The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller

Poni is nervous. He once had a lot of hope for Will Howard, but he can’t believe the amount of hype surrounding a 6th round pick by the team itself. Is this what happens with Mike Tomlin gone? A random conversation about kielbasa for breakfast turned the tide of the segment. Calls on Will Howard and kielbasa for breakfast. The answer we got today from Omar Khan about Broderick Jones has us worried about his football future. Is there any faith in Dylan Cook?

Omar Khan spoke to the media today as the NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis. The biggest takeaway is what he said about quarterback and Mike McCarthy. Do we think Khan wants Aaron Rodgers back the same way the coach wants? The guys believe Khan actually wants Will Howard to start and push to the future, but the coach and owner could be holding that back. Poni has his doubts we find many people that will be calling in defense of the older QB. Would Aaron Rodgers consider any other team besides the Steelers? Would any other team, besides the Steelers, consider him? Sports Court w/ our friends from Edgar Snyder & Associates. With Konnor Griffin mashing the baseball today, the guys asked if any prospect in baseball could make a legal push to be on a big-league roster earlier than they should? After Sidney Crosby was hurt in the Olympics, what legal standing is there when it comes to pro players taking part in international competition? Rob told us baseball and hockey are different, and that each player in MLB has to have insurance policies in-place before they play in something like the World Baseball Classic. He added that players that don’t get insured could lose everything if they get injured.

Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt said things have officially gotten interesting with how the Pirates will handle Konnor Griffin after 2 long home runs today against MLB caliber pitching. Ranger Suarez, one of the best LHP in baseball, allowed the first one, and Matt assured the guys he wasn’t just ‘grooving’ the pitches in there. How difficult is this situation going to be for the Pirates? Matt has noted before that he’s a card collector, so he said he hopes everyone got their Griffin cards already. Could the Pirates have the next Mike Trout on their hands? Matt said he can’t argue with the Pirates if they decide to send Griffin down for some final fine tuning before the season.

Last season it was Shedeur Sanders that got the love from Mel Kiper Jr going into the draft. This year’s name appears to be Ty Simpson and Kiper, yet again, has the Steelers connected to the QB. Are we even positive that Simpson is better than Kenny Pickett? Poni said he would be more upset about the Steelers drafting Simpson would be worse than bringing Aaron Rodgers back.

A random conversation about kielbasa for breakfast turned the tide of the segment.

Poni is nervous. He once had a lot of hope for Will Howard, but he can’t believe the amount of hype surrounding a 6th round pick by the team itself. Is this what happens with Mike Tomlin gone?

Sports Court w/ our friends from Edgar Snyder & Associates. With Konnor Griffin mashing the baseball today, the guys asked if any prospect in baseball could make a legal push to be on a big-league roster earlier than they should? After Sidney Crosby was hurt in the Olympics, what legal standing is there when it comes to pro players taking part in international competition? Rob told us baseball and hockey are different, and that each player in MLB has to have insurance policies in-place before they play in something like the World Baseball Classic. He added that players that don’t get insured could lose everything if they get injured.

Omar Khan spoke to the media today as the NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis. The biggest takeaway is what he said about quarterback and Mike McCarthy. Do we think Khan wants Aaron Rodgers back the same way the coach wants? The guys believe Khan actually wants Will Howard to start and push to the future, but the coach and owner could be holding that back. Poni has his doubts we find many people that will be calling in defense of the older QB.

2-23 PM Team Full Show

2-23 PM Team 5pm Hour

Will any of the Team USA players play this week? Chris Mack says that the Jack Hughes goal was the biggest one in Team USA history.

Ryan Whitney says that this was the best sporting event that he has ever watched. Is that a little dramatic? One caller said it was definitely the best hockey game that he had ever watched.

2-23 PM Team 4pm Hour

Bubba Chandler did not have a good day at the office today against the Yankees. He had four walks in the first inning. It still seems like his control issues are there. Was Bill Mazeroski's home run in the 1960 World Series the most important moment in Pittsburgh Sports History?

PM Team Draft Expert Ryan Wilson joins the show. He is currently in Indy for the Draft Combine. Ryan says the biggest story Ty Simpson will throw, and the conversations that will follow. Ryan gave high praise to some of the offensive linemen participating in the Combine. Ryan says Simpson will be a first-round pick; the only question is how much the New York Jets like him at pick 16.

