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Jason Mackey's sports chat: 10.24.24
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Jason Mackey
11:39
Hey everyone. Welcome to my weekly sports chat. Glad you stopped by. We'll get started at noon, but you can leave your questions right here, right now.
12:03
Alright, away we go ...
Tom
12:03
Curious of your opinion... if you were choosing to go to a sports game, would you rather buy tickets for a game against a top team to see their best players too or against a crappy team to see a sure win? Ex. Steelers vs Chiefs or Steelers vs Browns
Jason Mackey
12:04
Good question, Tom. I like this. I would want to see a game against a top team. It's the same way covering stuff. I'd much rather experience the event -- the excitement of the crowd, back and forth, drama, all of that. Remember, on this side, we're not fans of specific players or teams. Just good stuff to write about.
Pensburgh
12:04
I get it that Jarry got benched for being bad, but isn't it clear now that Karlsson is the biggest defensive liability on the team. Should Sullivan bench him or at the very least have the guts to reduce his minutes?
Jason Mackey
12:05
Another good one. Love this. I think they're different positions. I'm not defending Karlsson. He has been bad. But I think there's a difference in letting a skater play through something as opposed to a goalie. I also think Karlsson, because of his offensive ability, can do to help the Penguins. (Jarry can't do anything other than play goalie.) But I get you. Karlsson hasn't been good and neither has the team defensively. I just don't know what healthy scratching him at this point would truly accomplish.
Richy
12:05
In your opinion is a WR2 the most pressing need as the trade deadline approaches? Are there other positions you consider just as urgent or needed to round out the roster?  Thank you.
Jason Mackey
12:07
Hey Richy. Another great question. I do think WR2 is the biggest priority. It may be less of one with Russ -- not sure yet -- but I would absolutely love to have someone to balance the field and take attention from Pickens. I look at it this way: The Steelers as currently constituted are a good team at 9-8 or 10-7. If they add Cooper Kupp or at least a legitimate WR2, I think that could be what takes them to 11 or 12 wins.
Jeff M
12:07
I have read that Roman Wilson not being active is because he missed so much time in the preseason. However, he seems to have been passed on the depth chart by a practice squad WR who spent his preseason in Denver. Is this a bad sign for Wilson?
Jason Mackey
12:08
I think it's seven games into his rookie season, and he's been injured. I would have some patience. I get it. He should be out there. Look at Payton Wilson or Mason McCormick. I don't like using the draft thing as an excuse. Same time, I think we need to avoid big conclusions because it is so early.
Cullen
12:10
What are your thoughts on the Pirates first 2 offseason front office/coaching hires? Any additional insight or context that wasn't offered by Noah or Andrew? (Who are doing great work btw, although im missing the multiple daily articles you would write while on the beat)
Jason Mackey
12:12
Hey Cullen. I don't know if it's additional context, but I like where the Pirates are targeting -- the Guardians. Very smart team. They do things right. At the same time, I find it concerning that Sean Ahmed would leave in the middle of a season. Why? Did something happen? They'll never tell us, obviously. But that often doesn't happen to pursue another opportunities. Screams to me there was frustration with either how information was being obtained, used or both.
Coach T
12:12
Jason, was my totally in-character, typically egotistical, and very likely premature "that's why I'm well compensated" explain why a decent percentage of informed yinzers are way tired of my non-playoff win producing act?
Jason Mackey
12:12
Nope. The feedback I got was that Yinzers liked it. You made the right call, though I get people wanting to see a playoff win.
The Dude
12:12
The Steelers seemingly have let a few receivers slip through their fingers recently. Make a prediction if they add someone and who it might be.
Jason Mackey
12:13
Some guy named Kupp? Heard he's good.
BC
12:13
Jason, should me and Shelty be congratulated on the Houdini-like act of escaping, unscathed, the shame of 5 years consisting largely of the proverbial "hodgepodge of nothingness"?
Jason Mackey
12:14
I don't think anyone should be congratulating anyone with the Pirates right now. Do I think things are as bad as they're being made out to be? No. But I'd be a lot more publicly pissed at the underperformance if I was one of those two. It's not acceptable how this season transpired, and it's scary to me that they seemingly accept it.
Eugene
12:15
Jason, did some well-meaning and terminally hopeful yinzers exhibit irrational exuberance over my long since-forgotten torrid start to the 2024/2025 campaign?
