The Pittsburgh Steelers had somewhat of a offseason in the NFL Free Agency and expectations in the NFL Draft, mostly likely to draft a quarterback. However, in this podcast, we learn that the chatter of drafting a quarterback back may not be coming from the Steelers organization at all.
Joe Toscano is host of @TheDonutBag part of @PodHubNetwork also @forthefanpodnet & @SteelersBrawl Everything Pittsburgh!
Show Notes
Will Steelers draft a quarterback?
What are the Steelers NFL Draft strategy?
2020 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper Jr. has the Steelers taking QB Jalen Hurst
Steelers agree to trade for WormleyMarch 20
The team acquired defensive lineman Chris Wormley and a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft from the Baltimore Ravens and are sending the Ravens their fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The trade is agreed upon pending a physical.
Dangerfield signs one-year deal
March 20
Steelers tender offers to Feiler, Hilton
The Steelers tendered offers to two restricted free agents, offensive tackle Matt Feiler and cornerback Mike Hilton. Financial terms of the tendered offers were not disclosed.
Feiler has become a staple on the Steelers offensive line over the last two seasons, making 26 of his 27 career starts during that time frame.
Banner signs new one-year deal
March 18
Zach Banner had no complaints about his role last year, when he was a tackle eligible for much of the season, but he wants more.
And he took the first step towards that today when he signed a new one-year contract.
Shazier placed on Reserve/Retired ListMarch 17
Ryan Shazier was placed on the Reserve/Retired list.
Ramon Foster announces his retirement March 16
Veteran guard Ramon Foster, who was second in experience on the Steelers roster behind only Ben Roethlisberger, announced his retirement and has been placed on the Reserve/Retired List by the team.
Steelers place franchise tag on Dupree March 16
When Coach Mike Tomlin spoke during his season-ending press conference this year he brought up one of the team’s biggest free agents.
Bud Dupree.
“He is a priority for us,” said Tomlin. “Make no mistake, Bud Dupree is a priority for us.”
The team proved that he is a priority today when the team placed the franchise tag on Dupree.
Dupree had his best season in 2019. He finished the year with a career-high 11.5 sacks, recording at least four sacks in each of his first five seasons with the Steelers for a total of 31 ½ career sacks. Dupree also set a single season high with 16 tackles for a loss in 2019, ranking him tied for fifth in the NFL last season. Dupree also added four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Three players contracts terminated March 16
The Steelers terminated the contracts of linebackers Mark Barron and Anthony Chickillo and receiver Johnny Holton.
Transcript
Santiago Leon
Sports cast April 14 2020 if you haven’t yet, hit subscribe and all our channels you can listen us on Periscope, iTunes and YouTube. And if you’re an iTunes please leave a rating and review it will help us out tremendously. And of course you can visit us on the sports cast dotnet the sports cast dotnet today’s sponsor is the Bible app crave versus in pictures download us to Bible today in the iOS App Store. The Pittsburgh Steelers had somewhat of a offseason in the NFL free agency and expectations in the NFL draft is going to happen most likely to draft the quarterback and joining us today double duty Joe Toscano and Justin Riley. Welcome to this board’s guest.
Joe Toscano
Thanks for having us.
Justin Riley
Hey, glad to be here again man always looking forward to talking about some football.
Santiago Leon
Joey we had Joey I believe last year right, Justin?
Justin Riley
Yeah. Shortly before football season got kicked off. Yeah, I was
Santiago Leon
still before and after in the middle. Joe can tell the audience a little bit about yourself and why are you so popular and
Santiago Leon
why are you I? I mean, right here on the sports cast with us.
Joe Toscano
I am everything. Pittsburgh and everything Steelers. I’m Joey bag of doughnuts. V and seven F on Twitter. I am popular on Twitter because I’m on there. 24 seven. I don’t really sleep. I tweet all the time.
Santiago Leon
That’s your full time job right? Basically I will call it I wish I wish.
Joe Toscano
I live and breathe and eat Pittsburgh sports and and especially the Steelers
Santiago Leon
will be Also be touching on the penguins because there’s been requests about talking a little bit about the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Penguins and see where it’s at Justin Riley, you’re an Alabama supporter. There’s a lot of talk about to attack the loa. But we’ll get there a little bit later in the show. Let’s go into the NFL Draft. Obviously there’s been rumors about Steelers getting quarterback not getting a quarterback possibly get a free agent like Cam Newton. Joe, what have you been hearing in Pittsburgh?
Joe Toscano
I think all of the speculation about them getting a quarterback is from let’s say outside sources. I don’t think they’re I think the reality is they’re happy with what they have. And so they’re not drafting a quarterback. They’re not getting jameis Winston or Cam Newton or anybody like that. They’re not going to draft Jalen hertz. I think they are happy with What they have? I’m not sure whether that’s a mistake or not, but I think that they’re not going to get any other quarterback this year.
Santiago Leon
Justin, should the Steelers gonna quarterback this year?
Justin Riley
Well, our biggest concern is what are the Steelers doing for the future? You know, every season we are asking the question, what is big bang on a do? And he’s even asked himself that question too. So it’s never a foregone conclusion just how much time he’s going to actually commit to the Steelers. So my biggest concern right now is, you know, what is the plan for the future? Is it this draft? Or do they wait till next year when they have some some more maybe appealing options on the table?
Santiago Leon
Joey, obviously, in the bench is Mason Rudolph, and also the duck Hodges. Do you have belief in these two gentlemen, or do you think somewhere else might be a better option?
Joe Toscano
That’s the big question. I made. Basically this sealers are saying a we believe in Mason Rudolph, and here we go. So is that right? I think they learned a lot about him this year. You know, you asked what is the future? Well, the problem is the future is on hold because of Ben. And the reason for that is because he signed a gigantic contract for two years. They just restructured it so that to give some cap space this year, but what that did was they pushed it off till next year, his cap hit next year, I believe is 41 million. So unless they restructure it again or do something, they are screwed with that giant cap amounts. So there that’s that’s basically basically the future is on hold. I think what they learn with Mason Rudolph is I think they they’ve learned well, maybe he’s an OK backup. Maybe he’s a good enough backup. Is he the future of the quarterback position for the Steelers? No. But is he good enough to be a backup the Ben who hopefully won’t play much?
