The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller

Mark Kaboly on the changing AFC division and how that could impact the Steelers, especially their defense. 

Former Steeler Arthur Moats joins the show to offer some insight and his take on what he realistically expects from the Steelers this season, and what headlines he'll be following throughout the summer.

Andrew and Jeff Hathhorn talk about the Steelers quarterback situation heading into the season, and debate who should be the starter long term based on the decisions of this off season. 

Notre Dame needs to make a decision and join a conference, especially now that conferences are going through a big shake up. 

MLB Insider Robert Murray joins the show for a conversation about the Pirates and how they are viewed nationally, and when he believes they could be a legitimate post season contender again. 

Andrew and Jeff Hathhorn discuss the changes in college athletic conferences, and what the landscape could look like in the next five to ten years. This also has talk of the separation of football from others school sports. 

NHL Insider David Pagnotta checks in here for a off season look at the Penguins and what roster changes we could see this summer.

Andrew and Jeff Hathhorn spend this segment debating about who they think will be a better athlete and have a better legacy in Pittsburgh sports history when we look back.

Andrew talks about his chances of bowling a perfect game, and his belief that this seems more realistic as he learns more about the sport.

NFL insider Jason La Canfora (pt.2) joined the show. Jason talked about the Steelers QB situation heading into camp. Poni asked Jason if Diontae Johnson will get his money from the Steelers or another team. Jason said the trade market for Mason Rudolph isn't robust, but he could fit into something if a QB gets hurt somewhere. 

The Furries are back! Should Mike Tomlin be so excited about life after Ben Roethlisberger? BREAKING NEWS: Welcome Ace Mueller to the world. 

CBS Sports ranked Mike Tomlin as the 4th best coach in the NFL. Too high? Too low? Just right?  NFL insider Jason La Canfora joined the show. Jason talked about what went into Larry Ogunjobi going from no deal in Chicago to signing with the Steelers. He loves the deal with the Steelers. Jason said the Steelers won't have to worry about seeing Deshaun Watson this year, and they might not have to ever worry about him playing for the Browns. Poni asked Jason what kind of appeal process Watson will have to go through if he gets hit with a huge suspension. He said the Browns don't have anything to stand on and they spent very little time talking to Watson before the trade.  

NFL insider Jason La Canfora joined the show. Jason talked about what went into Larry Ogunjobi going from no deal in Chicago to signing with the Steelers. He loves the deal with the Steelers. Jason said the Steelers won't have to worry about seeing Deshaun Watson this year, and they might not have to ever worry about him playing for the Browns. Poni asked Jason what kind of appeal process Watson will have to go through if he gets hit with a huge suspension. He said the Browns don't have anything to stand on and they spent very little time talking to Watson before the trade.  

Former Steeler Bruce Gradkowski joined the show. Bruce talked about being a dad since Mullsy has become a dad for the second time. He got into what happened with his restaurant in Toledo that burned down a week ago. The chat shifted to football – Bruce said the main comparison he sees between Joe Burrow and Kenny Pickett is from the neck up – they have the same football mindset. Bruce said Ben Roethlisberger is the best competitor he's ever been around because when the chips are down, he will figure it out.   Pirates slugger Dan Vogelbach joined the show. Dan said he's enjoying his time in Pittsburgh and credited his teammates for why he's happy here. He talked about what has impressed him the most about Oneil Cruz so far. He referenced a pinch hit home run against the Dodgers as his favorite play as a Pirate so far. Poni asked Dan about his 4th of July outfit from last year in a very patriotic look. Dan gave his 4th of July cookout picks. Dan talked about what Derek Shelton is like and how much he cares about the players. He also said Target Field in Minnesota is his favorite road park.   

Pirates slugger Dan Vogelbach joined the show. Dan said he's enjoying his time in Pittsburgh and credited his teammates for why he's happy here. He talked about what has impressed him the most about Oneil Cruz so far. He referenced a pinch hit home run against the Dodgers as his favorite play as a Pirate so far. Poni asked Dan about his 4th of July outfit from last year in a very patriotic look. Dan gave his 4th of July cookout picks. Dan talked about what Derek Shelton is like and how much he cares about the players. He also said Target Field in Minnesota is his favorite road park.   

Former Steeler Bruce Gradkowski joined the show. Bruce talked about being a dad since Mullsy has become a dad for the second time. He got into what happened with his restaurant in Toledo that burned down a week ago. The chat shifted to football – Bruce said the main comparison he sees between Joe Burrow and Kenny Pickett is from the neck up – they have the same football mindset. Bruce said Ben Roethlisberger is the best competitor he's ever been around because when the chips are down, he will figure it out.  

