The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller

PM Team FULL Show 10-16-25

About 3 hours until Steelers-Bengals in Cincy. Poni said he is breaking one of his biggest rules as he makes note that every single person on NFL Live picked the Steelers. What are the Bengals good at? Not much – and their best defensive player is now out as Trey Hendrickson will miss the game. Even with everyone picking the Steelers, Poni can't bring himself to pick against them in this game. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray wouldn't be surprised if Jalen Ramsey has a limitation in his snap count due to the short week. Ray noted the 17 sacks in the last 3 games and how important the pass rush will be against Joe Flacco. Ray said the Steelers corners provide some matchups with Bengals WRs that are ‘good for football.' Ray likes the defensive wrinkles the Steelers have thrown in the last few weeks and explained why it brings him back to the Blitzburgh days. Ray doesn't see any reason why the Steelers should go away from the jumbo package with Darnell Washington and Spencer Anderson. He wondered if we will see any more creativity from that set. Is there any chance this game ends up in a shootout? Ray feels like the division is not lost tonight if the Steelers don't win the game Total Request Thursday.

Are you worried about this game because of the record under Mike Tomlin in this spot? What can the Steelers do best to combat Joe Flacco? Would this be a ‘Tomlin game' if the Steelers don't get it done? Poni doesn't think it should count as one since it's a game in the AFC North. NFL color analyst Ross Tucker joined the show. Ross will have the headset on tonight for Westwood One. Ross gave Poni a hard time and then told the guys he loves Donny's accent. The guys joked about church services being lenient when it comes to big Steelers games. Ross admitted that he's not really sure what the Bengals are doing. Ross gave a breakdown of the ‘Tuck Spreads' phenomenon, which he shares every time he covers a game. Who will have the big game tonight in a winning effort? Ross said to look out for Jaylen Warren. Donny Football Debrief – We reacted to the Curt Cignetti news, as he signed a massive extension to stay at Indiana. And Mullsy had to pick the Steelers-Bengals game!

Does the TNF curse end for Mike Tomlin? He has yet to win a Thursday night game, on the road, within the division in his illustrious career. The Bengals are missing their best offensive player and best defensive player in this game. The Steelers lost in Cleveland last year on TNF, but Poni said that game was under way different circumstances. The guys said if you consider yourself a contender, this is a chance to make a statement. Poni said he doesn't have any bad feeling about this game. KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. Poni told Bob he would get his nipples pierced if the Steelers lose this game. Bob thinks Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith will be more involved tonight. Pomp doesn't think the Steelers are in trouble in the division even if they lose the game tonight. Bob doesn't understand why the Steelers struggle so much on the road on Thursday nights. Why did Mike Tomlin hype up Joe Flacco so much? Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve is stationed in Cincinnati as the Steelers get set to play the Bengals there tonight. Steve explained why the Cincy run game has been invisible and why the offensive line is still bad. Steve didn't love Shemar Stewart coming out of school, but said he has the appearance of a disruptive player. He described Stewart as a ‘bull in a China shop,' but the Bengals will miss Trey Hendrickson. Steve thinks the back end of the Bengals defense provides some potential. Steve explained why Broderick Jones didn't get a great grade in the Cleveland game, when Myles Garrett was mostly shut out. Why are the Bengals LBs so bad? Steve said the Steelers will win, but it won't be easy.

