Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: What They're Saying about Bills vs Steelers in Pittsburgh with Jeff Hathhorn

Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Mike Catalana
Guest: Jeff Hathhorn (Sports Director, 93.7 The Fan, Pittsburgh)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of their matchup with the Buffalo Bills, featuring a detailed discussion with Jeff Hathhorn, veteran Steelers reporter from 93.7 The Fan. Together with Buffalo Plus host Mike Catalana, they analyze quarterback dynamics, offensive and defensive issues, fan sentiment, and what’s expected in this important AFC clash.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Steelers’ Quarterback Situation: Focus on Aaron Rodgers

• Rodgers’ Expected Return (01:32–02:18):
  Despite a recent wrist injury, Rodgers is likely to start, with Coach Tomlin expressing confidence, saying postgame:

  “He’s going to play next week… hopefully.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 01:32)

• Rodgers’ Off-field Impact & Locker Room Presence (02:42–05:00):
  Rodgers has earned respect within the organization, connecting personally with teammates and staff—contrary to his polarizing persona in New York.

  “He knows everyone’s name in this organization now… he wanted to get to know everybody.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 03:19)
  “It’s the best quarterback situation they’ve had here in a long time from an off the field standpoint.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 04:25)

• Why It’s Worked in Pittsburgh (05:00–05:52):
  Rodgers respects both Mike Tomlin and Steelers’ organizational culture, entering “not better than the organization or smarter than the head coach.”

2. Assessment of Rodgers’ Play and Steelers’ Offense

• Rodgers’ Performance Compared to Recent Past (06:12–07:37):
  His play is “the best quarterback play… since Ben [Roethlisberger],” though he’s less consistently elite:

  “The arm is still really good… he throws from these crazy arm angles… consistency is the issue.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 06:40–07:10)

• Short Passing Game & Limited Big Plays (07:37–09:07):
  Steelers’ air attack is short by design, partly due to offensive line limitations.

  “They don’t want him sitting back there… get rid of the football.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 08:03)
  A lack of adjustments has allowed defenses to catch up:
  “The Steelers were leading the league in YAC… now teams are taking away those opportunities.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 08:36)

  • Only 25 plays of 20+ yards—among the NFL’s lowest.

• Run Game as a Focal Point (09:29–10:25):
  The Steelers want to run, using a two-back system, but will be without left tackle Broderick Jones.

  “They’ve done it with two guys… primarily Jalen Warren early, Kenneth Gainwell on third downs.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 09:39)

3. Offensive Struggles: Slow Starts & Inconsistency

• Lack of First Quarter Production (10:25–11:51):
  An astonishing 60 games without scoring more than seven offensive points in the first quarter:

  “That sounds about right. Even though they’ve been better on opening drives this year, that sounds about right.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 10:39)

• Failure to Adjust (11:21–11:51):
  Early in the season, the Steelers excelled at halftime adjustments. Recently, that edge has disappeared.

4. Both Teams’ Receiving Corps Lacking Depth

• Need for More Playmakers Exposed (12:20–12:59):
  Both franchises likely regret not adding another wide receiver:

  “Probably each team’s general manager is thinking should’ve added another receiver.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 12:20)
  Former Steelers and Bills receivers are thriving elsewhere—painful for fans.

5. Defensive Profile: Playmaking but Vulnerable

• Turnover Reliance, Suspect Pass Defense (13:48–15:11):

  “When they turn you over, they’re really good and can beat anybody… But when they don’t… no one’s given up more passing yardage in the league than the Steelers.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 13:48–14:09)

  • Most 30-point games allowed since 2013, with 6 games to go.
  • Most 4th down conversions surrendered in the league.

6. Fan Sentiment and Playoff Mentality

• Expectation Fatigue & Impatience (16:15–17:45):
  Steelers’ fans are “spoiled” by 1970s success, frustrated by zero playoff wins in the last eight years.

  “Fans here are not patient, they are spoiled... there hasn’t been a playoff win here in eight games in eight years. And the fans are tired of it.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 16:21)

7. Mike Tomlin’s Status and Coaching Philosophy

• Growing Discontent with Tomlin (18:15–19:36):

  “We can’t go a day on 93.7 The Fan without multiple calls of people wanting Tomlin fired.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 18:23)
  While respected, Tomlin is criticized for outdated strategies, especially offensive conservatism.

• Appetite for Change Versus Track Record (19:37–21:08):
  Tomlin remains rooted in traditional coaches’ beliefs—risk-averse, slow to adopt analytics, but not impossible:

  “He’s tied to these core beliefs, and one of them is the worst thing in the world is a turnover.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 21:08)

  • Evolution is possible: Steelers have changed practices before (e.g., trading first-rounders, using “tush push”).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Locker Room Chemistry with Rodgers:

  “He knows everyone’s name in this organization now...”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 03:19)

• Rodgers’ Quick Release:

  “Receivers were getting hit in the face… because they weren’t expecting the ball to come out so quickly.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 06:52)

• On Steelers Fans’ Patience:

  “They’ve been spoiled here. The 70s spoiled a couple of generations and there hasn’t been a playoff win here in eight games in eight years and the fans are tired of it.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 16:21)

• On Mike Tomlin’s Critics:

  “We can’t go a day on 93.7 The Fan without taking multiple… calls of people wanting Tomlin fired.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 18:23)

• Game Plan to Beat Bills:

  “Run the ball and keep the ball out of Josh’s hands. That’s the game plan. And then find somewhere else… let our defense find a way to win the game.”
  (Jeff Hathhorn, 23:01)

• Mike Catalana’s AFC Reality Check:

  “I don’t know how good they are, but as you said, I don’t know how good the whole AFC is. And it feels like you just get in because you really don’t know.”
  (Mike Catalana, 15:22)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Rodgers’ Status & Locker Room Effect: 01:32–05:00
• Quarterback Play & Offensive Shortcomings: 06:12–09:07
• Steelers’ Struggles with Slow Starts: 10:25–11:51
• Receiving Corps Issues & Departed Stars: 12:20–12:59
• Defense: Turnover Dependency vs. Vulnerability: 13:48–15:11
• Fan Frustration & Playoff Drought: 16:15–17:45
• Debate Over Mike Tomlin’s Tenure: 18:15–21:08
• Steelers’ Likely Game Plan vs Bills: 23:01–24:09

Final Thoughts

Both experts agree: Sunday’s game is likely to be tight, determined by which team avoids mistakes and generates timely takeaways. The Steelers are grappling with offensive inconsistencies, defensive vulnerabilities, and restless fans, while Pittsburgh’s historically stable coaching situation simmers with discontent. The Bills, despite similar challenges, pose a formidable test, setting up a high-stakes AFC clash with playoff implications.

For more in-depth Bills coverage, follow Buffalo Plus on YouTube and social media, and check out Jeff Hathhorn and 93.7 The Fan for the Pittsburgh angle.