Mike Tomlin told Ryan Clark he is excited for life after Ben Roethlisberger. How much better will Mitch Trubisky be than old-man Big Ben? Poni shared the numbers of Ben last season versus Trubisky at his best. They're close. Mullsy is a dad for the second time. USC and UCLA are going to the Big 10 by 2024 – where is college football headed?  Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason talked about hypothetical trade packages for Bryan Reynolds, although he does not want Reynolds to be traded. Jason said a pair of Top 100 prospects in baseball would have to be the start of the conversation for Reynolds, but he doesn't think teams will part with prospects that highly rated. Poni brought up concerns over the Josh Bell trade and is worried it could happen again. Jason answered why Josh VanMeter and a few others are in the lineup and holding back the young kids who provide a spark.   HOCKEY TALK! What will the Penguins do with Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin? 

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason talked about hypothetical trade packages for Bryan Reynolds, although he does not want Reynolds to be traded. Jason said a pair of Top 100 prospects in baseball would have to be the start of the conversation for Reynolds, but he doesn't think teams will part with prospects that highly rated. Poni brought up concerns over the Josh Bell trade and is worried it could happen again. Jason answered why Josh VanMeter and a few others are in the lineup and holding back the young kids who provide a spark.  

Mullsy is becoming a dad for the second time tomorrow.  The Pirates beat the Nationals thanks to 3 home runs from Bryan Reynolds. Is he a big part of the team's future? 

PFF lists are at it again! A new ranking of NFL rosters has the Steelers ranked 22nd in the league.   2X award-winning reporter Josh Rowntree joined the show. Josh didn't have the strong comparison between Kenny Pickett and Joe Burrow, but he did bring up the name Derek Carr. Josh said the question is how fast Pickett can become ‘the guy' in the Steelers offense. Josh said it's a waste of time to have Mason Rudolph run drills with the second string team with Pickett at third. Josh expects Rudolph to get traded, but he doesn't rule out Rudolph staying on the roster. Josh said the team is full of question marks on both lines, inside linebacker and cornerback. He said the only comfortable positions are running back and wide receiver. 

2X award-winning reporter Josh Rowntree joined the show. Josh didn't have the strong comparison between Kenny Pickett and Joe Burrow, but he did bring up the name Derek Carr. Josh said the question is how fast Pickett can become ‘the guy' in the Steelers offense. Josh said it's a waste of time to have Mason Rudolph run drills with the second string team with Pickett at third. Josh expects Rudolph to get traded, but he doesn't rule out Rudolph staying on the roster. Josh said the team is full of question marks on both lines, inside linebacker and cornerback. He said the only comfortable positions are running back and wide receiver. 

NFL dot com posed a Steelers question. “The Steelers have to do ______ to have a successful season?” Chris thinks the record is irrelevant and it's important that Kenny Pickett shows real potential as a franchise QB. Poni said the team must have a very competitive showing in a playoff game. Donny leaned on Poni's side.   Doug Whaley talked about the Diontae Johnson dilemma with The Fan Morning Show. Doug made it sound like Ben Roethlisberger made Johnson who he is. The guys didn't agree.  Golf talk.

NFL dot com posed a Steelers question. “The Steelers have to do ______ to have a successful season?” Chris thinks the record is irrelevant and it's important that Kenny Pickett shows real potential as a franchise QB. Poni said the team must have a very competitive showing in a playoff game. Donny leaned on Poni's side.  

Another comparison has been made between Kenny Pickett and Joe Burrow. Does it have people believing Pickett can be the same type of player? The guys discussed if it's outlandish to compare the two QBs. The discussion jumped to hockey and what the Pens will do in free agency.  Penguins insider Bob Grove joined the show. The guys asked Bob if Bryan Rust would be his top priority over Kris Letang, like the Penguins have made public. Bob gave his thoughts on what they can do with Rust locked up for the future. Bob said where the Pens front office stands with Letang and Evgeni Malkin, and added he'd be more comfortable giving good money to Letang because of how well he's performing at his age. Bob gave his plan if the Pens decide to let Malkin walk. Bob talked about some of the young prospects coming up the pipeline. 

Penguins insider Bob Grove joined the show. The guys asked Bob if Bryan Rust would be his top priority over Kris Letang, like the Penguins have made public. Bob gave his thoughts on what they can do with Rust locked up for the future. Bob said where the Pens front office stands with Letang and Evgeni Malkin, and added he'd be more comfortable giving good money to Letang because of how well he's performing at his age. Bob gave his plan if the Pens decide to let Malkin walk. Bob talked about some of the young prospects coming up the pipeline. 

