Archive - The North Shore Drive Sports Podcast

November 06, 2019 Penguins feeling good despite tight losses, injuries

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.

MUSIC CREDIT

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

November 06, 2019 Are the Steelers holding Mason Rudolph back?

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/)

November 01, 2019 New offensive heroes emerge for Steelers

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the quiet trade deadline, their concerns for the running game and red flags raised from the scare against the Dolphins. Plus, they examine how Diontae Johnson could be following JuJu Smith-Schuster's career path and give their predictions for the Colts game.

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

October 31, 2019 Will Evgeni Malkin's return change how Penguins play?

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo break down the Erik Gudbranson trade and what it means for the team's solid defense, and they give stick taps to the AHL reinforcements who helped the team stay afloat. Plus, they dive deep into Evgeni Malkin's return and what it means for the Penguins' playing style moving forward.

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

October 29, 2019 Impressions from meeting with Pirates owner Bob Nutting

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Nubyjas Wilborn share thoughts from a sit-down interview with owner Bob Nutting and whether they feel the team is headed in the right direction under new leadership. Plus, they discuss the ongoing search for a new GM and manager.

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

October 25, 2019 Steelers-Dolphins a must-win game ... or is it a can't-lose?

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down Monday night's matchup with the Dolphins, discuss the realistic playoff chances and look into the future to see if this Pittsburgh defense is trending toward one of the league's best units.

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

October 24, 2019 Why was Frank Coonelly the Pirates' front-office scapegoat?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Nubyjas Wilborn discuss their first impressions from the departure of president Frank Coonelly, why he took the fall for the team's struggles and what new executive Travis Williams can do any differently. They also discuss their top choices for manager as the candidates continue going elsewhere.

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

October 22, 2019 College Football updates: Have Pitt and Penn State performed as expected?

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.

Music from https://filmmusic.io

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

October 16, 2019 Steelers' off week comes at perfect time during 'fragile state'

Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo break down Duck Hodges' surprising performance in a win over the Chargers, why this is still Mason Rudolph's team moving forward and the standout performance from the defense, highlighted by rookie Devin Bush.

Music from https://filmmusic.io

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

October 15, 2019 Penguins' hot start: Small sample size or sustainable?

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo look at the depleted Penguins and discuss if their high-octane offense can keep up with the mounting injuries. They ponder if some of the young call-ups will stick long term and decide if some eye-popping stats are sustainable or a blip in the early season.

MUSIC CREDIT

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

October 10, 2019 Penguins scramble to replace Malkin; Letang struggles to start

Penguins insiders Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo take stock of the Penguins many injuries already, most notably the "longer term" absence of Evgeni Malkin. They look at four players who need to step up the most and give their impressions of the newcomers thus far.

Music from https://filmmusic.io

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

October 09, 2019 Duck season in Pittsburgh: Can Devlin Hodges keep Steelers afloat?

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.

MUSIC CREDIT

Music from https://filmmusic.io

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

October 04, 2019 Know your enemy: Ravens writer on rivalry with Steelers, game prediction

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.

MUSIC CREDIT

Music from https://filmmusic.io

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

October 01, 2019 Steelers have a win, but is the performance sustainable?

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/)

September 30, 2019 Clint Hurdle fired: Who could be next as Pirates manager?

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Nubyjas Wilborn take you behind the scenes of Clint Hurdle's firing, discuss whether Neal Huntington should have followed him out the door and look what who might be next in line for Pittsburgh's dugout.

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

September 26, 2019 13 things we've learned as Penguins season opener approaches

Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo discuss the closing window for the Penguins' Big 3, if Evgeni Malkin is truly motivated to return to glory and why Brandon Tanev is the perfect fit for the top two lines.

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

September 24, 2019 Steelers remain winless, James Conner disappears, and bold predictions

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 CREDIT

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

September 19, 2019 Pirates postmortem: Trying to make sense of chaotic season

Jason Mackey and Nubyjas Wilborn dig through the rubble of the Pirates' '2019 season to find some positives, discuss the multiple off-field incidents that plagued the team and look ahead at who will be (or should be) fired.

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

September 18, 2019 Big Ben out, Minkah Fitzpatrick in: What does future hold for Steelers?

Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss Ben Reothlisberger's uncertain future, how Mason Rudolph projects for the rest of this season, Minkah Fitzpatrick's immediate impact and Devin Bush's early struggles. Then they look ahead to the 49ers in Week 3 and predict if the Steelers can capture their first win.

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

September 16, 2019 Steelers legend Dermontti Dawson on the loss of Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers' chances moving forward

Hall of Fame center Dermontti Dawson joins Adam Bittner to talk about how the Steelers move forward without Ben Roethlisberger, the star-in-the-making that is Devin Bush, and the team's chances of staying competitive with Mason Rudolph under center.

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

September 13, 2019 Pitt-Penn State: The 100th (final?) matchup in storied rivalry

John McGonigal and Mike Persak break down the 100th meeting between Pitt and Penn State, and former Pitt star Mike Caprara joins Adam Bittner to remember the Panthers' 2016 win and look ahead. Then, Former Penn State linebacker Nyeem Wartman talks about his new role as an assistant coach at Mississippi State, memories of the classic matchup between the Nittany Lions and Pitt in 2016 and his thoughts on whether the series is a rivalry.

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

September 10, 2019 Steelers crumble in New England, AB signs with Patriots and Seahawks loom

Steelers writers Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap a disastrous night in New England (1:55), discuss how Pittsburgh can pick up the pieces (7:15), debunk some Antonio Brown conspiracy theories (18:30) and preview the Week 2 game against the Seahawks (26:36).

September 05, 2019 Steelers-Patriots preview: Can Pittsburgh spoil a banner party in New England?

Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap the Steelers' final moves ahead of the season opener (4:21), analyze the matchup with the Patriots in New England (15:00) and give their fearless predictions (36:36).

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

September 05, 2019 Steelers-Patriots rivalry: Best and worst memories

Adam Bittner and Josh Axelrod look back at the times when they were just Steelers fans and recount their favorite and worst memories from the Patriots rivalry, their most hated players and the outcome they would most like to change.

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

August 29, 2019 College football preview: Pitt, Penn State and national picture

College football season is here, so Pitt writer John McGonigal and Penn State writer Mike Persak join Adam Bittner to discuss the things they'll be watching in Week 1 (3:46), their team MVPs and breakout stars (17:27) and pick their favorites for the College Football Playoff (53:25).

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

August 21, 2019 State of the Steelers: WRs emerging, James Conner's value and versatile defense

With Steelers training camp over, Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo discuss what they learned at Saint Vincent (1:27), break down preseason Weeks 2 and 3 (9:27), look at the versatile defense (16:21), view the Antonio Brown drama from afar (23:57) and pick a No. 2 QB between Mason Rudolph and Josh Dobbs (29:16).

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

August 16, 2019 Pitt football expectations with new-look offense and defense missing its star

Craig Meyer and John McGonigal discuss Kenny Pickett's ceiling under new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple (4:05), how the defense can possibly replace star defensive lineman Rashad Weaver (22:03) and Pitt's tough schedule to open the year (39:21).

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

August 09, 2019 Which Steelers have stood out in camp, and who to watch in preseason

Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo highlight the three players that have stood out to them in camp so far (3:01), hold a Steelers preseason fantasy draft (22:15) and remind us all why preseason results don't really matter (36:09).

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

August 02, 2019 Future of the Pirates after quiet trade deadline

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/)

July 26, 2019 Steelers open training camp; Penguins offseason review

In the first-ever episode of The North Shore Drive, we dive into Steelers training camp talk with Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo. They discuss camp memories (5:25) and off-the-radar guys to keep an eye on (10:00).

Then, Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo join us to recap the Penguins' summer so far (33:10), predict who could get traded next (44:20), and guess what the lines will look like in the fall (50:30).

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

July 22, 2019 The North Shore Drive preview

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