On the Saturday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to sort through the week in mock draft picks for new coach Mike McCarthy's team.
How much stock should we put in early first-round receiver picks, given the franchise's historical preference to select them on Days 2 and 3 under Mike Tomlin? Will Omar Khan follow that precedent, or look to add a viable threat across from DK Metcalf? If the Steelers do go receiver on Day 1, are Washington's Denzel Boston and USC's Makai Lemon the early favorites? And where to names like Jordyn Tyson, Malachi Fields, Zachariah Branch and Ja’Kobi Lane fit into the equation?
Our duo tackles those questions, then studies the need at tackle and cornerback. Could Khan look at a young standout like Kadyn Proctor as a replacement for Broderick Jones? Or is it too early to give up on the former first rounder? And could Avieon Terrell be a first-round option? Or will they continue to prefer bigger corners in the mold of Joey Porter Jr. despite Tomlin's departure?
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On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze Mike McCarthy's assistant coaching staff hires under DC Patrick Graham and OC Brian Angelichio.
Will James Campen satisfy the fan base's clamoring for a Mike Munchak-type hire at offensive line coach? What does long-time NFL veteran and potential Hall of Famer Jahri Evans add as Campen's assistant? And which linemen from the group of Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones and Dylan Cook will be the biggest beneficiaries of learning under a new staff?
Our duo tackles those questions, then pivots to defense. How can Domata Peko help the development of names like Yahya Black, Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton along the defensive line? Do those players still have upside that Peko can bring out of them? And is C.J. Ah up to the task of replacing Denzel Martin and coaching the team's vaunted outside linebackers, including C and Nick Herbig?
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Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley react to the week of offseason moves and non-moves from GM Ben Cherington's front office. This show is presented by FanDuel.
How much will new signing Jose Urquidy boost the starting pitching depth around names like Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler and others? Will his relationship with new pitching coach Bill Murphy yield fruit? Were there ever any legs to the rumors surrounding star pitcher Framber Valdez, who ultimately signed with the Detroit Tigers this week? And what are some of the top spring training storylines with report day looming next week? Could Konnor Griffin prove he belongs on the opening day roster? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
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Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the latest happenings around the Panthers football team.
What will Pitt's defense look like under new coordinator Cory Sanders? He's been preparing for this moment for years, but how will he leave an impact on the defense? Will it be similar to the schemes under Randy Bates, or will Sanders bring fresh ideas? Where does the defense need to improve?
Stephen and Abby tackle those topics, then take a look at transfer portal pickups and defensive linemen Eliyt Nairne and Jeremiah Warren. Are they starters? Where can they make an impact on the 2026 team? Are they capable of replacing Francis Brewu and Jahsear Whittington?
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On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former Dallas receiver and current podcast Jesse Holley to get his perspective on the hiring of Mike McCarthy.
Why didn't things work out for the Super Bowl-winning coach with one of the league's storied franchises? Are there lessons that can be learned from falling short with stars like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb that McCarthy can translate to leading Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? And how much can he improve on former OC Arthur Smith's work with the offense?
Our duo tackles those questions, plus George Pickens' big year with his new team after the Steelers traded him away last offseason.
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On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to analyze the NFL draft QB class following Chris's trip to the Senior Bowl last week.
How does the Steelers' Will Howard compare to guys expected to be available on Days 2 and 3? Is he clearly a better option than names like Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, Carson Beck, Sawyer Robertson and others? Or could one of those guys offer value over him as he competes with Mason Rudolph and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers for positioning on new coach Mike McCarthy's depth chart? Where's the ideal spot on the depth chart for Howard if GM Omar Khan gets his offseason moves right? And why do so many fans have such resolute faith in the former sixth-round pick? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders Khan's trade options this offseason. How seriously should he consider moving on from Jalen Ramsey, given the corner/safety's hefty cap hit? Is he worthy of making the money Minkah Fitzpatrick did at the position? Could the team get by with names like DeShon Elliott, Chuck Clark, Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger in that spot? Or should it consider drafting a safety like Caleb Downs or Bud Clark to fill the void at a cheaper price?
The later, the guys ponder how to handle the Steelers' array of draft picks. Should Khan hold onto all 12 with the goal of building his team's depth? Or should he trade up, even if it's not for a QB? Knowing that it's unlikely he could keep all of the picks on the 53-man roster and that impact talents like USC's Makai Lemon at WR could be available?
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Post-Gazette Pitt insider Stephen Thompson breaks down the Panthers' 67-47 loss to No. 18 Virginia on Tuesday night. This show is presented by FanDuel.
Were the Cavaliers simply more talented than the Panthers? Or was the lack of effort and hustle by Jeff Capel's team a bigger story? How can Pitt keep big man Cam Corhen out of foul trouble on nights like those? Why didn't Capel turn to Kieran Mullen when it was clear the small-ball approach wasn't working? And what do Capel's postgame comments tell us about his mindset? Is he accepting defeat for this season? Stephen tackles those topics and more.
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Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable take a look at players to watch for the Panthers as spring football rapidly approaches. This show is presented by FanDuel.
With all eyes on the wide receivers room, who could emerge as Mason Heintschel's right-hand man? Why do Bryce Yates, Blue Hicks and Justin Cook jump out as potential options? Is Josh Guerrier poised for a breakout with more reps at defensive back? Why are cornerback and linebacker matchups to watch with a mixture of returning players and new faces?
Stephen and Abby tackle those topics, plus give their picks and predictions for the Pitt basketball team's Tuesday night matchup vs. Virginia.
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On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to rank the Steelers' six Super Bowl victories with the big game looming this weekend.
Do our guys give the edge to the Steel Curtain teams of the 1970s, led by names like "Mean" Joe Green, Terry Bradshaw, John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, Franco Harris, Mel Blount, Jack Lambert and Jack Ham? Or do they prefer the 2000s teams led by Ben Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu and James Harrison?
Our duo tackles those questions, then analyzes this years matchup between Drake Maye and the Patriots and Sam Darnold and the Seahawks, two teams the Steelers faced in 2025.
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Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise ponders how new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy stacks up against the nine other coaches hired in this cycle.
Is he the best of the big names changing teams? A group that includes the Giants' John Harbaugh, the Falcons' Kevin Stefanski and the Titans' Robert Saleh? Do first-time coaches like Ravens' Jesse Minter, the Raiders' Klint Kubiak, the Bills' Joe Brady and the Cardinals' Mike LaFleur offer more sizzle? And was McCarthy the best fit of anyone actually hired this cycle, now that reported candidates Nate Scheelhaase and Chris Shula have been shut out of head coaching gigs? Paul tackles those questions and more as McCarthy looks to get more from a roster that includes stars like T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers.
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