Vic Carucci

Rasheed get a -- that on film that would greater Hutus joining us as he does each and every weaker and it felt about it now doctor. I -- down back now aria and -- are great guys like wow about. It's a little too much but. Did you get the -- present emailed him. He's consistent of a tribute to request because of that. That's good enough for me I as far as I'm concerned -- covered coverage for about ten years -- mind experience they count six it was supposed to be a private moment but notice though. Steam just got on the air so that he could open or masters usually that spreads -- so let's get to the -- don't pattern let's. The commitment -- it's. -- gets a distance that you're going out and do something really good for the field yet that's. It will bring you down it's it's going to -- to what and I usually after the last after the last couple weeks with the the patriots were actually flirting with defeat here. In the late moments of the last couple games. That there seems to be a different feeling out here that the patriots can be trouble in his game against Pittsburgh is -- that way.

I mean I see the potential for it because of what we've seen over the last two weeks. Clearly teams are are catching up and I think it's not just strategy in fact I think that's probably less then. The effects of 12. Wins in a row the effects of staying that good for that long I think fatigue sets -- in December for all teams I think you do seem natural dips in performance and we're seeing a little -- what does a little bit of that with this patriot team. I think both the fences that they faced the last two weeks have wondering common. Hard hitting good blitzing good pressure relentless pressure and guess what that's the Steelers have also.

Philadelphia a lot of their drove portal for office about really was there off. What what was expressing the steal was offense I -- a -- offense keeping the ball movement and with Baltimore couldn't stop the run. It would talks about the walls we wouldn't we -- is over and over again well about Pittsburgh who's the jets and Denver and you know soccer. Arizona almost 33 don't know Miami that you brought about. That you like you didn't have a bomb.

Not they've had big bombs and and most of the things that have. Kind of kept Pittsburgh a little out of the loop as an -- AFC team could you don't forget those losses that seem pretty. Inexcusable accurate -- But I think the thing they still have is that defects I think that Dick LeBeau Ortiz put together there how he's been able to manage that misses on blitz scheme. And and relentless pressure I mean they can't look at that they can generate that we saw that from Baltimore more than we've seen Andy from any patriot opponent this year. And it was effective seem to operate ego -- consecutive sacks one as that happened this year. And and seen. You know that the offense look disrupted as much as they weren't -- Baltimore game that. You know that's a -- about and it's rare -- and it you know yet happened on a road does that happen at home is easily will -- I mean you're right about Philadelphia. That the game plan the ability to attack the middle of the field feeling success and keep it changed over and those were all factors but I I I can't take away from that -- even -- the points in yards but do not reflect a great -- performance. I saw the fence that that. -- I thought that -- felt a little bit off off ballots you know what's it it wasn't the ideal way to yes they gave up a lot with though Wes walker most those yards where walker Europe's. Where was Randy moss and and where was you know the the ease with which this team. -- got the job done the previous week against really a better buffalo team.

But we hear the ball mode in practice to buried you're neighboring and -- sort -- threw him he's a big part of their difference he has a big part of their defense and even if he does play what I've heard is. He won't be a 100% and and I think that is something that is going to hurt that he. He was supposed to test that team that -- today and and see if she was able to practice now if he didn't he practice good practice today and is doubtful any stubble that but I understand they're going to. They're going to try it again tomorrow see how I went through it and then make a decision on Sunday.

Now the difference grade these two teams is with Philadelphia. Ball will Pittsburgh Pittsburgh lines not as big as -- dominant. Big slow allies have seemed to have a pretty. Decent job against specially a ball to against the two gap team that probably two gaps. -- papers came in blitz that later on it took chances stop the run loose there was successful ball 200 Pittsburgh. Moreover few runs traps and -- runs a little bit Nowitzki administrative power. That that the other two teams -- so -- that match up as well

question I mean I think this game is a lot about the patriot defects are I want a -- much better than I saw a week ago even though again Baltimore did not lighted up I think a lot of that was because Kyle bowler. Is -- quarterback and and that presents some limitations to them. And when it really came down to not time he's you know that that throw that he forced was it was a killer for them. You know you look at Ben Roethlisberger he's capable of that type of play he I think he's a better quarterback clearly the bowler. But he can be even get himself in trouble I think he can force things at times when he trusts his arms too much. But he has better receivers than the ravens have and and I'm troubled by what look like an old slow defects on the part of the patriots they look like guys who have hit December and -- feel on this fresh as you would expect all players the field.

That's see that's the one thing I've been I said earlier today that that thing that I'm really interest in watching with the patriots in the scheme -- Sunday. -- Belichick has backed off he gave them Wednesday often don't seem to be doing anything real physical during the course of the week. Op I see how much cheating -- game the the history of of -- Belichick teams. Ours that they're playing their best in December and what other teams seem to be worn out -- they seem to be played with great energy. That's don't want that surprises me that at them so much mentally. And and physically to get to this point of winning they do you know 1011 and 12 that's kinda hit that wall little.