Steelers and Bengals are getting set for a Thursday Night Football clash in Cincy. How big is this game? Can the Steelers lock down the AFC North with a win tonight? Poni thinks it's a foregone conclusion the Steelers win the division if they win this game. He said Donny and Chris are ridiculous for thinking the Ravens have a chance to chase them down. How do people feel about the Steelers' chances of winning the division if they take care of business tonight? Bengals PXP voice Dan Hoard joined the show. Dan said Bengals fans feel snake-bitten by Joe Burrow and his injuries over the last few years. How can the Bengals protect Joe Flacco against the Steelers defense? Dan said the Bengals will give running the ball a shot, but it likely won't be a key to a victory. Dan mentioned the turnover margin between the teams and if Cincy can actually take care of the football. Dan said Shemar Stewart will be back tonight and the rookie will have his hands full on a defense without Trey Hendrickson. Dan feels like the Bengals have been vanilla on defense, but got decent pressure on Jordan Love last week. Dan said there is ‘hope' about Flacco carrying the load until Burrow comes back. He believes Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are the best WR duo in the NFL. Dan reminded the guys that there is no bigger advantage than a Thursday night home game and gives the Bengals a real chance to win.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray wouldn't be surprised if Jalen Ramsey has a limitation in his snap count due to the short week. Ray noted the 17 sacks in the last 3 games and how important the pass rush will be against Joe Flacco. Ray said the Steelers corners provide some matchups with Bengals WRs that are ‘good for football.' Ray likes the defensive wrinkles the Steelers have thrown in the last few weeks and explained why it brings him back to the Blitzburgh days. Ray doesn't see any reason why the Steelers should go away from the jumbo package with Darnell Washington and Spencer Anderson. He wondered if we will see any more creativity from that set. Is there any chance this game ends up in a shootout? Ray feels like the division is not lost tonight if the Steelers don't win the game.

NFL color analyst Ross Tucker joined the show. Ross will have the headset on tonight for Westwood One. Ross gave Poni a hard time and then told the guys he loves Donny's accent. The guys joked about church services being lenient when it comes to big Steelers games. Ross admitted that he's not really sure what the Bengals are doing. Ross gave a breakdown of the ‘Tuck Spreads' phenomenon, which he shares every time he covers a game. Who will have the big game tonight in a winning effort? Ross said to look out for Jaylen Warren.

Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve is stationed in Cincinnati as the Steelers get set to play the Bengals there tonight. Steve explained why the Cincy run game has been invisible and why the offensive line is still bad. Steve didn't love Shemar Stewart coming out of school, but said he has the appearance of a disruptive player. He described Stewart as a ‘bull in a China shop,' but the Bengals will miss Trey Hendrickson. Steve thinks the back end of the Bengals defense provides some potential. Steve explained why Broderick Jones didn't get a great grade in the Cleveland game, when Myles Garrett was mostly shut out. Why are the Bengals LBs so bad? Steve said the Steelers will win, but it won't be easy.

KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. Poni told Bob he would get his nipples pierced if the Steelers lose this game. Bob thinks Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith will be more involved tonight. Pomp doesn't think the Steelers are in trouble in the division even if they lose the game tonight. Bob doesn't understand why the Steelers struggle so much on the road on Thursday nights. Why did Mike Tomlin hype up Joe Flacco so much?

Bengals PXP voice Dan Hoard joined the show. Dan said Bengals fans feel snake-bitten by Joe Burrow and his injuries over the last few years. How can the Bengals protect Joe Flacco against the Steelers defense? Dan said the Bengals will give running the ball a shot, but it likely won't be a key to a victory. Dan mentioned the turnover margin between the teams and if Cincy can actually take care of the football. Dan said Shemar Stewart will be back tonight and the rookie will have his hands full on a defense without Trey Hendrickson. Dan feels like the Bengals have been vanilla on defense, but got decent pressure on Jordan Love last week. Dan said there is ‘hope' about Flacco carrying the load until Burrow comes back. He believes Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are the best WR duo in the NFL. Dan reminded the guys that there is no bigger advantage than a Thursday night home game and gives the Bengals a real chance to win.

Steelers and Bengals are getting set for a Thursday Night Football clash in Cincy. How big is this game? Can the Steelers lock down the AFC North with a win tonight? Poni thinks it's a foregone conclusion the Steelers win the division if they win this game. He said Donny and Chris are ridiculous for thinking the Ravens have a chance to chase them down.

PM Team FULL Show 10-15-25

Things are looking quite good for George Pickens so far in Dallas. The Cowboys have been missing CeeDee Lamb, but Pickens is taking full advantage. He is on-pace to have one of the best seasons of the 21st century. Will the honeymoon phase come to an end there soon? In a year where Pickens is en route to becoming a 1st Team All-Pro, should the Steelers have any regret? Chris thinks Dak Prescott deserves a lot of credit for what is happening in Dallas. The Fan vs The Fans. Judge Donny – Has Joe Flacco had an elite career?

