Podcast appearances and mentions of Chris Hoke

The Steelers are dependent on takeaways and sacks to win games. Hokie thinks the story for the Steelers is that they need around five sacks and win the turnover battle. He is fine with the Steelers not acquiring a No. 2 wide receiver. Do the Steelers really NEED a No. 2 wide receiver?

The Chargers have a great coach and quarterback. Chris Hoke thinks Justin Herbert is very difficult to play against and is the Steelers toughest challenge. The Steelers need to be careful with Justin Herbert running. Does Hokie expect the Steelers to win in Los Angeles?

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Steelers are dependent on takeaways and sacks to win games. Hokie thinks the story for the Steelers is that they need around five sacks and win the turnover battle. Do the Steelers really NEED a No. 2 wide receiver? The Chargers have a great coach and quarterback. Chris Hoke thinks Justin Herbert is very difficult to play against and is the Steelers toughest challenge.

Other teams are minimizing the Steelers' best players with quick passes. Hokie thinks DeShon Elliott's absence is huge, but he was also there for the Flacco game. Hokie thinks there is a lack of focus and guys are taking bad angles. "It's little things popping up TOO OFTEN."

The Colts are the sixth-best pass offense in the league. The Steelers are telegraphing the defense too much. Big Ben thinks Jalen Ramsey should be guarding tight ends. Chris Hoke is very concerned with the Steelers' ability to cover man defense.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Other teams are minimizing the Steelers' best players with quick passes. Hokie thinks DeShon Elliott's absence is huge, but he was also there for the Flacco game. The defense needs to play much, much better. Chris Hoke is very concerned with the Steelers' ability to cover man defense.

The Steelers couldn't stop Chase Brown and the defense line and linebackers struggled in their gaps. The Steelers tried to play man and press coverage but couldn't cover them 1-on-1. Hokie thinks players need to perform better and isn't all on coaching, but Joe wants to see players held accountable by coaching. Hokie preached good technique.

Chris Hoke thinks the Packers are going to run the ball on the Steelers but the Steelers defense is going to stand up and make big plays. Hokie has the Steelers winning 27-24. The Packers are well-balanced and these four games are very difficult.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey:

Trey Hendrickson is considered a longshot to play tonight. Jaylen Warren is a tough, physical runner. Mason McCormick is pushing people around up front. Chris Hoke says it will be 24-20 Steelers and Jaylen Warren is the MVP. It's time Warren has a big game!

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Chris Hoke: Hokie thinks this is a bigger game for the Bengals than the Steelers. Joe Flacco adds a new wrinkle. Hokie takes us inside what it's like at the line of scrimmage with quarterbacks like Brady and Rodgers making adjustments. Chris Hoke says it will be 24-20 Steelers and Jaylen Warren is the MVP!

Hokie thinks this is a bigger game for the Bengals than the Steelers. Joe Flacco adds a new rinkle. Hokie thinks the Steelers are going to get the ball out of Aaron Rodgers' hand quickly and control the tempo of the game. Hokie takes us inside what it's like at the line of scrimmage with quarterbacks like Brady and Rodgers making adjustments!

Another version of T.J. Watt vs. Myles Garrett. In three additional games, T.J. Watt has more sacks, tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and head-to-head wins. Hokie thinks this is one of the best Browns defensive lines they've had in years.

Pat Freiermuth is becoming less involved in the pass game. Darnell Washington has been a good blocker but taken away Freiermuth's snap counts. The Steelers ran the tush with Connor Heyward and worked pretty well. Jalen Ramsey brings a toughness to the defense and an attitude they need.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Chris Hoke: Another version of T.J. Watt vs. Myles Garrett. In three additional games, T.J. Watt has more sacks, tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and head-to-head wins. Hokie thinks this is one of the best Browns defensive lines they've had in years. Chris Hoke predicts a Steelers win 20-19.

Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward played more snaps than Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. A big reason why was because of the running game. Aaron Rodgers only has a 50.4 overall grade by PFF. Hokie would have kicked the field goal on 4th and goal at the three when the Steelers were stopped at the one.

The quarterbacks in the AFC North are Aaron Rodgers, Dillon Gabriel, Jack Browning, and Cooper Rush. Joe Burrow has been sacked 201 times in 71 games. 100% Chris would feel confident picking the Steelers to win the AFC North. The Steelers are still having too many defensive communication issues.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Chris Hoke: Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward played more snaps than Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. A big reason why was because of the running game. Seven of the Steelers best plays were in a jumbo package. Aaron Rodgers only has a 50.4 overall grade by PFF. 100% Chris would feel confident picking the Steelers to win the AFC North.