Santiago Leon
Yes. Now with this draft class, obviously there is a possibility, a great possibility to get Jalen hurts. Justin, do you think Jalen hertz should go to the Steelers?
Justin Riley
Well, from a standpoint of does he fit? Yeah, absolutely. Why? And then two? Well, one, you have someone who could be potentially the quarterback of the future because again, we don’t know how much longer Ben’s gonna be there. But then to he’s not just limited to being a quarterback. He’s very versatile. And remember a couple years back when the Steelers had a certain guy named Tom Randall L. Well, this is the updated version of that maybe even a little bit quicker. So you have a guy who can contribute it in any number of ways, not just at the quarterback position.
Santiago Leon
Do you agree Joey
Joe Toscano
I don’t know. Maybe that’s the thing is do they want to? Here’s the thing. They still have needs. They address some of their needs in the offseason. But considering they don’t have a first round draft pick, and they have a limited limited number of draft picks as it is, I don’t know if they want to spend another draft pick on another quarterback. They’ve done that now. Two years in a row, and it hasn’t. It’s sort of worked out. I just don’t see them. spending another draft pick on a another quarterback when they’re basically married to Ben for at least the next year or two.
Santiago Leon
How long do you think Ben will last?
Joe Toscano
At least this year, and maybe next and that’s it?
Justin Riley
Yeah. Well, I got a question though. What would be a guess your insurance policy has been gone for big it’s hurt again.
Joe Toscano
The insurance policy is whatever policy that is you try to get as much money out of it and then you run on a town. There is no if Ben goes if Ben is hurt if Ben is out for the season, that’s it, you know, forget about it. We’re they’re screwed. And that’s that’s my problem with it is is basically Mason Rudolph had a horrible season last year and I mean, yeah, basically you could say it was his rookie year he was you know, his first time getting playing time. There are times when he looked like last and horrible. He kind of Yeah, he kind of, he kind of put it together and that’s one of the big shames of last year. The one is the one of the games that late last season against the Jets. Basically, Mason would have lost his job because he was playing so poorly and plus there was injuries plus there are other issues like that miles Garrett thing. So duck Hodges was in there and you And then Doc, you know, was ineffective. So Mason went back in and he started to play really well in that jets game. And then he got hurt. He got a serious, really collarbone or shoulder injury or something like that. So that’s the big shame is we don’t know. Did Is he back was he was he good enough? Was he going to progress? Who knows? Because we never found out so I wish they would have got some kind of veteran but basically, they’re basically saying this is it. We’re putting all our eggs in Ben’s basket. Hopefully Ben is okay. Hopefully he’ll he’ll stay healthy. And if not, well, we’re screwed.
Justin Riley
Well, let me ask a question to follow up with that. You know, this is a an event he does get hurt and then all of a sudden you know, you’re stuck with either Rudolph or Hodges again, which I have more confidence in Hodges. I think that he’s shown more flashes a little more flashes of being a better player. But do the Steelers fans still are they still believing? What Tom with that point if they don’t have a good year, you know, with their star quarterback going down again.
Joe Toscano
I think if it’s another situation like last year, I think everybody realizes that’s it. I mean, maybe if everything goes right maybe they could barely make the playoffs with with Rudolph for Doc, but basically your your, you everything, everything rests on Ben. They’re there you know, for as much as they paid him in the salary cap. It all rests on Ben and I mean he is he is the leader of the team. He is you know, a future Hall of Famer, they put everything in him basically saying, you know, we got you for one or two more years. We’re gonna get everything we can out of you. Hopefully he returns from this injury. Hopefully he doesn’t get hurt. And that’s, that’s what their hope is.
Santiago Leon
What it sounds like Justin Pittsburgh does not want a quarterback.
Justin Riley
Well, from all indications just basically you’re talking to Joe. Absolutely. And it seems to me like majority of the Jalen hertz tie, talk to Pittsburgh or you know, rumblings of Cam Newton possibly going there is all media generated, which you know, don’t surprise the one bit. Anything to sell a story, anything to provide clickbait and get some attention. So, you know that that gives us a new perspective on this whole situation. Joe, what would a Cam Newton look like in Pittsburgh?
Joe Toscano
I think that would be interesting. I think cam still has a lot left to offer. I think the only thing that hurt him in the past few years is injuries. So if he could come back, fully healed, I think there’s he still has a lot in the tank. So I’d like to see that but I mean, it’s not gonna happen this year.
Santiago Leon
Justin, right. How wood can fit in Pittsburgh?
Justin Riley
Well, like Joe just said, It all just comes down to you know, if he were to arrive in Pittsburgh, is he going to be the healthy cam if he’s gonna be the healthy cam that Yeah, absolutely. The sky’s the limit and he also takes care of the problem of, you know, if Ben goes down what happens and then if Ben decides to hang it up, who’s going to take over the reins you got a veteran but only a veteran taking the place of been? You have a former league MVP. So if things work out well and that does happen and you got healthy cam in Pittsburgh has a lot to benefit from that possible acquisition.
Santiago Leon
Steelers have seven picks. The first pick is the 49th pick in the second round, then 101 hundred and 224 135 one, the eighth pick and the 232 pick 250 Hurry second pick what pieces you guys want for the Steelers team. Joe
Joe Toscano
what i wanted i think they did a pretty good job of addressing their major needs. Through free agency or trades, they lost Javan Hargrave. And they picked up warm warmly from the Ravens and I don’t think he is a replacement for Hargrave. I think he’s just another person on the defensive line. So they still need someone there but they were they had a big hole a tight end and they got air Gabe, Ron, and that’s going to help a lot. So there are still holes. They lost Mark Baron, which was a backup inside linebacker. They’re very thin at safety. So they need a safety. They need a linebacker. They need somebody on the edge in case you know, not sure what’s gonna happen with Bundu pretty right now he’s he’s just franchise so we know he’ll be here this year and we don’t know what’s going to happen after that. So it might need an edge linebacker. But I think what they’re going to do is get a running back or wide receiver. That’s what I keep hearing over and over again. I think they want they’re in win now mode. I think they want another weapon for Ben. I don’t really understand that because I think the running back group and the wide receiver group are pretty, they’re okay. They’re good enough, I think, and I think they’ll be much better if, you know, Ben is back unhealthier. So I don’t really get that but you know, it sounds like they’re gonna try to go with a playmaker or someone else that could score touchdowns.