Rodgers Rebuttals – What did Aaron Rodgers say to the media this week? ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi said she was ‘stunned' by Joe Flacco getting traded from the Browns to the Bengals because she will never understand helping a division rival in-season. Aditi thinks Mike Tomlin is a little irked by having to see Flacco tomorrow night. What did Aditi make of Tomlin's comments about Andrew Berry and the Browns after that QB trade? Aditi had the Saints game last Sunday and gave the guys a little scouting report on their top 2 WR, who may be on the move by the deadline. She isn't sold on the Saints going into a fire sale next month, however. Aditi said she would ‘exercise caution' when it comes to the Titans HC job and doesn't think Arthur Smith will be on his way there. The guys asked Aditi about the condition of the field at Acrisure Stadium and believes it's something teams have to take more seriously. Aditi gave us the insight on the ‘AFC South Crew' group message with her broadcast team. Donny Football Debrief – The Steelers could be without DeShon Elliott tomorrow night due to personal reasons. The Bengals have listed Trey Hendrickson as questionable.

Curt Cignetti is the hottest name in Penn State circles as their coaching search begins. Should Cignetti leave Indiana, where he has built a powerhouse out of a non-traditional contender, for Happy Valley? The guys think this year's Indiana team has a legit chance to win the championship – not just in the playoff. What is the likelihood Cigentti jumps ship? Should Curt Cignetti stay at Indiana if offered the Penn State job? Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike commented on the Browns trading Joe Flacco to the Bengals, who will now face the Steelers tomorrow night. Mike said the Browns are ‘obsessed' with analytics and trying to build for a future that never comes to fruition. Mike said the turf issues at Acrisure Stadium are still no match for the punt that got stuck in the mud during the Monday Night Football game against the Dolphins in 2007 – but that came in hurricane-like weather. Mike said players are just part of the machine, and even though we hear the product suffers when big-name players get hurt, the ratings never go down. Mike thinks the players will have to sacrifice something for the owners to get a universal playing surface. Mike thinks coaches should really think hard about taking the Titans HC job. Mike is waiting for the Eagles to really dangle AJ Brown to some of the contenders in the AFC to drive up the price. Mike said he is excited to be in Pittsburgh next Sunday night for Steelers-Packers.

Ben Roethlisberger is the latest one to stir the pot when it comes to Pitt and the Steelers sharing Acrisure Stadium. He says Pitt shouldn't play there and should get their own stadium. How possible is that? And is it really Pitt's fault? The guys looked at some other options that could be used. They think it would be better for all parties involved if they didn't share a venue, but it's not Pitt's fault that the turf can't hold up. Poni thinks a guy like David Tepper should step up here if people want Pitt to have its own place. What if Pitt and Notre Dame are both 7-2 a month from now for a game set in Pittsburgh? Is it OK if they use Acrisure Stadium then? The Penguins lost in Anaheim last night. Another goal for Justin Brazeau. Well wishes to Josh Getzoff after a scary moment in the broadcast booth.

Things are looking quite good for George Pickens so far in Dallas. The Cowboys have been missing CeeDee Lamb, but Pickens is taking full advantage. He is on-pace to have one of the best seasons of the 21st century. Will the honeymoon phase come to an end there soon? In a year where Pickens is en route to becoming a 1st Team All-Pro, should the Steelers have any regret? Chris thinks Dak Prescott deserves a lot of credit for what is happening in Dallas.

ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi said she was ‘stunned' by Joe Flacco getting traded from the Browns to the Bengals because she will never understand helping a division rival in-season. Aditi thinks Mike Tomlin is a little irked by having to see Flacco tomorrow night. What did Aditi make of Tomlin's comments about Andrew Berry and the Browns after that QB trade? Aditi had the Saints game last Sunday and gave the guys a little scouting report on their top 2 WR, who may be on the move by the deadline. She isn't sold on the Saints going into a fire sale next month, however. Aditi said she would ‘exercise caution' when it comes to the Titans HC job and doesn't think Arthur Smith will be on his way there. The guys asked Aditi about the condition of the field at Acrisure Stadium and believes it's something teams have to take more seriously. Aditi gave us the insight on the ‘AFC South Crew' group message with her broadcast team.