I as a great point Glendon and after the Steelers what are you doing your hammer and a -- taken Willie parker. And I think the approach is pretty obvious logical just slam -- as many times as you can where that defense down as much as you can if you don't if your defense get doesn't kitchen any kind of hole that you can keep that called for a little bit and -- pick it up with -- some things a little bit with Heath Miller with the -- Hines Ward. With Santonio Holmes I mean goals are are. A handful I think for that defects.

I think opposite him through his Steve and I watch a ball game the and the patriots swat it went up what Dick -- we -- take with the play Japan of these guys crazy. I think with the -- to drop coverages on some of those big plays at fourth down play that. In the third down plays that -- adamant about real bullet in the April -- about a -- play action pass like to -- Rwandan natural outfielders those. He takes up except -- at least that I run with her body. No but I think the patriots about the rob Blake is it big ego -- in the past.

All of that I've sand pits first records for a guy Pittsburgh's far I seem you know why I thought Fred though watching that game. They are running so well what McGahee ambiguity daughter buck 30 so whatever was. He was more effective I've seen him run in a long time most of this -- reviewed and and he was get no openings he was used making stars make it hey. Through a good portion -- it got to the fourth quarter. I thought Brian billick shifted back into -- crazy -- where he was trying to tempt faith and and throw exactly where he shouldn't.

The last two series were they stop the -- through that one little out. But for the most by the patriots guessed right against them going to run that walked is safeties up and they came Adam if there's a play action pass along those first downs. There was gold backed it. Major big big gamble that the rate in the ravens ran six plays they -- five runs correct yes yet they got shut down for the safety made. Rodney Harrison I think retreat to a three of the place replace if they go on the on the 6 right you know that's with Pittsburgh -- anticipate that run that took earlier on. I might test the patriots QB's because of they've been dropping some covers the last few weeks but anyway whatever they do we know it's going to be it's going to be banging on both sides if.

what is wrong with -- Anthony Smith why would he make century day stupid remark. What do you think it's probably you know veterans like Hines Ward and others on this team right now -- and others -- that they're saying about the start start where it Mike Tomlin and coach use furious about this in no we have talked with Smith I understand Smith's own family like publically spoke out it's. They were concerned about it through you know Edward your family's worried about that -- attitude is different than ever happen in the regular doctor Bruce. Are you know -- go -- I would I would tell if Fred was complaining about his contract avoid it -- story did get his. You know mom to also complain about this contract I said it was something like there was a contract not that not even a mother could love and relive a moment.

Drivers who. Because it's you know it's a one thing that the the patriots have done effectively over the years is that the big -- of these you know somebody will say something that might resemble. An attack on them and they'll they'll be able -- you know. Put it up -- bulletin board material on this one was striking. And it's all over TV in -- he certainly didn't back off of that.

Now and but you know. -- down easier that's for him talk because he's not going to be out there as much I've taken the starters got to be really jobs that would have an. This is the difference between the starting over the last few weeks start like Iowa he's got some playing that Bryant Phil yeah he's still not. Part of a regular group and and I don't think he's held in that regard but. Reps as the patriots do such a wonderful on this said a million times but kind of place in themselves and and generally avoiding that sort of thing because. Internally and it's not just one voice is not the head coach is saying it but he assistant coach says it's the players I think talk to each other. You don't do this you don't get away with this and to have that happen in a team especially guessing game this magnitude is Ludacris. -- they've lost two of the three possible been on the road of the trouble that better -- the -- rouge. Not I think three doesn't make it an aberration figure makes a veteran. And and I think. This is the test of tests if if they don't win this game I think you you raise questions about okay. How good you really are they they do feel I think as a team if they're good enough. To be mentioned in the same breath as the -- in and the colts. By the ravens New -- enough about who they want it appears that ball but Pittsburgh's two and three on the road. Exactly and I and I think that indicates to me that there's either maturity problem or whatever you want to call it but they they don't have the focus and at this could also be your reflection. Of you know the giving like that like Mike Tomlin has pretty remarkable job of getting this team word is in his first year stepping in those huge shoes of bill cower. But you know a big testament head coach and and when you analyze his work. Is the completeness of law can't he get this team up -- it.

Well the old coaching staff got to woman Arizona that clearly was -- Was a factor in that game they -- that they lost in. Denver certainly at that time the Broncos plan oracle or it was one of the -- jets and then she gets all that's been an overtime game. And I'll I'll give the field as a flat major factor in Miami game but Pittsburgh did nothing and.

Atlantic no I I wasn't impressed and I wrote this I -- you know there's so much you can say about the field. But they should still should have been -- play better if you're if you're. A proposed -- elite team and they like to think of him themselves that way he's got to show better than that and you and both road losses are troublesome and and those in. As I said this game I think goes a long way to saying what they're about what they're not about they've they must feel. That their catching obviously the patriots that the best time make -- catch -- they won't have a better chance -- this to -- The team this good in its home park.