Santiago Leon
When I’m reading from the Steelers wire, which is from USA today that there’s one mock up that has Clemson’s wide receiver t Higgins going to Pittsburgh, Justin you No Clemson pretty well. Do you think t Higgins will be good for the Steelers?
Justin Riley
Well, he’s a talent man and I should know because he made us look like fools. us being Alabama that is and the national championship game and T Higgins just a solid as they come. And when they need him in a big game, he’s gonna show up he did against Clemson not claims he did against Ohio State and several other opponents. But you know, there are other receivers who are on the board as well. You know, you got Michael Pitt from Pittman from USC, who just as a specimen and just really shout out the combine. You also have Jalen Rhaegar as well. I want to see Brad at TCU. And you know it any number of those players I just mentioned will be a solid fit. Obviously I guess Steeler fans aren’t really happy with the current situation at wide receiver. Juju had a really disappointing season. Leading receiver you know was James Washington. And he had a decent season but then again, you know, is that what the Steelers actually want? I mean, we expected you to be the playmaker this year that the stage was said the platform is his. But he didn’t exactly take that baton and run with it like a lot of us thought he would. But Joe, you’re really happy I guess with the running back situation is Benny Snell that perfect complement to Connor?
Joe Toscano
We don’t know. He had a very nice rookie season. But you know, the knock on Benny Snell was you know, maybe not the quickest guy. So, basically, the, the, whatever you want to call whatever the conventional wisdom on him is basically he’s going to have to do what James Connor did after his rookie season and that has changed his body. If that’s it, No getting bigger to be the Thumper or getting smaller to be quicker than so be it. My guess would be the beginning he would have to get a little bit smaller to be quicker. But he did show some promise so that’s nice. But is he the long term situation and running back? I’m not sure. I’m James Connor is you know, great guy. The problem is he’s just so injury prone and with his running style, it’s so he runs so hard. It’s so easy for him to get hurt all the time. So he’s great but he’s not there all the time. And his rookie deal is almost stop so you know, he’s not going to be around much longer so I could totally see them getting a running back but as for what, how that would look this this season. I don’t know it would get pretty crowded because the Steelers like them to run one guy and basically, you know, run them till the quote unquote wheels fall off so they’re not real big on that running back by committee thing so they get our running back. It could get a little crowded.
Santiago Leon
There is one mock up that has Clyde Edwards from LSU. Justin. Oh, yeah, that’d be great spot for for Pittsburgh.
Justin Riley
You know, I thought about that earlier today and like he’s a guy who can run between the tackles but he could also catch the ball, the backfield. You know, he’s very versatile, and I think that he would be an asset to the Steelers as well as any offense, but also to another game. Another name that stands out to me, Joe, what if cam Akers is sitting there, did the Steelers jump on him? You know, Cam Akers is a pretty solid pick. And, you know, he was on a really bad team, but he’s still Shawn, do you all take him if he’s there?
Joe Toscano
Yeah. Basically, the way I understand it, the running back class right now is there are five that are like in that in the same tier, like the top five guys are all interchangeable. They’re all really good JK Dobbins swift truck Taylor Akers john Ray swift Clyde Edwards Hilaire. So if they got any one of those guys and I’ve heard, you know, I’ve heard you know caught Edwards Hilaire is is a is a very popular choice. Also, I’ve heard Akers is a popular choice. So if they got any one of those guys, I think they would be very happy.
Justin Riley
That Finn gorsky. I’ll just use mentioned at the defense he lost Hargrave and but you did pick up a xfl stand out to Vaughn Walker. He’s pretty solid, the bank dot
Santiago Leon
XML,
Justin Riley
which he’ll compete for a job with mccullers but how happy Are y’all with Isaiah bugs?
Joe Toscano
We don’t know because, I mean, he didn’t really play that much. So I that’s that’s the thing is like, how, how are they going to replace Hargrave you know, they They might use what they have like Tyson Lulu or Dan mccullers who is just not sure why he’s even on the roster anymore but so who knows if the Steelers you know, believe in bugs and think that he is the the option there or if they’re going to grab someone and if they’re going to grab someone, where are they going to grab someone in the draft? So that’s that’s a big unknown right now.
Justin Riley
Well, you definitely have some good candidates like Justin Maddy bouquet from Texas a&m. Yeah, or Neville Gallimore out of Oklahoma. So those are pretty solid names right there that, you know, they’re young, but I feel like it they fit the Steelers mode because man they’re just downright Nastase. Especially amount of bouquet. I mean, I saw him you know, firsthand in the Southeastern Conference, you know, week after week and especially against Alabama, and in a we had a pretty stellar offensive line and he was still able to wreak havoc. So he’s a pretty solid guy. He’d be a nice pickup Especially that position
Joe Toscano
matters okay would be perfect for the Steelers that would be that would be awesome and he he probably would be available at 49
Justin Riley
right and he mentioned you know loss of Mark Barron do have they mentioned it y’all hurry mentioned of you know possibly getting Troy die from Oregon or maybe taking a chance with Willie gay from Mississippi State possibly
Joe Toscano
I’m another thing I’m hearing is they’re actually happy with what they have in house and that’s Ulysses Ulysses Gilbert, right? whether that’s true or not, we’ll see I think they’re just in their in a nice position that there’s you know, these are if their needs are, you know, back up this or back up that or, you know, then you know, their offensive line is is pretty old, they could they could really use someone there so they’re they’re very nice position of just, you know, sitting back and waiting for something to fall to the They could take the quote unquote best player available and just you know, whatever position it is they could they could make it work so it’s a very nice position to be in last year. They had a desperate need at inside linebacker and made a trade up to get Devin borscht that worked out great but still, you know not ideal if you want to trade up in mortgage futures and news draft picks and stuff so they’re not in that position this year. You know, the maker thing Minka Fitzpatrick thing worked out grades.
Justin Riley
Oh, didn’t it?
Joe Toscano
Yeah.
Santiago Leon
Alabama.
Joe Toscano
Yeah. Oh god. They absolutely love him. He is he is fit in so well here. They just love we just love Mika here. So, you know, yeah, they don’t have that first round pick but they could just sit back and take you know anybody in it’s good.
