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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 11.21.24
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Jason Mackey
11:31
Pirates fans are mad. They think their team is complacent. I get it. So, no, I don't think it's enough to create enthusiasm. The only thing that will? Winning. Seriously. If Cherington, Shelton and others win next year, all will be forgotten. But right now there's a bunch of skepticism surrounding that.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
11:31
Dan Orlosky was on Get Up this am and quipped that he isn't sold on the Steelers yet as a contender because of the red zone failures. Is it the play calling down there being too conservative or the players not making plays?
Jason Mackey
11:32
I think it's more the latter. Look at Wilson's completion percentage down there. He's historically been a good red-zone QB, and he's only completing like 30% of his red-zone throws. I don't think that's going to continue for much longer, personally. I think the play calling and execution can be a lot better in that area.
TomNotJarry
11:32
This is the best chat in Pittsburgh sports. Thanks for the time.
Jason Mackey
11:32
Ha! Thanks so much. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I love these things. Always have. Appreciate yinz joining.
PrinceBob
11:33
Dabo Sweeny says if the NCAA limts football rosters to 105 it will be the worst thing that's happened to him even if it means he can give scholarships to all 105 instead of just 85. He's got 130 on the team now. Why do NCAA football teams have such huge rosters? I believe that if you count taxi squads or practice squads or whatever they're called now it totals about 70.
Jason Mackey
11:34
Dabo Swinney could win the lottery, and he'd complain about having to pick up the money. Or something like that. Don't care much what he says, but you make a good point. I don't know why rosters are so big. Guarding against depth? Making everyone feel included? I swear there are towns smaller than some college football sidelines. I don't get it.
PrinceBob
11:36
Am I correct in recalling that the weird kick off thing the NFL is doing this year is experimental and will be reviewd after the season? And if so do you have a feel for whether they'll keep it?
Jason Mackey
11:37
I believe it's expected to remain in effect for next season, too, which stinks. I hate it. I think it's a waste of time. I'd either go back to the old way or just give the team the ball at the 30 and call it a day. There's absolutely nothing dynamic about this rule.
Olivia
11:41
Jason, do I secretly believe that my man is a bit of a goober in front of the camera?
epiballo
11:44
Pitt football generated a lot of excitement when they were going undefeated, but have hit a major losing snag. What are the chances they right the ship and get a decent bowl game?
Jason Mackey
11:45
I actually think pretty good. If Eli Holstein plays this weekend -- I like the Panthers' chances to end a three-game losing streak. Could easily make it two in a row with Boston College. If they're 9-2, I think that's gonna result in a fairly respectable bowl. I get that the three-game losing streak stinks, but I don't think it has cratered their season.
The Eman
11:45
Just wanted to complement you on today’s great piece on Cleveland fans. You gotta have an army of elves working for you to produce all the work that you do! Hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving.
Jason Mackey
11:46
Haha. An army of elves? I'm a one-man show, Eman. I just love doing it. The Grateful Dead loved playing because it offered creative stimulation. I'm much less interesting, but there's a brand of that at play for me chasing stories. Glad you enjoyed it.
Stash
11:46
Jason, considering that most WRs don't block anyway, why is it so freaking hard for even a veteran wide-out to learn the plays? Thus, they could earn a helmet, and then perhaps have the opportunity to put their hand in the proverbial pile?
Jason Mackey
11:47
Yeah, I'm a little surprised by that. Talking about Mike Williams, of course. But do we know for sure that it's a play-learning issue? I don't think we do. It was one week. I think tonight will add a lot more context. They wouldn't have traded for him if they didn't plan to use him.
epiballo
11:48
How does the college football portal and the money it brings to the player work with football scholarships? If it equates to more scholarship money for the non-athlete student, then find. I think it has ruined college football and tossed the 'student-athlete' concept on the ash bin of history.
Jason Mackey
11:48
I'm not sure I understand your question, epiballo. Players who transfer get scholarships. It's not like they're doing it to walk on some place. Now, they might earn more money NIL-wise by switching schools. But we knew that.
PrinceBob
11:48
Totally with you on both Dabo Sweeny and the NFL kick off thing. Moving on, when you talk about the Pirates improving their offense with a trade not involving pitching prospects what do you think that could look like? I just don't see them having a lot of position players who'd bring back very much, or even just much.
Jason Mackey
11:50
Maybe not. But I'd be more OK with younger pitching prospects. They have those guys. Even like a Hunter Barco type. I think there are position players. Honestly, Henry Davis is someone I'd consider moving. There's pedigree there. Not sure where/how he plays. It's convoluted. I'm not saying they will. I'm just thinking about attractive assets they have that aren't Triple-A or MLB pitchers. I would be hesitant with moving those guys because you need quality pitching depth.
Tristan
11:51
Jason, just thinking, I have to be in the running for the biggest flame-out, meltdown, dumpster fire, etc. in the 'burgh's illustrious sports contract history. Who else would be in the running, off the top of your cranium?
Jason Mackey
11:52
I don't think we know yet on Tristan Jarry, but I get the sentiment, for sure. Gregory Polanco never fulfilled his potential when that deal was signed, though it's not as bad as Jarry looks. The Ladarius Green deal for the Steelers was bad. Honestly, Ryan Graves might be a worse contract than Jarry.
PrinceBob
11:52
How secure do you think Narduzzi's job is now that the AD who hired him is gone?
Jason Mackey
11:52
Fairly secure. They were 3-9 and people thought Pitt would stink. Provided they don't lose the next two, I think he's just fine.
Darnell
11:52
Jason, you are predicting another good night for the big man, I assume?
Jason Mackey
11:53
I actually think Pat Freiermuth is going to have a better game. Could use Darnell helping out in the run game. But I think tonight is the night where Pat finally sees the appropriate amount of targets.
epiballo
11:53
The point of my question was to prove that I do not understand how the portal works! Thanks for bringing some clarity to my muddled mind!
Jason Mackey
11:53
Ha. OK. Not a problem. To be fair, I don't like it. I don't think it's in the spirit of college athletics. But it's not going anywhere, obviously.
PrinceBob
11:53
Do you undertsand the NBA In Season Tournament, even a little, like what' the point?
Jason Mackey
11:54
I don't, honestly. But people who love the NBA seem to enjoy it. I think it's to add some variation to the regular season. I'll give the NBA this: It knows how to make its product entertaining. I wish I watched more. I just can't find the time with NFL, NHL and MLB often taking priority, plus having to know about college sports and having a family. Just not enough hours in the day.
Dan N
11:55
Do the Pirates bring in anyone over Reynolds 15 million a year in free agency?
Jason Mackey
11:56
I hope so, but until I see it, I have my doubts. That being said, if they brought in someone for like 3 years, $40 million, I'd be OK with it. It doesn't HAVE to be over $15 million. As long as they adequately address their weaknesses.
11:57
OK, folks. That does it for this week. Thanks so much for accommodating the time change. A lot of great questions. Let's do this again next Thursday!
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