The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller

PM Team FULL Show 8-24-26

What are the latest rumors with the Steelers 53-man roster? One preseason game remains and cut-down day is 6 days away. Are the Steelers going to keep 4 QBs? Is that sensible roster allocation? There was a roster projection put out by ESPN today that kept 4 QBs. Some notables left on the cutting room floor were Robert Spears-Jennings, Esezi Otomewo and Kaleb Johnson. There is growing sentiment that Kaden Wetjen is on the bubble. Are 5 DLs enough? Will Will Howard have a better career than Kenny Pickett? Rudolph's Replies – What did Mason Rudolph say to the media today?

Drew Allar said after Friday's game that he could have played better, as the team did not score any points. Poni says that Allar passed the eye test more than the stats would indicate that he did. He was a victim of some crucial drops from his receivers in the 4th quarter as well. Mueller says that he thought Allar outplayed Will Howard on Friday. More on Drew Allar and the Steelers game from Friday. Donny Football Debrief – There will officially be guys that have played for NFL teams coming back to play in college.

Will Howard said that he did not play up to par against the Packers on Friday. Most people would probably agree, as he threw 2 picks and didn't show many positives. Poni thinks that Howard has back up quarterback vibes and he does not expect Howard to be the team's QB of the future. A lot of people thought that Howard was a steal in the draft, and are staying rigid on that belief despite his struggles. Former Steelers QB Charlie Batch joined the show. Charlie said that Will Howard wasn't 100% to blame for the interceptions he threw against the Packers, but both of them were still bad decisions/throws. He also says that Howard needs to get a better feel for the pocket, citing the sack he took on the first drive on Friday. Charlie says that he liked what he saw from Drew Allar, including the field flipping play in the 3rd quarter. Batch says that he doesn't think Howard would clear waivers if the Steelers wanted to put him on the practice squad. Black & Gold Auction House – Round 3. Bids on Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, and Pat Freiermuth ensue.

Mike McCarthy told reporters today that the contract talks with Joey Porter Jr. are at an ‘impasse' with the regular season quickly approaching. Should the Steelers pay him? Should they seriously listen to trade offers? If another team offered a 1st round pick, the guys think they would make the move. It's all about getting that 1st round QB in 2027. Is Porter better than fans give him credit for? Jalen Ramsey wants to see Joey Porter Jr. get paid. Would it mean more if those comments came from someone like Cam Heyward or TJ Watt? Could Peezy hold out into the season? WTOV's Jack Hillgrove joined the show. Jack thinks the motion to keep 4 QBs is growing more and more by the day. Jack believes Max Iheanachor could be the starting right tackle by the mini-bye between Weeks 4 & 5, if not sooner. Jack said the Joey Porter Jr. extension should have been done first over the 3 other members of the 2023 draft class that got deals this offseason. Should the Steelers consider cutting Roman Wilson if they can organize a trade to bring in another WR?

What are the latest rumors with the Steelers 53-man roster? One preseason game remains and cut-down day is 6 days away. Are the Steelers going to keep 4 QBs? Is that sensible roster allocation? There was a roster projection put out by ESPN today that kept 4 QBs. Some notables left on the cutting room floor were Robert Spears-Jennings, Esezi Otomewo and Kaleb Johnson. There is growing sentiment that Kaden Wetjen is on the bubble. Are 5 DLs enough? Will Will Howard have a better career than Kenny Pickett?

Donny Football Debrief – There will officially be guys that have played for NFL teams coming back to play in college.

Drew Allar said after Friday's game that he could have played better, as the team did not score any points. Poni says that Allar passed the eye test more than the stats would indicate that he did. He was a victim of some crucial drops from his receivers in the 4th quarter as well. Mueller says that he thought Allar outplayed Will Howard on Friday.

Black & Gold Auction House – Round 3. Bids on Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, and Pat Freiermuth ensue.

Former Steelers QB Charlie Batch joined the show. Charlie said that Will Howard wasn't 100% to blame for the interceptions he threw against the Packers, but both of them were still bad decisions/throws. He also says that Howard needs to get a better feel for the pocket, citing the sack he took on the first drive on Friday. Charlie says that he liked what he saw from Drew Allar, including the field flipping play in the 3rd quarter. Batch says that he doesn't think Howard would clear waivers if the Steelers wanted to put him on the practice squad.

