First Call: George Pickens addresses contract status in Dallas; ex-Steelers, Colts coach thinks Indy 'could put up 40 points'
Friday’s “First Call” has an update on contract talks surrounding George Pickens in Dallas. One analyst with Pittsburgh and Indianapolis ties sees little hope for the Steelers’ defense Sunday.
We also have odds on all the local college football games, the upcoming local college hockey schedule, and a preview of the Penguins’ next opponent.
Time to pay Pickens?
George Pickens had a nice start to his first season in Dallas. He leads the team with 685 receiving yards to go along with six touchdowns.
But Pickens is on an expiring contract. There has been no indication that a deal will be struck between now and the end of the season.
Pickens was asked about that this week. Via The Athletic, the former Steeler is keeping the ball in Dallas’ court.
There has always been a sense that negotiations between the two sides would wait until after the year ended. Some have worried that Pickens’ future may be impacted by the fact that he has the same agent
But Jones is on record as saying that won’t be a factor from his end.
Ring up the scoreboard
NBC analyst Tony Dungy played in Pittsburgh and was Chuck Noll’s defensive coordinator for four years in the 1980s. He also won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts.
But Dungy’s prediction for Sunday’s game between the franchises is pretty definitive. On the “Football Night in America” podcast, Dungy said he expects the Colts’ offense to explode.
“They could put up 40 points in this game. It would not surprise me at all,
“They can run the football. They are hitting deep passes. They’ve got a misdirection game. All the things that Pittsburgh has struggled with.”
The Steelers come into Sunday’s game with the NFL’s 30th-ranked defense, allowing 386 yards per contest. The Colts’ offense is No. 1 in the NFL at 385 yards per game.
More sports
• Football Footnotes: How have the Colts emerged as the NFL's best? Ask a Steeler who would know
• If called upon 3 days after joining Steelers, safety Kyle Dugger eager to contribute in game
• Steelers DC Teryl Austin explains defensive play-call process, dealing with fan criticism
Pursuit of profit
Somehow, at most sports books, the Steelers have remained roughly a field-goal underdog against the Colts . B
But, hey, get on the Colts while you can if that’s the case.
Meanwhile, at ESPNBet, the Pitt Panthers are sizable favorites on the road at Stanford. The 6-2 Panthers are giving 14½ points to the 3-5 Cardinal. The teams have met four times in the past, just once since World War II. They’ve split the four contests, with Stanford winning most recently at the Sun Bowl in 2018, 14-13.
Penn State is a 19½ point underdog at No. 1 Ohio State. Kickoff is at noon Saturday in Columbus. At one point, some thought this game might decide the regular-season Big Ten crown. The Buckeyes have lived up to the billing at 7-0. But the Nittany Lions are limping in at 3-4, now under interim coach Terry Smith, thanks to the dismissal of James Franklin.
As for West Virginia, the Mountaineers are at No. 22 Houston at noon. WVU is a 12½ point underdog. They last met in 2023, with the Cougars winning in Morgantown, 41-39.
At the FCS level, 2-6 Robert Morris is at 3-5 Stonehill at 1 p.m. Duquesne is idle. The Dukes visit Long Island University next week.
Riding high
The Penguins (8-2-2) are taking an eight-game point streak into Canada this weekend.
After a 4-1 win in Minnesota on Thursday night, the Pens are slated to visit Winnipeg (8-3) on Saturday afternoon (3 p.m. ET). The Jets are hot too. They have won eight of 11 to open the season.
The club’s most recent win was a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
Kyle Connor had a goal and two assists. Gabriel Vilardi scored twice and assisted on another goal.
Vilardi has points in four straight games. Mark Scheifele, who also had a three-point night, leads the team with nine goals and 18 points. That’s only one point behind Jack Eichel for the NHL lead.
The Pens dropped 6-3 and 4-1 results to the Jets last year.
Raise the curtain
In local college hockey this weekend, the Robert Morris men’s team (0-3-1) makes its home debut against Niagara on Friday night. It’ll be the first Atlantic Hockey game of the season for the Colonials.
RMU opened its season playing Michigan (currently No. 2 in the country) and Notre Dame over the past two weekends. They lost the first three games, then tied the Fighting Irish, 1-1, on Saturday night. Derek Schooley’s club ended up winning the shootout.
Now they get a Purple Eagles team that is 3-2 heading into AHA play. The teams will rematch at Niagara on Saturday night.
As for the RMU women (5-5), they play Penn State at 3 p.m. Friday
The fourth-ranked Penn State men’s team played Thursday night in Columbus and beat 17th-rated Ohio State, 3-2
The victory improves PSU’s record to 8-1-0. The teams rematch Friday night at Value City Arena.
LISTEN: CBS PxP man Ian Eagle joins Tim Benz to preview Steelers-Colts.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
Miami Dolphins Declare War on the NFL: ‘We’re Not Stopping Until We Get There’
The Miami Dolphins are sending a loud and clear message to the rest of the NFL — they are not here to settle for mediocrity. With a roster brimming with talent, drive, and hunger for success, the Dolphins have one goal in mind: the top spot in the league. As the season heats up, it’s clear that Miami is determined to make a statement and show everyone that they are here to stay.
"We don’t play for second place. Every game, we’re here to show we’re the best. The league hasn’t seen anything like this Dolphins team — we’re coming for the top, and we’re not stopping until we get there,"
This bold statement comes as the Dolphins continue to turn heads with their high-powered offense and improved defense. The team has been on a rampage this season, delivering thrilling performances week after week. With a dynamic quarterback, explosive wide receivers, and a defense that is beginning to gel, Miami is making waves in the NFL. The team’s ambition is clear — they’re not just playing for a playoff spot; they’re playing to be the best.
Miami has been working relentlessly to build a team that can compete with the league's elite. The coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Macdonald, has been instilling a winning mindset in every player, from the veterans to the rookies.
The Dolphins' offense has been one of the most exciting in the league, with their explosive plays and innovative schemes. With their star quarterback pushing the ball downfield and their talented receiving corps creating mismatches every game, they’re a nightmare for opposing defenses. "We’ve got the pieces," the spokesperson continued, "and now it’s time to put it all together. Our offense is just getting started."
But it’s not just the offense that’s driving Miami forward. Their defense has shown immense growth, with younger players stepping up and veterans leading by example. The defense is becoming more aggressive, making timely plays, and helping the team control the game. "We know that to be the best, we have to be balanced," the spokesperson added. "That means executing on both sides of the ball and never letting up."
The Dolphins’ statement is not just a rallying cry for their fans — it’s a commitment to excellence. They’ve set their sights on the top of the NFL, and they’re ready to fight for it every week. With the talent, the mentality, and the leadership they’ve built, it’s hard to deny that Miami is poised for greatness.
The rest of the NFL should take notice because the Miami Dolphins are coming, and they’re bringing everything they’ve got. The team’s determination and focus will be key to their success as they continue their march to the top. For the Dolphins, the journey has only just begun, and their eyes are set firmly on the ultimate prize — the championship.