It will be interesting because they're traditionally let's say they're not allow. But because they played two teams out -- the -- weren't good that could be good instance it's says but they pick and choose to not consist disabled Philadelphia. But now you -- nemesis covered -- that the patriots don't like you're generally going to play two of the lot they've had a lot of crop -- on a playoff game dollars can go yap dissolve to talk about it was -- put on. It's almost as good result lost the patriots as far as them getting back at him and gonna reexamine what we did play fundamentally sound. And now they get this little bit of you know flame of the fly -- buy this does this mean does that. Crazy kid by -- like -- so this is that now the patriots at their top level brick in Pittsburgh plan at their best game it's no confidence dollars and.

And that's my question. Do we see the pats at their top level I mean how are they going to have the energy to get their just what what what was talking about earlier. Is getting to 101112 wins keeping the pace up. Key -- is staying that good we're seeing the reality of it you know earlier on the comparison between this team in the 72 dolphins was while that 72 dolphins had team had to win some close games so they were challenged well guess what we're seeing the patriots counts on a -- challenged the total three times not a lot in a 12 game stretch. But but very good challenges and you know. Part of you says do they need this that they need to to see it yet I experienced this sort of thing to to realize how they probably respond to it an and we'll make them better for I don't know I am whatever we're gonna fight figure that out Sunday because if it's fatigue. I don't know how much you can do about that yet you can give a team a once they off. But fatigue built up over 12 games is still for the ego built over a lot of guys its regular back in the history just look.

Last year they do seem to hand out. That -- all around -- general of the body in December this team has been exceptionally good. Over over the is run over their their run -- December they seem to get it together that's where they get focused than they're playing their best football that's why I think. This is gigantic one final question before we which ago. Arm Miami looks to be heading for an old for season is possible that cam Cameron. Could act he would go to it was going to actually.

I -- I never win a game yes I think Wayne and I -- Is is taken a really hard look at what he's got going on there there are issues over play call laying over the handling of the whole quarterback thing the the go to John back to lay or or by going to a now I've advocate turned the ball over five in the classroom. And and and he's got a battle line in front of -- the deep fences all banged up and and now they're coming up against the buffalo team that's got some life after last week's game. Coming into a COLT -- veterans stadium you know Ralph Wilson's an excuse me and it's it's it's not a pretty picture and yet what I I could. Conceivably see whole shakeup including Randy Mueller general manager just wipe it out hit the restart button everywhere here's an.

He's worth I've watched him call games like his acting like he -- that you lost your what are -- Prado is that is uses a coach and I agree with you for a the stat that the number that jumps out at me he has. From 19982004. All the -- makes that Miami made a single one of those are still of that variety unimaginable that is to blame for that if you look at where where are you know seven. That's really furious with those players should be -- their right.

Now if you go back to -- let you go I mean they've had our personnel people who just haven't gotten it done. And you know I I think they they speak fell along with a reputation. Rather then a plan and and when -- when your hiring somebody to run your team. You come up with a plan first I mean his. His play calling his Xs and knows his ability to do all that that's important and and it's in and the rest is a resume but it.

And say and it's even worse for them -- their word for word game last year and again to make any sense they need sold much and -- on top of that. -- they still lead quarterback. The golfer Drew Brees instead a year ago might have been a different situation here they quarterback right now. And I -- shore and -- watched Matt Brian play here and he's bright going to be pretty out of him. Read a much

is now a museum -- ego brains I would tell you play penalized ten that was -- of -- his -- don't want gridlock in front demise and on the half of guys though he's a handsome man I'm proud of the -- about France have said this looks. But I have been impressed were you look at the look at the pedigree that comes out of -- that roadways section of the com body going to fill that line -- wouldn't believe the quarterbacks walked double double room with repeat -- That's just probably have to look at the and I got if I levels of college -- time you very much talent red panties I'd bet we'll talk one last thing. Quote Mercury Morris and here's the however quarter Mercury pollution that you guys models all that.

That Mickey as normal thing was on the was already you appear this morning their -- arguments about an hour the patriots -- you know us versus them going for you know. But they both played 40 games. In his day six of them happen to be exhibition game what do the same but the the Senate.

Each month all things -- I would do that. -- it was a little too aren't they also Robbie Harris despite five grand on got to be kidding issues or at least not tour I don't have got to talk trash but. All does the -- up and I thought it at that particular grade book you wrote by those who Fred did you make up half the stuff for the booklet does on the radio. Back you talk and he made that upsets him until it was good stuff so I think it's great book I just because the -- I haven't -- dress for goetschl won militarized was an anti hero idol is that Green Bay and we would buy damage exchanged it and now it's wrong I picked it actually always a pleasure the I'll bet that's bad