Podcast appearances and mentions of Chris Hoke

Former Steelers DT Chris Hoke joined the show. Hokie reacted to the Keeanu Benton extension and what the Steelers see in his future. Chris described Benton as a ‘playmaker' which isn't always the case for guys on the defensive line. What made him out of position at nose tackle? Benton wasn't a good run defender because he was trying to make too many plays. Hokie talked about the design of the defense in the 2000s and why the linebackers thrived every year. Are we going to see more Benton now that he is paid? Hokie pointed out a way to keep Cam Heyward fresh late in the games. Chris wants to see better pad level from Yahya Black, but he thinks the second-year nose tackle can take a big leap. Is Gabriel Rubio going to make the team after not having much of a chance after the NFL Draft?

Packers reporter Tom Silverstein joins to discuss his perspective of the McCarthy and Rodgers dynamic, who might see time for the Packers tonight, how Rodgers approached preseason with the Pack, could Rodgers go rogue if the season falls apart. Chris Hoke jumps on to discuss his son's practice at Pitt, which Steelers he will be focused on tonight, Roman Wilsons's outlook, the battle at right tackle, the trio of edge rushers all playing together, what big changes he wants to see under McCarthy. 

Packers reporter Tom Silverstein joins to discuss his perspective of the McCarthy and Rodgers dynamic, who might see time for the Packers tonight, how Rodgers approached preseason with the Pack, could Rodgers go rogue if the season falls apart. Chris Hoke jumps on to discuss his son's practice at Pitt, which Steelers he will be focused on tonight, Roman Wilsons's outlook, the battle at right tackle, the trio of edge rushers all playing together, what big changes he wants to see under McCarthy.

It's finally a Steelers gameday again. Things finally feel different with a new coach. Patrick Graham went from a no-name defense with the Raiders to one littered with stars. Poni does a nice impression of Skinner's mom. Will Howard will play in a game for the first time in a long, long time. Allar has no pressure tonight. Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard should get some extended run. Dylan Cook will play but IMax is out. The Steelers can't play this like they did with Broderick Jones vs Dan Moore a few years ago. Lew Nichols could steal the show. Could Kaleb Johnson lose his spot? Daylen Everette and RSJ could get a chance to shine. We have suggestions for a new nickname for Austin. A caller wants more no-huddle. Another is excited about Rico Dowdle. A wrestling question is posed. The Pirates killed their season in a span of 2 weeks. Carmen Mlodzinski was bad again. Callers aren't happy about Don Kelly. We shout out Ryan Scarpino. Donny was at his alma mater this week and gave a speech to the team. Pirates fans trace the team's problems back to ownership. Will there be a lockout? We hear comments from Donny Kelly after last night. What was the downfall of the Pirates season? Elandon Roberts is back with the Steelers. Malik Harrison might be the odd man out. Packers reporter Tom Silverstein joins to discuss his perspective of the McCarthy and Rodgers dynamic, who might see time for the Packers tonight, how Rodgers approached preseason with the Pack, could Rodgers go rogue if the season falls apart. Chris Hoke jumps on to discuss his son's practice at Pitt, which Steelers he will be focused on tonight, Roman Wilsons's outlook, the battle at right tackle, the trio of edge rushers all playing together, what big changes he wants to see under McCarthy. What was Donny's first football jersey? We both had some obscure ones. Jeff Hathhorn stops in to discuss Pitt's football practice. Is Kaleb Johnson a cut candidate? The Wild Things have great promotions. What does Jeff Hathhorn predict of the Steelers' QB rotation. Will Lew Nichols have a moment tonight? The rookies in the secondary have a chance to state their case. What will everyone be talking about tomorrow?

Meet my friend, Chris, co-founder and director of www.undergroundministries.org. Follow his journey from a young man convinced that there must be more to following Jesus than going to church and not sleeping with his girlfriend to a jail chaplain and gang pastor. There is an invitation here for the kind of mutual transformation and resurrection that happens when you enter into relationship with people who have been buried in tombs of mass incarceration. I know you will be inspired and possibly even moved to get involved.

Hokie would hire Chris Shula. He thinks that Shula fits the mold of what the Steelers have liked. The trend in the NFL over the years have been offensive coaches. Hokie isn't sold on Will Howard, but agrees with Ben Roethlisberger that they need to build the roster to help a quarterback. Hokie thinks it's important to take one step back to take five steps forward.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Chris Hoke would hire Chris Shula. He thinks that Shula fits the mold of what the Steelers have liked. Hokie thinks it's important to take one step back to take five steps forward. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Nate Scheelhaase blew the Steelers away in his interview. The Pirates have four prospects in the Top 40 of Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list.

Hokie was taken back by Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 years and knows Mike Tomlin as a man and loves him after winning a championship with him. Hokie thinks the fire Tomlin chants impacted Tomlin and his family. Hokie thinks a defensive coach and a great offensive mind is a good model. Hokie would trade T.J. Watt for the right package! He would not bring back Jalen Ramsey.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Steelers are going to interview Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Rams pass game coordinator Nate Sheelhaase, and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Chris Hoke on the coaching search, Mike Tomlin, and players to move on. Should Steelers hire a former head coach as their head coach??

