30 years of coaching as HC/OC. Football analyst for Fans First Sports (FFSN) and Steel Curtain Network. Host of "The Call Sheet" podcast every M-W-F.
Joined April 2026
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188 Photos and videos
Great breakdown here from Cody Alexander on Patrick Graham's use of heavy blitz schemes. With PIT's personnel -- both as rushers and in coverage -- Steelers are built for these types of pressures.
I expect PIT to be more aggressive on both sides of the ball this season.
New Steelers' DC Patrick Graham utilizes max pressures as much as anyone in the NFL.
His favorite path is to send both OLBs into the B-gaps while his Mike Hug Rushes the RB to create a 2-on-1.
Below, the Raiders attack the Texans with this pressure.
In '24, the Raiders were top-5 in Max Blitzing.
Under Pete Carroll, that plummeted, but expect it to be back in Pittsburgh.
Learn more about this blitz here: matchquarters.com/p/anatomy-…
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Gennings Dunker sometimes looks like a wild horse that needs to be broken. Kicking, flailing, eager to trample something. Except Dunker played at Iowa, one of the best OL factories in the country. Nasty and skilled is a great combination...
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Jalen Brunson was asked what was going through his head as he willed the Knicks to a championship with an incredible 45-point performance tonight.
“Just me in the gym,” he said. “All the work I put in.”
That’s the stuff we never see. The best players have the best work ethic.
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Has any professional player gotten more of the star treatment by the refs at such a young age as Victor Wembanyama? Refs are treating this kid like he’s prime Jordan.
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UFL Championship game.
Here’s what happens when safeties miss tackles.
Hug a safety today. They’re more important than people think.
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Jun 13
The Steelers led the NFL in sacks every year from 2017-2021, but haven't been Top-5 since.
This week's Chalk Talk podcast looks at how new DC Patrick Graham might rebuild an elite pass rush, including a fresh plan for TJ Watt:
open.spotify.com/episode/3EI…
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
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Jun 12
Interesting takeaway from my talk with Sam Houston St HFC Phil Longo on today’s Call Sheet podcast.
Coach discussed the most important qualities he seeks in a QB. They were:
1. Toughness
2. Accuracy
3. Processing
4. Arm talent
Arm talent matters. But not as much as we think.
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Jun 12
So many drills from OTAs and mini-camp showing the Steelers repping OZ/boot/perimeter concepts. These schemes take time and lots of reps to perfect, so it makes sense they're drilling them early. But it makes me think this offense will emphasize getting its playmakers into space.
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Steelers Dylan Cook with the watchful eyes of OL coach James Campen on him
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Jun 12
My latest @SteelCNetwork article is out, providing five takeaways as the Steelers' wrap spring OTAs and mini-camp:
steelcurtainnetwork.com/5-ta…
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Kevin Smith retweeted
Finished yet another great Let's Ride episode with @JHartman_PIT and @KTSmithFootball. About to listen to Chalk Talk next!
open.spotify.com/episode/3IO…
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Jun 12
Mike McCarthy’s training is in the West Coast, but most playbooks are hybrids now. His is no different. When I watch his offense in DAL, it’s heavily influenced by Air Raid concepts. Here’s a thread of Air Raid staples he uses:
1. 4-VERTS (perfectly spaced by all four WRs).
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Jun 12
For more on the Air Raid, check out my Call Sheet podcast today with Sam Houston St HFC Phil Longo, one of the best Air Raid minds in the game today:
open.spotify.com/episode/4ju…
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4. Y-CROSS
Traditional Y-Cross brings the dig route from the same side as the crosser. Here, DAL runs the dig over top of it. This expands the hook zone and opens a nice window for the dig:
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3. SAIL
Sail looks to outnumber the defense to the boundary by flooding it with a low, middle and high route. Here, Dak Prescott has a two-on-one vs the flat defender. He should throw opposite of his drop. Instead his eyes are inside. Poor read by Dak, but a good concept vs zone
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2. SMASH
Running the corner route with the TE is a nice way to hold the safety, whose first job is to protect the post.
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More from McCarthy’s offense in DAL.
Pin-and-pull sweep on the edge married with wide zone. Good scheme for Rico Dowdle. Watch RT Terence Steele (78) pull, wipe out two defenders and lose his helmet in the process. This is what I envision from Max Iheanachor at some point.
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Jun 12
Going through some DAL film with Mike McCarthy. Found this wide zone sweep to the slot from an empty set with jet/orbit motion. Seems like a great concept for Germie Bernard, who is so good with the ball in his hands. Good RPO look to the backside WR vs heavy rotation too.
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Jun 12
Don't miss today's Call Sheet podcast, where I revisit my interview on the Air Raid system with Sam Houston State head football coach Phil Longo. Coach Longo is one of the best Air Raid minds in the business and puts on a clinic!
open.spotify.com/episode/4ju…
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
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