A listener brought in some vintage stuff for the boys.  Reset on Kenny Pickett with Pat McAfee. Who was the nicest QB to win a Super Bowl? Will Baker Mayfield be the Browns QB in 2022?

A listener brought in some vintage stuff for the boys. 

Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown joined the show. Greg gave his reaction to the first Oneil Cruz home run of 2022 last night. Greg was wowed by Mullsy's take that Cruz would have a better Pirates career than Andrew McCutchen, but he saw the arguments that Chris brought up. Greg said Cruz is a great athlete, above the likes of Cutch, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco. Greg wants the young guys in the lineup every day and talked about why Cal Mitchell got sent down, according to Derek Shelton. Chris asked Greg about the lack of pitching on the big league roster and what is coming up through the pipeline. 

BREAKING NEWS: Terry McLaurin signed a 3-year, $71 million deal with Washington. What does this mean for Diontae Johnson? The two receivers have very similar numbers and are the same age. Johnson can even argue he's more productive. Did the Steelers mess up not signing Johnson a while back? Chris thinks there's no way the Steelers pay that up. Poni agreed. There is a new ACC football format and the guys agreed Pitt got pretty lucky.  Oneil Cruz hit his first home run of 2022 last night in DC. The guys debated if he will be a great player or do we fear he's being overhyped from his highlights? Poni seemed more negative than Mullsy and Donny. Chris thinks he will be a better Pirate than Andrew McCutchen. The Morning Show doesn't believe Poni will ever bowl a 300. Poni said bring it on

Terry McLaurin signed a 3-year, $71 million deal with Washington. What does this mean for Diontae Johnson? The two receivers have very similar numbers and are the same age. Johnson can even argue he's more productive. Did the Steelers mess up not signing Johnson a while back? Chris thinks there's no way the Steelers pay that up. Poni agreed. There is a new ACC football format and the guys agreed Pitt got pretty lucky. 

Kenny Pickett joined Pat McAfee today. The guys gave their thoughts through their ‘Pickett Filter.' Mullsy had a rough morning on the golf course. There's a story out there that the Penguins front office is being “stingy.” Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo joined the show. The guys asked Ray about his mailbag question/answer session. He talked about the offense fitting around QB mobility under Matt Canada. Ray said the offensive line is more competent this year and he likes the combo of that mixed with new coaching up front. Poni asked what the team sees in the tackles and why there is so much confidence put into them.    30 Days of Summer featuring Mike Kelly Kia. 

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo joined the show. The guys asked Ray about his mailbag question/answer session. He talked about the offense fitting around QB mobility under Matt Canada. Ray said the offensive line is more competent this year and he likes the combo of that mixed with new coaching up front. Poni asked what the team sees in the tackles and why there is so much confidence put into them.   

Aditi talked about what the Steelers are getting with Larry Ogunjobi and what other players think of his skill. She also talked about who could be calling the defensive plays this season. When is the next time Pittsburgh will see a major pro sports championship? 

Aditi Kinkhabwala talked about what the Steelers are getting with Larry Ogunjobi and what other players think of his skill. She also talked about who could be calling the defensive plays this season. 

Aditi Kinkhabwala commented on the potential Adrian Peterson-Le'Veon Bell boxing match. The guys asked Aditi if there is any chance the Browns make up with Baker Mayfield with the pending suspension against Deshaun Watson. She said it's a no-win situation and Mayfield will eventually get moved. She's not sure what the suspension length of Watson will be, but thinks everyone involved wants a decision made soon. The guys talked about inserting Watson right back into the offense when he comes back similarly to the Steelers in 2010 after Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for 4 games.

Aditi Kinkhabwala joined the show and has Poni jealous. She went fishing with Kenny Pickett. She said Kenny showed great poise and patience out on the water. She mentioned he has a very good relationship already with Mitch Trubisky. 

The Pirates were swept in Tampa Bay over the weekend. Peter Gammons gave Pirates fans something to hold out hope on – the HOF MLB writer predicts the Pirates to be a World Series contender within 5 years. The guys discussed what it will take for this team and its core to get there. Chris said pulling off a Chris Archer-like trade on another team would be a huge step, but very difficult to execute. Poni said the worst days are behind them and it isn't THAT far away for them to become competitive.  93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff confirmed that Kenny Pickett got third team reps in OTAs and minicamp, but it's hard for some of the reporters to know what they can and can't report. Jeff said the Mike Tomlin factor is what has Mason Rudolph in the #2 spot, but once Pickett gets more adapt, that will change. Jeff believes Teryl Austin will have play calling control of the defense with an assist from Brian Flores.   