Santiago Leon
Joe also tro die from Oregon is an option. The Steelers could take. What have you been hearing about him?
Joe Toscano
I’m actually seen him being taken at 124 in a mock draft and on the athletic so I’m back yeah
Santiago Leon
that’s a that’s a that’s a very good option. Let’s go into the free agency with the Steelers dead so far during the free agency period. Steelers agreed to Trey warmly with Joe mentioned before. A Steelers tender off to Hilton, Mike Hilton. We thought about that.
Joe Toscano
Mike Hilton is awesome. I’m glad they’re gonna keep him he’s he’s very undersized but very smart. He He knows when exactly to blitz and when not to he could go all around the field. They let him just do what he wants. And he’s, he’s very smart. So yeah, he’s undersized but he works very well on that defense.
Santiago Leon
And Zach banner signs a one year deal.
Joe Toscano
Big fan favorites. Every time they would bring him in and say Zach banner is tackle eligible the crowd would go wild. Oh yeah, I’m not sure why it is a mystery how that started. Just you know as soon as you know it’s some home game crowd you know, the fans started going crazy and then everybody picked up on it and you know, every time it was announced it the crowd ran wild It was very cute and funny as to what you know, I think he might have a chance to try out for the you know, one of the tackle spots you know, right tackle is open right now. So it’s either Matt file or him or you know, whoever however they decided they’re going to do that but i don’t i don’t think he’s actually that good. Maybe he’s a he’s a backup or something and a cute story, but I don’t think he’s actually that great.
Santiago Leon
Ryan shazier was placed on the reserve, retire list.
Joe Toscano
Yeah, he’s I don’t think he’s ever gonna play again. But I was
Justin Riley
holding out hope to man I was really happy, you know what some chance he would be able to come back to the field?
Joe Toscano
Well, people said he wouldn’t walk anymore. And he’s walking. People said he wants to, you know, do a lot of things and he defies those all the time. So if he played again, it would be the most amazing story, but it’s just way too much of a risk. I’m just thrilled that he could, he could walk he can have a good life. He has a lot of money. I believe the Steelers picked up that fifth year option and got I think he made like 10 million that year or something like that. So he is set for life. He’s he’s, you know, comfortable financially. I know he’s trying to make a comeback. So this was just a like a procedural move. But he does serve as almost like another coach and he was like, oaring Devin bush which had to help a lot because Devin bush is basically what Ryan shazier was supposed to be so you know, it’s a wonderful story it’s you know, I’m just so I’m just so happy he could you know live a normal life if even if he is not able to play anymore.
Santiago Leon
Raymond Ramin boss. Yeah, better, faster.
Joe Toscano
Yeah. He a great guy. He’s, I think he played for like 11 years. He was an undrafted, free agent, and he was one of their best offensive lineman for a long time he did fall off a bit last year he lost a step. So they’re gonna miss him but yeah, he did. You know, he his play did fall off a bit last year. But great guy. Great story. just just just a great guy.
Santiago Leon
Steelers terminated the contracts of linebacker Mark Barone, Anthony. to kilo and receiver Johnny Holton,
Justin Riley
I’m pretty bitter about Mark Barron being let go because I felt like he fit the Steelers mode. And I just thought he would thrive there. He’s just really disappointing for me. Not just because I’m an Alabama guy, I just like what Mark Barron can do, he can be a linebacker, or he can drop back and be saved in the BS. What any defensive coach loves to have on the field.
Joe Toscano
Yeah, he, he fit in well at times, and at times, he didn’t it’s just one of those hard things of when a player comes over from another team. You know, they’re used to things being a certain way he just didn’t fit, you know, totally, but then again, it was his first year so what do you you know, what do you want? There are times where he played really well and there’s times where he didn’t but I mean, basically, the move that caught him was strictly a salary thing. You know, they would have loved to have had them but it was just you know, they needed to free up money to get bud Dupree and get other free agents. It was it was a salary move.
Santiago Leon
After hearing all this, guys, let’s go first with Joe, then Justin, what are your expectations for the Steelers? And where will they end next season?
Joe Toscano
I’m very excited. I think Ben is going to be not quote unquote, back. He’s not going to be what he was in his prime, but he’s still going to be very good. And whereas in the past few seasons where it had to be, you had to rely on van and Antonio brown and levy on Bauer to score up 30 points and hope that that was enough for the Steelers to win because the defense sucks so bad. Now it’s the complete opposite. The defense just came together and mostly because of that make a Fitzpatrick tray. Yes, they are. They are nasty. They’re good. And most everybody is back so it is going to be one scary unit. So instead of having to put up 30 Now Steelers only might have to put up 20. And I think that’s doable. I think the quarterback play last year was so bad at times that any like any any mediocre quarterback could have taken them to the playoffs last year. So now you’re gonna have been, you know, that, you know hopefully recovered from his injury hopefully with a lot to prove you know and and this is one of his last chances to make the Super Bowl so I think the Steelers are at least going to make the playoffs I see something like, you know, maybe 10 and six, something like that. Obviously, you’re in a division with the Ravens so you’re not going to win the division but yeah, you know, now now I guess they what they just expand the playoffs. So you know what I think every team gets to go in or something like that. So though they’ll make the playoffs, but I could see you know, 10 and six, something like that. Justin?
Justin Riley
Well, if they don’t go hands, okay. And you know, this is a completely unbiased and yes, I love the Steelers Bama Raiders ravens fan first, but I feel like they’re gonna give us competition. The main thing is, you know what version of Ben Roethlisberger Are we going to have is he going to be have a healthy season? No he’s not he’s not really the same quarterback that he wants was in his prime like Joe just said, but there’s still a lot better than a lot of cool back situations in the league. But also to it all it provides stability. And what’s really amazing about the Steelers right now is you know a hell of a defense. No question. Macomb Fitzpatrick when that trade happened, I jumped for joy because I just thought that was the most amazing acquisition that the Steelers could have I was appointed also. But yeah, being a dolphins guy. We’ve got more draft picks though. So but well yeah, but no, I love as a football fans seeing Minka go there because I felt like that’s where he needs to be. That’s that’s a team They can really benefit from his skill set. And also he can benefit you know, he can also add more to them. What I loved about the Steelers last year was one your move the toxicity of levy on Bell and Antonio Birdman. And you Hi Joe
Joe Toscano
Le’Veon Bell was almost a raven
Justin Riley
wouldn’t expect accepted Him
Santiago Leon
not troubled.