WTOV's Jack Hillgrove joined the show. Jack thinks the motion to keep 4 QBs is growing more and more by the day. Jack believes Max Iheanachor could be the starting right tackle by the mini-bye between Weeks 4 & 5, if not sooner. Jack said the Joey Porter Jr. extension should have been done first over the 3 other members of the 2023 draft class that got deals this offseason. Should the Steelers consider cutting Roman Wilson if they can organize a trade to bring in another WR?

Mike McCarthy told reporters today that the contract talks with Joey Porter Jr. are at an ‘impasse' with the regular season quickly approaching. Should the Steelers pay him? Should they seriously listen to trade offers? If another team offered a 1st round pick, the guys think they would make the move. It's all about getting that 1st round QB in 2027. Is Porter better than fans give him credit for?

Who will come out as QB2 and will the Steelers get a deal done with Joey Porter Jr. or will they tag him next year OR could the possibly trade him?!

The FULL PM Team show from August 21, 2026.

Former Steeler Bryant McFadden joins the show. B-Mac says that the Joey Porter Jr. situation is very confusing, considering the fact that he is a homegrown guy and has produced at a high level through the first few years of his career. He thinks that JPJ is not far behind Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez in terms of talent. 

Black and Gold gameday continues

Mark Kaboly joins the show for the next hour. Mark doesn't think it is necessarily a long shot that JPJ gets extended before the season, but he thinks it is more likely that he does not get an extension. He also thinks that Porter is not doing himself any favors by sitting out. Mark also says that the Steelers like their CB depth more than in years past, but they would obviously like to have Porter playing.  More with Mark. Mark thinks that Mason Rudolph is the best backup QB in the league and that he will benefit from having Mike McCarthy as head coach if he makes the team.  More with Mark - We are just over 2 hours away from the Steelers second preseason game. Mark is interested in seeing the running backs play today, as Warren and Dowdle did not play last game. Mark mentions that Kaden Wetjen might be a bubble guy right now, and that it would be a horrendous pick if he ended up getting cut. 

PM Team Black and Gold Gameday starts now. The biggest story in the Steelers' game tonight against the Jets is that Will Howard and Drew Allar will play the entire game, this will be the biggest look that we have gotten of either guy at this point. Poni thinks that if Howard does not play well tonight, the Steelers will have to decide whether it is just growing pains or if they can move on from him.   All Access with Aditi. Aditi mentions that it would be a tough decision if the Steelers decided to hang onto all 4 QBs, as they would lose a roster spot for gamedays. She also says that Deshaun Watson is in a better mental state than he was 5 years ago. There were reports that Deshaun Watson might be a captain for the Browns this year.  Donny Football Debrief - CJ Stroud wants 70 million dollars a year.

Donny Football Debrief - CJ Stroud wants 70 million dollars a year.

PM Team Black and Gold Gameday starts now. The biggest story in the Steelers' game tonight against the Jets is that Will Howard and Drew Allar will play the entire game, this will be the biggest look that we have gotten of either guy at this point. Poni thinks that if Howard does not play well tonight, the Steelers will have to decide whether it is just growing pains or if they can move on from him.  

Fair Game with Nick Farabaugh! JPJ, Steelers roster building strategy, Kaleb Johnson, and much more.

It is unlikely that Joey Porter Jr. will get an extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers according to Chris Halicke of DK Sports. Jordan Schultz, of Starbucks lineage, says that some teams would kick tires on Porter Jr. via trade. What could you potentially get in a JPJ trade? Could you use the Sauce Gardner trade as a framework for JPJ? That would include a first round pick. If you move on from JPJ, what would the Steelers' secondary look like?

