:10–To start as is always the case, I’ll have to bring you young folks into focus. And the timing for it is still in effect given that we just wrapped up the Christmas holiday. Run, Run, Rudolph is probably the most exciting Christmas song of all time, brought to you in rock and roll fashion by the late, great Chuck Berry. Do yourself a favor and Google it! You’re welcome!
:09–You should know that no matter what happens, I’m out on the limb here giving you the “Here We Go” before the Titans vs. Jaguars or Bills vs. Dolphins game, because I, unlike some of you, believe! That being said, if I am wrong, I am wrong, and I’ll stand loud and proud and own it. (Turns out, I was right! Titans beat the Jaguars on Sunday, Jan. 7)
:08–For all you pretenders out there who want us to believe that you knew Mason Rudolph was the man to take us to The Promised Land, stop it, just stop it. You didn’t know, I didn’t know, Mike Tomlin didn’t know. No one knew except maybe Mason Rudolph. Hold up, wait a minute…let me clear my throat, I stand corrected. KDKA Steeler analyst and pre-and post-game show co-host and former Super Bowl Champion, Chris Hoke, actually called for Rudolph the minute Kenny Pickett went down.
:07–While we’re in the area of I told ya so, now is a good time for me to remind you what I tried to explain to you even before the Steelers wised up and sent Matt Canada packing. (As if you thought I wouldn’t tell you, please…I am the I told ya so guy!) Everything, everything, and I mean everything in football on any level starts with the snap of the ball. The offensive line, aka O-Line, largely determines the success of your offense success, period, end of story!!!
:06–Now that your O-Line is operating at a pro level, you can run the ball effectively. Once that happens, linebackers have to stay put, that then allows your passing game to get in gear, now you’re forcing your safeties to help in coverage and then, boom, touchdown George Pickens! That, boys and girls, is long story short. But, of course, I told ya that didn’t I…didn’t I??
:05–Your nonstop criticism of Najee Harris finally gets dismissed now that he has holes to run through and with renewed energy he can run over people when needed. #1. 6’2” and 240 pounds, #2. A #1 draft pick for a reason, #3. Alabama’s all-time running back in most every category. Sorry, Little Johnnie, but that ain’t no accident or, as they say down south, “That dog don’t hunt!”
:04–Does Rudolph have the talent? Yes! Did he get a fair shake? No! Did the proverbial stars all align? Yes! Success is where talent and luck come together. Quote the legendary philosopher Jim Brown. (Big Smile—RIP)
:03–Injuries are part of the game to be sure. But the Steelers have had more than their share. However, credit must be given 1000 percent-plus for what the next men up have done for the Steelers. Getting some players out the air, off the beach and back in the fold has been nothing short of miraculous.
:02–And, of course, it now forces those of you who have your variety of reasons to dismiss Coach Mike Tomlin, you have no choice other than salute the general. This run will assuredly place him in Coach of the Year conversation. A 17-YEAR NON-LOSING STREAK, THIRD ONLY TO LEGENDARY DALLAS COWBOYS COACH TOM LANDRY, WITH 21 AND BILL BELICHICK OF NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT 19, C’MON MAN!!!
:01–Here are the answers to the questions I know you have. #1. Mason Rudolph remains the QB. #2. Remember, throw out the regular season. The playoffs are a new day. #3. No worries, they will get the ball to George Pickens. How do I know that? Because if they expect to win in the playoffs, they will have to. #4. Most importantly, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reclaimed their identity …smash-mouth, hard-nosed, pulling guard trapping football.
:00–OOH – RAH / GAME OVER!
:05—Please allow me to take this opportunity as we approach the Christmas spirit to pat myself on the back as I tried to tell you repeatedly. Without an effective offensive line, nothing good can follow. Everything starts with the snap of the ball, and for the first time in forever, we do not have a Hall of Fame center to anchor the offensive line, and please understand when I say what I’m about to say, I actually mean it…me and my fellow offensive lineman from our 1970 Penn Hills football team, could actually step in and do a better job than the O-line they have now. Ha! Ha! Ha! Just kidding…but I really mean it. We were awesome in 1970. But I digress.
:04—I’m going to make this next comment as short as his punts. We have the worst punter in football. He gets worse by the week. Now I don’t mean any disrespect, and I’m not quite sure what negative evidence he has on the Rooneys, but Pressley Harvin has got to go. As a matter of fact, whatever bus we sent Matt Canada out of town on, let’s give him a one-way ticket on the same bus. He’s simply not good!!! Not only does his poor punting ability leave us in the negative more often than not, but the real glaring problem is, it doesn’t allow us to flip the field ever during the course of a game.