The North Shore Drive Sports Podcast

Pitt insider Stephen Thompson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is joined by Toledo insider Kyle Rowland of The Toledo Blade to break down all things college football ahead of Thursday's Pitt-Toledo matchup in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. The guys discuss current injuries for both teams, look ahead to possible starting lineups, and provide their picks for the game. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey talks about the Steelers' current laundry list of injuries and the much-needed impact of George Pickens' return. He also discusses the importance of getting DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson back in the lineup and how the running game will be key to defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, on Netflix, in Week 17. Jason also analyzes what Wednesday's game means for the Steelers' NFL playoff hopes and AFC North title chances. He wraps up the show by expressing his belief in what the Penguins are doing, as well as what the Pirates are telling us with signing Andrew McCutchen and no one else this week. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former Steeler Derek Watt to preview a big week for his football family. How will T.J. Watt perform amid his injury in a crucial NFL Week 17 matchup on Christmas against Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs? Does he deserve the NFL's defensive player of the year (DPOY) award for his work in 2024? Is J.J. Watt ready for his big role on the first-ever Netflix broadcast of an NFL game? And what are Derek's thoughts on the Steelers' special teams excellence this season, including a monster season from Chris Boswell? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Pitt sports mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: What did Jeff Capel's men's basketball team do differently during this nonconference season that has the Panthers set up so well in the NET rankings? Will that help when it comes time to seek a bid to the NCAA tournament? What should fans expect from the matchup between Pitt and Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl? What young players could we see in action that haven't gotten a chance yet? And should Damian Dunn slot back into the Panthers' starting lineup when he returns from injury or has Zack Austin earned the right to stay there? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should the Steelers considering bringing back Diontae Johnson to bolster their receiving corps, even with George Pickens returning from injury and Calvin Austin III showing promise? Is T.J. Watt healthy enough to make the big plays this defense needs in NFL Week 17 vs. the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs? And should we be concerned at all about Russell Wilson after his costly turnovers Saturday against the Ravens?

Paul tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front. Then offers his thoughts on James Franklin, Penn State and the College Football Playoff first round this past weekend. Then wraps the show with reaction to Andrew McCutchen's return to the Pirates.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the defense's many issues ahead of an NFL Week 17 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Does this group need more splash plays from stars including T.J. Watt, Minah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward to regain elite status? What is happening with Patrick Queen and others in stopping the run? Might the return of Larry Ogunjobi this week help? And how can the pass defense blow fewer assignments amid injuries to DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson?

Our duo tackles those questions and more on that side of the ball, then talks offense. Has OC Arthur Smith's game plan been faulty in the past two losses against the Eagles and Ravens? How much did Russell Wilson's two critical turnovers this week overshadow an ability to move the ball? Can Smith get the ball to Pat Freiermuth more often? And what difference can the return of George Pickens make for this unit? Especially for the running game with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren?

Later, Chris and Ray give their predictions for what might happen in this week's Christmas matchup with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Co. at Acrisure Stadium.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 16 loss to the Ravens in Baltimore with 10 post-game thoughts. How encouraging Patrick Queen's message of accountability, and to what degree is he emerging as a leader on this defense? Why was Russell Wilson's QB play encouraging despite his pair of costly turnovers? Has the Ravens' Lamar Jackson started to figure out coach Mike Tomlin's defense? How worried should we be about the banged-up secondary amid a key injury to Joey Porter Jr.? Why did Jaylen Warren out-touch Najee Harris in the running game? Where was tight end Pat Freiermuth in the passing game? And how far from 100% is T.J. Watt right now? Jason tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's South Side facility ahead of their NFL Week 17 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. Could some key players including George Pickens, DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, Justin Fields and Larry Ogunjobi return from injury? What's the status of newly injured names like Joey Porter Jr. and Ben Skowronek? How can OC Arthur Smith and QB Russell Wilson get TE Pat Freiermuth more involved in the offense after a quiet outing against the Ravens on Saturday? And how can Mike Tomlin get more out of his defense after Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick and others struggled to contain Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to a costly NFL Week 16 loss to the Ravens in Baltimore. Can coach Mike Tomlin fix his struggling defense amid injuries to T.J. Watt, Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott, Larry Ogunjobi and Donte Jackson? Is the defensive line a problem with names including Dean Lowry and Isaiahh Loudermilk not producing? How much blame does QB Russell WIlson deserve for a pair of turnovers that sidetracked an otherwise productive day from Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Calvin Austin III within OC Arthur Smith's offense? When might George Pickens return from injury? And where does this loss leave the Steelers in the AFC North race with a tough matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs looming on Christmas.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 16 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

Did Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and the running game bounce back after a tough outing against the Eagles? How did Russell Wilson, Mike Williams, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III and the passing game perform without the injured George Pickens? What kind of a factor was T.J. Watt defensively after the injury he battled over the past week? And how well did teammates including Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Queen execute in slowing down Ravens stars including Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers?

Penn State insiders Joel Haas and Lyle Alenstein react to Penn State's dominant College Football Playoff victory on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. How far can James Franklin and Drew Allar take the Nittany Lions after finally earning a signature win? Will this victory silence their critics? Or is a Fiesta Bowl win against Boise State in the next round essential to that narrative as well? Can any defense in the playoffs stop running backs Katron Allen and Nick Singleton after their huge days? How much praise do OC Andy Kotelnicki and DC Tom Allen deserve? And have Abdul Carter, Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca helped the defense find its stride after forcing numerous turnovers against SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko look ahead to another massive game on Saturday as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Baltimore Ravens for an AFC North rivalry rematch. How can the Steelers survive their current injuries to upset the Ravens and win the division crown? Also, what must Mike Tomlin and the Steelers defense do to keep Saturday afternoon's contest low-scoring enough so that they can eke out a win? The guys tackle those Week 16 questions and more, then dish out their picks and predictions from around the league.

For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Friday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey breaks down how a win on Saturday would give the Pittsburgh Steelers their biggest all season and maybe around the entire NFL so far this season. He also discusses how he doesn't like where Mike Tomlin and company currently stand with injuries as the postseason rapidly approaches. Jason also looks at last night's volleyball matches with Pitt-Louisville and Penn State-Nebraska and later talks about what a Sidney Crosby NHL heater could mean for the Penguins.

For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Thursday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey looks ahead to the Steelers' chance to clinch the AFC North against the Ravens on Saturday. How can Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith shake off their slow starts and jump out to a lead? Plus, some thoughts on Pitt volleyball's Final Four showdown and a new take on Pirates acquisition Spencer Horwitz.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's practice facility ahead of a crucial NFL Week 16 matchup with the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. How can OC Arthur Smith get Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and the running game back on track after an ugly performance last week against the Philadelphia Eagles? Can he get more out of young offensive lineman such as Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones and Mason McCormick? Or does he need to switch up his play calling at tactics? Where does George Pickens' injury situation stand, and what impact could that have on QB Russell Wilson and the passing game?

Then on the defensive side of the ball, how important is T.J. Watt's availability to helping DC Teryl Austin stop Ravens QB Lamar Jackson? Can the unit survive with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig as the lead pass rushers? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh Sports news around 5 p.m. Is the Steelers' compressed schedule that forces them to face the Eagles, Ravens and Chiefs in an 11-day span fair? Or does the NFL need to reconsider stretches like this moving forward? How does Patrick Mahomes' ankle injury factor into expectations for coach Mike Tomlin, QB Russell Wilson and RB Najee Harris vs. the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs? And how big of a boost will it be if T.J. Watt is able to play vs. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens this week?

Paul tackles those topics, gives final thoughts on Penn State's College Football Playoff matchup vs. SMU and ponders what an NCAA women's volleyball national title could mean for Pitt.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas to preview the College Football Playoff first-round matchup with SMU on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Is this Drew Allar's big chance to show a big audience what he can do in a do-or-die moment? Have he and coach James Franklin been slept on because casual fans only see them fail in big games? Was Allar's announced return in 2025 a surprise? Or a smart move for his NFL draft stock? And how will the rest of the quarterback room fill out behind him, with Ethan Grunkemeyer and Jaxon Smolik vying to replace transfer Beau Pribula as the No. 2 guy?

Our duo tackles those questions and more, including: How much can transfer portal addition Kyron Hudson help the weak wide receiver corps next season? Could former USC Trojans teammates Zachariah and Zion Branch join him in Happpy Valley? Could Penn State see other key players like Abdul Carter, Kaytron Allen or Nick Singleton return next season? How does the PSU defense match up with SMU stars like QB Kevin Jennings, RB Brashard Smith and WRs Roderick Daniels Jr. and Key'Shawn Smith? Does the men's basketball team have March Madness potential after receiving AP poll votes this week? And what are the women's volleyball tam's chances to stop rival Pitt from winning a national title this week?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the Steelers defense. What led to the third-down issues last week against the Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith and the Eagles? Can they be fixed ahead of a pivotal AFC North showdown with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in NFL Week 16? And is the secondary a specific area of concern, with Dontae Jackson injured and players like Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick giving up a lot of yardage through the air?

