Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko discuss what they've learned from virtual OTAs via discussions with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Diontae Johnson, outlining the challenges the team faces during the pandemic. Plus, they analyze the rejected 4th-and-15 rule change and the new status of Pittsburgh fans' favorite villain, Al Riveron. 

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss the latest in negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA and try to find reasons for optimism. Can the league get out of its own way, especially as other sports form plans to restart? Plus, we discuss memories of the 1997 'Freak Show' Pirates and debut our Bat Flips segment. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the NHL’s plan for a 24-team tournament now that it’s official, with Pittsburgh scheduled to take on Montreal in a play-in round. The Steel City is still being considered as one of the two hub cities, but how realistic is it? Plus, the NHL laid out its confusing plan for the draft lottery, and we try to explain why the Penguins could be in position to win.

Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko break down the Ben Roethlisberger video and why it should be an exciting thing for fans to see at this point. Plus, we discuss the potential rule change of having a 4th-and-15 play in place of an onside kick. Is it is fun innovation or just a gimmick? And JuJu Smith-Schuster is chasing a "revenge body." Will it translate on the field?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak vent their frustrations with the latest reports surrounding MLB's efforts to begin this season and wonder if the league missed its chance to capture the hearts and minds of sports fans this summer. Plus, we look at the biggest things we learned during our Pirates on Pause series. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss the 24-team tournament gaining steam in the NHL and analyze how a first-round matchup with the Canadiens would go and their chances to go all the way. Plus, we look at Dominik Simon's absence after surgery and how the lines should look when play resumes.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak break down the latest in the negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA as they try to start the season. Are the players hurting themselves with comments like Blake Snell’s, and are the owners really angling for a salary cap in the future? Plus, we discuss why an 82-game season would not only be more exciting, but would give the Pirates a legitimate shot at a postseason spot. 

Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko discuss James Harrison's controversial comments about Mike Tomlin and debunk the notion that there was a Bountygate-type of situation in Pittsburgh. Then, we break down the AFC North position-by-position to see how the Steelers stack up with their divisional rivals. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo recap the latest news surrounding the NHL's return to play, which unfortunately shows no one has a real idea of when or if it will happen. Then, we look ahead to the 2021 Seattle expansion draft and project which players will be candidates to protect, and which ones will be allowed to leave.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo look at the Steelers' 2020 schedule, with the NFL proceeding as normal despite concerns over a coronavirus impact. Assuming they play each game as usual, how will the season play out? We pick each game on the schedule and see where the Steelers will be at season's end.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss MLB's plan to play, which will likely include a universal designated hitter. So which Pirates would make the most sense in the DH spot? And which pitcher carries the most weight on his shoulders heading into 2020?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak discuss why MLB's plans to play keep leaking -- and why all of them are almost immediately debunked. Do any of these plans actually have a chance of happening? Plus, when play is started, which Pirates player is most likely to surprise doubters?

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the NHL's proposal for a June draft and why it might hurt Pittsburgh's efforts to shed salary and acquire additional draft picks. Plus, there is some growing momentum toward resuming the season at neutral sites. How realistic are the latest plans and what kind of format would be most fair?

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down the 2020 NFL draft class, starting with wide receiver Chase Claypool. How will the Notre Dame product open things up for JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington and the rest of the Pittsburgh receiving corps? Plus, they look at whether the Steelers should be concerned about red flags with running back Anthony McFarland Jr., and why guard Kevin Dotson might be their best pick. 

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Mike Persak look at the proposed changes to MLB games (robot umpires, seven-inning games, universal DH, etc.) that could be implemented when play begins and discuss what they're most looking forward to. Plus, which Pirates player would be the best professional wrestler? We go on a deep dive.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo preview the NFL draft for the final time and analyze why Pittsburgh is in a great spot this year despite the lack of a first-round pick. Wide receiver seems like a clear need and a deep class, so which players do we like best? And is there any chance the Steelers trade down from No. 49 to gather more picks?

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo look at draft targets rising and falling on boards as we get close to the draft and what it means for Pittsburgh. Plus, we look back at some ultimate "what-ifs" in Steelers draft history, including DeAndre Hopkins teaming with Antonio Brown or Lamar Jackson in black and gold. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo analyze the team's impending decision: Is Matt Murray or Tristan Jarry the goalie of the future? They rank the possible scenarios by which are most and least likely. Plus, they break down which impending free agents have the best chance at coming back next season.

Pitt insiders Craig Meyer and John McGonigal rewatch the 2007 Backyard Brawl, when the Panthers spoiled No. 2 West Virginia's shot at a national championship with an iconic 13-9 win. We analyze the many ripple effects this game had on college football, and dissect why Dave Wannstedt's crutches were the real MVP of the game. 

