster spot." Joe thinks an injury could allow them to keep four. Bob thinks the Steelers may keep four quarterbacks. The Steelers have officially announced they signed Aaron Rodgers.

NFL reporter Tyler Dunne told The PM Team that a former teammate of Rodgers thinks Rodgers and Mike McCarthy will be at each other's throats. Dunne said that it's hard to see this ending well.

Aaron Rodgers is back. Bob thinks Rodgers gives the Steelers the best chance to win, meaning a winning season. Bob thinks Rodgers has the best chance to go into the playoffs and win a game, but Joe asks if that even matters because it isn't working.

Way-too-early game-by-game wins and losses, best road trip, is the schedule unfair to the Steelers and more!

The full Pomp and Joe Show, with Joe Starkey and Austin Bechtold, from Friday, May 15th, 2026

Hour 1 with Joe Starkey: The Steelers schedule is complete. What is your first impression? The Steelers will play four primetime games and two other standalone games. The Steelers play the Saints in Paris, two Sunday Night games, and will host Denver the day after Thanksgiving. The Steelers play at the Browns on a Thursday night. What question do you ask about each game??

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Neither side wants to come out and say what Jared Jones' role with the Pirates will be. Colin thinks Jones will be a starter, but be on a pitch count. Carmen Mlodzinski is the most likely to go to the bullpen. Colin thinks Jones will be activated right around May 26 when Jones is able to come on the injured list. Dennis Santana isn't a strikeout pitcher but does not look like himself. Colin doesn't think there is fear in opposing hitters going against him. Joe and Austin make their Steelers predictions, at this moment.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: Ray thinks if the Steelers are around .500 after eight games, they will be nearing their first losing season in 20+ years. Joe Burrow has only lost in Pittsburgh once and it was his rookie season. Ray would be shocked if the Steelers are 1-3 after their first four. Ben Cherington continues to believe in Marcell Ozuna and said they need to keep running him on the field. Communication needs to be better for the outfield defensively.

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: Pirates broadcaster Bob Walk joined the show. Bob thinks Paul Skenes is like Greg Maddux. Skenes does have a chance to be one of the best pitchers in history. Braxton Ashcraft attacks hitters. Bob would rather have more run support than elite defense, if he had to choose. Konnor Griffin is becoming a great player that will likely only continue to get better at the plate. We discuss the Fan Trading Cards with Joe broadcasting at Studio B.