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff confirmed that Kenny Pickett got third team reps in OTAs and minicamp, but it's hard for some of the reporters to know what they can and can't report. Jeff said the Mike Tomlin factor is what has Mason Rudolph in the #2 spot, but once Pickett gets more adapt, that will change. Jeff believes Teryl Austin will have play calling control of the defense with an assist from Brian Flores.   

Another team won a championship last night as the Colorado Avalanche became the kings of the NHL. Poni gave a layout of how and when the Pittsburgh teams will win their next title. An update on Donny's dating life.  Penguins insider Mike DeFabo joined the show. Mike said it wouldn't be a shocker if Marc-Andre Fleury ended his career in Pittsburgh, but isn't sure how many years he has left. Mike thinks the Penguins will get deals done with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, and will probably give them more than expected. The guys asked Mike if the Pens will buyout another player and how long it could last and he said Jason Zucker is a candidate.  

Penguins insider Mike DeFabo joined the show. Mike said it wouldn't be a shocker if Marc-Andre Fleury ended his career in Pittsburgh, but isn't sure how many years he has left. Mike thinks the Penguins will get deals done with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, and will probably give them more than expected. The guys asked Mike if the Pens will buyout another player and how long it could last and he said Jason Zucker is a candidate.  

FRIDAY, FRIDAY. 

The guys debated if the Pirates should pay Oneil Cruz right now or by the end of the season to lock him up for the future.  Fan calls. 

The guys ranked the Steelers defensive starters with Larry Ogunjobi included.  Former Steeler Arthur Moats joined the show. Arthur said Donny made a mistake not telling the guys about his dating life. After that he got into football. Poni asked why people are upset with him over Kenny Pickett. Arthur said it's fine to not rush Pickett into the starting role because Mitch Trubisky is in as a placeholder. Arthur said he has over 330 pairs of shoes, but will never own “dad” shoes. 

LeSean McCoy had high praise for Kenny Pickett. Poni doesn't understand why people are mad at him because of Pickett. And he's upset with not knowing about Donny Football's dating life.  Fan Morning Show producer Adam Crowley joined the show. After he made some disparaging comments about Mullsy, he had to explain himself. 

Fan Morning Show producer Adam Crowley joined the show. After he made some disparaging comments about Mullsy, he had to explain himself. 

Newly retired Steelers insider Ed Bouchette joined the show. He talked about what he has going on in retirement and how much he is keeping up with the Steelers.  The Pirates took 3 out of 4 against the Cubs after a walk-off single from Michael Chavis. The team is 3-1 since the Oneil Cruz call up.  

Newly retired Steelers insider Ed Bouchette joined the show. He talked about what he has going on in retirement and how much he is keeping up with the Steelers. 

Chris named his third best Steelers QB of all-time and what his expectations are for Kenny Pickett on that list.  Pitt man Bill Osborn joined the show. Bill was a lifelong friend of Tony Siragusa, who passed away yesterday at the age of 55. Bill shared funny stories of times with Tony on and off the football field.  

Pitt man Bill Osborn joined the show. Bill was a lifelong friend of Tony Siragusa, who passed away yesterday at the age of 55. Bill shared funny stories of times with Tony on and off the football field.  

Longtime Steelers writer Gerry Dulac said Mike Tomlin should be on the hot seat – “warm” seat. The guys discussed. With the history of the Steelers, is there any chance of this? Chris doesn't think Tomlin should be fired if the Steelers have a losing season, which would be the first of his career. Poni thinks after there recent playoff history, Gerry might have a point.    Former Steeler Chris Hoke joined the show. Chris shared some memories of the late Tony Siragusa, a fellow defensive lineman that passed away yesterday. He loves the signing of Larry Ogunjobi because of depth needed up front. He thinks Mason Rudolph should have been given more of an opportunity as the Steelers starter. The guys asked Chris his thoughts on the Steelers offensive line after a horrific 2021 season for that group. Chris expects Mitch Trubisky to start over Kenny Pickett.  

Former Steeler Chris Hoke joined the show. Chris shared some memories of the late Tony Siragusa, a fellow defensive lineman that passed away yesterday. He loves the signing of Larry Ogunjobi because of depth needed up front. He thinks Mason Rudolph should have been given more of an opportunity as the Steelers starter. The guys asked Chris his thoughts on the Steelers offensive line after a horrific 2021 season for that group. Chris expects Mitch Trubisky to start over Kenny Pickett.