Mike Tomlin details how Steelers will handle Weeks 15-17 in 10 days

Mike Tomlin’s approach to the Steelers’ ’10-day stretch of doom’ highlights his preparation for key matchups this season.

If Mike Tomlin is being considered a favorite to win Coach of the Year in 2024, his potential success in leading the Pittsburgh Steelers out of their ’10-day stretch of doom’ should all but guarantee his selection.

However, doing so is no easy task, as highlighted by Tomlin himself during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

When asked if he had any type of game plan heading into this tough 10-day stretch, Tomlin responded with confidence, stating, “I made some day-to-day decisions in terms of keeping guys upright—giving guys rest days and so forth. But it hasn’t been anything that I’ve addressed in the ‘big room,’ if you will. I just don’t want to give it that type of credence.”

Facing the Philadelphia Eagles, the Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs will give the Tomlin led Steelers little room for error, and his careful preparation for these very three games will hopefully be all anyone will discuss in this season’s rendition of the NFL Honors.

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Former Steelers safety blasts Aaron Rodgers: ‘This dude is a fraud’

Ryan Clark ripped into Aaron Rodgers over hypocrisy and fraudulence in fiery response to Rodgers’ rant against ESPN and former players.

It appears former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark didn’t take too kindly to Jets QB Aaron Rodgers‘ latest rant regarding ESPN and the former players who work there. Rodgers took to the Pat McAfee Show to rip into ESPN, and Clark has fired back.

Clark, who revitalized his legendary football career through ESPN as an analyst following his retirement, went scorched earth on Rodgers’ comments and alluded to the hypocrisy of the former Packers QB: “My issue with him is that you’re doing the exact same thing. The reason you’re getting the opportunity to say these asinine things is because someone is paying you—who is exactly the same thing you are now speaking out against.”

Clark wasn’t finished just proving Rodgers to be hypocritical, however, as he continued to tear into the quarterback’s character: “This dude is a fraud. He’s been a fraud. He could throw a football, and that’s where it stops.”

It’s safe to say Clark and Rodgers will not be exchanging Christmas cards in 2024, but the 41-year-old New York Jets QB should consider the bridges he is burning once his football career is over.

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Mike Tomlin praises Russell Wilson for proving his worth with the Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised Russell Wilson, highlighting his leadership, experience, and determination.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recently appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and expressed admiration for quarterback Russell Wilson.

Reflecting on Wilson’s leadership and performance since joining the Steelers, Tomlin praised the veteran’s impact on and off the field. “I get the benefit of watching Russell Wilson operate every day,” Tomlin said. “He’s got over a decade of experience, and he has a way with his teammates that’s inspiring.”

Tomlin highlighted Wilson’s natural leadership, noting his ability to foster unity within the team. “He brings people together and he brings the best out of everybody,” Tomlin added, emphasizing the quarterback’s knack for creating a winning culture. For Tomlin, Wilson’s edge goes beyond his playmaking ability, encompassing his drive and determination. “He had something to prove coming here, and he was working with an edge,” Tomlin explained.

As a longtime admirer of Wilson, Tomlin shared his appreciation for how the veteran approaches the quarterback position. “I’ve always loved the way that Russell Wilson plays the position,” he said. According to Tomlin, Wilson’s time in Pittsburgh has been a chance for the quarterback to showcase his abilities once more. “He knows he can do it; he just needed the opportunity to do it again,” Tomlin concluded.

Speculation surrounding Wilson is that the Steelers will re-sign him to a long-term contract in the offseason.

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Mike Tomlin opens up about Steelers approach to Eagles RB Saquon Barkley

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a tough Week 15 challenge against the Eagles and their dynamic offense led by star running back Saquon Barkley.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a significant challenge in Week 15 as they prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, whose dynamic offense features star running back Saquon Barkley.

On The Pat McAfee Show, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the difficulty of defending a player like Barkley but emphasized the importance of a balanced defensive approach. “You can’t focus on just Saquon Barkley because of the talent around him in Philadelphia. All that does is highlight his already existing talent,” Tomlin said.