Pitt insiders Craig Meyer and John McGonigal rewatch the classic 2009 matchup between the Panthers and UConn — best known for DeJuan Blair’s flip of Hasheem Thabeet before beating the No. 1 Huskies. Why does this game still hold such a special place in the memories of Pitt fans? What are some hidden gems unearthed from a second viewing? We break it all down in a special edition of The North Shore Drive. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down their latest discussion with general manager Jim Rutherford, who was optimistic about Jake Guentzel's health but more pessimistic about getting a chance to play again this year. So if the season ended today, who is the Team MVP? And who would take home Class Clown? We hand out awards and superlatives. 

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss the team's surprising moves in free agency, bringing aboard proven veterans to fill key roles. Tight end Eric Ebron is the biggest name, but will drops and lack of blocking hurt him in this offense? And could Stefen Wisniewski start immediately at guard? Plus, they take a look around the league and analyze Tom Brady's move to Tampa, if Jameis Winston could slide into Pittsburgh and more. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss what the team is doing during the downtime with the season suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and what they’re hearing about how long it might take to get back to hockey. Plus, if they do play again this season, what will that look like?

Insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko call in from their self-quarantine to discuss the state of the Steelers in the new league year. As expected the franchise tag has been placed on Bud Dupree and a series of cuts and restructuring has been done to clear cap space. Are the Steelers done making moves, or could a bigger shakeup be coming?

Pirates insider Jason Mackey is joined by college writers John McGonigal and Mike Persak to discuss what happened in their respective worlds when the Pittsburgh sports world came to a halt as a result of COVID-19. How did the local teams handle the unprecedented situation, and what will it look like when sports return? Plus, what will we do in the meantime?

Our Penguins insiders look at the team’s rough past few weeks and notice a common denominator: lack of focus, effort or both. Is this type of midseason swoon normal for a veteran team, or are there underlying concerns? Plus, they discuss the NHL’s coronavirus response and how it might impact the Penguins in the immediate future.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss the impending CBA deal between the NFL and the players and how it will impact how they shape the team, both in this offseason and the immediate future. And they break down our latest mock draft, complete with all new names and reasoning. 

Plus, Penguins writer Mike DeFabo joins the show for his “Takes from the Gold Lot.” 

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Nubyjas Wilborn check in from spring training to discuss the solidifying rotation, depth concerns in the outfield and the state of the bullpen. Plus, they offer their one big thing that will be a pleasant surprise to fans and their biggest reason for concern. 

Steelers insider Brian Batko is at the NFL scouting combine, and he joins Ray Fittipaldo to discuss what he's hearing about positions the Steelers will target in the draft. Plus, they analyze the latest on Ben Roethlisberger, Bud Dupree and more. 

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss their impressions from camp so far, including a noticeably lighter atmosphere and an increased attention to fundamental details. Plus, they look at some of the Pirates’ young talent — including Will Craig, Mitch Keller, Oneil Cruz and Blake Cederlind — that has flown under the radar. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo analyze the ’ moves at the trade deadline and look at what Patrick Marleau, Conor Sheary and Evan Rodrigues can bring to the table. Plus, did they give up on Dominik Kahun too soon? And why did they not add any defensive help?

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the trade for Jason Zucker, analyzing if he's the missing piece for a championship team and if they gave up too much to get him. Plus, with the latest injury to John Marino, could another deal for a defenseman be in the works?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Nubyjas WIlborn analyze the job the new front office has done ahead of spring training and whether it's fair for fans to already air complaints about how things are being run. Plus, they examine the USA Today projection of 102 losses and wonder if the team could really be that bad. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the hot start to the season's second half, including a statement road win over the rival Capitals. Plus, they analyze whether swinging a major trade is worth it for a Penguins team that is showing championship chemistry. 

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo take an early look at the NFL draft and break down which prospects would be great fits for the Steelers. Top needs include the offensive line, tight end and running back, so which position will they target early (and often)?

Former Steeler and NFL analyst Merril Hoge joins the show to talk about where CTE research has gone wrong and why it's dangerous to immediately pin it on people like Antonio Brown and Aaron Hernandez. Plus, he analyzes the Steelers' chances to be a Super Bowl contender in 2020 before breaking down Sunday's game between the Chiefs and 49ers.

This bonus episode of The North Shore Drive features the season premiere of Field Study, a sports science podcast by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Reporter Bill Brink set out to see whether research into head injuries has affected youth football participation in western Pennsylvania, which has seen some decline in recent years. What he learned was that many people don’t even fully understand how to identify severe injuries when they happen. How can coaches, leagues and parents protect the kids risking their bodies on each and every play? And how has the sport as a whole altered its player health priorities?

Steelers great Alan Faneca discusses his own Hall of Fame chances as well as his thoughts on Bill Cowher's induction and Troy Polamalu's inevitable enshrining. Plus, he gives his thoughts on the current Steelers and the upcoming Super Bowl. 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo head into the NHL All-Star break with an analysis of the Cup-contending Penguins. They evaluate how Sidney Crosby's return has impacted the team, the emergence of Teddy Blueger as a key piece, and an intriguing goalie situation in the season's second half.