Mark Kaboly is interested in Jaylen Waddle. Kaboly and Jeff Hathhorn are sharing the same room at the NFL Combine. If the Steelers added Waddle, where would their wide receiver room rank in the NFL? Poni says they're not winning anything with Rodgers even after adding Waddle. What is the status of Broderick Jones?

2-23 PM Team 3pm Hour

The Donny Football Debrief: The NHL is returning to the All Star Game next year in what will probably be the worst event of all time. Could the Cowboys franchise tag George Pickens?

Crosby said that Team Canada "deserved better." Nathan MacKinnon said that Canada was the better team. All that matters is the scoreboard and it showed that Team USA won 2-1. Poni says that he thinks some players value the process more than the results. The guys say that MacKinnon should be more upset about missing an open net than thinking they deserved better.

2-23 PM Team 2pm Hour

Tyler Kennedy joins the show! Did he celebrate as a US Citizen or a Canadian Citizen? When Jack Hughes scored, he said he was gutted but the rest of the house was celebratory. Tyler says that if Crosby plays, the Canadians would have won. TK says this was probably Crosby's last chance to play in the Olympics.

Do you feel bad for Sidney Crosby? Is Crosby going to play in the 2030 Olympics? If this was his last chance, he could not win Gold. Poni says that he feels bad for Sid because he couldn't finish. I do not feel bad for him. This was a prime opportunity for the younger generation to get the job done while Crosby has already been there and done that. Mullsy agrees with Poni. Daryl, who wanted Sid to break his leg a week ago, calls in. He says he cares about Sid as a Penguin.

Pirates great AJ Burnett and new Bucco Brandon Lowe join the Fan, former Steeler Zach Banner defends Tomlin and Ben, and more!

2-20 PM Team Whole Show

2-20 PM Team 3pm Hour

2-20 PM Team 5pm Hour

Open Phone Friday

If the Pirates go 82-80, is it a good season? Mullsy does not think so. With the new additions and current best pitcher in baseball, they should aim for more than that. Mullsy needs 86 or more.

2-20 Mark Kaboly joins the PM Team in the studio

Who will have a better career: Marc Bugler or Will Howard, Brandon Lowe, and Fair Game with Nick Farabaugh

New Pirate second baseman Brandon Lowe joins the show! Does he have the Spring Training schedule memorized? He says that during his first Spring Training in professional ball, one player never made an out but was still sent to Low Single A. Konnor Griffin is turning some heads, Brandon says Griffin is handling the pressure like a 10 year veteran. He gave the two World Series home run balls that he hit to his dad. Who is harder to get a hit off of: Paul Skenes or Brandon's wife, who played softball at Maryland?

Curling is shuffleboard on ice. Marc Bulger is very interested in curling. He has a massive bet with Jared Allen about curling. Who will have a better NFL career: Bulger or Will Howard?

Team USA Gold or Pens playoff run, Pens fans chime in, and Poni is upset at Donny Football

The Donny Football Debrief. Poni is highly offended that he was not invited to Donny's Bachelor Party. I defend Donny for not inviting the guys. I think they're on the older side of things. Poni and Mueller say they would cover most of the bills, which I don't think Donny wanted them to do.

If you could only choose between a Penguins playoff appearance or a USA Gold Medal, which would you choose? Team Canada defeated Finland earlier to earn a berth in the Gold Medal game. This sets up a possible Team Canada vs Team USA Gold Medal showdown. Sidney Crosby sounds like he could play in the Gold Medal game. What should Penguins fans want more: Crosby winning Gold or a Penguins playoff berth for the first time in 3 seasons?

PM Team FULL Show 2-19-26

Is Aaron Rodgers done? Aditi told the guys yesterday that she is hearing something different than what everyone else is assuming – that Rodgers is done. And not just done with the Steelers, but done entirely. If Aditi is right, where does that leave the Steelers? If that is the case, it will be 6 different starting QBs in 6 seasons. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said the Steelers don’t have 100% assurance that Aaron Rodgers will be back. Ray doubts we will know this time next week, but he expects there to be an answer by free agency. Ray believes the Steelers absolutely have a backup plan if Rodgers retires or chooses to play elsewhere in 2026, but isn’t sure what it is. Ray confidently said Will Howard will not be the Steelers Week 1 starting QB. If Ray was in charge he would want to retool a little bit, but not completely tear things down. Total Request Thursday.

Paul Skenes said he can’t wait to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Does that sit with us any different after seeing Sidney Crosby get hurt in the Olympics? An update on Sid – he is ‘unlikely’ to play in the semifinal game against Finland. Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve has no idea what is going on with Brandon Aiyuk, but he’s become the biggest mystery man in the NFL. Steve likes the other 49ers free agent WR, Jauan Jennings because he’s simply the more dependable player. Could the Steelers make AJ Brown work in their offense? Steve thinks the Steelers should be open to trading a late-round pick for Anthony Richardson because it’s another shot at franchise quarterback. Steve wanted to set the record straight that he didn’t trash Will Howard last week. Steve said there are bad elements of college football that are not preparing QBs for the pros. Donny Football Debrief – The Browns could be losing their entire offensive line due to free agency. We’re not sure if that has ever happened before.

Mike Wagner passed away last night. Is he on the Steelers all-time team? The guys debated. A few positions were tough to decide. KDKA TV’s Bob Pompeani joined the show. Bob sounded down in the dumps because was very close to losing a bet to Tyler Kennedy on the Olympics. Bob admitted to the guys that he doesn’t care for gravy. Bob remembered Mike Wagner, the former 70s Steelers safety that passed away last night. Bob gave some financial advice when it comes to young couples. Pomp told the guys he does not like doing projects around the house because he’s afraid he will mess things up. During the chat, Bob’s bet is back to life. Power Rankings – Pittsburgh sports ‘glue’ guys.

Is Sidney Crosby going to play tomorrow for Canada? Are you OK with that if it’s further risking injury and he possibly misses the rest of the Penguins season? The guys think it would be Sid trying to have his cake and eat it too after stating recently that winning a Stanley Cup means more than winning a gold medal. If that’s the case, he should not play in the remainder of the Olympics. Are fans cool with Sidney Crosby playing in the rest of the Olympics if it means he could hamper the rest of the Penguins season? Pirates insider Jason Mackey from the PG joined the show. Jason doesn’t have Konnor Griffin on his Opening Day roster projection, but said Griffin’s spring performance could easily change that. Jason doesn’t think the Pirates would be mad or upset if they had the easy call to play Griffin in Triple A to begin the season. More discussion as to what it will take for Griffin to break into the bigs immediately. Jason said Konnor isn’t boring like some athletes can be – Mike Trout, for example. Poni was stunned to hear that Bryan Reynolds will be the starter in left field despite his defensive lapses. Jason said it feels like they are shoehorning Ryan O’Hearn into the outfield when he’s more of a first baseman. Jason thinks Jared Triolo (3B) and Nick Gonzales (SS) will be the left side of their infield when the season begins.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said the Steelers don’t have 100% assurance that Aaron Rodgers will be back. Ray doubts we will know this time next week, but he expects there to be an answer by free agency. Ray believes the Steelers absolutely have a backup plan if Rodgers retires or chooses to play elsewhere in 2026, but isn’t sure what it is. Ray confidently said Will Howard will not be the Steelers Week 1 starting QB. If Ray was in charge he would want to retool a little bit, but not completely tear things down.

Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve has no idea what is going on with Brandon Aiyuk, but he’s become the biggest mystery man in the NFL. Steve likes the other 49ers free agent WR, Jauan Jennings because he’s simply the more dependable player. Could the Steelers make AJ Brown work in their offense? Steve thinks the Steelers should be open to trading a late-round pick for Anthony Richardson because it’s another shot at franchise quarterback. Steve wanted to set the record straight that he didn’t trash Will Howard last week. Steve said there are bad elements of college football that are not preparing QBs for the pros.

KDKA TV’s Bob Pompeani joined the show. Bob sounded down in the dumps because was very close to losing a bet to Tyler Kennedy on the Olympics. Bob admitted to the guys that he doesn’t care for gravy. Bob remembered Mike Wagner, the former 70s Steelers safety that passed away last night. Bob gave some financial advice when it comes to young couples. Pomp told the guys he does not like doing projects around the house because he’s afraid he will mess things up. During the chat, Bob’s bet is back to life.

Mike Wagner passed away last night. Is he on the Steelers all-time team? The guys debated. A few positions were tough to decide.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey from the PG joined the show. Jason doesn’t have Konnor Griffin on his Opening Day roster projection, but said Griffin’s spring performance could easily change that. Jason doesn’t think the Pirates would be mad or upset if they had the easy call to play Griffin in Triple A to begin the season. More discussion as to what it will take for Griffin to break into the bigs immediately. Jason said Konnor isn’t boring like some athletes can be – Mike Trout, for example. Poni was stunned to hear that Bryan Reynolds will be the starter in left field despite his defensive lapses. Jason said it feels like they are shoehorning Ryan O’Hearn into the outfield when he’s more of a first baseman. Jason thinks Jared Triolo (3B) and Nick Gonzales (SS) will be the left side of their infield when the season begins.

Is Sidney Crosby going to play tomorrow for Canada? Are you OK with that if it’s further risking injury and he possibly misses the rest of the Penguins season? The guys think it would be Sid trying to have his cake and eat it too after stating recently that winning a Stanley Cup means more than winning a gold medal. If that’s the case, he should not play in the remainder of the Olympics.

PM Team FULL Show 2-18-26

A source told Poni that there is a Steelers player everyone expects to be back that won’t be. Who could it be? This comes on the heels of Aditi telling us that the chances of Aaron Rodgers coming back is ‘miniscule.’ We wondered who the player could be. Which one would truly be a ‘surprise’ if they didn’t return? Judge Donny – Does Ben Roethlisberger deserve credit for not firing back at Joey Porter Sr.? USA is in OT against Sweden. Do we have an update on Sidney Crosby?

A few NFL insiders believe CJ Stroud is available via trade. What will that cost? The Steelers have a dozen picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which should have them open for business. Stroud is sour on people’s minds because he was horrible in the playoffs this year, even in the blowout win over the Steelers. He hasn’t gotten better since his rookie season, but it’s hard to not have any interest with a 24-year-old QB that has won a playoff game in all 3 seasons. One longtime Texans writer said he would stand naked at a busy intersection in Houston if the Texans trade Stroud. Things went very off the rails after that. ALL ACCESS w/ Aditi – Aditi said any NFL GM is going to look into any player that may be available in any given offseason, so the CJ Stroud story doesn’t have a ton of legs right now. Did Minnesota decide on Sam Darnold due to 2 bad games to end his season before signing in Seattle and winning a Super Bowl? Aditi said sometimes rookies catch the league by surprise, the way Stroud did in 2023. What is the Steelers’ ceiling if they decide to run it back with Aaron Rodgers in 2026? Aditi doesn’t buy into all of the belief that Rodgers will be back in Pittsburgh next season – going as far to say the chances are ‘miniscule.’ Aditi thinks there is a roughly equal chance that Malik Willis is the Steelers QB in comparison to Rodgers. Donny Football Debrief – Baldwin football has announced it will play an independent football schedule, leaving the WPIAL and a local coaching legend could be returning to his old sideline. And S/O Joe Grushecky.

Did we get an indication on what the Pirates are going to do with Konnor Griffin? It felt like Don Kelly gave a hint, in a recent interview with Shelby Cassessee, that Griffin could be looking at the first month of the season in Triple A. Do we all want him on the Opening Day roster? Griffin is 1 of their 9 best players, which should give him a role. If they had added another bat from someone on the left side of the infield, would that change your mind? Paul Skenes spent some time in Triple A, so would it be the worst thing if Griffin did the same? Kelly said it would be a ‘tough ask’ for Griffin to be here on Opening Day. The Tony Clark situation is… something. Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk joined the show. Mike had a quick reaction to the Tony Clark situation, even though that is baseball related. After Joey Porter spoke out about Ben Roethlisberger, the guys asked Mike if that would impact his Hall of Fame candidacy. Mike doesn’t think $40M for Malik Willis is outrageous at all because it’s only 66.6% of what the quarterback market is. Does anyone out there want Tyreek Hill? Mike thinks there are enough teams that can use him and enough that want him that would look passed the off-the-field issues and his injury. Mike said the Steelers drafting Ty Simpson would be the clearest sign that the team isn’t as giddy on Will Howard as they made it sound. He said their open love for Howard could be a way to move teams off the scent. After Sam Darnold won the Super Bowl, is it a requirement to have a superstar QB? Mike has never met Snoop Dogg despite being at several big events.