Justin Riley
I would have had to pick a different team because I would not have accepted that move. I mean, we got Mark Ingram, that’s who I wanted. So it turned out wonderfully. Um, what I really loved about the Steelers, even in the midst of all the chaos of men being hurt and the poor quarterback play, they came together. They were one man, they still were in contention for the playoffs for the majority of the season and that says a lot about the character, the team and the fight of that team and I absolutely love that so with that being said in the in these players coming back in with a healthy been yeah I feel like they’re a playoff team possibly a deep
Santiago Leon
playoff day. We’ll have Joe comment on this but we’re here with Justin obviously to came out with his NFL pro day video came out last Thursday Trent Dilfer was the coach event. What are your thoughts?
Justin Riley
Well, to talk about a low is showing that he is coming along and a lot faster than a lot of people had originally predicted. It looks like he has a fire in a stout he’s able to execute moves seemingly with ease. He’s got explosion in his movement. He can put pressure on that hip. He can run and run well. Is it blazing fast? No, but it looks like he’s not having complications with that hip injury which should come as a relief to To a lot of teams right now who are thinking about taking him into their services, but I was very impressed. And I’m not a bit surprised and I think all this talk of him dropping the draft is absolutely ridiculous. And be honest with the author. He’s just glorified clickbait just to keep people from other TV screens and clicking links on the internet and you know, given the media what they want. How about you Joe? What are your thoughts about two so far?
Joe Toscano
I’m hearing he’s the left handed Drew Brees. Yeah. I’m hearing all kinds of wonderful things. I think Miami would be really silly to pass that up again considering they pass up on Drew Brees because of injury concerns way back when that’s right. I don’t think they’re going to want to make that Miss
Santiago Leon
year that just they’re still
Joe Toscano
there still. And who was the coach of Miami when Nick Saban
Santiago Leon
Oh wow. Full circle
Joe Toscano
I mean, you can’t blame saving for that because I’m sure you know the people in our in the organization said, you know, hey don’t get this guy you know, I’m sure it wasn’t just his decision or anything like that so but you know, the funny thing is if if saving does get Drew Brees, Miami probably does really well, and Sabin does not go back to Alabama. So but yeah, I’m just hearing all kinds of, you know, wonderful things about too. I mean, you know, before he got hurt, he was considered, you know, one of the greatest quarterback prospects ever so, you know, just because just because of an injury, he should still be considered very good. I’ve heard good things so i think i think Miami will take them.
Santiago Leon
Wow, Justin, hear that everyone’s saying Herbert. He’s saying to.
Justin Riley
Well, it’s gonna be either way but the thing is, but he made a very valid point. It would be absolutely Foolish for even though he’s got that negative history for organization to pass up on him because it can be yes a high risk but the reward can be very high as well. And you can have a situation like with Drew Brees where he could come in and take off and just completely changed the face of our own organization for years to come. So So you got to be willing to take a gamble with a player of his magnitude and like Joe said before the injury he was considered the best at his position and the best player that coming into this draft
Santiago Leon
he could have gone to Cincinnati
Justin Riley
Yeah, guys not
Santiago Leon
Yeah, um, Joey, what are your thoughts about Justin Herbert?
Joe Toscano
I think is going to be interesting because you have Miami at five and the Chargers at six. And I think if if the Chargers want to a bad enough, they might get into a bidding war with maybe I mean, I I don’t see Cincinnati trading out. I don’t see the Redskins train. I think the Redskins will end up with Chase young. But then at three Detroit, it’s possibility Detroit might want to trade out of that spot. And there could be a nice bidding war I could see to go in there to someone may think spicier. Hmm. So, it could be it could be the Chargers wanting to, we’ll see. I mean, they’re both desperate for a quarterback with the ABS do something.
Santiago Leon
Go ahead. Just
Justin Riley
Joe. Like you said the Redskins draft a shot. And then they also have Montez sweat there. I’ve heard talk that they might be willing to trade Jonathan Allen. Would that be something that the Steelers might be willing to jump on? As a very talented defensive lineman man and he could definitely take care of a need there.
Joe Toscano
It’s interesting, but I think they’re all little. They’re a little maxed out. I mean, Steelers have almost a first round pick at every single position on the defense. I think they’re a little
Justin Riley
busy. Like I think
Joe Toscano
that’s true. That’s true and I mean they are in win now mode. So yeah, possibly something like that happened but you know, I mean they took a high risk with the Minka trade it did work out but I don’t know if they’re going to want to continue that but they you never know like I said they’re in win now mode they need to win either this year or next year because that’s all I got Ben. So hey, why not try the future for him? We need to win now.
Santiago Leon
Now with Tom Brady going to Tampa Bay Joe? Are the Patriots being underestimated or do or do you think they’re a force to be reckoned with?
Joe Toscano
What are they gonna do at quarterback? That’s a that’s a good question. I mean, are they gonna stay in house are they going to Who knows? I think I’m gonna draft someone I think I think it’s something that they were really in love with. Jake Fromm or something like that? I don’t
Santiago Leon
know. Georgia love.
Santiago Leon
Right Justin?
Joe Toscano
Yeah, yeah.
Santiago Leon
But Justin is not in love with him yet.
Justin Riley
I’m not a big Jordan love fan. I really am not. He had really one really good year but it wasn’t consistent enough for me to be willing to just go nuts and throw a parade for the guy.
Santiago Leon
We had a whole segment of him this morning on SportsCenter.
Justin Riley
I just I’m not willing to jump on board.
Joe Toscano
He’s the hot sexy thing right now he is he Patrick?
Santiago Leon
Justin. Oh,
Justin Riley
yeah, we’ll see.
