Club Shay Shay: Deebo & Joe – Steelers-Ravens AFC Title Match Preview, Aaron Rodgers’ Future, Trevon Diggs to Packers

Date: January 2, 2026
Host: James "Deebo" Harrison
Co-Host: Joe Harrison Hayden

Episode Overview

This episode of Club Shay Shay with Deebo (James Harrison) and Joe takes a deep dive into the pivotal AFC North Title matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. The hosts break down strategies, playoff implications, and team health ahead of the game, before shifting to larger conversations about coaching, player development, quarterback futures—especially Aaron Rodgers—and the saga of Trevon Diggs being released by the Cowboys and picked up by the Packers. The discussion is full of insider anecdotes, locker room perspectives, and their signature banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening and New Year’s Vibes

• The hosts reflect on bringing in the new year with family and gratitude.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • Joe: “Bro, I brought that thing in right. Right on the bed, right on the couch. Just looked at it. Me and my baby.” (02:19)
  • Deebo jokes about the sequence, setting the episode’s lively tone.

2. Steelers vs. Ravens AFC North Title Game Breakdown

Lamar Jackson’s Status and Impact

• Lamar is confirmed to play, but Deebo questions his health:
  • Deebo: “Lamar says with his words, he's 100%, but with my eyes, I don't see it. Now, you add that to the back issue...” (02:55)

Game Plan and Defensive Strategy (03:10 – 12:15)

• The Ravens’ offense lives off their run game.
• Key: Stop the run at all costs—Deebo jokes about putting “12 men in the box.”
  • “If we don't stop the Ravens from rushing, we will not win this game. They are predicated on an 85 to 90% base of running the ball successfully.” (04:24)
• Citing stats showing the Ravens’ lower rushing totals in losses, both against Browns and Bengals.
• Forcing Lamar to pass gives the Steelers their best chance.
  • “The more time Lamar throws, the more opportunities we get to sack him … for sack, fumbles, turnovers, interceptions, maybe a interception return for a touchdown...” (08:39)

The Importance of Defensive Coaching and Identity

• Referencing the Dick LeBeau era, Deebo discusses how critical coaching staff continuity and scheme are for defensive success. (10:39)
  • “From 04 to 12, we were a dominant...”
• Steelers’ historic defensive rankings run from 2004–2012 reinforce why coaching trust is key.

Offensive Limitations and Adjustments

• Steelers are missing key receivers, must run to chew clock and rest defense.
  • “We won't have DK... Washington and possibly Austin. That was almost 200 yards of a 284 yard total last time.” (09:59)
• Joe’s emphasis: Stay ahead of the chains, use Adam Thielen in clutch downs, avoid risky throws.

Urgency & Stakes

• Steelers were a long shot after a 1–5 start; now it’s do or die. Health is a concern, particularly for T.J. Watt returning post-surgery. (13:11)

3. Coaching Futures: Mike Tomlin and Development Critique

Mike Tomlin’s Job Security

• Deebo: “He is not going nowhere. It don't matter if Coach T wins or loses this game. The decision... will be his decision to be there next year...” (22:07)

Staff and Player Development

• The pair lament the team’s drafting and development since 2016, especially with early-round picks.
• Deebo: “Only two players drafted in the first two rounds since 2016 have gotten long-term deals. That is a horrible rate.” (29:52)
• Lack of a coaching “tree” and internal promotions is criticized; contrast made with successful franchises like the Patriots and Lions.
  • “Mike’s been there almost 20 years. Ain’t got one tree in his coaching tree.” (33:07)

4. Quarterback Talk: Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Future

Rodgers’ Uncertain Decision

• Rodgers hasn’t committed to playing in 2026.
  • Deebo: “He left it open.” (26:38)
• Joe: “If A-Rod wants to come back, I’m not mad at it … But long term, we need a young guy.” (25:16)
• Discussing the tension between short-term competitiveness and need for a franchise QB in a loaded AFC.
• Steelers fans should “be ready to be down for a couple years” if they want elite QB talent in the draft. (29:12)

5. Trevon Diggs Released/Signs with Packers

Background and Contract Dynamics

• Diggs was released after injury issues and contract disputes in Dallas; immediately picked up by the Packers for a “prove-it” situation. (48:05 – 50:50)
• Joe’s insight: "Diggs is walking into a brand new contract … He can reinvent himself now."
• The business side: Packers only on the hook for a small portion, and can re-negotiate or cut after the current year.
  • “It might be 1 for 15 [million]. Just here prove a year, you know what I'm saying?” (49:17)

Locker Room Respect for ‘Player’s Coaches’

• Joe describes how some coaches are more accommodating of veterans’ personal needs (like letting them stay in their hometown an extra night post-game), while others prioritize strict adherence to policy. (45:41)

6. Rapid Fire: Playoff Picks, Game Predictions, and Listeners’ Q&A

Game Predictions:

• Joe: Steelers 20, Ravens 10 (60:54)
• Deebo: Steelers 12, Ravens 6 (No TDs, all field goals) (61:02)

Listener Engagement Highlights:

• Several shoutouts for donations and support. Warm, humorous responses to “super chat” messages, including a plea to involve the tight ends and keep the faith:
  • “If they don’t get our tight end involved, we are done.” (58:21, Covenant Money)
  • “I would say have a drink on me, but no, no, it might put you out … slow down on the drinking so you can watch the game clear.” (60:09, Deebo)

Player Prop Bets and Fan Strategies:

• Debo and Joe analyze likely over/under stats for Lamar Jackson’s passing, Derrick Henry’s rushing, and Aaron Rodgers’ passing, always sneaking in some competitive banter and betting advice. (53:39 – 57:13)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Key to Beating Baltimore:
  • Deebo: “Make him [Lamar] pass. Stop the run. We are doomed if we don’t.” (07:47)
• On Steelers Defensive Identity:
  • “We playing. They playing checkers. We playing chess. Right?” (07:56)
• On Steelers Draft & Development Woes:
  • “Only two players that have been with the Steelers since we won our last playoff game in 2016 have gone on to receive long-term extended deals...” (29:52)
• On Rodgers’ Future:
  • Joe: “If A-Rod wants to come back, I’m not mad at it … But long term, we need a young guy.” (25:16)
• On Trevon Diggs’ Release:
  • Joe: “Now Diggs can reinvent himself … It’s a prove-it year.” (49:15)
• On Steelers’ Coaching Tree:
  • Deebo: “Mike’s been there almost 20 years. Ain’t got one tree in his coaching tree.” (33:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Steelers-Ravens Run Game Analysis: 02:45–12:15
• Defense & Coaching Legacy: 10:39–12:27
• Mike Tomlin & Steelers Future: 22:07–23:16
• Aaron Rodgers’ Uncertainty: 25:16–29:12
• Steelers Draft Development Critique: 29:52–33:07
• Trevon Diggs Discussion: 42:11–51:31
• Game Score Predictions: 60:54–61:42

Tone and Style

Deebo and Joe keep the conversation lively, candid, and football-nerdy with plenty of locker room humor and personal anecdotes. While deeply analytical about Xs and Os and football business, they never let a listener forget their personalities and loyalties.

For Listeners

Whether you’re a playoff-hopeful Steelers fan, a devoted AFC North follower, or just love football banter with real NFL insights, this episode breaks down what's at stake, what might swing the game, and what's coming up for Pittsburgh, Green Bay, and the league’s quarterback carousel. The hosts’ candor about coaching, team-building, and player transitions gives you the inside football talk you crave.

Don’t forget to check your IG for ticket giveaways and tune in Monday for the game recap!