Our duo tackles those topics and more, including: Officiating issues that have angered Steelers players including George Pickens; injury updates on players including Pickens, Jackson, T.J. Watt, DeShon Elliott and Larry Ogunjobi; and the defense's readiness to play without Watt with names such as Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Specifically, he responds to George Pickens' claim that NFL officials have a "vendetta" against the Steelers after a few controversial calls the last few weeks in games against the Bengals, Browns and Eagles.

He also ponders the state of the Steelers defense as it prepares to face Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens, possibly without T.J. Watt. And he assesses the offense's chances to bounce back after Russell Wison, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth and Co. struggled to score points amid Pickens' absence in Philadelphia.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Giana Han of the Baltimore Banner to preview the NFL Week 16 clash with the Ravens. Can the defense slow down Lamar Jackson again, coming off one of his best performances of the season? Especially with the status of T.J. Watt and DeShon Elliott up in the air? Who else is trending up for the Ravens? Has kicker Justin Tucker sorted out any of his struggles since missing a pair of kicks against the Steelers in November? How have Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey gotten this Baltimore defense back on track? And will that make life difficult on Russell Wilson, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth, especially if George Pickens misses another game? And what's going on with former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson, who's been suspended the past couple of weeks after refusing to enter a game against the Eagles? Our duo tackles those questions and more?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey analyzes the impact of defenseman Marcus Pettersson's injury on the Penguins' recent 6-2-1 hot streak. Is that success sustainable without him? Can Owen Pickering hack it on the top defensive pairing with Kris Letang? What does Pettersson's absence mean for Erik Karlsson, who's now skating with the struggling Matt Grzelcyk? And how does the injury complicate decisions for GM Kyle Dubas as he looks to bolster the roster around Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for coach Mike Sullivan?

Jason tackles those topics; reacts to the Pirates' promotion of Miguel Perez within their pitching development regime; and ponders the Steelers' chances in NFL Week 16 against the AFC North rival Ravens amid injuries to T.J. Watt and George Pickens.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is RB Desmond Reid's return a good sign for coach Pat Narduzzi and OC Kade Bell as NCAA transfer portal season gets into full swing? Will others including Eli Holstein and Kyle Louis stay put as well? And what are the guys' picks for the College Football Playoff this weekend? Our duo tackles those topics and more on the basketball front. Should coach Jeff Capel give Brandin Cummings a spot in the starting lineup? And how much longer will he allow Guillermo Diaz Graham to struggle?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m., with a specific focus on the Steelers' NFL Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Is QB Russell Wilson taking too much of the blame? Why do some fans still want to see Justin Fields? How can OC Arthur Smith get more out of targets including Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams, Pat Freiermuth and Van Jefferson? How much blame do GM Omar Khan and GM Mike Tomlin deserve for not giving him more? What went wrong for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in the running game? And are Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick and the secondary in trouble? Especially with T.J. Watt injured?

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On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the Steelers' disheartening loss to the Eagles on Sunday night. Why has the offense fallen apart since George Pickens got hurt? Why can't the defense make a stop, and will T.J. Watt's ankle injury derail things further? And with a playoff spot clinched, what does a postseason forecast look like for this team?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Was OC Arthur Smith's game plan too vanilla for key pieces including Russell Wilson, Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris to get results amid the injury to George Pickens? What will T.J. Watt's injury mean for the defense with key games against the Ravens and Chiefs looming? When will receivers including Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Mike Williams step up? How much blame does coach Mike Tomlin deserve for clock management gaffes? And how did Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr. and the defense manage to keep Saquon Barkley in check while getting dominated by other playmakers including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the Steelers' NFL Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Why couldn't QB Russell Wilson, TE Pat Freiermuth and the offense take advantage of a pair of early fumbles by their opponent? How much blame do Najee Harris, Calvin Austin III and Darnell Washington deserve for fumbling and drawing costly flags, respectively? And where does the receiver group go from here after an ugly day amid George Pickens' injury?

Our duo tackles those questions and also ponders an ugly defensive performance. Why did Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick and the secondary struggle so badly to contain QB Jalen Hurts and receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith? What did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Co. do well to slow Eagles star Saquon Barkley? And what's the latest on injuries sustained by Watt and CB Donte Jackson?

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 15 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

How well did T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Joey Porter Jr. and coach Mike Tomlin's defense contain Eagles playmakers Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley? How did Russell Wilson and the passing game look amid the injury to receiver George Pickens? Were Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren able to maintain momentum in the running game? And where does this game leave the Steelers in the battle for the AFC's No. 1 seed with the Chiefs and Bills? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko look ahead to Sunday's massive game against the Eagles. Which will win out: Russell Wilson's winning streak in Philadelphia, or the Steelers' losing streak there? Plus our picks from around the league.

On the Friday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey looks at Sunday's huge Steelers game against the Eagles. Why is a win in Philadelphia so important? Can the Steelers shut down Saquon Barkley? Can Russell Wilson win the game without George Pickens?

Plus, thoughts on the Pirates' inactivity at the winter meetings and Pitt volleyball's insane game against Oregon.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. Should defensive lineman Cam Heyward be getting NFL defensive player of the year buzz? Or has that award simply been taken over by edge rushers like T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa? Are the Steelers capable of knocking the Eagles' Saquon Barkley off his record pace in their NFL Week 15 matchup? And what can we expect from Bill Belichick in the college ranks now that he's taken the North Carolina Tar Heels job?

Paul tackles those topics and more, including: What will the return of Rich Rodriguez mean for West Virginia football? And could the Pirates really trade Mitch Keller or Jared Jones as the MLB hot stove heats up following the Spencer Horwitz deal?

Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko report from the team's Thursday practice ahead of an NFL Week 15 matchup with the red-hot Philadelphia Eagles. Which coordinator is under more pressure this week? Is it Arthur Smith, gameplanning for QB Russell Wilson, RB Najee Harris, TE Pat Freiermuth and the offense to face a tough Eagles defense led by Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell? Or is it DC Teryl Austin as he prepares guys including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr. to face Eagles playmakers Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith and Saquon Barkley, who's having a historic season?

They also ponder assistant GM Andy Weidl's offense on both teams. When will the young Steelers offensive line with Mason McCormick, Broderick Jones and Zach Frazier begin to resemble the group that the Eagles have, led by Lane Johnson?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders what's next for the Pirates in MLB free agency and the trade market after their deal with the Cleveland Guardians for 1B Spencer Horwitz this week. How GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton address their weakness in right field? Could they trade starters Mitch Keller and/or Jared Jones to bolster their offensive depth? What's next for David Bednar after losing the closer role late last season? And who will replace Luis Ortiz in the rotation?

Jason tackles those questions and more. Then previews Pitt volleyball's NCAA tournament matchup with Oregon and the Steelers' NFL Week 15 showdown with Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Specifically, he wonders whether the Steelers will re-sign George Pickens this offseason if QB Russell Wilson and the passing game prove they can succeed with names like Pat Freiermuth, Mike Williams, Darnell Washington, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson amid Pickens' injury. Will Pickens be worth the headaches he causes? Or could coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan look to the NFL draft for a replacement after next season?

Later, Paul gives his thoughts on the Pirates' trade with the Cleveland Guardians for 1B Spencer Horwitz at the MLB Winter Meetings. Will Horwitz make them better at 1B? Should fans have been hoping for a more proven option? Will the rotation miss Luis Ortiz? And what should be the next orders of business in MLB free agency and the trade market?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' trade for 1B Spencer Horwitz. Is GM Ben Cherington thinking too small in addressing the position with a player who still has many question marks? Did he give up too much in sending Luis Ortiz and two pitching prospects to the Cleveland Guardians in the deal? And does this deal send an ominous message about what's to come for this team in MLB free agency and the trade market as the Winter Meetings continue?

Jason tackles those questions, then ponders what the George Pickens injury could mean for coach Mike Tomlin, QB Russell Wilson and the Steelers in an NFL Week 15 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. He also gives his thoughts on possible discord between Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and WR A.J. Brown.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to news that WR George Pickens may miss more time than expected. How can QB Russell Wilson and OC Arthur Smith compensate for the injury? Will we continue to see more of depth receivers including Mike Williams, Scotty Miller, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III? And could the Justin Fields package make another appearance starting with the Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Including: Does Pro Football Focus value the wrong things when grading Minkah Fitzpatrick, especially in comparison to DeShon Elliott? And what should we make of the Eagles right now? From Saquon Barkley's brilliance to the purported feuding between Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown?

Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to the first big move of the winter meetings, with first baseman Spencer Horowitz coming to Pittsburgh in exchange for pitcher Luis Ortiz and others. Why did Ben Cherington target Horwitz as the answer at first base, and was he worth trading three pitchers? Plus, what other moves could come out of Dallas?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news, with a specific focus on the Steelers' NFL Week 15 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Is coach Mike Tomlin's team catching the cross-state rival at the right time amid perceived turmoil between star WR A.J. Brown and QB Jalen Hurts? Are the Eagles' struggles passing something T.J. Wat, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defense can take advantage of? And how will Russell Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Mike Williams, Calvin Austin III and the Steelers' passing game manage against a good Eagles secondary without George Pickens?

Paul gives his thoughts on those topics, then reacts to Juan Soto's mega deal with the New York Mets and what it might mean for the Pirates, who've been quiet so far in MLB free agency.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference ahead of an NFL Week 15 showdown with the in-state rival Philadelphia Eagles. Is it possible receiver George Pickens will miss not just this game, but crucial matchups with the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs that follow? How will OC Arthur Smith adjust the passing game for QB Russell Wilson and top remaining targets including Pat Freiermuth, Mike Williams, Calvin Austin III, Darnell Washington and Van Jefferson? What can we expect from Larry Ogunjobi and DeShon Elliott this week amid their injuries? And how would their possible absence affect the defense's ability to stop Eagles stars Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Pitt football podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them. Are transfers including Nate Yarnell, Nahki Johnson and Daejon Reynolds major losses for the program? Does coach Pat Narduzzi need to take more accountability for the state of his offensive line? Is there any upside to facing Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl in Detroit? What's going on with backup QBs David Lynch and Ty Dieffenbach? And were Jeff Capel, Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and the men's basketball team unfairly dropped from the AP top 25 poll this week?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL Week 14 victory against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Does coach Mike Tomlin have this team rounding into his most complete in years, with Russell Wilson helping lift the offense into the top 10 in the NFL while the defense continues to dominate? How did OC Arthur Smith's unit manage without WR George Pickens, turning to names like Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth instead? And what does it mean in the race for the AFC championship with key games looming against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, plus Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Including: What makes T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defense so good at situaitonal football? And what are the playoff clinching scenarios this week as the Steelers prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 14 victory against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Specifically, he explains why coach Mike Tomlin's get-right instead of get-even message ahead of the battle with the AFC North rival was the right one as critical matchups with the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs loom over the last month of the regular season. And why Russell Wilson is the perfect QB to help maintain that even keel amid the injury to key receiver George Pickens.

Later, Jason offers thoughts on former Pirates star Dave Parker and Wampum, Pa., native Dick Allen getting elected to the baseball Hall of Fame.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the team's NFL Week 14 victory against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. How did Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth and the offense look with WR George Pickens out of action. What will his likely absence next week against the Philadelphia Eagles mean for OC Arthur Smith's unit? Can names like Mike Williams, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek continue to step up with depth contributions? And how should we assess T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward and the defense? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

How did Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth and OC Arthur Smith handle the absence of George Pickens offensively? Did Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr. and the offensive line do a better job against Browns standout Myles Garrett than they did in Week 12? And what were T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defense able to do against dynamic Browns duo Jameis Winston and Jerry Jeudy?

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Penn State insiders Joel Haas and Lyle Alenstein break down Penn State's loss to Oregon in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday night. Did the Nittany Lions defense let down Drew Allar, Tyler Warren and an explosive offense? Is this another example of James Franklin struggling to win the big games? And what does the College Football Playoff forecast look like after this one?

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 64-59 win over Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon, with Stephen reporting from Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va. How were the Panthers able to get a win in a place they hadn't won in since 2003? How did Jaland Lowe lead the Panthers with his scoring down the stretch? What defensive adjustments did coach Jeff Capel make that led to tighter second-half defense? And what does the team's resilient comeback say about it as it moves forward without starting guard Damian Dunn? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin preview the 2025 MLB winter meetings, set to take place Monday through Thursday in Dallas. What can fans expect from Ben Cherington's pursuit of free agents? Which players should they target, and which players will they target? Will there be a noticeable increase in Bob Nutting's payroll, or will it stay around status quo? Will the Pirates do more shuffling in their front office? Will the team undergo anymore coaching changes or hires? And what will all of this mean for the 2025 squad's playoff chances? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. EST. Can Steelers WR George Pickens control himself on Sunday against Browns CB Greg Newsome following the recent trash talk between the two players? What can Pittsburgh's defense do to slow down the red-hot Jameis Winston compared to their upset loss two weeks ago?

Paul dives into all things Steelers-Browns and the NFL Week 14 slate, then pivots to breaking down college football championship weekend. Can James Franklin, Drew Allar and Penn State finally pull off a big upset when they face No. 1-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten title? And what will Saturday night's result mean for the Nittany Lions' seeding on Selection Sunday for the College Football Playoff?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to preview an AFC North rematch between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns in Week 14 on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium. The guys discuss whether Steelers OC Arthur Smith is doing a good enough job this season to get hired away ahead of 2025 and look at key factors Pittsburgh will need to beat Cleveland after dropping a 24-19 decision to Jameis Winston & company two weeks ago. They also break down their favorite picks for Sunday's football slate and give out their official predictions for Steelers vs. Browns. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Friday mailbag edition of his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey gives his official predictions and breaks down all things Penn State-Oregon ahead of Saturday's Big Ten championship game, as well as the Steelers-Browns on Sunday afternoon. Jason gives his predictions on both games and also looks ahead to the NFL offseason to examine which positions the Steelers should target in the draft and where the Penguins could also add some help this season. He wraps up the podcast with some Pirates talk by looking at who takes over as the team's closer if David Bednar struggles and what a potential Bryan Reynolds move to first base could mean for Pittsburgh's offseason spending plans. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. How do the AFC North's coaches stack up with the division now in the HBO "Hard Knocks" spotlight? Is the Steelers' Mike Tomlin really the best as his team sits atop the division standings? Or should Ravens' John Harbaugh, Bengals' Zac Taylor get credit for more recent NFL Playoffs success?

Later, Paul looks ahead to the Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns and weighs conflicting reports about the future of Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh, now that he has the offense rolling with playmakers including George Pickens, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth alongside him.

He also gives his thoughts on College Football Playoff rankings drama involving the SEC's Alabama Crimson Tide, and Ole Miss Rebels, plus the ACC's Miami Hurricanes.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders the futures of Russell Wilson, George Pickens and Najee Harris with the Steelers amid the offense's success this season under OC Arthur Smith. Can GM Omar Khan keep the group together with their contracts expiring this year or next? Is Wilson the most valuable of the three, despite being by far the oldest at 33 years old? And how should Pickens' emotional flare ups affect his stock with coach Mike Tomlin and his staff?

Jason tackles those topics, wonders when we might see receiver Mike Williams more on offense, then explains his relationships with former Penguins greats Matt Cullen and Kevin Stevens.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Is the Steelers' decision to trade WR Diontae Johnson for CB Donte Jackson looking good, now that coach John Harbaugh's cryptic comments about him cast doubt on his future with the AFC North rival Ravens? How should the Steelers be feeling about the guys who've replaced Johnson behind George Pickens, including Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson? And what will it take for the Russell Wilson and the team Steelers to beat Lamar Jackson and Co. in the division race now that they have a 1.5-game lead, following the Ravens' loss this week vs. Philadelphia?

Paul tackles those topics, plus Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi calling his team's 7-5 season a "success" despite a five-game losing streak that spoiled a 7-0 start.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas preview the Nittany Lions' Big Ten championship matchup with top-ranked Oregon. Will their College Football Playoff path be easiest with a win? Or a loss that could result in a No. 5 seed with a favorable path to the semifinals, a quirk in the new 12-team system? Could Penn State fall behind Notre Dame in the rankings with a loss? And what does this game mean for coach James Franklin's legacy amid his recent struggles against highly ranked teams?

Our duo tackles those topics, then digs into the matchup. Will star tight end Tyler Warren be able to get open against this Ducks secondary? Can receivers including Trey Wallace, Omari Evans and Liam Clifford draw enough coverage of Warren for QB Drew Allar to get him the ball? How will running backs Nick Singleton and Kayton Allen perform against a tough Oregon front seven? And on the other side the ball, can Abdul Carter and the defense do enough to contain Ducks playmakers Dillion Gabrial, Jordan James and Tez Johnson?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the impending return of pass rusher Alex Highsmith on defense. How can he be a gamechanger for this defense as it looks to do a better job against QB Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 14 thank it did in their first matchup a couple weeks ago? And what will his availability mean for fellow pass rushers T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig?