PM Team FULL Show 8-20-26

Will Howard will start tomorrow's game in what is a huge opportunity in his young career. A former NFL insider doesn't think the Steelers will risk Howard going to the practice squad, especially if he has another outing like he did last week. The intel is that Mike McCarthy ‘loves' Howard, so it doesn't seem like he would take the chance of losing him. Does Howard's mobility give him an advantage over Mason Rudolph, who doesn't have that tool? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Has it been decided in the Steelers front office that Mason Rudolph is the backup and he's not going anywhere? The guys asked Ray if it's leaning to 4 QBs making the roster, a rare move in modern-day football. Ray said, if there is a split, it's between how the front office and coaching staff views the future at the position. Ray gives the 4 QB theory a 60% chance of happening. What is the status of the receivers, since we haven't seen DK Metcalf or Michael Pittman do much of anything? Ray named a few players that could miss out on the 53-man roster if the Steelers roll with 4 QBs, like Robert Spears-Jennings. Ray questioned if the Steelers would keep Robert Tonyan if you keep 4 quarterbacks on the roster. Ray really doesn't see a way that Kaleb Johnson saves himself before cut-down day. Ray said the defensive line group is one we can find a few different guys that emerge as roster members before it's all over. What is going on at safety? 2 Truth's & a Lie.

Andy Weidl spoke to Steelers media yesterday. He compared Drew Allar, in a way, to Jake Delhomme, one of the many QBs Mike McCarthy worked with early in his career. Weidl also spoke highly of Will Howard, saying he consistently played his best in big games. What is more attractive to teams – traits or big-game performances? Joe Burrow is letting it be known again that it feels like now or never for the Bengals. Could he work his way out of Cincy if another season ends in disappointment? It wouldn't be the first time a franchise QB has done it. Poni decided to predict the Bengals to win the Super Bowl. Donny Football Debrief – The Jets will be starting Geno Smith tomorrow night, so we will see a QB1 against the Steelers defense.

Mason Rudolph is a little bit jealous of Will Howard and Drew Allar, but for reasons you may not think. Rudolph is jealous of the tutelage they have gotten so early in their careers that he didn't get from a veteran QB or his head coach early on. Aside from the shot taken at Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin, Rudolph is very aware that the fanbase is starving for their next franchise guy. Fair to say he has a point? If Rudolph gets a shot this season, will he succeed under Mike McCarthy? KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. Pomp thinks it's a good broadcasting tool to go back and listen to your work, especially the PXP duties he has with Steelers preseason games. Bob said the preseason games are great for the ratings, even though people claim not to care. Bob thinks 4 QBs is a ‘logical' move for the Steelers, but it will make things tight when it comes to the 53-man. Pomp was ‘stunned' by Kaleb Johnson only playing 5 snaps against the Packers, but expects a larger workload tomorrow night. Has Pomp traded notes with Ian Eagle yet, who calls TV games for the Jets in the preseason? Is Gabriel Rubio bound for the practice squad even though he has put together a strong camp? Bob sees a different fire in Roman Wilson this year. After the call, we took a look at the TV crews for NFL preseason games. Power Rankings – Top 5 guys you want on the Steelers roster instead of 4 QBs.

Another labor job for Paul Skenes yesterday in a Pirates win. Poni feels like the public sentiment toward Skenes this year has become very personal and visceral. Is it deserved? Has it gotten as bad as Poni thinks? People are calling in saying he needs to change his diet and dump his girlfriend. Why might the turn be so rotten? The guys pointed out some comments Skenes has made over the course of the season on topics like the World Baseball Classic, the pending work stoppage and his overall performance. The Morning Show was ignored by Curt Schilling today. Calls about Paul Skenes. Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Is the Paul Skenes problem simply come down to a mechanical fix? Is Skenes pushing too hard since he knows things haven't gone well for him this season? The guys asked Jason about how much blame/credit Bill Murphy deserves, and he thinks it's a little bit too much on both sides. Jason thinks the most valid complaint from fans is Skenes being hard against the salary cap in baseball because that doesn't go over well with fans, especially in Pittsburgh. Jason thought the Pirates had a pretty good pitching program in place with Oscar Marin at the helm. The guys credited Andrew McCutchen for being an MVP that loved being part of Pittsburgh and with the Pirates, where as Skenes feels like a hired-gun or a mercenary. Why was Ben Cherington suggesting Skenes was having an ‘excellent' year?

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Has it been decided in the Steelers front office that Mason Rudolph is the backup and he's not going anywhere? The guys asked Ray if it's leaning to 4 QBs making the roster, a rare move in modern-day football. Ray said, if there is a split, it's between how the front office and coaching staff views the future at the position. Ray gives the 4 QB theory a 60% chance of happening. What is the status of the receivers, since we haven't seen DK Metcalf or Michael Pittman do much of anything? Ray named a few players that could miss out on the 53-man roster if the Steelers roll with 4 QBs, like Robert Spears-Jennings. Ray questioned if the Steelers would keep Robert Tonyan if you keep 4 quarterbacks on the roster. Ray really doesn't see a way that Kaleb Johnson saves himself before cut-down day. Ray said the defensive line group is one we can find a few different guys that emerge as roster members before it's all over. What is going on at safety?