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley to test Steelers’ defense

Tomlin’s remarks underline the Eagles’ well-rounded offensive arsenal. While Barkley is a game-changing talent who can break tackles, catch passes, and create explosive plays, the Eagles boast a roster packed with weapons at multiple positions. Focusing solely on Barkley could leave the Steelers vulnerable to Philadelphia’s deep passing attack or the mobility of their quarterback. Tomlin’s strategy likely involves a disciplined team effort to contain Barkley while maintaining awareness of the Eagles’ versatile threats.

To counter Barkley’s impact, the Steelers will need their front seven to play sound, gap-responsible football, limiting his ability to exploit open spaces. The secondary must also be prepared for Barkley’s contributions in the passing game.

Barkley leads the NFL in rushing with 1,623 yards (11 touchdowns) and is often targeted through the air with 29 receptions for 267 yards and two touchdowns.

Mike Tomlin focused on Eagles’ overall talent

As much as the Steelers would love to focus solely on containing Barkley, Tomlin’s approach reflects respect for the Eagles’ overall talent. It ensures the defense avoids overcommitting to Barkley while staying ready to adapt to the Eagles’ multifaceted offense. This balanced mindset will be crucial if the Steelers hope to contain Barkley and secure a crucial late-season victory.

Should the Steelers leave Philly with a win, it’ll be a first since 1965, and they’ll earn a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. The Eagles, winners of nine straight games, clinched a postseason spot with a Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens.


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Mike Tomlin has hilarious reaction to signing T.J. Watt’s big bro, J.J.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin joked about signing T.J. Watt’s big brother, J.J. Watt, on The Pat McAfee Show.

NFL legend J.J. Watt has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers several times, but nothing substantial has ever come from it. Instead, the eldest Watt has been to the Steelers facility and games to support his brother T.J. Watt — most recently this past week when the Steelers took on the Cleveland Browns.

The former Houston Texans defender turned broadcaster has even upped his Terrible Towel twirling game after being blasted for his technique last season.

Mike Tomlin, a guest on The Pat McAfee Show, said this when asked if he’s tried to sign J.J. when he’s in Pittsburgh.

We don’t have enough cash for two Watts.

T.J. Watt will enter the final year of a massive four-year, $112 million contract in 2025. Gerry Dulac, Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, doesn’t believe the team will prioritize re-signing Watt in the offseason.

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When did Bobby Wagner realize Jayden Daniels was special?

Bobby Wagner discusses when he knew Jayden Daniels wasn’t your typical rookie QB.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner has seen it all. Now in his 13th NFL season, Wagner has played 198 regular-season games and is a future Hall of Famer.

Wagner has seen plenty of rookie quarterbacks over the years. He entered the NFL with Russell Wilson in 2012 and has played against countless others. When he signed with the Commanders in March, he knew he’d be playing with a rookie quarterback but didn’t know it would be Daniels until the NFL draft.

Daniels was selected second overall and has taken the NFL by storm. He’s broken numerous rookie records and has the Commanders at 8-5, in prime position to make the playoffs after the team finished 4-13 one year ago.

So, when did Wagner realize Daniels wasn’t your average rookie quarterback?

“Honestly, in OTAs,” Wagner said Tuesday on the “Pat McAfee Show.

“He was coming in so early, like so early, to put in work and learn the playbook. And then, it was probably our first practice in training camp where we lined up against each other, and he started talking trash. And I was like, ‘Ok, he feels confident in the playbook. We watched him putting in the work, so he earned the right to be confident. Once we saw him in the preseason, saw how he moved and decisions he was making, he does with it with humility, which I respect a lot. So, we knew pretty early on.”

So, does Daniels try to talk s–t to Wagner?

“Of course,” Wagner replied. “And he’s not a match. I was in the same locker room with Richard Sherman, and Richard wasn’t beefing with me.”

All of Washington’s veterans have praised Daniels since his arrival. While his success on the field helps how his teammates view him, it’s his preparation and work ethic that has most endeared him to coaches and teammates.

 

Commanders will ‘get a jolt in the arm’ vs. Saints

The Commanders will receive a “shot in the arm” after the bye when their defense gets some major help.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter Wednesday said the Commanders will soon get a shot in the arm.