Offensively, our duo weighs how Russell Wilson's decision making has changed the offense since he took over for Justin Fields and helped targets including George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III and other gain more yards after the catch. Then Chris and Ray wrap the show with a look at the AFC playoff race and where the Steelers fit in it with teams like the Bills, Chiefs, Ravens, Broncos, Chargers and Texans.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the first episode of HBO's 'Hard Knocks' show, which is taking an inside look at the Steelers and their AFC North rival Browns, Bengals and Ravens this season. Why was coach Mike Tomlin the obvious star? Could the show change perceptions about him by giving fans more insight on how he interacts with his players and assistants? Which of his qualities did we see in moments with players including George Pickens and Nick Herbig that aren't aren't always obvious from the outside?

Jason tackles those questions and more related to the show, then ponders what the return of Alex Highsmith could mean for T.J. Watt and the pass rush. He wraps the show with his thoughts on former Pirates reliever Aroldis Chapman signing with the Boston Red Sox in MLB free agency.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes WTOV9's Jack Hillgrove to preview the NFL Week 14 matchup between the Steelers and Browns. What's at stake for the Steelers heading into their clash with Jameis Winston and a red-hot Browns offense? What will we learn about Mike Tomlin's team over the next few weeks as the NFL season enters the home stretch? How can Najee Harris build off of his impressive performance Sunday against the Bengals in Cincinnati? And how can Russell Wilson continue playing well as he gets more and more used to the Steelers offense? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news, including the Steelers' NFL Week 13 victory against the Bengals in Cincinnati. What should we make a big day offensively from names including Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth? Should there be concern about the defense -- particularly the oft-flagged Joey Porter Jr. -- despite some key turnovers forced by T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Payton Wilson and Donte Jackson? And which AFC opponent should coach Mike Tomlin's team most fear in the playoffs? Patrick Mahomes and the defending champion Chiefs? Or MVP favorite Josh Allen and the Bills?

Paul tackles those questions, then reacts to a busy week of college football. Can Penn State really win the Big Ten title Saturday against Oregon after clinching a berth by virtue of Ohio State's upset loss to Michigan? What should we make of the brawl between the Buckeyes and Wolverines and several other teams around the sport? And where do Pitt and coach Pat Narduzzi go from here after losing their last five games of the season?

On their weekly Pitt spots mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Will the ACC's relative weakness in the non-conference slate hurt Jeff Capel's men's basketball team in its bid to vindicate last season's March Madness snub? Or will wins against Ohio State and West Virginia be plenty to get them over the top at their current pace? And how is the competition between Amsal Delalic and Zach Austin shaping up after Austin's five 3-pointers and game-winning shot against the Buckeyes over the weekend?

On the football side, what should we make of coach Pat Narduzzi calling his team's 7-5 record a success, especially after a five-game losing streak to finish the regular season? And what are Pitt's biggest needs as the football transfer portal opens, with CB Noah Biglow, DT Nahki Johnson and OL Terrence Moore having already entered it?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins' three-game winning streak. Is coach Mike Sullivan's team showing real signs of life with a renewed commitment on the defensive end? Or will a Tuesday night matchup with the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers expose them? What is Tristan Jarry doing better in net? What difference has Phil Tomasino made offensively since being acquired in a recent trade? And why does Erik Karlsson appear to be making better decisions in support of stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang?

Jason tackles those questions, then pivots to college sports with his thoughts on Penn State facing the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten championship this week and Pitt volleyball beginning its national championship quest as the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the Steelers' NFL Week 13 win against the Bengals in Cincinnati. Did Russell Wilson and the offense prove they're finding the balance they've long sought? What does it mean that Wilson is getting so many different targets involved in the passing game, from George Pickens, to Calvin Austin III, to Pat Freiermuth? How much credit does Najee Harris deserve for his efficiency in the running game? And are Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr. and the offensive line finding their groove after shutting down dangerous Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson?

Our duo tackles those questions, then talks defense. Did turnovers forced by T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig make up for some missed opportunities for the pass rush in previous games? How should we balance the big plays on defense with the fact that they gave up over 30 points? And are Joey Porter Jr.'s five penalties in the game a concern?

Then later, Chris and Ray wrap the show by analyzing Pickens' unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ponder where the Steelers fit in the AFC North race with the Ravens after they lost to the Eagles on Sunday.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 13 victory against the Bengals in Cincinnati. How important was it for coach Mike Tomlin's team to prove it could win a shootout, with Russell Wilson outdueling Bengals QB Joe Burrow? And does that ability make this team an AFC contender with the Chiefs and Bills?

Jason tackles those questions, analyzes rough days with penalties for George Pickens and Joey Porter Jr. and praises the offensive line as well as T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and the ferocious pass rush that forced Burrow into two strip sack fumbles and an interception.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 13 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

How did George Pickens, Russell Wilson, Najee Harris and the offense bounce back from an uneven Week 12 outing against the Browns? Were Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick and other members of the secondary about to contain Bengals stars Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? How did T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and the pass rush perform? And how did OC Arthur Smith decide to deploy his Justin Fields package this time?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL Week 13 victory against the Bengals in Cincinnati, in which QB Russell Wilson passed for over 400 yards. How dangerous can this offense be with Wilson at the helm? And to what degree has he transformed this unit in his image in just six games under OC Arthur Smith? How important were RBs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris to Wilson's big day? And how much credit does Wilson deserve for getting lots of targets involved, including George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Pat Freiermuth?

Our duo tackles those topics and also reacts to the defensive performance, noting big days from players including T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Donte Jackson in slowing the dynamic Bengals trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 34-23 season-finale loss to Boston College on Saturday afternoon, with Stephen reporting from Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass. It's time for a postmortem — what all went wrong in the Panthers' season-ending five-game losing streak? What areas does Pat Narduzzi need to shore up heading into next season? How did Narduzzi's postgame comments miss the mark? How can Pitt fix its offensive line depth problems that have plagued it for multiple seasons now? What will this team look like next year? And what kind of bowl game appearance should the Panthers be expecting? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Penn State insiders Joel Haas and Lyle Alenstein break down the Nittany Lions' 44-7 win over Maryland on Saturday afternoon from Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. Was this latest blowout a good sign of things to come as the Nittany Lions prepare for an unlikely Big Ten title game appearance? How did star tight end and Mackey award candidate Tyler Warren perform in the regular season finale? Did Drew Allar and Andy Kotelnicki's offense do enough to make a run against No. 1 Oregon? What did Nick Singleton do to get the run game going? And what does this win — and Ohio State's stunning loss to Michigan — mean for Penn State's College Football Playoff positioning? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 91-90 overtime win over Ohio State on Friday afternoon, with Chris reporting from Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Could this big nonconference road victory, keyed by Zack Austin's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, be a resume builder for the Panthers come March? How did Pitt get so much production from its depth pieces, led by Austin and Papa Kante? What led to point guard Jaland Lowe's 28-point performance? How did Pitt muster up the resiliency to come back from as many as 12 points down in the second half? And did the team pass its first test without Damian Dunn, who will be out for a month-and-a-half with ankle and hand injuries? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. EST. Should the Steelers worry about losing OC Arthur Smith this offseason? His name has already been linked to some open college and NFL jobs, and many more vacancies are expected to open soon. What grade should he get for the job he's done in the wake of Matt Canada's struggles? And how much more potential does this unit have with pieces like QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, WR George Pickens, TE Pat Freiermuth and RB Najee Harris, who are all still healthy late in the season?

Paul tackles those questions, reacts to Thanksgiving Day action around the NFL, and previews a packed slate of weekend games, including the Steelers traveling to battle the Bengals, the Buffalo Bills facing the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles clashing with the Baltimore Ravens. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the sports department’s YouTube channel so you don’t miss a video with our reporters, columnists and their special guests.

On the Friday mailbag edition of his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey breaks down the reasons why the Bengals scare him ahead of Week 13 when the Steelers visit Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon. Jason also talks about the Penguins needing to build on Wednesday's performance before getting into reader questions, including who he believes is the franchise's best all-time goalkeeper. Then, he tackles a number of baseball topics, including the cap/floor in MLB's next CBA, Johan Oviedo's future role, Nick Gonzales at shortstop and the Pirates' 2025 starting rotation. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to preview an important NFL Week 13 showdown with the Bengals. Is it time for TE Pat Freiermuth to feast on this Cincinnati secondary again after dominating it at Paycor Stadium last season? And should we be expecting more from names including Najee Harris and Mike Williams?