Santiago Leon
Glass, you know, there’s all
Justin Riley
this flavor of the week that they that the draft every year they try to promote and make us believe in when in all actuality there’s no reason for us to believe in. Yeah, it’s
Santiago Leon
not to go to Jacksonville. And then Jordan was
Justin Riley
a mainland, you know, whole year at the answer. And, but I’ve always heard a lot of great things about Jared Stidham. Now what there’s saying now it may be completely what they’re saying back then because they were saying that because they still have Brady, and they felt like Brady was gonna be there. So we’ll know exactly how much panic is setting in or how much confidence there is. I
Santiago Leon
don’t know like this whole timing. I don’t know if the page is new, like months before when Tom Brady announced but it felt like once again, it feels like they found out too late when gronk left until like, March It feels like it was too late for them to scramble and find their plan B.
Justin Riley
Well, absolutely, they wait too late to try to find an heir apparent. They they just like banks, maybe as arrogance banked on the fact that Brady was going to be there or the opinion that Brady was gonna be there for at least two more years. And boy, but I’m on the bus because he’s not there.
Santiago Leon
Yeah. And you know, it’s funny because when I was working out this morning, I was thinking about Bella check. probably thinking man, I think I lost a good asset with Brady. He was the one that Part of him was the one that brought in good players feels like there could be struggling getting some players and I don’t know, that’s what I’m thinking or maybe you know, in the future, but
Joe Toscano
still gotta just remember everything changed when they got Antonio brown and then lost them real quick. If Antonio brown stayed with the Patriots whole year, I think it would have been a whole different conversation. I think the Patriots would have been a lot better. I think Tom Brady and Antonio brown would have been a devastating combination. And yeah, losing gronk losing Antonio Brown, not and then then just desperate often, you know, when missing, they try to get so new, they don’t know. Like, there’s so many horrible options. You know, and I think, you know, maybe Brady could just got tired of that, like, you know, it’s like, please
Justin Riley
give me something here was the thing you know, like you said, Of Antonio brown would have stayed there. It’s a completely different conversation and be honest with you, I think That’s probably the only organization that really could kept Antonio brown in check. I don’t think any other organization could have done it. But they didn’t really do anything to get other weapons. I mean, come on, son. Oh, really? I mean, he’s a, he’s decent at bass. He’s a, you know, a great, you know, like, he’s like a six man. I mean, he’s a good compliment, but he’s not the answer. I still don’t understand why that why they never went after Todd in oj Howard. I think that he would have been a great fit there and they definitely would have utilized him a whole lot more than what his coach is using him.
Santiago Leon
Joey What do you think Antonio? brown one up this season, or do you think no one like will sign them up?
Justin Riley
At home?
Joe Toscano
Yeah, he’ll be he’ll be stuck at home under house arrest way longer than we’re, we’re after we’re out of quarantine. Yeah, he’s just he just has so many legal issues. I think he was just charged again. This past week with some insights And then whether truck driver it’s like it’s always something with him. Some team is going to take a chance on him and he has too much talent but until he gets his life together it’s just going to be a disaster and it’s just such a shame he has so much talent but it’s just who knows what’s going on with him in his head But yeah, I mean some as soon as some team can take a chance on him they will but how that’s gonna work out I don’t have a good idea
Justin Riley
of it is gonna be at least one more year for a team even thinks about bringing them into their fold.
Santiago Leon
Justin he was practicing with the Ravens exactly I mean, we
Justin Riley
practice I won’t
Santiago Leon
sorry excuse me guys. Lamar Jackson now with the team it was practicing with Lamar don’t pick up catch
Justin Riley
he would completely destruct I incredible thing that the Ravens have going right now. I’ll be absolutely foolish. Have the organization to bring him into the fold right now. You know you got Lamar Jackson, who is the MVP right now, in arguably one of the best players in the league. Do not stop that he would just completely break him down. I don’t want that to happen. Now I did like the fact that Jerry Judy was out there practicing with
Santiago Leon
what is on Twitter. You’re mentoring, Judy wink or Judy, Judy? Yeah,
Justin Riley
yeah, the act of breaking defensive backs ankles.
Santiago Leon
Which Jerry judy is could be the first wide receiver being pegged. Obviously, he’s in the competition with Henry rugs, and CD lamb so it’d be interesting which one goes first? I think Jerry will go first. But you never know with these teams. Guys. Any closing words before we head into the random question?
Justin Riley
I got something. Joe. You’re a wrestling fan, right? Yes, sir. I gotta hear your take on WrestleMania man for me as a as a Fan the circumstances were different something that we weren’t used to seeing without the audiences but my gosh, the product we got with the boneyard match and then the the the funhouse match what are your thoughts on what you saw?
Joe Toscano
I agree I think the circumstances are you know, crazy and it’s nice that they’re putting out any wrestling at all you know it’s nicely you know, it’s one of the few things out there that are putting out original content every week which is really nice. I personally hate all this this empty arena stuff I think it just I mean, I know they can’t avoid it but man I just wish they would at least have a few people in the crowd something making noise it’s just so weird being in an empty place so that those matches inside there were just me not that great, but like you said that Boneyard match and the fire oh my goodness, that was that was so cool. That was them. You know, thinking outside the box and taking advantage of the situation that’s not something you could do in front of 70,000 people it’s you know it’s like they made a Mini Movie of that you know Undertaker thing and it played out so well they did such a good job with it that could have easily been like some cheap, low production like B movie type thing and but they made it look really good in the firefight. Now I’m a you know, I’m a pretty hardcore wrestling fan. There were so many inside references in that Firefly funhouse thing? Oh, yeah. And who thing? You know, kudos to john cena to allow them to make fun of him for us. Yeah, it was. It was it was very cool. So, you know, but, you know, under the circumstances they did as good as they could. It was, you know, and for the most part, I came off
Justin Riley
really good speaking, I was gonna go ahead lazing from a standpoint that, you know, let’s just be honest, you know, here in the recent years, the WWE is Not really put out a great product and then it’s been pretty boring at times a storytelling has been awful. It’s just, I think that comes down to the fact that they really haven’t had solid, solid competition. Until now they who are rising up at the moment, but it finally gave them a swift kick in the butt to actually start the creative wheels going again. And it’s just refreshing to see that Yeah, they can still come up with something that’s creative. And I have to believe that they got that idea for the boneyard match from something previously that Matt Hardy did. But my gosh, what they did was take it to another level and it was like watching this intense movie and yeah, I didn’t want to I didn’t want to end and you know, you think the thing is, is also incredible, is that you think the undertaker has wrestlers last match, or is his talent to walk off into the sunset, and roughly so because of what he’s done, but it’s like it keeps doing more and you’re like, Good lord, this guy could go on for another five years or so. If he does that, if he does things like that,
Joe Toscano
I could see I’d be much I’d be very happy if he came back once a year and did something like like what he did in this past WrestleMania It was so cool. And yeah, I mean, you know, and other people can come back you know, I don’t want to see Hulk Hogan again. wrestle but hate me meet Undertaker for sting. How cool would that be? Um, you could do a lot of things in that quarter. Yeah, it should have been. You do a lot of things in that kind of format. So yeah,
Justin Riley
yeah. keep bringing it. The bone your mash. They should have had staying versus Undertaker. That would have been the most epic event. Probably ever, in my mind.