The Vikings are 4-0 in international games and beat the Steelers in 2013. Hokie thought that Derrick Harmon was relentless and had a great debut. Hokie said his teams played good technique instead of trying to make big plays, because technique will put you in position. That's his concern and issue with Keeanu Benton.

Hokie grades Aaron Rodgers with a B+ and a big reason the Steelers are 2-1. Success in the red zone has been critical. Should Roman Wilson play more? Chris thinks the Steelers will lose in Ireland in a close game. He's worried about Carson Wentz at quarterback.

Hour 2 with Donny Football and Chris Hoke: Hokie thought that Derrick Harmon was relentless and had a great debut. "This guy is going to be a star in Pittsburgh." Hokie said his teams played good technique instead of trying to make big plays, because technique will put you in position. Chris thinks the Steelers will lose in Ireland in a close game and he's worried about Carson Wentz at quarterback.

Jeff Passan said the salary cap is going to be a significant part of labor negotiations and there is a real chance there is no 2027 MLB season. Chris Hoke was critical of Keeanu Benton and how he hasn't improved. Who are the best athletes in PGH sports history below 5'7''?

Hokie said players aren't staying in their gaps and not playing technique. He wants to see Yahya Black play more at nose. The Steelers defense was beat by the same play on touchdowns from New York and Seattle on deep pass plays to the right pilon.

The Steelers need to win at the line of scrimmage at the point of attack. Hokie is a fan of the tush push. He doesn't think Tom Brady should be in the booth coaching and a broadcaster at the same time. Hokie thinks the Steelers will lose Sunday in New England.

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani, Joe Starkey, and Chris Hoke: Hokie said players aren't staying in their gaps and not playing technique. He wants to see Yahya Black play more at nose. The Steelers need to win at the line of scrimmage at the point of attack. Chris thinks the Steelers will lose in New England.

Chris was impressed by Aaron Rodgers, especially with the amount of pressure he was under. Hokie thinks the Steelers need to improve their running game between Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Hokie thinks Payton Wilson was caught off guard during the game and the Jets went right at him. The Steelers underestimated Breece Hall.

Chris Hoke thinks Jabrill Peppers is a physical defender the Steelers can put in the box and stop the run. The running game and battle in the trenches will be very, very important. Chris picks the Steelers to win but by what score?

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani, Joe Starkey, and Chris Hoke: Chris had his car stolen from the airport on Monday last week. Chris was impressed by Aaron Rodgers, especially with the amount of pressure he was under. Hokie thinks the Steelers need to improve their running game between Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. The running game and battle in the trenches will be very, very important. Chris picks the Steelers to win 24-21.

Former Steeler Chris Hoke joined the show. Hokie isn't worried about Cam Heyward, saying he will be on the field in Week 1 no matter what. Chris thinks Heyward deserves the money as one of the best in the business. Chris kept saying that Heyward is a ‘team guy' and isn't worried about where this leaves the rest of the operation. Hokie called out teams for often not honoring contracts the way players are always told to. Chris really likes what he has seen from Derrick Harmon in camp so far. He also thinks Yahya Black will contribute a lot more than people expect early on. Hokie won't fault a guy for having confidence and said he isn't bothered by Juan Thornhill thinking the current Steelers defense can be one of the best of all-time. Chris is excited to watch Jack Sawyer more than any other player on Saturday night. Kaleb Johnson is the player he chose on the offensive side of the ball.

BREAKING: Chris Boswell is also going through a silent hold-in at training camp, per ESPN. We took calls on that news and the Cam Heyward situation. Former Steeler Chris Hoke joined the show. Hokie isn't worried about Cam Heyward, saying he will be on the field in Week 1 no matter what. Chris thinks Heyward deserves the money as one of the best in the business. Chris kept saying that Heyward is a ‘team guy' and isn't worried about where this leaves the rest of the operation. Hokie called out teams for often not honoring contracts the way players are always told to. Chris really likes what he has seen from Derrick Harmon in camp so far. He also thinks Yahya Black will contribute a lot more than people expect early on. Hokie won't fault a guy for having confidence and said he isn't bothered by Juan Thornhill thinking the current Steelers defense can be one of the best of all-time. Chris is excited to watch Jack Sawyer more than any other player on Saturday night. Kaleb Johnson is the player he chose on the offensive side of the ball. More calls on the Cam Heyward hold-in news.