Jason Mackey
12:15
Too many big words, Geno. It's a long season. You'll be fine. You were great early, then disappeared for a few. Nothing I haven't seen a hundred times from ya already. But even it out, OK?
George P
12:15
Jason, is it going to be like this for the rest of my career, week to week and constantly up and down in the vein of the great divas like Diana Ross and Maria Carey?
Jason Mackey
12:16
I don't think so, no. I take the past two weeks as important lessons for everyone. Pickens could have handled himself better, absolutely. Having Russ helps. Steelers need to actually throw downfield. But, no, I don't see this as something that's unfixable.
Jeff M
12:16
What do you thin are the chances of the Pirates signing an under 35 free agent to more than a 1 year deal?
Jason Mackey
12:17
Quite good, actually. They need to. It's about time. And I do think they recognize the need. Now, I don't think it's gonna be 4-5 years or something crazy. But do I think they can/will sign a legit FA to multiple years? Should be doable, yes.
Stash
12:22
Jason, I think more of A Rog after he agreed to sign the Beanie balls. I cannot imagine TB12 or other unnamed and perhaps local QBs performing such a self-effacing act, can you?
Jason Mackey
12:23
I'm not sure. I know Aaron Rodgers would certainly have no problem talking about it. And if you're AR and you've accomplished what you have, why would you care? Doesn't change the INTs. You should realize what you are and what you represent to people.
demosthenes98
12:23
Why is it that, when a stadium or arena changes its name, sportscasters and sports journalists always refer to it by its new name and never by its old one? Surely they/you don't ALWAYS like the new name better.
Jason Mackey
12:24
Because that's what it's presently called. If you changed your name and I didn't call you by it, and instead kept calling you by the old name, you would say that's dumb, right? I'm not saying a stadium has feelings or anything like that. It's just logical. Why wouldn't we refer to a stadium by its current name?
BC
12:24
Jason, will my new analytics guy have enough clout to persuade Shelty not to bat CJ cleanup in September after a   largely unproductive four months sample size?
Jason Mackey
12:25
Boy, I sure hope so. Although, again, it's as popular in Cleveland as it is here: leveraging matchups. The Joe stuff was just done with an unbelievable amount of stubbornness in the process. So, yes, would hope that changes.
Cooper
12:25
Jason, my injury history is the only thing holding The Khanster back from swinging a deal, correct?
Jason Mackey
12:26
Maybe the price tag. And the fact that you guys play on Thursday, I guess? Not sure how that works in the NFL. Obviously not as much of a thing in the NHL or MLB. I don't know if those conversations are off-limits. But, yeah, I get the injury concerns and second-round ask. (Still wouldn't stop me.)
Jay
12:26
How do the crop of WRs left to acquire (Cooper Cupp, Mike Williams, etc) compare to DHop who just went to the Chiefs? Seems underwhelming compared to DHop, but maybe my memory of DHop is biased/outdated. Think the Steelers get one of those two, someone else, or stand pat?
Jason Mackey
12:27
I'd take Kupp 1,000 times over Hopkins, no offense DeAndre. I'd rather have Hopkins than Mike Williams. Hopkins isn't what he once was, but he's still pretty darn good. Also curious if Christian Kirk gets moved since the Jaguars stink.
Payton
12:27
Jason, am I well on my way to proving my college thesis that the anterior cruciate is a way overrated ligament?
Jason Mackey
12:27
Ha. You've been very good. Sorry for calling you Bryse briefly on this morning's First 10.
PhilinCT
12:28
Mr Mackey, thank you as always for the opportunity to talk sports and life. I'm having a hard time figuring out what people want from P. Queen. Understandably he seemed invisible the first few weeks of the season but just because he doesn't rack up the stats doesn't mean he isn't doing his job. Especially with the green dot and the overall play of the D I am quite happy with the signing so far and excited for the future with him. Am I missing something?
Jason Mackey
12:29
Hey Phil. Of course. Early on, I sort of understood wanting more from Queen, though I thought it was maybe a little harsh given he was joining a new team. Lately, I agree with you. No issues from this seat. Linebackers have been very good. Defense has been among the NFL's best. You may just be absorbing too much fan sentiment.
Bern
12:29
Thought's on Kupp rumors?  If he can stay healthy, he'd really add another badly needed weapon and take some pressure off Pickens.
Jason Mackey
12:29
I would give up a second-round pick for Kupp yesterday. Would do it with a smile. Yes, yes and yes. Can I get him right the heck now and play him Monday? Those are my thoughts.
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