Joe Toscano
Yeah, that would have been amazing.
Santiago Leon
Well, there’s our wrestling time, since it’s one of the one or two sports out there being played. Now besides Korean basketball,
Joe Toscano
Steelers and football for hours, I could talk wrestling. hours today.
Santiago Leon
They have a well spoken about empty stadiums. We’ll keep it very short for this segment. What do you think’s gonna happen obviously with the corona virus pandemic and the whole social decison Joe, do you think will be a shortened season to think of being a regular, you know, 17 game season? Or do you think we might have a stadium that will not be played with fans?
Joe Toscano
I think that’s the most likely option. I we can only keep doing this quarantine stuff for so long. You know, I keep hearing things about how long does this going to last? Is this going to last four months? Is this going to last until next you know, fall 2020. There are so many, you know, estimates out there but you have to realize, you know, the the NFL is a multi billion dollar enterprise. They’re going to they’re going to try to put out a product somehow. You know, we can’t do this quarantine stuff. Oh, there has to be some some Some happy medium there. I think it is very possible that they’re that they play in front of empty stadiums. If that’s in some weird location, North Dakota or some Island or something like that, so be it, but I think that’s what we might be looking at.
Justin Riley
Well, you know, why not take a page out of the WWE book, do the same exact thing. I mean, the WWE can do it. Why instead of stadiums, you know, maybe having it practice facilities. You know, I feel like something like that, you know, can be, you know, put out there just as a temporary solution. For the time being.
Joe Toscano
I think talking billions of dollars I’m sorry, we’re talking billions of dollars
Santiago Leon
vendors, parking lot
Santiago Leon
people. I mean, well, yeah, merchandise outside.
Justin Riley
Well, you still got you’ll be televised Of course. You know that. That money coming in. But you still have all the online resources and outlets, they can still sell merchandise and still bring in the cash. So is it the Is it the best possible scenario for everything? No not not at all. Definitely not you know not more than one alternative a baby but it’s something that that keeps it going for the time being and keeps the money coming in.
Santiago Leon
I say where Max, but maybe play at smaller venues maybe have like a few fans, but everyone has to wear a mask but it would be quite interesting, but it does feel like it’d be too soon for us have a stadium full I hate to say it but hopefully not hopefully, we’ll figure it out.
Joe Toscano
TV is way more important than the live attendance. Right? You know, watching the games on TV is i is i mean just just see, you know, attendance has been going down. In in the NFL for a while, it’s because it’s you know why why go to a game and go through all that trouble and spend all that money for a ticket? Well, you could just watch it on your 70 screen 70 inch skins 70 inch TV, and it’s you know, it’s beautiful and everything is perfect right in front of your couch
Santiago Leon
and then order a pizza from dominos.
Justin Riley
Exactly. Domino’s now it’s worth it. Well, that
Santiago Leon
might be a sponsor. I can’t tell you that. Okay. Anyways, what a great talk Pittsburgh and wrestling and what can I say and people have been demanding about the penguins. Obviously, the NHL is stalled. But were they having a good season before? You know, things got stalled?
Joe Toscano
Yes and no. There’s a weird thing going on with the penguins. They suffered all kinds of injuries. Malkin got hurt. Crosby got hurt Letang was average just basically There are times when they didn’t even have enough players almost to the field a team and they played well went in there the stars were hurt. And then toward last time they were playing you know, February going into March. Everybody got healthy and I thought oh my goodness everything’s gonna be awesome everybody’s healthy this team that’s when they slumped, they slumped because there’s this mentality with the penguins of Oh, we got Crosby, we got Malkin we have Tang, we have the stars. We’ll just, you know, the other the other players, they could just, you know, pull out a lawn chair and just sit on the ice and just watch you know, Crosby and Malkin and Wu Tang and all them, you know, do do everything. And that’s when they were losing all the time. So it’s a very weird thing. I would love to see them continue to play hockey. I hope they do. Who knows in what situation It’s just such a weird scenario. I don’t know. I don’t know if we’re gonna see any more basketball or hockey.
Santiago Leon
Which is funny because I hear like news about almost every league except the NHL. So I don’t know what they’re planning to do. But we’ll definitely see what happens in the next couple weeks. Because I know may will be a huge, huge deciding factor for a lot of sports league. So we’ll see what happens. Ready for some random question? Yep. Joey, would you rather see a NBA expansion team or MLS expansion team in Pittsburgh?
Joe Toscano
Wow. Oh my goodness. That’s a good question. I would rather see NBA NBA is way bigger than MLS. I don’t know if soccer will catch on in Pittsburgh. We have a smaller league called the river hounds. Soccer Team. They’re okay. But they’re I mean, they’ve been winning lately, but They play in a very small stadium and they don’t even feel bad. So I don’t think there is a, you know, a diehard soccer following in Pittsburgh, but basketball, you know, you get under the certain circumstances bring LeBron over here, you know Pittsburgh close to Cleveland where he’s close to Akron you could come home. So, you know, under certain circumstances you get like a superstar player or something like that. I think basketball could work but I mean, it’s the Pittsburgh sports landscape is pretty, you know, crowded as it is with, you know, football and hockey and I guess I guess we have a baseball team. So, yeah, that would be interesting.