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike commented on the Browns trading Joe Flacco to the Bengals, who will now face the Steelers tomorrow night. Mike said the Browns are ‘obsessed' with analytics and trying to build for a future that never comes to fruition. Mike said the turf issues at Acrisure Stadium are still no match for the punt that got stuck in the mud during the Monday Night Football game against the Dolphins in 2007 – but that came in hurricane-like weather. Mike said players are just part of the machine, and even though we hear the product suffers when big-name players get hurt, the ratings never go down. Mike thinks the players will have to sacrifice something for the owners to get a universal playing surface. Mike thinks coaches should really think hard about taking the Titans HC job. Mike is waiting for the Eagles to really dangle AJ Brown to some of the contenders in the AFC to drive up the price. Mike said he is excited to be in Pittsburgh next Sunday night for Steelers-Packers.

Curt Cignetti is the hottest name in Penn State circles as their coaching search begins. Should Cignetti leave Indiana, where he has built a powerhouse out of a non-traditional contender, for Happy Valley? The guys think this year's Indiana team has a legit chance to win the championship – not just in the playoff. What is the likelihood Cigentti jumps ship?

Ben Roethlisberger is the latest one to stir the pot when it comes to Pitt and the Steelers sharing Acrisure Stadium. He says Pitt shouldn't play there and should get their own stadium. How possible is that? And is it really Pitt's fault? The guys looked at some other options that could be used. They think it would be better for all parties involved if they didn't share a venue, but it's not Pitt's fault that the turf can't hold up. Poni thinks a guy like David Tepper should step up here if people want Pitt to have its own place.

PM Team FULL Show 10-14-25

Matt Rhule has appeared as the favorite to be the next Penn State head coach. Would that be a smart move by Penn State? The guys think it feels like more of the same, referencing his bad record against Top 25 opponents. But he has a great relationship with the guy making the hire, so he is in the driver's seat. Who else could Penn State get that would move the needle? Name Game.

Tomlin Takes – What else did Mike Tomlin say to the media this week? 93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff hopes we see a little more Pat Freiermuth in this game. The guys asked Jeff about the order the TE depth chart is looking going into this game. What led to the Mike Tomlin rant on Andrew Berry? Jeff dove into the trade market and how involved the Steelers would be. Jeff does not believe Alex Highsmith would be on the table to move for a WR, at least during the season. How is Aaron Rodgers changing the attitude in the facility? Jeff has Steelers 27, Bengals 16 on Thursday. Donny Football Debrief – Colin Cowherd has the Steelers in his Top 10. A usual suspect is atop the board.

Penn State players are defending James Franklin after the firing. How much credit does he deserve for helping Penn State out of the depths following the Joe Paterno sanction years? Bill O'Brien was the first coach out of that scandal, but Franklin carried the ball much further down the field. What made it so ugly in State College? Did Franklin get a raw deal? Rich Rodriguez believes he did. Was it the right time for James Franklin to go? Tomlin Tidbit – Is Joey Porter Jr. ready to see Tee Higgins again?

Tomlin Tuesday. 2 days away from Steelers and Bengals in Cincy – is it right for Mike Tomlin to hype up Joe Flacco? Are we afraid of Flacco or anything he can do in this game? We revisited the last time the Steelers saw Flacco last season in Indy and the issues he provided. But this time around, the Steelers can prep for the old man. Why does Mike Tomlin seem to fear Joe Flacco? Is Dak Prescott a better QB than Aaron Rodgers? Tomlin-ism of the Week – Mike Tomlin was annoyed by the media this week.

Matt Rhule has appeared as the favorite to be the next Penn State head coach. Would that be a smart move by Penn State? The guys think it feels like more of the same, referencing his bad record against Top 25 opponents. But he has a great relationship with the guy making the hire, so he is in the driver's seat.

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff hopes we see a little more Pat Freiermuth in this game. The guys asked Jeff about the order the TE depth chart is looking going into this game. What led to the Mike Tomlin rant on Andrew Berry? Jeff dove into the trade market and how involved the Steelers would be. Jeff does not believe Alex Highsmith would be on the table to move for a WR, at least during the season. How is Aaron Rodgers changing the attitude in the facility? Jeff has Steelers 27, Bengals 16 on Thursday.