Later, our duo gives their picks of favorite Thanksgiving foods and key matchups from around the NFL, including Chargers-Falcons, Cardinals-Vikings, Eagles-Ravens and Bills-49ers. Then they give their predictions for the Steelers game as coach Mike Tomlin, QB Russell Wilson and Co. look to bounce back from the loss to the Browns.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. Eastern. Specifically, he gives his thoughts on a report from the Athletic's Diana Russini that the team plans to re-sign QB Russell Wilson. Is that the right move, given what we've seen from him so far? Or should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin wait for more results? And what would such a move mean for Justin Fields' future in Pittsburgh? Should the front office attempt to keep him as well? Or look elsewhere for a backup?

Paul answers those questions and more ahead of a crucial NFL Week 13 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Then later, he weighs in on the Thanksgiving Day slate of games that includes Bears-Lions, Giants-Cowboys and Dolphins-Packers.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey offers his thoughts on the struggling Penguins. Why are the next few games crucial if expectations remain to get Sidney Crosby, Evgani Malkin and Kris Letang into the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs? And how much heat does GM Kyle Dubas deserve for the club's slow start amid intense speculation about coach Mike Sullivan's job?

Then later, Jason talks Steelers and Penguins. What should we make of coach Mike Tomlin's handling of WR George Pickens' latest sideline outburst vs. the Browns? How critical should we be of his late-game use of Justin Fields in NFL Week 12 at Cleveland? And who should Pirates GM Ben Cherington target to play right field as the MLB free agency hot stove gets fired up?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to talk Steelers ahead of a crucial NFL Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. What can coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith do to fix the red zone issues that have surfaced the last few games? Or is better execution from key players including Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth the simple answer?

Later, our duo turns attention to the defense. Is T.J. Watt doing enough as the pass rush has struggled to get to opposing quarterbacks in recent weeks? Or does he need to do more to lead the group that includes Nick Herbig and Preston Smith in the absence of Alex Highsmith? And how should we evaluate the work Minkah Fitzpatrick has been doing in the secondary? Should he be making more big plays? Or is the way he denies offense wide swaths of the field valuable in its own right?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider welcomes ESPN Bengals reporter Ben Baby to preview the teams' NFL Week 13 matchup. What has gone wrong for the Cincinnati secondary this season? And is it one that Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth and OC Arthur Smith's passing game can exploit? How does Pickens match up with Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt specifically? And how dangerous is Trey Hendrickson as he's having a T.J. Watt-like season? And how much does the return of Tee Higgins help a Bengals passing game that was already humming with QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja'Marr Chase ahead of a battle with Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Steelers defense? Out duo tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Did coach Pat Narduzzi leave the door open to Eli Holstein returning from injury in 2024? Either for the regular season finale this week against Boston College or the Panthers' bowl game? What is RB Rodney Hammond's future with the program? And on the basketball side, who does coach Jeff Capel need to step up amid the injury to Damian Dunn with a big game against Ohio State looming?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey looks ahead to the Steelers' NFL Week 13 matchup with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals. Is Joey Porter Jr. the defense's key player as it looks to shut that duo down twice in the final six games? Do we need to see more from him with other tough games looming against the Eagles, Chiefs and Ravens? Could the Steelers lose OC Arthur Smith to the New York Giants, who are looking for a new coach? And how much concern should fans have about George Pickens following his latest outburst in Cleveland vs. Greg Newsome II and the Browns?

Jason tackles those topics, then talks some Penguins. Has the franchise become little more than a nostalgia tour for stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang as their careers wind down on a hapless team?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders the Steelers' NFL Week 13 matchup with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and the AFC North rival Bengals this week in Cincinnati. Can coach Mike Tomlin, DC Teryl Austin and players including safety Minkah Fitzpatrick fix pass defense issues that crept up in the Week 12 loss to Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns? And how will the Justin Fields package be deployed at QB, particularly in big moments late in the game? Will he be given the chance to throw again? Or will OC Arthur Smith save those opportunities for Russell Wilson?

Later, Jason ponders a report about Russell Wilson's future in Pittsburgh and reacts to the Pirates' moves to non-tender players including Connor Joe and Bryan De La Cruz.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to receiver George Pickens' latest outburst in his team's NFL Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Was the scrap with Browns CB Greg Newsome II just the latest example of Pickens failing to lose with grace? Or does coach Mike Tomlin have a bigger behavioral issue on his hands? How do Pickens' maturity issues compare to headaches created by predecessors like Antonio Brown and Chase Claypool? And is Pickens feeling the pressure of being the Steelers' one consistent receiver to this point, with Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams and Van Jefferson all struggling to draw regular targets?

Our duo tackles those questions and more in the later segments. Including: Should we worry about the defense in late-game scenarios now that it's yielded final drive touchdowns in three of its last six outings? Is the unit too reliant on T.J. Watt to make game-clinching plays? Should Russell Wilson and the Steelers really be underdogs to Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals this week? What should we make of Week 12 results involving the Chiefs, Texans and Broncos? And what should we watch for in the AFC North rival Ravens' Monday Night Football matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers?

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 37-9 loss to Louisville on Saturday afternoon, with Stephen reporting from L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Ky. Simply put: What happened to the Panthers' once promising season? How exactly did the wheels come off during this four-game losing streak? What does Eli Holstein's injury mean for the Panthers for the rest of this season — and beyond? Why has Kade Bell's high-powered offense slowed down in recent weeks? And what does this mean for Pat Narduzzi's program heading into next season? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Penn State insiders Joel Haas and Lyle Alenstein break down the Nittany Lions' 26-25 win over Minnesota on Saturday afternoon from Huntington Bank Stadium in Minnesota. How were the Golden Gophers able to give the Nittany Lions such a scare? How did Drew Allar perform? Why can't the Nittany Lions running backs seem to put together a solid game? What led to James Franklin's gutsy fake punt call on the game-sealing drive? And what does this result mean for Penn State's College Football Playoff chances? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On a Saturday edition of First 10, Post-Gazette columnist Jason Mackey looks at how Steelers coach Mike Tomlin fell into yet another trap game and the questionable coaching decisions behind the loss to the Browns. Did the offense out-think itself with Justin Fields? Can the offensive line figure out how to protect Russell Wilson? And on the flip side, can T.J.Watt and the pass rush wake up?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports, specifically the Steelers' NFL Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Is this team still a true contender with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills in the race for the AFC title? Or are those teams still a step above? What should we make of Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Najee Harris and the offense playing well in the second half after a sluggish first half? Did OC Arthur Smith make good use of backup QB Justin Fields? How much should we see from him moving forward? And why didn't T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr. and the defense have enough answers for Jameis Winston, Nick Chubb and the struggling Browns offense?

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to the team's NFL Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Offensively, what should we make of the late surge from Russell Wilson, Calvin Austin III and the offense after a sluggish first half? Was the Justin Fields package a true spark? Or did it leave the unit disjointed at times? What was going on with George Pickens as some of his frustration boiled over? And what should we make of another game where Jaylen Warren was more efficient than Najee Harris in the running game?

Are duo tackles those questions, plus looks back on some controversial Mike Tomlin coaching decisions that proved pivotal. Then they wrap the show talking defense. Was the Steelers' pass rush as bad as it seemed? Or did Jameis Winston, Jerry Jeudy and the Browns just make some impressive plays in the face of pressure from T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Cam Heyward? And what should we make of the secondary's performance with names including Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick and Donte Jackson allowing some key plays to go Cleveland's way?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. What went wrong for Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens and the offense after a lackluster first half cost them in the end? Did Arthur Smith deploy backup QB Justin Fields correctly? Or was his late-game miss a bad call? What happened to T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and the pass rush defensively after they struggled to get to Browns quarterback Jameis Winston? What should we make of a shaky performance from Dan Moore Jr. and the offensive line after Myles Garrett dominated them for three sacks? How encouraging was Pat Freiermuth's involvement in the gameplan? And why does Mike Tomlin's team seem to have so many problems in Cleveland in recent years? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 12 matchup with the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.

Were Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Mike Williams and the offense able to generate more red zone success? How did Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones and offensive line contain dangerous Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett? And how did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defense perform in slowing down Cleveland QB Jameis Winston and RB Nick Chubb?