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss the impending return of Sidney Crosby and who his running mate will be without Jake Guentzel (hint: probably not Alex Galchenyuk). Plus, did Evgeni Malkin get snubbed for the All-Star game again, this time in favor of Kris Letang?

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo preview the 2020 offseason. Should Pittsburgh target a veteran backup QB over Mason Rudolph? Will they draft a RB high to replace James Conner? And what's the smart move with Bud Dupree? And finally, who won the year in 2019?

Our Steelers insiders discuss the rebirth of the quarterback controversy after Devlin Hodges' ugly night against the Bills, while also analyzing if the play-calling is hurting the offense just as much. Plus, the Steelers still control their own playoff destiny, but what do we realistically think of their postseason chances?

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Our Steelers insiders look at the AFC playoff picture and project which path would be most favorable for Pittsburgh. We break down the report card from the Steelers' win over the Cardinals and raise a burning question: Is Devlin Hodges solidified as the No. 2 QB of the future? Plus, we break down the Bills matchup and offer predictions. 

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Our Penguins insiders discuss the battle in net between Tristan Jarry and Matt Murray, the fascinating story behind newcomer Stefan Noesen and the return of Phil Kessel with the Coyotes. Plus, they hand out their Stick Taps to Brandon Tanev, Evgeni Malkin and others. 

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)  

Our Steelers insiders discuss why the team and city rally behind Devlin "Duck" Hodges so much and whether we've seen the last of Mason Rudolph. Plus, they discuss Mike Tomlin's Coach of the Year prospects, Freddie Kitchens' antics and predictions for the Cardinals game. 

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)  

Our Steelers insiders analyze Devlin Hodges getting the start against the Browns and what it means for Mason Rudolph's future in Pittsburgh before they pick a winner in Sunday's matchup. Plus, did they find diamonds in the rough with WR Deon Cain and RB Kerrith Whyte? 

Our Penguins insiders discuss goalie Tristan Jarry's impressive start and how the team's depth in the crease puts them in an enviable position. Plus, they give their observations of the new and impressive top line since Sidney Crosby has been out and award their Stick Taps of the week. 

Our Pirates insiders discuss the hiring of Ben Cherington as the new general manager, and what owner Bob Nutting meant by his comments on payroll allocation. Plus, they dissect what some interesting quotes from the front office really mean. 

Our Steelers insiders discuss how much blame Mason Rudolph should get for his role in the brawl with Browns and give their perspective from the press box. Plus, with all the injuries piling up on offense, how can the Steelers score enough to win games? Should they take a look at local product Terrelle Pryor?

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo analyze how Sidney Crosby's extended absence will affect the team over the next six weeks and which players need to step up the most to fill the captain's void. Plus, they look at how the power play has been trending up and give out their Stick Taps of the week.

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo analyze the goalies' cold snap, why they like how the team is playing despite some tough losses, and - surprise, surprise - key injuries. They also dive in to the surprising special teams and a gem on the fourth line before handing out their Stick Taps for the week.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo evaluate the Steelers at the halfway point and question whether Mason Rudolph has been the quarterback they expected. They also hand out their midseason MVP award and analyze whether the Steelers should hand out a big contract to Bud Dupree after the season. 

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)  

Penn State writer Mike Persak and Pitt writers John McGonigal and Craig Meyer discuss how the two teams have played up to this point and pick midway MVPs. They also talk about what the future could look like for the Nittany Lions and Panthers.

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss the Steelers' chances of success against the Chargers with their third-string quarterback, whether Paxton Lynch could make an appearance soon, the tumultuous situation at wide receiver and the rumors linking Mike Tomlin with the Redskins.

Which team is Baltimore more afraid of - the Steelers or the Browns? Baltimore Sun reporter Jonas Shaffer joins us to talk about Week 5's matchup and the implications moving forward. 

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss if the Week 4 win changes how they think about the team's future, if the performance can be sustained going forward and if Pittsburgh has a legitimate shot at beating the Ravens.

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo look at the anemic Steelers offense and a defense that can't seem to make a big stop and discuss which side of the ball is more at fault for the team's 0-3 start.

And should the Steelers be playing Jaylen Samuels more now that James Conner is stuck in the mud? 

Plus, some bold predictions for the rest of the season.

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)   

Jason Mackey, Bill Brink and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss the Pirates trading Corey Dickerson (2:23) and try to figure out why Felipe Vazquez is still in Pittsburgh (11:33). They take a big-picture look at GM Neal Huntington's approach to team-building (23:26) and share their favorite brawl moments (36:24). 

Music from https://filmmusic.io
"RetroFuture Clean" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Coming this week: The North Shore Drive, a weekly sports podcast from the sports staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.