Drive10.16.26Missi: Missi Matthews on Bucs Clash

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Steelers Nation Radio. Good evening, Steeler Nation. How we doing? Well, that's good. Us too. It is hour number two of the drive here on this Friday, our final hour before all eyes turn to Tampa Bay. And you hear that bounce. You know what that means. It means the queen of the sideline is joining us here on the drive. The great Missy Matthews, of course, as she's kind enough to do every single Friday. Missy, thank you for taking the time.

Let's jump right into it. And, you know, Matt and I were doing some matchup segments in the first hour of the show and just some kind of scene setting stuff. And there's a ton of different Pittsburgh ties to this Tampa Bay roster, both in terms of, uh, former Steelers, former pit guys, a lot of familiar names. One of those being Danny Smith. Uh, do we need to be on high alert for some special teams trickery down in Tampa Bay on Sunday?

I honestly, you know, Vince Williams asked me about this when I was on with them. Um, yesterday, it's, it's weird. You don't, you really don't know what Danny, he's either going to, you know, pull out one of his tricks or he's going to play you straight and you'll never know which way it's going to be. So it's like the mind game of, do you go in anticipating something to happen or do you try to not think that way?

But then sometimes when you anticipate it's even worse. So I really don't know. Um, but that could, that could, yeah, I'm interested to see, let's just put it that way.

That's a variable that scares the heck out of me. I mean, I could just see a Tampa Bay, Miles Killebrew blocked punt, something like that, of course. I mean, it just sets up. But there's a lot of things that scare me about this game. And going into every game, I'm sure the same way, you realize there's paths to losing.

But I think people look at this team like, ah, they're 1-4, they're terrible, everybody's getting fired, they have no chance. I don't see that at all from this team. I think this is a really difficult game. set up and the wrong time to play them on a, on an extended week. Yeah.

And I think too, like you said, you know, when we were doing the matchup, like the extended rest, there is something to that. And I think especially cause they got a win with the extended rest. And clearly the sealers have yet to win on the road. I understand it's still earlier in the season, but at some point you're going to have to do that, you know? And I think it's, where the things have struggled in terms of communication, specifically on the offensive side of the ball with the O-line. But still, it's something that has to rectify itself in some form or fashion, but their defense is good. And they're notorious for these one-possession games. So it could really go either way. Yes, one and four,

but a few of those could have been flipped and they'd have the same record as the Steelers.

And you mentioned the Steelers' young offensive line, too. Wes and I were talking about this about a half hour ago, that the Bulls' defense really gives inexperienced groups a handful to deal with. I mean, they just throw so much at you, especially on blitz situations, third and long situations. And as you mentioned in the matchup show, no one's really running on Tampa, so they get you in third and long a lot.

Right, right. Yeah, that's where– I'm hoping the expertise and you know, longevity award of Aaron Rogers career and the different things can help dissect things quickly to let them know. But again, I still think this is going to be an awesome environment, whether it's because, you know, the bucks are excited, they got their win, they're, they're back home.

Or it's, you know, the Steelers fans like my brother who live in Florida and want to come to the game to see the Steelers you know, an 80 degree weather. So yeah, It will be interesting to see how it plays out. But I do agree. I think, you know, the Todd Bowles defense is not something to take lightly.

Not that the Steelers are doing that. I'm not inferring that. But I just think that it's not a cakewalk like a lot of people think.

Missy, you know, so much of obviously what we we love from your perspective is the unique angle that you get on the sideline every single game day. Staying with that young Steelers offensive line, I think everyone's seen the clips on social media. Everyone's seen the energy on Sundays out on the field. Just how infectious is that young group, their enthusiasm, their energy? As Matt says, they all kind of have some a-hole in them, and it feels like that.

They sure do, especially Hoffman and McCormick.

That creates a little bit of an edge and an attitude, and I'm sure you can sense that when you're down there.

Well, it was funny when you were first explaining it before you said they, I thought you were going to say, um, Mason McCormick. That's immediately where my head went. Um, because he's wild, you know, like the, the little parts that you have seen of him, um, you know, mic'd up and how funny he is. It's, it's probably 10 times, um, you know, what would be appropriate to put on. And he is one of those guys that, you know, talking to the fans behind the bench, you know, hitting all the offensive linemen who are like sitting down. He's the one up like, ah, let's go. That was great. You know, chasing Jalen down the sideline. Mason is definitely, he's definitely that guy, but we've also learned, you know, Jennings Dunker,

they travel practice squad too. And guys that are on IR, he has been out on the field and we learned this week, Aaron Rogers said he's a good joke teller.

So you always need that in the locker room.

Yeah, it seems like this old line is very versatile in multiple ways.

So I adore the young offensive line. I have super high aspirations for them. I love that. That's how they're team building, but I'm also kind of jealous of your perspective on the field on game day to watch the wide receivers and tight ends block in space and down the field. Is that something you've really noticed that they've bought into this year?