On the Thursday episode of First 10, Post-Gazette columnist Jason Mackey talks about Myles Garrett's comments on T.J. Watt. Does the Steelers star really owe the Browns' pass rusher an apology for anything related to the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award? Plus, a look at Thursday night's matchup, including Justin Fields' potential as a red-zone threat. Then we take reader questions about the Pirates' offseason and the types of moves they could make that would inspire confidence within the fan base.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas analyze the job coach James Franklin has done to put the Nittany Lions in contention for a College Football Playoff spot. Does he deserve more credit despite his lack of big wins? Would Penn State be out of the CFP discussion had it slipped up against an inferior team as the Alabama Crimson Tide the the Georgia Bulldogs have this season? And is recent domination of the Washington Huskies and Purdue Boilermakers an example of his message getting through to plays effectively?

Our duo ponders those questions and more. Can Penn State really be a national championship threat running it's offense through tight end Tyler Warren? Could freshman Luke Reynolds be the next dominant Penn State TE after Warren? Has OC Andy Kotelnicki shown too much of what backup QB Beau Pribula can do when he spells Drew Allar in meaningful moments? Which potential SEC foe does Penn State match up best against in the playoff? And who should Lions fans root for in this week's big game between Indiana and Ohio State?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview the team's NFL Week 12 showdown with the AFC North division rival Cleveland Browns. How can QB Russell Wilson and his offensive line be more effective in the red zone? How can OC Arthur Smith get playmakers including George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren better touches close to the opposing goal line? And what role do turnovers play in those struggles for coach Mike Tomlin's team?

Our duo tackles those questions, ponders in the impact Browns RB Nick Chubb might have on this game amid his healthy return and weighs the potential for this to be a trap game despite its primetime setting.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins' latest loss, a 3-2 defeat in overtime against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Is the Fenway Sports Group ownership hurting the team with its loyalty to coach Mike Sullivan? Would a coaching change be in the best interests of all involved? Is there any other way to get players including Erik Karlsson and Tristan Jarry back on track? Jason tackles those questions, then ponders extensive change in Cleveland ahead of the Steelers' NFL Week 12 matchup with the Browns and the potential use of Justin Fields in place of Russell Wilson in red zone situations.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Should the Steelers be using Justin Fields more in the red zone after his personal package of plays debuted in NFL Week 11 against the Ravens? Or should OC Arthur Smith stick with Russell Wilson in those situations? How much longer can Smith and coach Mike Tomlin stick with Broderick Jones? And how much of a threat is the Browns' Jameis Winston this week as he fills in for the injured Deshaun Watson?

Paul tackles those questions, react to Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes winning the NL rookie of the year award and ponders his chances in Cy Young voting against finalists Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from practice ahead of the team's NFL Week 12 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. How does OC Arthur Smith plan to fix the red zone issues that manifested again in the win over the Ravens last week? Could we see more of Justin Fields when the threat of his running ability could help? Could we see him and Russell Wilson on the field at the same time? Could we even see Fields transition into a slash role like Kordell Stewart?

Our duo tackles those topics and others. Among them: How can Smith get Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington more involved in the red zone? And how involved will Ben Skowronek become in this offense?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider welcomes former Pitt and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Jason Pinkston to break down the rivals' NFL Week 12 matchup. Do T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Preston Smith and the Steelers' pass rush have the potential for a huge night with the Browns navigating injuries to key linemen including Dawand Jones and Jedrick Wills? Can every-down players respect the success a kicker like Chris Boswell is having this season? And what are Pinkston's memories of going up against Steelers legends including Troy Polamalu and James Harrison in this rivalry? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to news that Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has won National League rookie of the year honors. Jason explains why he feels Skenes was deserving over the San Diego Padres' Jackson Merrill; how he expects Skenes to fair in NL Cy Young award voting against the Atlanta Braves' Chris Sale and the Philadelphia Phillies' Zack Wheeler; and why the pressure is now on Pirates GM Ben Cherington to surround Skenes with better talent.

Then later, Jason explains why he feels the Steelers are equipped to win multiple different ways ahead of their NFL Week 12 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Could coach Pat Narduzzi be on the hot seat if the Panthers' losing skid continues through the end of the season? Is his apparent criticism of OC Kade Bell warranted? And should young offensive linemen get some chances to play before the end of the regular season?

Our duo tackles those topics, then transitions to basketball. Is coach Jeff Capel missing out on too many recruits amid names including Derek Dixon, Amari Evans and Meleek Thomas committing elsewhere in recent weeks? And how many wins do Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and Co. need to get from their upcoming stretch of five games against power-conference opponents?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports. Can the Steelers stay focused to beat the Cleveland Browns with a short week to prepare for the NFL Week 12 matchup on Thursday night? Or could there be a hangover from the emotional win over the Ravens? What did we learn about T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Steelers defense after it dominated Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on Sunday? And what should we make of the offensive line struggles in front of QB Russell Wilson, particularly from Broderick Jones?

Paul touches those topics and offers additional thoughts on the Penguins' busy weekend, Pitt football's frustrating loss to Clemson and Penn State's College Football Playoff resume, which has drawn scrutiny over the past week.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL Week 11 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. How much credit do coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin deserve for their gameplan to stop Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry? Why did the defense led by T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick execute so well? And how can names like Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Nick Herbig build on forcing important turnovers?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Including: Was the offense's performance underrated? From Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren playing well in the running game to Russell Wilson making big throws to Darnell Washington and others late? And can the Steelers contend with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs or Josh Allen and the Bills for the No. 1 seed in the AFC?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 11 victory against the AFC North division rival Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. How long can the good vibes of this victory last, with coach Mike Tomlin's team in prime position to win the division? What did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defense prove in shutting down Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry yet again? How resilient were Russell Wilson and the offense in outscoring one of the league's top scoring units without the benefit of a touchdown? And how valuable did kicker Chris Boswell prove himself to be after struggles by the Ravens' Justin Tucker and the Bengals' Evan McPherson loomed large over Week 11 results around the division? Jason tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Joe Starkey react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 11 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium.

Were Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Mike Williams and Pat Freiermuth able to create more magic in the passing game? How did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defense able to contain Ravens playmakers Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers? How did Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and the running game look amid Warren's injury? And what does this game for the AFC North race moving forward?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to a crucial NFL Week 11 victory against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. How did T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Nick Herbig, Payton Wilson and the defense dominate Ravens QB Lamar Jackson yet again? Even with Derrick Henry in his backfield? What should we make of a sluggish day from Russell Wilson and the offense, which failed to score a touchdown? Who beyond George Pickens can step up as a reliable target in the passing game? How much credit do Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren deserve for solid work in the running game? And how are the Steelers now positioned in the AFC North race moving forward? Could they even be a threat for the conference's No. 1 seed alongside the Chiefs and Bills? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson break down the Panthers' 24-20 loss to Clemson on Saturday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. What led to the Panthers' heartbreaking loss to the No. 17 Tigers? Who is ultimately responsible for the discipline issues and penalties that have plagued the Panthers all season? How did Nate Yarnell fare after starting for the injured Eli Holstein? Why did Pitt's defense have so much success against Clemson's stars like Phil Mafah and Cade Klubnik in the second half? And where do Pat Narduzzi's Panthers go from here? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson break down the Panthers' 86-62 win over West Virginia on Friday night at Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh. How did the Panthers dominate the 191st edition of the basketball version of the Backyard Brawl? How did Pitt show maturity after Guillermo Diaz Graham took an elbow to the face in the game's opening minutes? How can coach Jeff Capel continue to unlock transfer guard Damian Dunn's scoring ability? Did Jaland Lowe make up for his rough shooting night with a well-rounded performance? And what does this rivalry game win mean for Pitt moving forward? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Steelers inside Brian Batko take a final look at the massive AFC North matchup with the Ravens. Will Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson make this a higher-scoring game than usual? Plus our final predictions for the biggest games in Week 11, including Steelers-Ravens.

On the Friday Q&A version of his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey breaks down how the Steelers can free up T.J. Watt against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 11 and how many wins it'll take to win the AFC North division crown. Plus, are the Penguins really selling this early in the season? And what should we make about Mike Sullivan's future and the team's next trade possibilities? Jason tackles those questions, then talks some Pirates and dives into the offseason holes the team needs to fill. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Is the Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick still worth his gaudy contract amid a pronounced downturn in takeaways? Are he and the Steelers' defense ready for the challenge of facing Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens in NFL Week 11? And what should we make of linebacker Patrick Queen's statements that he has scores to settle with his former team?

Paul tackles those topics and more around the sports scene. Including: Why aren't the Penguins using Tristan Jarry in goal despite his return to the active roster? What can we expect from Jeff Capel and Pitt basketball in the upcoming Backyard Brawl game against West Virginia? And will the Pirates' hiring of Matt Hague as hitting coach and Brent Strom as pitching coach make any difference for young players including Henry Davis, Ke'Bryan Hayes and Paul Skenes?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' hiring of a new hitting coach (Matt Hague) and assistant pitching coach (Brent Strom.) How can Hague help hitters like Henry Davis, Ke'Bryan Hayes and Jack Suwinski, who struggled under Andy Haines? Can he get more out of stars like Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz? And what can Strom do for a young pitching staff that includes Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller? Jascon tackles those questions, then talks a little Steelers. What's his latest read on the NFL Week 11 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens? And what are his thoughts on MMQB selecting the New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence as midseason defensive player of the year over the Steelers' T.J. Watt?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. What should the Steelers' new expected win total be after their 7-2 start, with an NFL Week 11 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens looming? Is 11 or 12 a fair baseline now that Russell Wilson has invigorated the offense? Could the additions of Mike Williams and Preston Smith help coach Mike Tomlin's team get to 13 or more wins? What about the continued emergence of guys like George Pickens, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth with Wilson at the helm?

Paul tackles those topics and more on the Steelers front. Then later, he reacts to the Penguins' decision to trade veteran Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals so early in the NHL season. Is this an early sign that GM Kyle Dubas feels the season is lost? Even with stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang still on the roster?

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas react to attacks on the Nittany Lions' No. 4 ranking in the AP and College Football Playoff polls from numerous critics including Sports Illustrated's Pat Forde. Are their critiques of Penn State's lack of big wins fair? Or are there just as many holes in the resumes of teams like Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss? Are the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs, specifically, benefitting from brand bias? And how many teams ranked behind Penn State have reasonable claims of being more talented?

Our duo tackles those topics, then reacts to a week of TV contract drama around the Big Ten. How diminished was Penn State's White Out win against Washington by airing on NBC's Peacock streaming service? And will blowback against Fox's Big Noon Saturday result in more marquee night games for Penn State and premier Big Ten foes like Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon any time soon?

Then our duo wraps the show by chatting a little nuts-and-bolts football. Did Penn State's receivers engender more confidence after big nights against Washington from Trey Wallace, Liam Clifford and Julian Fleming? What is the running game's outlook if Nick Singleton is forced to miss time with an injury? And how many sacks can Abdul Carter total by the end of the regular season after notching four in the last two games?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to break down QB Russell Wilson's game ahead of a pivotal NFL Week 11 matchup with the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. Does Wilson get enough credit for how he distributes the ball to numerous targets, including George Pickens, Mike Williams, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Darnell Washington within OC Arthur Smith's offense? How can that skill help just as much as his effective deep passing? And could it mean more targets for Freiermuth and Washington in coming weeks?

Later, our duo also talks defense. Specifically, they analyze what impact former Ravens Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott could have for coach Mike Tomlin's defense against their former team after GM Omar Khan signed them to notable free agent deals in free agency.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders coach Mike Tomlin's resume for NFL coach of the year ahead of his team's NFL Week 11 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. How much credit does he deserve for a 7-2 start? For decisions that include choosing Russell Wilson over Justin Fields at quarterback? Managing receiver George Pickens? Hiring Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator? Integrating new players including Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Mike Williams, Preston Smith, Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen and others into the lineup? And how do his accomplishments compare to those of competitors like the Washington Commanders' Dan Quinn or the Detroit Lions' Dan Campbell?

Later, Jason reacts to the Penguins deciding to trade Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. Why did GM Kyle Dubas decide to make that deal now? Could Rickard Rakell and Marcus Pettersson be the next veterans shipped out in exchange for NHL draft capital? And how invested is Dubas in winning games while stars including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are still on the roster?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Is the Steelers' rivalry with the Ravens still one of the best in the NFL? How will Patrick Queen and Diontae Johnson changing sidelines impact the bad blood between the two teams beginning with their Week 11 matchup? How does Russell Wilson matchup with Lamar Jackson at quarterback? What about Najee Harris with Derrick Henry at running back?

Then later, Paul gives his thoughts on the Penguins' disastrous 7-1 loss to the Dallas Stats on Monday night. What should GM Kyle Dubas do with coach Mike Sullivan? What is going on at goalie with Tristan Jarry and Joel Blomqvist? And does this roster have the talent to win under any other coach?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to coach Mike Tomlin's news conference Tuesday at the team's South Side facility ahead of an NFL Week 11 matchup with the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. What's the latest on Alex Highsmith after his injury against the Washington Commanders? And how will the improving health of Nick Herbig and the trade for Preston Smith help the pass rush navigate the injury? Are rookie offensive linemen Zach Fraizer and Mason McCormick ready for the challenge of facing the tough Ravens defensive front? Why has Patrick Queen's play at linebacker been so encouraging it the last few games? Will Russell Wills, George Pickens, Mike Williams and the passing game have a big day against a leaky Ravens secondary? And can we expect to see banged-up players including Najee Harris, Donte Jackson and Calvin Austin III suit up? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Pitt basketball mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: What are the best and worst things coach Jeff Capel's team has going for it heading into a crucial Backyard Brawl rivalry matchup with West Virginia? Are Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and the Panthers ready? And what is guard Amsal Delalic's ideal role with this team when healthy? Then on the football front, what has gone wrong for coach Pat Narduzzi, QB Eli Holstein and the Panthers in their back-to-back losses to SMU and Virginia after a 7-0 start? And how much blame does OC Kade Bell deserve for a lack of innovation during the season?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins' disastrous 7-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday night at PPG Paints Arena. Are the players ignoring coach Mike Sullivan's message, particularly on the defensive end? And does Fenway Sports Group need to consider a change if poor results continue, despite the success Sullivan has had with stars including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? Jason ponders those questions plus the situation at goalie. Why did Joel Blomqvist start Monday despite the return of Tristan Jarry? And how much pressure should be on Kyle Dubas amid struggles by Jarry, Erik Karlsson, Ryan Graves and others in whom the GM has invested quite a bit?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Vinny Cerrato of 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore, a former Commanders executive, to react to the team's NFL Week 10 victory against Washington and look ahead to a key AFC North battle this week against the rival Baltimore Ravens. Can Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Mike Williams, Pat Freiermuth and the passing game exploit the Ravens' defense with deep passes after the Baltimore defense was shredded by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals last week? Will Najee Harris be able to run against the Ravens after struggling against the Commanders? Is former Raven Patrick Queen vs. Derrick Henry the matchup to watch when the Ravens have the ball? Why is Lamar Jackson having so much success this year? And how will former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson impact the game? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Is the Steelers' defense a concern after lapses in the secondary from guys including Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick in NFL Week 10 against the Washington Commanders? Or was the pass rush success from T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Preston Smith and others encouraging? What more can we expect from the Russell Wilson and Mike Williams connection after their game-winning touchdown? And is Jaylen Warren healthy enough to be a major threat in the backfield again alongside Najee Harris? Paul tackles those topics, then reacts to a busy college football weekend that included a costly loss for Pat Narduzzi and Pitt, plus a white out win for James Franklin's top-five Penn State squad.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the NFL Week 10 victory against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. How dangerous can this offense be with Russell Wilson's quick-strike ability? Is the inconsistency an issue? Or is he proving that he can generate a score from anywhere on the field with names like Najee Harris, Mike Williams, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and George Pickens around him? Later, our duo evaluates the defense's day, which included a lot of pass rush success with T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Preston Smith and others but some lapses in the secondary from Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Then Chris and Ray wrap the show by pondering how this team stacks up against the undefeated Chiefs in the AFC race.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 10 victory against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. How important was this win for the teams' AFC North division hopes with divisional play looming soon? How much credit do T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward deserve for making plays late despite some defensive struggles against Commanders star Jayden Daniels? And what more can one say about Russell Wilson after his clutch play in the fourth quarter, including a long game-winning touchdown pass to Mike Williams? Then later, Jason offers his thoughts on Tristan Jarry's return to the Penguins and Pitt's costly loss to Virginia that crushed its ACC title hopes over the weekend.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the team's NFL Week 10 victory against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. What did Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Jaylen Warren, Najee Harris and the offense prove in rallying from a double-digit, second-half deficit? How big of a difference maker can Mike Williams be for OC Arthur Smith's unit after catching the game-winning touchdown? Should we be concerned about Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick and the secondary after it yielded some big plays to Commanders star Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin? What's the latest on Alex Highsmith's late injury? And what did coach Mike Tomlin and stars T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward do to lock the Commanders down defensively late? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 10 matchup with the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Were Russell Wilson and George Pickens able to keep the passing game's momentum going? What about Najee Harris in the running game? What difference did trade acquisitions Mike Williams and Preston Smith make for coach Mike Tomlin? What about Cam Sutton's return from suspension? And how did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick handle the challenge of red-hot Commanders QB Jayden Daniels?