During his weekly appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show,” Schefter mentioned that the bye will do the Commanders well, and something else will help them, too. Here is some of what he had to say:

“Here’s a little headline. When they get back from their bye after this week, it sounds like Marshon Lattimore is going to make his Commanders’ debut in the first game back for Washington.”

“You saw that they released Emmanuel Forbes, their first-round draft pick, former first-round pick who was claimed on waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. Part of the reason they released him was they had Lattimore coming back after the bye.”

“And it looks like he is tracking to play his first game for the Commanders; what six weeks after the trade deadline? Or five weeks after the trade deadline?”

“We’ve been waiting for Marshon Lattimore to make his debut, and this will be a little jolt in the arm for Washington, coming off of its bye, getting its Pro Bowl cornerback.”

“By the way, when they do bring back Lattimore for his first game as a Commander next week, guess where that game will be? In New Orleans against his former team.”

“What better way than to bring back Marshon Lattimore for his first game as a Commander, in New Orleans, against the Saints, the team that traded him away?”

Good to hear the Commanders being a subject of positive discussion on one of the national shows that brings much focus on the NFL.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach believes Kansas City is a top destination for players

#Chiefs general manager Brett Veach believes Kansas City is a top destination for players | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing the unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title this year and have gotten off to a blazing start. The addition of several players throughout the year has raised the team’s profile and chances of accomplishing the feat, thanks mainly to the front office.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach appeared on the Pat McAfee Show last week. He discussed the growing number of players around the league choosing Kansas City during the current run of success.

“Typically, when you get to different points of this season, whether that be in the offseason or at the trade deadline, I think we do hear a lot of, ‘If everything is equal, he would love to play in Kansas City.'” said Veach. “Listen, I think that playing for Coach Reid and playing with Pat Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones would certainly be a destination for any player that had a chance to potentially move on and go somewhere else.”

The Chiefs added veteran players JuJu Smith-Schuster and Samaje Perine in free agency shortly before the season while trading for DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche. Player injuries and juggling roster spots allowed Veach and his staff to make these additions. The front office has typically made splashes in the draft with homegrown talent but will try to recruit veterans who can financially fit in the budget.

New York Jets’ QB Aaron Rodgers reacts to WR Mike Williams trade

While appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, New York Jets’ QB Aaron Rodgers reacts live to the news of WR Mike Williams trade to Pittsburgh.

Former Indianapolis Colts’ All-Pro punter Pat McAfee brought on his guest, New York Jets’ QB Aaron Rodgers, in the truly the right place and time, as Rodgers was able to react live to insider Adam Schefter’s report that the Pittsburgh Steelers acquiring his former Jets’ teammate, WR Mike Williams, via trade.

McAfee asked Rodgers for his intitial reaction and what Williams meant to the 2024 New York Jets’ team.  While Rodgers could have taken this opportunity to make Williams position on the team seem replaceable, Rodgers took the opportunity to relate with Williams’ struggles with injuries and amazing recovery, stating that “I felt like he was getting better throughout the early part of the season.  I feel like his speed was getting better.  That’s a tough injury, I had that injury.”

The injury Rodgers referenced is one in which Williams tore his ACL during his 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

While Williams would surely appreciate the kind words from his former QB on the Jets, he is no doubt looking forward to getting the opportunity to show the NFL exactly what he is capable of with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

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Ex-Patriots HC Bill Belichick weighs in on Chiefs’ trade for Joshua Uche

See what former #Patriots HC Bill Belichick had to say about the #Chiefs’ trade with New England for pass-rusher Joshua Uche.

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired linebacker Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Monday, and legendary head coach Bill Belichick was quick to share his thoughts about his former team’s latest deal on the ‘Pat McAfee Show.’

In his remarks, Belichick seemed to imply that he thought the sixth-round pick that the Patriots received for Uche constituted a relatively minimal return for New England given his status as a more-than-capable pass-rusher.

In adding Uche to their defense, the Chiefs have secured a young contributor who could become a spark plug for star lineman Chris Jones and budding defensive end George Karlaftis.

Listen to Belichick’s full remarks on the trade in this clip, which was posted to Twitter by the ‘Pat McAfee Show’:

 

Stay tuned to see if Uche can make an impact for Kansas City when he makes his Chiefs debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 9.