Joe Burrow is letting it be known again that it feels like now or never for the Bengals. Could he work his way out of Cincy if another season ends in disappointment? It wouldn't be the first time a franchise QB has done it. Poni decided to predict the Bengals to win the Super Bowl.

Andy Weidl spoke to Steelers media yesterday. He compared Drew Allar, in a way, to Jake Delhomme, one of the many QBs Mike McCarthy worked with early in his career. Weidl also spoke highly of Will Howard, saying he consistently played his best in big games. What is more attractive to teams – traits or big-game performances?

KDKA TV's Bob Pompeani joined the show. Pomp thinks it's a good broadcasting tool to go back and listen to your work, especially the PXP duties he has with Steelers preseason games. Bob said the preseason games are great for the ratings, even though people claim not to care. Bob thinks 4 QBs is a ‘logical' move for the Steelers, but it will make things tight when it comes to the 53-man. Pomp was ‘stunned' by Kaleb Johnson only playing 5 snaps against the Packers, but expects a larger workload tomorrow night. Has Pomp traded notes with Ian Eagle yet, who calls TV games for the Jets in the preseason? Is Gabriel Rubio bound for the practice squad even though he has put together a strong camp? Bob sees a different fire in Roman Wilson this year.

Mason Rudolph is a little bit jealous of Will Howard and Drew Allar, but for reasons you may not think. Rudolph is jealous of the tutelage they have gotten so early in their careers that he didn't get from a veteran QB or his head coach early on. Aside from the shot taken at Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin, Rudolph is very aware that the fanbase is starving for their next franchise guy. Fair to say he has a point? If Rudolph gets a shot this season, will he succeed under Mike McCarthy?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Is the Paul Skenes problem simply come down to a mechanical fix? Is Skenes pushing too hard since he knows things haven't gone well for him this season? The guys asked Jason about how much blame/credit Bill Murphy deserves, and he thinks it's a little bit too much on both sides. Jason thinks the most valid complaint from fans is Skenes being hard against the salary cap in baseball because that doesn't go over well with fans, especially in Pittsburgh. Jason thought the Pirates had a pretty good pitching program in place with Oscar Marin at the helm. The guys credited Andrew McCutchen for being an MVP that loved being part of Pittsburgh and with the Pirates, where as Skenes feels like a hired-gun or a mercenary. Why was Ben Cherington suggesting Skenes was having an ‘excellent' year?

Another labor job for Paul Skenes yesterday in a Pirates win. Poni feels like the public sentiment toward Skenes this year has become very personal and visceral. Is it deserved? Has it gotten as bad as Poni thinks? People are calling in saying he needs to change his diet and dump his girlfriend. Why might the turn be so rotten? The guys pointed out some comments Skenes has made over the course of the season on topics like the World Baseball Classic, the pending work stoppage and his overall performance.

PM Team FULL Show 8-19-26

Skenes Soundbites – What did Paul Skenes say after today's game? 93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Was Paul Skenes satisfied with what he did today? Jeff doesn't think Skenes was thrilled about his start being pushed back, even though he admitted to being ‘too fresh' out there today. Jeff is concerned by the increase in walks in Skenes' starts. How will the Pirates handle things the next time Paul comes up in the rotation? Jeff could see Skenes being shut down if the Pirates have a horrible road trip and the season is totally lost. Jeff isn't sure why Skenes hasn't had a go-to secondary pitch like he had in his first 2 seasons. Jeff doesn't believe Skenes is worried about the off-field chatter in reaction the beach picture that went viral last week. Judge Donny – Is Patrick Graham a better defensive coach than Mike Tomlin?

The Pirates rallied to beat the Tigers, but the big issue is still Paul Skenes. After the team gave him a few extra days of rest, he struggled again – failing to finish 5 innings. We looked back to last night and watching Braxton Ashcraft mow down the Tigers over 8 innings in very quick manner. How should the Pirates handle Skenes for his next turn in the rotation? What options do the Pirates have here? They could skip his next turn in the rotation or give him a phantom IL stint (for a pitcher, 15 days in the minimum). A little piece of history today for Rafael Flores. Brandon Lowe has not been good in August, but hit his 27th homer today to win the game. What do the NL Wild Card standings look like right now? Manger's Minute – What did Don Kelly say after today's game?