Chris Hoke told the midday show that the Steelers should trade TJ Watt. The guys connected that to the Mike DeFabo story that came out earlier today about the players sobbing over Mike Tomlin stepping down as the Steelers head coach. We also got JJ Watt chirping Poni. Shouldn't Watt want to play for a team that can win it all now as his career turns to the back nine? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said there will not be an attempt by the Steelers to tank or take a step back to take a couple steps forward. Ray said the arrow is now pointing to 2027 for a QB in the draft because the guys just aren't there this year and the Steelers are selecting 21st. Ray said the Steelers should approach both TJ Watt and Cam Heyward as trade pieces this off-season. Ray said the Steelers' job is attractive due to stability, but the Ravens probably have the best situation since they already have Lamar Jackson in-place. Ray gets the feel that the Steelers have a lot of respect for Sean McVay given the way they have opened their doors to interviewing ‘his' guys. Ray commented on Jeff Hafley getting an interview and talked about knowing Jeff back to his days at Pitt. Total Request Thursday.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Chris thinks there are so many similarities with Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh. Hokie wonders if we would be having this conversation with the Steelers and Mike Tomlin parting ways if Tyler Loop made the game-winning field goal Sunday. Chris Hoke makes his NFC and AFC playoff picks with Pomp and Joe. Hokie thinks Aaron Rodgers will drive the Steelers down the field and win the game against Houston. T

Chris Hoke makes his NFC and AFC playoff picks with Pomp and Joe. Hokie thinks Aaron Rodgers will drive the Steelers down the field and win the game against Houston. The Steelers have not lost at home on Monday Night Football in the century.

Chris thinks there are so many similarities with Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh. Hokie wonders if we would be having this conversation with the Steelers and Mike Tomlin parting ways if Tyler Loop made the game-winning field goal. Hokie gives credit to Benton, Heyward, and Harmon for great play up front against Baltimore on Sunday.

The Steelers maintained momentum and applied pressure on the Dolphins in the second half. Derrick Harmon has been impactful as a rookie despite not a lot of splash plays.

Patrick Queen is impressing Joe. Chris Hoke thinks that Queen plays better when the defensive line is keeping him clean and Queen can fly to the football. The Steelers will see the Chargers, Bills, Texans, or Jaguars, more than likely, in the first round if they make the playoffs. Hokie would rather play the Chargers and does NOT want to play Buffalo.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Chris Hoke: The Steelers maintained momentum and applied pressure on the Dolphins in the second half. Derrick Harmon has been impactful as a rookie despite not a lot of splash plays. Detroit needs to win this game and likely to win out. Chris Hoke thinks that Queen plays better when the defensive line is keeping him clean and Queen can fly to the football.

Hokie thought Isaiah Likely caught the ball in the end zone and thought there were tough calls against the Ravens. The Steelers offense is heavily dependent on Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers defense allows 100 more yards rushing per game when Derrick Harmon is not on the field.

Chris Hoke would keep Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig next year. He is worried about Highsmith's health but plays tough in the run and is a relentless player. Joe thinks the Ravens are broken, but Hokie thinks the Ravens should have won and are dangerous.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: The Steelers offense is heavily dependent on Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers defense allows 100 more yards rushing per game when Derrick Harmon is not on the field. Chris Hoke would keep Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig next year. Joe thinks the Ravens are broken, but Hokie thinks the Ravens should have won and are dangerous.

The Steelers defense gave up 249 yards rushing to the Bills, the most by an opponent in Acrisure Stadium history. The defensive line and linebackers are not staying in their gaps. Hokie doesn't think Patrick Queen is good at getting off blocks.

Chris Hoke thinks there's a lack of trust between Aaron Rodgers and the wide receivers. Hokie thinks the Ravens are similar to the Steelers with their inconsistency. Hokie thinks the Ravens win and doesn't think the Steelers can stop Derrick Henry.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Chris Hoke: The Steelers defense gave up 249 yards rushing to the Bills, the most by an opponent in Acrisure Stadium history. The defensive line and linebackers are not staying in their gaps. Darius Slay was an experiment that didn't come to fruition. Chris Hoke thinks there's a lack of trust between Aaron Rodgers and the wide receivers.

Live from Acrisure Stadium, retired Steelers Linebacker, Arthur Moats, interviews 2x Steelers Super Bowl Champion, Chris Hoke, to talk about his journey to the Steelers, playing in 3 Super Bowls, his 1st impression of the City of Pittsburgh plus more!

Chris Hoke discusses the roughing the passer calls against the Bengals. They're terrible calls, but by rules it's a penalty. Hokie discusses how Aaron Rodgers will need to protect himself with his wrist injury. Hokie shares how he was the first advocate for Mason Rudolph. Not Mark Kaboly. Hokie wants the Steelers to give Mason Rudolph a chance.

Chris Hoke shares how George Pickens was late to meetings, the team plane, and didn't have accountability. Hokie thinks the Steelers needed a new voice and had to move on. Hokie thinks Steelers-Bears will be a one-point game??

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Chris Hoke: Hokie discusses how Aaron Rodgers will need to protect himself with his wrist injury. Hokie shares how he was the first advocate for Mason Rudolph. Not Mark Kaboly. Hokie wants the Steelers to give Mason Rudolph a chance at some point. Chris Hoke shares how George Pickens was late to meetings, the team plane, and didn't have accountability.

If the Steelers don't fix this, they will QUICKLY win the division. Aaron Rodgers had 65 yards passing on the final drive. Other than that, Rodgers played poorly. Jaylen Warren is the best back in the offense and Hokie wants him to receive more carries.

Jon Gruden went on the Fan Morning Show that he would be shocked if Will Howard isn't a very good quarterback. Gruden said he wouldn't expect Howard to be on the bench much longer. Gruden thinks Omar Khan got a steal in the 6th. Chris Hoke thinks things would be different if Howard was a first-round pick, but Howard isn't going to play this year.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani, Joe Starkey, and Chris Hoke: If the Steelers don't fix this, they will QUICKLY win the division. Aaron Rodgers had 65 yards passing on the final drive. Jon Gruden went on the Fan Morning Show that he would be shocked if Will Howard isn't a very good quarterback. Gruden said he wouldn't expect Howard to be on the bench much longer. Gruden thinks Omar Khan got a steal in the 6th.

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.

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:

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.