Santiago Leon
And Justin Riley, we had a poll yesterday on our sports cast. What was your favorite Mambo moment? One of the answer. Well, one of the option was Kobe. Anyone points Kobe’s game seven against Boston for the NBA Finals. The alley oop to Shaq And and forget the other one but we’ll always remember moving from from Kobe Bryant
Justin Riley
man it’s really just hard to narrow it down just one moment for a player of his caliber and but if I had was forced to pick one and it had to be performance against Boston because of all the teams that you play against specially in the finals it seems like just more I guess hate was generated with Boston I just didn’t i didn’t care for him at all and that’s just a that’s a great rivalry that was renewed and I just I enjoy that a lot more a lot more satisfying seeing him produce against them, but it’s just so hard just to narrow the thing down you know for Kobe, just what he’s done collectively for basketball and where’s can put it can’t describe, you know, what he is meant to the sport, you know, as well as the people. He’s
Santiago Leon
And the fourth option was a free throw with Achilles injury. That was a fourth one
Joe Toscano
that was that would be mine. Okay,
Santiago Leon
there you go. Where’s that one got zero percent and the first one was the 81 points got 57% second was game seven was Boston 28% and Brian’s alley Koba shack alley was 14.3 and last free throw with Achilles injury gets zero but if Joe would have voted it would have been a 1% against
Justin Riley
that just goes to show us what kind of workhorse and animal he was as far as preparation I mean he would there is no quit in him. I mean you we even with an injury he’s not going to stop
Santiago Leon
and didn’t have a better work ethic than Michael Jordan.
Justin Riley
Well just about yes that who who was the greater workhorse Michael or Kobe?
Santiago Leon
I think Kobe did.
Joe Toscano
I think Michael
Santiago Leon
but reason why I’m I didn’t practice because I think had no better time. But
Justin Riley
I don’t know Michael still practiced.
Santiago Leon
He did but Kobe had to put more work into it. I think
Joe Toscano
it’s almost a tie. I mean, they were both insane. Yeah, they were workout warriors. So I mean they’re, you know, that is a real good debate
Santiago Leon
when it comes to the end of our show. Joey what what is the best way to reach you to talk to you about where to find the first big mac in Pittsburgh?
Joe Toscano
The first big mac in Pittsburgh was I believe in its its little east of Pittsburgh and North for sales. And I don’t know if there’s a big they make a big deal about it. But I mean, they say
Santiago Leon
that McDonald’s cola for them.
Joe Toscano
Oh, I do know that the Big Mac was it was originated in Pittsburgh, but yeah, I don’t think urban legend it’s not that big of a if you want a sandwich in Pittsburgh, you go to permit ease
Santiago Leon
and joy, what is the best way to reach you online?
Joe Toscano
Twitter. I’m Joey bag of doughnuts v instead of an F. Yeah, I’m it’s an addiction. I’m on there all the time. Heck, I was tweeting while we were talking now. Yeah, I can’t I can’t go more than five minutes but I think I’ve passed 300,000 tweets or something like that. Yeah, I’m some I’m on there all the time. If you want to talk anytime that’s that’s where to retreat.
Santiago Leon
And you have a podcast. What is the name of your podcast?
Joe Toscano
I have a podcast. Yeah, it’s called the donut bag. Mostly it’s Pittsburgh sports related. But you know, it’s not too much Pittsburgh sports right now. So I do other things like we ain’t talking music, TV, movies, wrestling, lot of wrestling. Basically, anything that interests me is what I talked about.
Santiago Leon
And Justin Riley. Can people reach you online and what is the best way?
Justin Riley
Well, you can find me personally on twitter at Justin Rogers Seven. But I’m also porn in a lot of my work effort into the sports cast that’s at the sports cast one on both Twitter and Instagram.
Santiago Leon
Quick, quick, what is the buzz going on on Twitter where people talking about? Is it the draft? Is it something else?
Joe Toscano
Yeah.
Joe Toscano
I mean draft Well, I mean, it changes all the time.
Santiago Leon
How about you, Justin?
Justin Riley
Oh, well, other than complaining about our president or politics and nonsense like that. It’s either about the draft or it’s just, you know, constant Corona virus related material. But the majority right now, sports related
Santiago Leon
sports Twitter, not about joy. He didn’t specify. What was the buzz going on in our Twitter sports Twitter account, which is at the sports cast one,
Justin Riley
so that’s a better question. You’re supposed to be Leader this
Santiago Leon
trust me, trust me.
Joe Toscano
You know what’s trending right now this is funny. Apparently the as a goalie and b are who the best player is. And he hates Michael Jordan so much that he said, LeBron is the best. Oh, he would say
Justin Riley
he would say that. Oh my god.
Santiago Leon
That’s that’s humbling. That’s some bitterness right there. Yeah. Which who else was a call? So pick someone over Michael can remember like, there’s only like one other guy. Sometimes Scottie Pippen says that stuff too. I don’t know why. But anyways, so Justin is Justin Riley. No, the sports cast one is our Twitter and of course, you’d go to the sports cast dotnet the sports cast dotnet. We’ll be having the big show next week with the other sports cast. Contributors plus Alex I believe Alex will come and we’ll be picking. We’ll be seeing our we’ll be having our NFL Draft mock drafts and it should be pretty exciting. We’ll see where Herbert goes where to agos where CD lamb goes we’re jailing her Goes there’s one mock that has him in the late first round. Justin will be pretty happy if he makes it in that range.
Justin Riley
But I’m not gonna be surprised what happens
Santiago Leon
and we’ll see what Jordan love goes he goes hi is fifth I’ve heard but
Justin Riley
no, that’s
Joe Toscano
yeah but that’s the thing. Remember Daniel Jones last year people were like what the heck happens the Giants doing taking Daniel Jones at six want to love somebody they’re going to do crazy things to get him so it would not surprise me to see love going I
Santiago Leon
it’ll be a surprise he’ll definitely be the surprise or the dark or I’d be calling the Dark Horse no one else for the sport and here in the sports guy says I’ve been calling the Dark Horse anyways. We’re out of time. I have to go run errands and pay some bills. Even during even during this pandemic guys. Oh, it’s a pleasure. Go Steelers go Bama.
Justin Riley
Glad to be here man. Thank you
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
Santiago Leon is the Founder and CEO of the Sports Cast. He covers NFL, NBA, and world soccer. He’s also founder of sleon productions, which he specializes in technology and serves clients with solutions to make their business grow.