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Steelers-Packers last Thursday had a better rating than any Penguins or Pirates game this season in the local market, even though we hear people say they don't care about it. What is the future for the NFL preseason? Mike thinks we could look at 20 regular season games with 0 preseason games at some point. Mike thinks the NFL international expansion would go ‘at least' 2 teams at a time, so there is always an even number. Mike believes the expansion could get to 40 teams, with a pair of 4-team international divisions in each conference. Could there be a new way of travel that would help NFL teams get from the United States across the pond? What happens if a team in Australia clinches home-field in the playoffs? Mike said the NFL would go to Canada and ‘not think twice about it' if the league knows they can make money. Mike mentioned other difficulties that will arise for teams and players that are in the international markets. Which countries would be in the front of the line here? If countries can just tout money, the NFL will bite, which includes places like Saudi Arabia being on the table. Mike doesn't expect to see Tony Romo in the booth for CBS this season and perhaps never again. Mike thinks CBS was looking for a reason to get out of Romo's deal more than they were embarrassed by what he actually did. The convo turned to love for Bob Seger. Mike was sadly reminded of 13-9. After the chat with Mike, we talked more about the iconic 2007 college football season. The BATTLIN' BUCS. The Pirates came back from 3-1 down to win the game, 4-3 over the Tigers. A banner day for Rafael Flores Jr., who hit a pair of homers, including the game-tying HR in the 9th. Brandon Lowe walked it off with his 27th long ball of the year just a few batters later. So, plenty of good – the Pirates won, but how did Paul Skenes look? Skenes looked very average again, to be kind. Plenty of control issues that had him running up the pitch count and removed from the game before he completed 5 innings. Do the Pirates have any shot to make the playoffs? Calls in reaction to the Pirates winning in walk-off fashion against the Tigers.

Mike McCarthy confirmed the rumor Poni put out there yesterday – Will Howard and Drew Allar will carry the load for the Steelers on Friday night against the Jets. No Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph in preseason Game 2. Is the growing belief that the Steelers will keep 4 QBs come true? The guys weighed in from both sides of the argument. Would a team give up a pick, even a Day 3 selection, for Rudolph's services? Is Mason Rudolph a Top 45 QB in football? That would put him around the top half of the league when it comes to backup QBs. A few calls on the QB situation. Donny Football Debrief – LaNorris Sellers has no excuses to not have a great season. His off-the-field schedule is quite light this upcoming season.

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Was Paul Skenes satisfied with what he did today? Jeff doesn't think Skenes was thrilled about his start being pushed back, even though he admitted to being ‘too fresh' out there today. Jeff is concerned by the increase in walks in Skenes' starts. How will the Pirates handle things the next time Paul comes up in the rotation? Jeff could see Skenes being shut down if the Pirates have a horrible road trip and the season is totally lost. Jeff isn't sure why Skenes hasn't had a go-to secondary pitch like he had in his first 2 seasons. Jeff doesn't believe Skenes is worried about the off-field chatter in reaction the beach picture that went viral last week.

The Pirates rallied to beat the Tigers, but the big issue is still Paul Skenes. After the team gave him a few extra days of rest, he struggled again – failing to finish 5 innings. We looked back to last night and watching Braxton Ashcraft mow down the Tigers over 8 innings in very quick manner. How should the Pirates handle Skenes for his next turn in the rotation? What options do the Pirates have here? They could skip his next turn in the rotation or give him a phantom IL stint (for a pitcher, 15 days in the minimum).

The BATTLIN' BUCS. The Pirates came back from 3-1 down to win the game, 4-3 over the Tigers. A banner day for Rafael Flores Jr., who hit a pair of homers, including the game-tying HR in the 9th. Brandon Lowe walked it off with his 27th long ball of the year just a few batters later. So, plenty of good – the Pirates won, but how did Paul Skenes look? Skenes looked very average again, to be kind. Plenty of control issues that had him running up the pitch count and removed from the game before he completed 5 innings.