Oh yeah. And it is like a full, everyone bought in on it. Um, And I think, you know, everyone always gives Friar Moose crap for it because, you know, when he came in, he wasn't really known as a blocking guy. So when he does have a nice block, he wants to tell everybody about it. And, you know, people like that as well. But yeah, I just think it is certainly something that is helping. It is why they are the leaders in Yak Yard. So it's been great to see that they're able to create this space.

And again, you have to give credit to Aaron Rodgers and the placement of the ball and how he's manipulating defenses to get guys open. You know, I go back to that New England game and it felt like, is anybody open? Does anybody want the ball? It just seems like it has taken a drastic turn in a good way.

Missy, you know, you kind of mentioned a few moments ago the acumen of this Buccaneers defense. I think particularly they've been so stout against the run this season. is this, this has to be obviously a real onus, a real test for Jalen Warren. We've all seen what he's done the last couple of weeks, especially this past Sunday. And if he can keep that going against this group, this defense, I think that's a great sign for the rest of the year.

Oh yeah. I mean, they're averaging what 3.3 yards per carry allowed against them for it in terms of the box. And I just think, you know, what a week it's been for Jalen Warren, not, that hasn't been a great season too, but you know, the Nickelodeon slime came to practice. He is truly loved by all of his teammates. Could not be happier for him. And he's so humble. I don't want to say he's bashful, but you know, he's, he's a competitor. So you have to have some of that, you know, what did you call it, Matt? So I don't swear on the air.

A little a-hole to him.

Yeah. Okay.

Yeah. He has that. Yeah.

He doesn't like being tackled.

I know that.

Correct. And he likes to let you know, you know, but I just think that there's just something about him, which is why people gravitate towards him. And hence why, you know, this offensive line gets going and gets excited when they see him run the ball like that.

Couldn't agree more. Everybody loves Warren. All that being said, they've asked a lot of them lately. And I think getting Rico back is beneficial for sure.

Absolutely. I mean, I think it was two weeks ago. I was like, I don't want to say we should bubble wrap them, but like we should kind of bubble wrap them because you don't want that to be, you know, something where he ends up not being able to finish out the season or needs to take some games off. But I do think that's where Mike McCarthy, you know, he preaches the sports science aspect of football and how they monitor even, you know, how much exertion is happening in practice. What are they doing in game? How many snaps, this and that. Um, and unfortunately when, you know, Jalen, maybe with that shoulder injury was a little dinged up. Uh, it was kind of like, okay, well give us your best shot. And he did. Yeah. I think, you know, he's,

he's clearly doing better and it's something that you, you want to preserve him, but you also want to utilize him because he's what's making this offense run right now.

Always a fun conversation with the queen of the sideline, Missy Matthews. Make sure you are listening to her on the call on Sunday. with Rob King and Max Starks right here on the Pittsburgh Steelers Audio Network. Missy, great stuff as always. Thank you so much for taking the time. And, well, I guess I'll see you on the plane here tomorrow.

I know. It's, like, packed for 80 degrees. It's bizarre.

Yeah, go get some sunshine.

I will bring you sunscreen.

Not that you'll need it, Wes. Speaking of bizarre, Missy.

I hear Missy takes care of you guys with sunscreen and things of that nature.

She certainly does. And, you know, ibuprofen and Advil. Snacks I've heard as well. Snacks, all that good stuff. And Missy, I'm sure you can relate. I'm never a pack ahead guy, but I'm also 35 now and a little bit smarter than I used to be.

Yeah. Debatable.

And I realized we're going to get back. We're going to get back. We're going to get back late Sunday night from Tampa. And then we're going to have to turn around and fly to France on Wednesday. So right now I have two suitcases in my bedroom and the one has like all shorts and t-shirts and Florida stuff.

And the other has all like, it's going to be 50 degrees and overcast and rainy and France stuff. So I've got the real juxtaposition going on right now.

Well, you're way ahead of me. I didn't even grab my travel suitcase yet to pack for tomorrow. So yeah, You know, I'll figure out France when we get back. I'm a, you know, wait till the last second. So you have to make a decision or you're going to miss the plane type of person. Sure. So that'll be me.

That'll be me, me on Wednesday.

Well, don't, don't, don't be late tomorrow and don't be late on Wednesday. Thanks for the time.

I won't. Bye, guys.

There she goes. Missy Matthews. Fun conversation with her, as always, here on a Friday. Part of teeing up this weekend's action. And when we return, that's exactly what we're going to be focused on. We will run the gambit of week six across the National Football League. And, of course, we will give final thoughts and predictions for Steelers and Bucs down there in Tampa. Wes Shuler, Matt Williamson. It's The Drive, Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network.

Drive10.16.26Missi: Missi Matthews on Bucs Clash

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