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?” sounds like a chastisement. Until we remember that the only reason that ANYone knows that Jesus' tomb is empty is because a whole crew of faithful women showed up at the place of death, with the intention of attending to the dead. Indeed, it is only by returning again and again to the tombs of today's Empires that we can be gathered as resurrection communities who follow Jesus' call to “storm the gates of Hades” which shall never prevail against us. May we keep seeking (and finding!) the living (and life!) among the dead (and places of death!). May we do so until every gate to hell is crumbled and ALL are free.Sermon begins at minute marker 2:12Luke 24.1-12Resources:BibleWorm podcast: Episode 638 – Remember What He Told You, Amy Robertson and Robert Williamson, Jr.“Not the story we wanted: An Easter and arrest story,” an emailed letter from Chris Hoke, Underground Ministries, April 18, 2025.Learn more about La Resistencia - “No estan solos; You are not alone.”Learn more about Community of Hope Mennonite Church in Bellingham WA - with gratitude for Pastor Rachael Weasley's words, shared from a letter.Image: table turning at the Northwest Detention Center; Mennonite Action “God's Love Knows No Borders” sign visible, April 2025

Chris Hoke joins to discuss Steelers success vs Lamar, how the Eagles demoralized the Steelers, Watt's injury outlook, the tush push and if it should be illegal, the penalty on Monty Adams on the long snapper, what Hokie is watching for after the first Steelers/Ravens game, what the best playoff opponent would be in the first round

Hokie listens to Mullys the Snowman and loves it. Is Patrick Queen been good, JPJ's up and down season, his prediction for Steelers/Ravens, he has Baltimore winning 28-27, how Ravens week hits different.

Chris Hoke joins to discuss Steelers success vs Lamar, how the Eagles demoralized the Steelers, Watt's injury outlook, the tush push and if it should be illegal, the penalty on Monty Adams on the long snapper, what Hokie is watching for after the first Steelers/Ravens game, what the best playoff opponent would be in the first round. Hokie listens to Mullys the Snowman and loves it. Is Patrick Queen been good, JPJ's up and down season, his prediction for Steelers/Ravens, he has Baltimore winning 28-27, how Ravens week hits different. 

Joe had a great time at Mike's Beer Bar last night. Thinking back to the 2024 Pittsburgh sports year. Positivity for the Steelers compared to a year ago. Skenes has been a huge story. There were some big collapses too. Pitt/WVU for the game of the year. Malkin's 500th for play of the year. Justin Fields pass against the Browns was the worst play. Biggest snubs of year - Watt, Pitt MBB missing tournament, Rowdy getting stiffed. We miss Ron Cook. Jagr's return was awesome. Highs and lows of the year. A caller calls it a "convoluted" year. Another caller gets dumped and Joe shames him mercilessly. Chris Hoke joins to discuss Steelers success vs Lamar, how the Eagles demoralized the Steelers, Watt's injury outlook, the tush push and if it should be illegal, the penalty on Monty Adams on the long snapper, what Hokie is watching for after the first Steelers/Ravens game, what the best playoff opponent would be in the first round. Hokie listens to Mullys the Snowman and loves it. Is Patrick Queen been good, JPJ's up and down season, his prediction for Steelers/Ravens, he has Baltimore winning 28-27, how Ravens week hits different. Brian Batko provides the latest injury updates on Watt and Pickens, who are trending in opposite directions. Deshon Elliott looks unlikely to play, why have the Steelers had the Ravens number, the usage of Muth. Andrew Destin joins to discuss his competitiveness, his attempt to portray Kevin McHale on Winning Time, what the Pirates might do and what about Joc Pederson, which Pirates pitcher could be traded. Who would be the best matchup for the Steelers in the playoffs in the opening round - the Broncos are becoming scary. Are the Bills the team to beat, or is it still the Chiefs? Are the Steelers a mental hurdle Lamar can't clear? Calls on who the Steelers want to face

Chris Hoke joins to discuss the Pickens situation, his memories of a fumble recovery, Russ' second half against the Browns, Mike Williams involvement. Who is Chris' pick for Steelers MVP, Deshon Elliott's impact on the Steelers, Watt moving around the field, how he'd handle Hard Knocks if he was still playing. Will this stretch of games show Pickens' value to the Steelers and if he'll be resigned, Saquon and how he can be stopped, Boswell as the real MVP, the challenges of playing in Philly and their passing attack, Jalen Hurts = Justin Fields? 

