A former Mike Tomlin defender is now saying Mike McCarthy is doing a better job. Ryan Clark doesn’t believe Tomlin would be getting this much out of this version of the Steelers. They are 6-2 after 8 games, putting themselves in a good spot heading into the season’s second half. But it’s also fair to point out that the team held a similar record through 8 games in the last 2 seasons. Vibes were very high in 2024 when Russell Wilson had the team had 8-2 and 10-3 at one point. Can this team finish stronger?
What is it about this team with Mike McCarthy that makes it better than some recent Mike Tomlin teams? The Steelers are getting some great schedule luck down the stretch of the season based on some of the QBs they will face.
Derek Schultz from the Locked on Colts Podcast joined the show. What does Josh Downs bring to the Steelers if they make a trade for the Colts wideout? Derek said it’s pretty admirable that Downs has been productive in Indy with some of the QBs he has had to play with. Derek thinks Downs would be a useful player, but he won’t be the WR1 in any offense. Derek said the main motivation for Downs right now is to get out of Indianapolis and isn’t solely about getting a new contract. He brought up a play that looked like a business decision in Sunday’s loss. Derek believes Downs would be open to signing an extension with whatever team trades for his services. Derek projected that a trade would likely net the Colts a 4th round pick or a 5th rounder that accompanies a pick swap of sorts. The Colts know they have to sell, so they haven’t been getting top dollar for some of their assets. Derek doesn’t think Downs ever becomes a truly game-changing player, but he’s probably a steady 700-800-yard receiver.
