Desert Renegades Podcast

Football
Society & Culture
Comedy

Pittsburgh
FOOTBALL
NFL
Steelers

A podcast from consumed Pittsburgh Steeler fans about the Pittsburgh Steelers as they march through the season. Hosted By dyed in the wool Steeler fan John Holmberg from 98 KUPD (97.9fm @98kupd) in Phoenix, AZ and Phoenix musician/football diehard Chris Catero and including the occasional guest and interview to talk all things Steelers, The NFL and football in general.

Check us out on socials and at Youtube!

https://www.youtube.com/@DesertRenegadesSteelersPodcast

Steelers 2026 Season Preview: The Mike McCarthy Era Begins | Desert Renegades Ep. 1

Steelers 2026 season preview: this is the series premiere of Desert Renegades. Hosts John Holmberg and Chris Catero break down the Mike McCarthy era, the offense, the defense, and predict Week 1 against the Falcons.

► The very first episode of Desert Renegades: a new weekly Pittsburgh Steelers podcast from 98KUPD's John Holmberg and lifelong Steelers fan Chris Catero

► A full breakdown of the Mike Tomlin era, why he stepped away in January 2026, and what Mike McCarthy inherits taking over as head coach

► Aaron Rodgers, the receiver room (DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman, Roman Wilson, Jeremy Bernard) and whether the offensive line can hold up

► A young, retooled defense under new coordinator Patrick Graham, including the secondary questions around Joey Porter Jr and Deshaun Elliott's injury

► Where the Steelers stack up against the Ravens and Bengals in the AFC North

► Score predictions for Week 1 against the Falcons and what a good start looks like for the McCarthy era

This is Steelers 2026 season preview episode one. New episodes drop every week, so subscribe now to catch every breakdown all season long.

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steelers Patriots Game Preview: DK Metcalf Meltdown & Falcons Recap | Desert Renegades Ep. 2

John and Chris break down the Week 1 win over Atlanta and get you ready for Sunday in New England.

► All-22 tape review of the defensive line, and why Harmon and Heyward holding their gaps changed everything

► T.J. Watt's pick six earns him AFC Defensive Player of the Week, and what it means heading into New England

► Aaron Rodgers at 42: the arm talent is still there, but the run game and O-line have to show up

► DK Metcalf's rough debut, the drops, the OPI calls, and why his response this week is the real storyline

► The Joey Porter Jr. contract standoff and a real grade on Omar Khan's first year as GM

► Full Steelers Patriots game preview: keys to victory and final score predictions for Sunday in New England

This one's for Steelers fans who want the real breakdown, not just the highlight reel.

---

FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hit the Panic Button? Steelers Patriots Recap | Desert Renegades Ep 3

In this Steelers Patriots recap, John Holmberg and Chris Catero go back through the film of an ugly Week 2 loss in New England, from an offensive line that got manhandled to DK Metcalf's costly third-down drops. They break down Aaron Rodgers' play-calling comments, what Mike McCarthy still needs to show, and whether it's time to hit the panic button. Then it's on to Cincinnati with a Steelers vs Bengals prediction and a Joe Burrow what-if.

► The offensive line is averaging negative 1.3 yards per rush before contact, and the hosts rank every lineman from the film

► Why DK Metcalf's dropped third downs have the hosts saying he has to show up against the Bengals

► What Aaron Rodgers really meant by his postgame play-calling comments about Mike McCarthy

► The Steelers panic draft: 100 points to spend on the O-line, receivers, front office, McCarthy, Rodgers and running backs

► The Joey Porter contract offer, and whether we have seen the last of him in a Steelers uniform

► Score predictions for Steelers vs Bengals, plus would you give up four first-round picks for Joe Burrow

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast

---

🔗 Watch on YouTube HERE"

https://98kupd.com/desertrenegadesyt

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

TNF Browns Game, Jaylen Warren's Run Game Returns, Bengals Game Recap | Desert Renegades Ep. 4

This Steelers Bengals game recap breaks down how the offensive line finally showed up in a 30-27 win, as Mike McCarthy's staff moved linemen back to their natural spots and gave Aaron Rodgers his most time to throw as a Steeler. John Holmberg and Chris Catero also cover Jaylen Warren's 127-yard day, preview Thursday night football in Cleveland, and debut two new segments: Optimist vs Pessimist and Smash or Trash.

► Mike McCarthy's offensive line changes, and why the tackles gave up just 3 pressures after allowing 9 the week before

► Aaron Rodgers' 3.19-second average time to throw, his best as a Steeler, behind a line that finally held up

► 411 yards of offense, 7 of 12 on third down, and the first two-touchdown first quarter in roughly 70 games

► Jaylen Warren's 127 rushing yards on 17 carries while playing through a shoulder injury

► Why the defense let Joe Burrow take the short stuff all day, and Derrick Harmon's game-sealing sack

► The Browns on Thursday night in Cleveland, DK Metcalf's missing competitive fire, and score predictions

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

---

🔗 LISTEN HERE

https://98kupd.com/desertrenegades

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday Night Divisional Pattern Holds, Colts Game Preview | Desert Renegades Ep 5

This Steelers Browns game recap breaks down a second-quarter collapse in Cleveland on Thursday night football and the Joey Porter Jr. trade that sent him to the Cowboys. John Holmberg and Chris Catero also ask whether the real problem starts with owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan, then look ahead to the Colts this week.

► Why the Steelers defense broke down in Cleveland: missed tackles, soft coverage and rotation questions for Patrick Graham and Mike McCarthy

► Inside the Steelers Cowboys trade for Joey Porter Jr.: a 2028 second-round pick, a sixth-rounder back and no clear plan to replace him

► Aaron Rodgers throws for 299 yards against the Browns and admits he missed throws he normally hits, while Jaylen Warren is the offensive MVP at the quarter mark

► Art Rooney II, Omar Khan and the front office: is this team built to win now?