Tomlin Tidbit – Is Joey Porter Jr. ready to see Tee Higgins again?

Penn State players are defending James Franklin after the firing. How much credit does he deserve for helping Penn State out of the depths following the Joe Paterno sanction years? Bill O'Brien was the first coach out of that scandal, but Franklin carried the ball much further down the field. What made it so ugly in State College? Did Franklin get a raw deal? Rich Rodriguez believes he did.

Tomlin-ism of the Week – Mike Tomlin was annoyed by the media this week.

Tomlin Tuesday. 2 days away from Steelers and Bengals in Cincy – is it right for Mike Tomlin to hype up Joe Flacco? Are we afraid of Flacco or anything he can do in this game? We revisited the last time the Steelers saw Flacco last season in Indy and the issues he provided. But this time around, the Steelers can prep for the old man.

PM Team FULL Show 10-13-25

Who's next for Penn State? The firing of James Franklin has left the Nittany Lions with a void at head coach. Right now, the interim is Terry Smith, of Gateway fame. Poni said Urban Meyer should be the first name on their list. The guys went through some other notables that Penn State should contact. Calls on the next Penn State coach. PM Team Professors.

Aaron Rodgers complained about the condition of the field at Acrisure Stadium yesterday. The Steelers are lucky that Chris Boswell did not suffer a significant injury after he slipped on a field goal attempt late in the game. Poni mentions that the Dolphins also have a college team play games at their stadium. More on the Steelers win vs the Browns. Calls. Donny Football Debrief – 3 local high school recruits decommitted from Penn State after James Franklin was fired. Who should Penn State hire to replace Franklin? Poni does not think that they should hire interim coach Terry Smith to be the actual head coach.

Penn State fired James Franklin after their third straight loss, this time being at home to Northwestern. Mullsy says Penn State may have had the worst start to a season every for a preseason top 3 team. He also says that Drew Allar got Franklin fired, to which Poni disagrees. More calls on Penn State and the Franklin firing. Josh Pate said the decision was insane, the guys disagree. PIT-CLE Game Balls. Game ball number 3 goes to Darnell Washington for his breakout performance. Game ball 2 goes to Broderick Jones for shutting down Myles Garrett. Game ball number 1 goes to Jaylen Ramsey for his two-sack performance.

Steelers beat the Browns, 23-9, to move to 4-1 on the season. Are they closer to great or average? It's hard to argue that they are simply an average football team at this point. A lot of points made in favor of the Steelers being closer to ‘great' after a relatively easy win over Cleveland yesterday. A caller still believes the Steelers will still lose 8 games. Chris admits the Steelers have a higher ceiling than they've had in a long time. Do fans agree? PIT-CLE Plays of the Game.

Who's next for Penn State? The firing of James Franklin has left the Nittany Lions with a void at head coach. Right now, the interim is Terry Smith, of Gateway fame. Poni said Urban Meyer should be the first name on their list. The guys went through some other notables that Penn State should contact.

Donny Football Debrief – 3 local high school recruits decommitted from Penn State after James Franklin was fired. Who should Penn State hire to replace James Franklin? Poni does not think that they should hire interim coach Terry Smith to be the actual head coach.

Aaron Rodgers complained about the condition of the field at Acrisure Stadium yesterday. The Steelers are lucky that Chris Boswell did not suffer a significant injury after he slipped on a field goal attempt late in the game. Poni mentions that the Dolphins also have a college team play games at their stadium.

PIT-CLE Game Balls. Game ball number 3 goes to Darnell Washington for his breakout performance. Game ball 2 goes to Broderick Jones for shutting down Myles Garrett. Game ball number 1 goes to Jaylen Ramsey for his two sack performance.

Penn State fired James Franklin after their third straight loss, this time being at home to Northwestern. Mullsy says Penn State may have had the worst start to a season every for a preseason top 3 team. He also says that Drew Allar got James Franklin fired, to which Poni disagrees.