Jason sets the stage for today's show. Looking at Steelers Eagles and the significance of it. Can the Steelers get Muth, Mike Williams and others more involved this week? There are five keys to victory. Contemplating famous substitute teachers. Continuing on Steelers' keys to victory - Mike Williams, contain Jalen Carter, stay healthy, Jalen Hurts has been serviceable but not great. Will the Steelers impact Saquon's pursuit of the record? Unintended consequences of the Pirates trade. What's the identity of the team? Chris Hoke joins to discuss the Pickens situation, his memories of a fumble recovery, Russ' second half against the Browns, Mike Williams involvement. Who is Chris' pick for Steelers MVP, Deshon Elliott's impact on the Steelers, Watt moving around the field, how he'd handle Hard Knocks if he was still playing. Will this stretch of games show Pickens' value to the Steelers and if he'll be resigned, Saquon and how he can be stopped, Boswell as the real MVP, the challenges of playing in Philly and their passing attack, Jalen Hurts = Justin Fields?Reacting to Hoke's praise of Deshon Elliott, a caller weighs in on his impact and Minkah's usage. Boswell's case for MVP. A big announcement about Mineo's Pizza, Andrew Destin joins on the Pirates trade, the outlook for free agency and potential positions of need, his audition as Kevin McHale. Reacting to Destin's bombshell about his audition as Kevin McHale. Calls about the Pirates payroll and negative reaction to the trade at 1B. Jeff Hathhorn joins to provide his takeaways from the OC/DC, Wilson's responsibility to spread it around, the Eagles passing attack. 90's video game discussion!

Who is Chris' pick for Steelers MVP, Deshon Elliot's impact on the Steelers, Watt moving around the field, how he'd handle Hard Knocks if he was still playing.

Super Bowl Champion Chris Hoke joined the show. Hokie shares what he would do with a George Pickens extension. Broderick Jones is a calming presence for Pickens. Chris takes us around his office with memorabilia. Communicating in cold weather can be much tougher. Broderick Jones is starting to find confidence and confidence is a significant aspect of getting better.

Starkey thinks TJ Watt is going to have four sacks against the Browns this week. The Steelers secondary needs to stay in their technique because Jameis Winston is going to give them chances to make plays. Joe predicted a large win, but Hokie thinks it will be a close game 24-20.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Super Bowl Champion Chris Hoke joined the show for the full hour. Hokie shares what he would do with a George Pickens extension. Broderick Jones is a calming presence for Pickens. Chris takes us around his office with memorabilia. Communicating in cold weather can be much tougher. Broderick Jones is starting to find confidence and confidence is a significant aspect of getting better. Starkey thinks TJ Watt is going to have four sacks against the Browns this week.

Steelers analyst Chris Hoke joined the show for a full hour. Hokie shares his favorite memories of Steelers-Ravens and all the trash talk. The hard hits are what Chris remembers most and it's like two bullies going at it. How should the Steelers attack Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry? The Ravens are averaging 7.1 yards per play and on pace to be the most in NFL history.

Chris believes Lamar is going to play better than the previous four games against the Steelers and the Ravens win. Derrick Henry changes things for the Ravens and puts them on a new level.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Hokie shares his favorite memories of Steelers-Ravens and all the trash talk. The hard hits are what Chris remembers most and it's like two bullies going at it. How should the Steelers attack Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry? Chris Hoke doesn't think they're as bad as people say the Ravens are. Chris believes Lamar is going to play better than the previous four games against the Steelers and the Ravens win.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Steelers analyst Chris Hoke joined the show for the full hour. Chris explains how Steelers defensive lineman have to get off blocks quicker. Brian Robinson is a big part of the Commanders offense and a key to stopping Washington. Najee's vision at the line of scrimmage has led to better runs and being aggressive.

Chris explains how Steelers defensive lineman have to get off blocks quicker. Payton Wilson has done a nice job assimilating himself into the offense. Brian Robinson is a big part of the Commanders offense and a key to stopping Washington.

Najee's vision at the line of scrimmage hitting the hole has led to better runs and being aggressive. Does Chris have the Steelers winning?

The Steelers are a different kind of offense with Russell Wilson. Chris Hoke put it bluntly, if you have a quarterback you can win.

Chris thinks Najee Harris is running the ball the best he ever has as a Steeler. Najee's vision is much better and Starkey thinks blocking is a significant reason why. Despite not recording a sack, Dexter Lawrence still had a major impact on the game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were winners in Week 1, and while fans are excited about that it doesn't necessarily mean their overall play was perfect. What better way to review their play vs. the Atlanta Falcons and preview the game vs. the Denver Broncos than with former defensive lineman Chris Hoke. Listen in as Hoke joins Jeremy Hritz and Jim Wexell on the Steel City Insider podcast. This podcast is a part of the Steel curtain Network, a proud member of the Fans First Sports Network. Be sure to check out DraftKings Sportsbook for all your Sportsbook needs! Download the NEW DraftKings Pick Six app NOW and use code CURTAIN. That's code CURTAIN for new customers to play $5, and get $50 in Pick 6 credits GUARANTEED, PLUS one month of NFL+ Premium on us! Offer expires 9/19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices