Starkey & Mueller

NFL Week 13 picks

One of the only national voices willing to step up and call out Mike Tomlin is Colin Cowherd. The guys applauded Cowherd for the act of saying the non-losing season streak means zero in the NFL. Some of the numbers breaking down Tomlin’s shortcomings in years where they simply made the playoffs – only winning playoff games in 4 of those seasons. How many defenses are left for Tomlin? When will the majority of national voices turn the corner?

PM Team FULL Show 11-25-25

Tomlin Takes – What else did Mike Tomlin say to the media today? College Football analyst Danny Kanell from CBS Sports joined the show. Danny shared this his parents are both from Pittsburgh and his dad is still in Pitt’s record book for shotput. The guys did not expect to be having a college football conversation regarding the Pitt Panthers this late in the season. Danny said Mason Heintschel has been super impressive – only showing struggles against a great Notre Dame defense. He gave Heintschel praise for how he bounced back following the Notre Dame game in what led to a big win over Georgia Tech. Will Pitt be able to keep their freshman QB around in the transfer portal/NIL era? Danny thinks Pitt fans should have the same nerves over keeping Kade Bell on their staff. Danny talked about some of the collateral damage in this season’s coaching carousel. Who would be a big-time hire for Penn State? Danny threw around some names for the Nittany Lions, like Bob Chesney, who is currently at JMU. Danny thinks Mi

More former Steelers are beginning to call out Mike Tomlin and his defense, asking what the hell the issue is? James Harrison was irate on his podcast about the Steelers consistent defensive issues and why they have been happening all season long. The guys discussed why the players on the defense matter so much if the coach is a defensive wiz. How much does the scheme need to be fixed? Is it fair of former Steelers to come out and criticize Mike Tomlin? Donny Football Debrief – The 26 modern-day pro football HOF semifinalists have been named. Will this be the year for Hines Ward?

We still don’t know how the Aaron Rodgers decision went down on Sunday morning – or, according to Mike Tomlin, Saturday night. Poni thinks Tomlin is being coy because he has to be careful who he is talking about. Is it more of a gray area for Rodgers when it comes to injuries? The Vegas line has it baked in that Rodgers has a 50/50 chance to play. How much ramp up time does Rodgers need? We found a Mike Tomlin defender out there. Is it the players or the scheme that lead to defensive struggles? Tomlin Tidbit – Mike Tomlin couldn’t wait to answer the Hines Ward HOF question.

Tomlin Tuesday had the guys a bit fiery following the loss to the Bears with a very odd takeaway from Mike Tomlin – blaming the punting/kickoff game for a big reason why the Steelers lost the game. Poni put the ‘mediocre’ mantra on Tomlin and said it was unfair of him to put it on Mason Rudolph. What is Mike’s record since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger? Tomlin was also a wise ass to Chris Carter after asking an X’s & O’s type question. The Bears dirty, bouncy balls played the big factor. Some stats on Mike Tomlin in his last few years as head coach. An interesting Josina Anderson post from this morning referencing a longtime head coach wanting a ‘change of scenery.’ Tomlin-ism of the Week – The Steelers will be missing Broderick Jones and Derrick Harmon on Sunday – a pair of recent 1st round picks. The guys also discussed a few players dinged up going into the weekend. Could we finally see Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Asante Samuel?

College Football analyst Danny Kanell from CBS Sports joined the show. Danny shared this his parents are both from Pittsburgh and his dad is still in Pitt’s record book for shotput. The guys did not expect to be having a college football conversation regarding the Pitt Panthers this late in the season. Danny said Mason Heintschel has been super impressive – only showing struggles against a great Notre Dame defense. He gave Heintschel praise for how he bounced back following the Notre Dame game in what led to a big win over Georgia Tech. Will Pitt be able to keep their freshman QB around in the transfer portal/NIL era? Danny thinks Pitt fans should have the same nerves over keeping Kade Bell on their staff. Danny talked about some of the collateral damage in this season’s coaching carousel. Who would be a big-time hire for Penn State? Danny threw around some names for the Nittany Lions, like Bob Chesney, who is currently at JMU. Danny thinks Miami beats Pitt on Saturday in a close game.

Donny Football Debrief – The 26 modern-day pro football HOF semifinalists have been named. Will this be the year for Hines Ward?

More former Steelers are beginning to call out Mike Tomlin and his defense, asking what the hell the issue is? James Harrison was irate on his podcast about the Steelers consistent defensive issues and why they have been happening all season long. The guys discussed why the players on the defense matter so much if the coach is a defensive wiz. How much does the scheme need to be fixed?

Tomlin Tidbit – Mike Tomlin couldn’t wait to answer the Hines Ward HOF question.

We still don’t know how the Aaron Rodgers decision went down on Sunday morning – or, according to Mike Tomlin, Saturday night. Poni thinks Tomlin is being coy because he has to be careful who he is talking about. Is it more of a gray area for Rodgers when it comes to injuries? The Vegas line has it baked in that Rodgers has a 50/50 chance to play. How much ramp up time does Rodgers need?

Tomlin-ism of the Week – The Steelers will be missing Broderick Jones and Derrick Harmon on Sunday – a pair of recent 1st round picks. The guys also discussed a few players dinged up going into the weekend. Could we finally see Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Asante Samuel?

Tomlin Tuesday had the guys a bit fiery following the loss to the Bears with a very odd takeaway from Mike Tomlin – blaming the punting/kickoff game for a big reason why the Steelers lost the game. Poni put the ‘mediocre’ mantra on Tomlin and said it was unfair of him to put it on Mason Rudolph. Tomlin was also a wise ass to Chris Carter after asking an X’s & O’s type question. The Bears dirty, bouncy balls played the big factor.

PM Team FULL Show 11-24-25

Folks, it is Thanksgiving week and the Ravens have, in fact, caught up to and passed the Steelers (with the tiebreaker) to lead the AFC North. The guys talked about the up and down nature that rides with this team and this fanbase after every single game. We even joked that they will come right back and beat the Bills. Why is the reaction so pronounced every time they lose? A funny stat about Jameis Winston, who took the Lions to OT yesterday. Does Aaron Rodgers win the game yesterday? Time to admit trading George Pickens was a mistake? PM Team Professors.

JJ Watt was ripping the Steelers on the broadcast yesterday. Poni says that he has never seen TJ Watt so visibly distraught and frustrated after a game. Is reality setting in for TJ that he may never win a playoff game in his career? Calls. Patrick Queen expressed his frustration without getting himself in trouble after the game. Caleb Williams was only hit once and attempted 35 passes, which is the lowest pressure rate he has ever faced. Calls. Donny Football Debrief – College football update. Pitt’s ACC Championship game hopes are still alive. There was an article that implied Pitt would miss the playoff even if they beat Miami and won the ACC, which the guys agree is incorrect.

Mike Tomlin said that Mason Rudolph went out and made plays for the Steelers yesterday. How do Poni and Mueller assess his performance? They were more critical than Coach T. The guys discuss DK Metcalf’s lack of ability to bring in 50-50 balls. Mason Rudolph said he found out he was starting on Saturday, but Jonnu Smith said that he didn’t find out that Rudolph was starting until right before the game. Was Aaron Rodgers actually close to being ready for yesterday’s game? More calls. PIT-CHI Game Balls.

Another loss in Chicago as the Bears beat the Steelers, 31-28. We dove right into what went wrong at Soldier Field. Chris said Mike Tomlin showed yet again a gutless philosophy that kills them in these games. He went with Mason Rudolph over Aaron Rodgers, who sat out due to the wrist injury. Was that the right decision? We yet again saw an offense that was afraid to throw the football over the middle of the field – against a very shorthanded defense. It was another example of the Steelers being painfully average. Callers chimed in following the Steelers loss to the Bears, with some calling for Mike Tomlin to be in his final days as head coach. PIT-CHI Plays of the Game.

Folks, it is Thanksgiving week and the Ravens have, in fact, caught up to and passed the Steelers (with the tiebreaker) to lead the AFC North. The guys talked about the up and down nature that rides with this team and this fanbase after every single game. We even joked that they will come right back and beat the Bills. Why is the reaction so pronounced every time they lose? A funny stat about Jameis Winston, who took the Lions to OT yesterday.