► TJ Watt's sack and forced fumble, Cam Hayward's future and Derrick Harmon's injury

► A Steelers Colts preview with keys to a win, plus Trash and Smash

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

---

🔗 WATCH HERE

https://98kupd.com/desertrenegadesyt

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Warren Leads Way Over Colts in Week 5, Freiermuth Adds 2 Scores, Bucs Preview | Desert Renegades Ep 6

This Steelers Colts game recap breaks down a 34-22 win where Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns and the run game finally showed up. John Holmberg and Chris Catero take on the big question: are the Steelers actually good? Then they look ahead with a full Steelers Buccaneers preview for the game in Tampa.

► Aaron Rodgers' three touchdowns, his best pocket presence in years, and why three straight three-touchdown games matter

► Jaylen Warren's 188 total yards and why he has to be the bell cow in the Steelers run game

► The Steelers Colts offensive line story: a young line starting to gel as run blockers

► Mike McCarthy's time clocks and clock management, and why this offense finally feels like his

► Patrick Graham on the sideline, Patrick Queen's future and Landon Roberts at middle linebacker

► Smashes and Trashes, score predictions for Tampa and a look at Bucky Irving and the Bucs

---

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

---

🔗 WATCH HERE

https://98kupd.com/desertrenegadesyt

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jalen Ramsey Keys OT win over Bucs, Paris Game Preview | Desert Renegades Ep 7

This Steelers Bucs game recap breaks down a fourth quarter comeback that turned three quarters of Groundhog Day football into an overtime win and a 4-2 record. John Holmberg and Chris Catero dig into Aaron Rodgers' fourth quarter, DK Metcalf's turnaround, and the goal line mistakes from Mike McCarthy that almost cost the Steelers the game. Then they look ahead to the Steelers France game against the Saints.

► Three quarters of 145 yards and 3 points, then 155 yards and 23 points in the fourth quarter, with Aaron Rodgers' passer rating jumping from 53.8 to 122.9

► DK Metcalf's fourth quarter turnaround: two catches for 12 yards through three quarters, then nine catches for 81 yards

► Mike McCarthy's goal line clock management and why the hosts call the overtime drive a masterclass

► Jalen Ramsey's best game as a Steeler, Keanu Benton, two Nick Herbig sacks, and a run defense that stifled Bucky Irving

► Steelers receiver injuries, Marquez Valdes-Scantling's return and the Chargers sellers rumor, including Justin Herbert trade talk

► Steelers France game preview vs. the Saints, the AFC North roundup, Smash or Trash and a bar-gument: one Super Bowl and 10 losing seasons, or 10 playoff runs with no title

---

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

---

🔗 WATCH HERE

https://98kupd.com/desertrenegadesyt

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paris Calling As Steelers Take Care Of Business vs Saints | Desert Renegades Ep 8

This Steelers Saints game recap breaks down the 16-10 win in Paris, where a dominant Steelers run defense held New Orleans to 18 rushing yards. John Holmberg and Chris Catero also dig into Aaron Rodgers' play calling, the Steelers offensive line, and why the red zone offense is still stuck. Then it's on to a Steelers Browns game preview and prediction for the rematch.

► How the Steelers run defense held the Saints to 18 rushing yards, and why the hosts tip their cap to Patrick Graham and the defensive line

► Aaron Rodgers' play calling at the line of scrimmage, and why Hall of Fame quarterbacks call their own plays

► How the Steelers offensive line dominated in run blocking but still struggles in pass protection, with 14 sacks allowed on third down

► A B+ grade for the Steelers international game in Paris, Jaylen Warren's latest 100-yard day, Payton Wilson's best game as a Steeler, and the six-lineman jumbo package

► Why the Steelers red zone offense has just one rushing touchdown through seven games, something that has not happened since 1940

► A Steelers Browns game preview and prediction, how Mike McCarthy handles the rematch, trade deadline targets, and early 2027 quarterback scouting

---

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

---

🔗 WATCH HERE

https://98kupd.com/desertrenegadesyt

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alone In First Place After Body Slamming Browns, Another Strong Game From Warren | Desert Renegades Ep 9

This Steelers Browns game recap breaks down a 27-6 win built on the offensive line and the run game. Hosts John Holmberg and Chris Catero also cover Mike McCarthy's red zone mistakes, Aaron Rodgers' 172-yard day, an eight-sack pass rush, and the Jared Verse trash talk that ended with a Mason McCormick slam. Plus first-half report cards at 6-2, Smash or Trash, and what the bye week means for the AFC North race.

► Steelers offensive line and run game: the trap plays, the run blocking, and Jaylen Warren's 143 yards and a touchdown behind the most complete win of the season

► Mike McCarthy's red zone folly: the pass calls inside the five that left points on the board, and why Aaron Rodgers going for the touchdown before halftime changed the game

► Aaron Rodgers vs. the Browns: 172 yards, a pick that wasn't his fault, and the DK Metcalf drops that cost the offense

► Talk sh*t, get hit: Jared Verse's week of chirping, one tackle, and the Mason McCormick spin-and-slam

► Steelers pass rush: eight sacks, TJ Watt with two, and Cleveland held to 34 rushing yards

► First-half report cards, Smash or Trash, Barguments on the best Steelers secondaries, and the AFC North picture with the Bengals and Ravens

---

📱 FOLLOW DESERT RENEGADES

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsteelerspodcast

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertrenegadessteelerspodcast/

---

🔗 WATCH HERE

https://98kupd.com/desertrenegadesyt

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.