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 24-19 loss to Virginia on Saturday night from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The guys break down what exactly went wrong for Pitt in dropping its second straight defeat of the season and look at how the Panthers' deteriorating quarterback play has sunk the offense as a whole. Our duo also discusses the poor officiating late in the game and analyzes the performances of both Eli Holstein and Nate Yarnell, as well as what it all means for Pat Narduzzi's team moving forward in ACC play. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news and looks forward to the weekend's Steelers game against the Commanders. Plus, Paul checks in on the Penguins during their most recent tailspin.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to discuss all things Steelers-Commanders for Week 10. Are the Steelers legitimate AFC contenders coming off their bye and after making two NFL trade deadline deals for Mike Williams and Preston Smith? How will the defense, with the newly acquired Smith, be able to handle the rushing threat of Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, as well as Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler on the ground? And will Russell Wilson, George Pickens and the Steelers' passing attack be able to have success against a Commanders secondary that just acquired Marshawn Lattimore from the Saints? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Then later, they both give their top predictions for Week 10 and picks for Steelers-Commanders on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Northwest Stadium in Prince George's County, Maryland. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Friday episode of First 10, Post-Gazette columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Penguins coach Mike Sullivan's comments after another blowout loss. Did he indirectly call out Erik Karlsson for a lack of effort? Plus, thoughts on the Steelers' trip to Washington, Penn State's running game, what to do with Andrew McCutchen and what the Pirates might be adding this winter.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. What changes will Mike Tomlin need to make if the Steelers are going to capture thee AFC North title? Will the Commanders be as big of a test as they seem in Week 10? And where do Pitt and Penn State go after their first losses of the season?

On the Thursday episode of First 10 presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Jason Mackey discusses how much trust Steelers GM Omar Khan has earned after the way he's built his team. Should fans believe he knows what he's doing with Mike Williams and Preston Smith? Plus, five questions for the Steelers' second half, including Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, better competition and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news, starting around 6 p.m.: Does Steelers QB Russell Wilson have enough weapons to make his offense truly dangerous after the trade with the New York Jets for Mike Williams? Or is it still lacking the playmakers be be considered a serious Super Bowl contender? What will the presence of Preston Smith do for the defense amid struggles along the defensive front from names including Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton? And what will we learn about the team this week in its NFL Week 10 showdown with the Washington Commanders? Paul tackles those topics and more on the Penn State football, Pitt football and basketball and Penguins fronts.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas to react to last week's loss to Ohio State and look ahead to this weekend's matchup against Washington in the annual white out game at Beaver Stadium. How big is coach James Franklin's receiver problem after the group combined for just three receptions against the Buckeyes and were dwarfed in the passing game by running back Nick Singleton and tight end Tyler Warren? Is there any chance for guys including Trey Wallace, Liam Clifford, Julian Fleming and Omari Evans to improve substantially between now and a potential College Football Playoff run? And how much responsibility does QB Drew Allar have for the receivers' struggles? Our duo tackles those questions, OC Andy Kotelnicki's playcalling and the end of the game against Ohio State; Franklin's recent engagements with fans and media; and the state of the Big Ten and CFP races.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes 93.7 The Fan's Jeff Hathhorn to react to a range of Pittsburgh sports topics. Is WR Mike Williams from the New York Jets or Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers the more significant addition for the Steelers at the NFL trade deadline? Where do James Franklin and Penn State football go from here after the Nittany Lions' latest loss to Ohio State? Does Pitt basketball deserve more respect after its season-opening win vs. Radford? And what should the Penguins do with goalie Tristan Jarry? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to GM Omar Khan's moves at the NFL trade deadline. How much does the addition of Mike Williams via the New York Jets help the receiving corps? Will Preston Smith bolster the pass rushing depth behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig enough to make a difference? And how should we grade these moves compared to others that may have been available to Khan this season? From the failed talks for the San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk this summer to missing out on Davante Adams in season? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise welcomes Steelers insider Brian Batko to react live at 5 p.m. to the team's moves at the NFL trade deadline, including the trade with the New York Jets for receiver Mike Williams. Did GM Omar Khan do enough to help Russell Wilson, George Pickens, Najee Harris and the offense? Did he address the growing depth issues on defense behind key players including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick? And how do the Steelers' moves compare to those of AFC North rivals including the Ravens, Browns and Bengals? Paul tackles those topics, then reacts to the first night of college basketball season, which included Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and Pitt beating Radford. He also ponders whether Pitt and Penn State football can bounce back, as coaches Pat Narduzzi and James Franklin face key bounce-back games against Virginia and Washington, respectively.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference ahead of the team's NFL Week 10 matchup with the Washington Commanders. Note: This video was recorded before the trade with the New York Jets for receiver Mike Williams, and the deal with the Green Bay Packers for Preston Smith. How much of a test will red-hot rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels be for T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward and the Steelers defense? How many wins do the Steelers need in the second half of the season to beat out the Ravens and Bengals for the AFC North crown? And will Zach Frazier, Cory Trice Jr. and others return to the lineup this week after his injury? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Pitt basketball's season-opening win Monday vs. Radford. Is this coach Jeff Capel's deepest roster since arriving in Pittsburgh? And how good can the lead scoring duo of Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett be in 2024-25 as they take on bigger roles following the departures of Bub Carrington and Blake Hinson?

Jason tackles those questions, reacts to Pirates infielder Jared Triolo winning a Gold Glove; looks ahead to the Steelers' NFL Week 10 matchup with the Washington Commanders; and ponders the Penguins future now that they appear to be playing a more responsible brand of hockey, led by captain Sidney Crosby.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: What is Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi's biggest problem following a blowout loss to SMU and with tough games against Clemson, Louisville and Boston College looming? Is it quarterback Eli Holstein's play? Or is it poor tackling and offensive line play? How soon could Holstein be benched in favor of backups including Nate Yarnell?

Later, they get into some basketball topics. How deep will coach Jeff Capel's rotation go this season? Will Brandin Cummings prove to be a big-time shot maker like his brother Nelly? And will Pitt have another ACC sixth-man award winner in 2024-25 after Nike Sibande and Ishmael Leggett won the honor the past two years?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview what they might do at the NFL trade deadline Tuesday. Will GM Omar Khan finally add a true No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens? Why does the Las Vegas Raiders' Jakobi Meyers make a lot of sense as a top remaining target? And are names like the Seahawks' D.K. Metcalf, the Panthers' Adam Thielen and the Giants Darius Slayton still in the mix?

Our duo tackles those questions, then looks ahead to a tricky NFL Week 10 matchup with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders and reacts to a busy week of AFC North action for the Ravens, Browns and Bengals.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to a busy weekend of ugly college football for Pitt and Penn State. Were the Nittany Lions outplayed by the Buckeyes in a 20-13 loss at Beaver Stadium? Or was James Franklin outcoached? Why didn't Tyler Warren see the ball on a late-game possession inside the 5-yard line? How damaging was Drew Allar's interception at the end of the first half, on which receiver Trey Wallace had the ball ripped away? And why weren't Franklin's players including Abdul Carter and Elliot Washington more disciplined on plays that resulted in costly penalties?

Jason tackles those questions, then ponders the fate of Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers following a 48-25 loss to SMU. Are ACC championship and College Football Playoff hopes dashed for coach Pat Narduzzi and Co.? And what is the team's future at QB after another shaky performance by Eli Holstein?

Jason then ends the show by previewing the beginning of college hoops season for the various local teams.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 48-25 loss to Syracuse on Saturday, with Stephen reporting from Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. What went wrong for the Panthers? What led to Pitt's defenders missing so many tackles, and how can defensive coordinator Randy Bates, Pat Narduzzi and the rest of the coaching staff fix this going forward? Are Eli Holstein's struggles just part of having a freshman quarterback? Or are they becoming a bigger issue for Kade Bell's offense? Does Pitt have any chance to make the ACC championship game now? And what about their hopes of potentially sneaking into the College Football Playoff? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start and sit at every position ahead of Week 9 using his top 150 rankings cheat sheet and positional tiers. Host Dalton Brown runs through the players that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) and looks at top trade targets, sleepers and stashes heading into the weekend. Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. He's also currently the #1 QB ranker and #1 DST ranker in the FantasyPros' 2024 in-season NFL accuracy rankings. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' top 150 weekly rankings and his '30 for 30' strategy series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to take stock of the team's standing in the AFC title race. Does the combo of Russell Wilson, George Pickens and Najee Harris make the Steelers' offense a threat to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs or Josh Allen and the Bills? And can T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defenses slow those top quarterbacks down in hypothetical playoff matchups? Our duo tackles those questions. Then later, both guys share their biggest concerns for the second half of the season. Is it the lack of depth on the defensive line and early struggles from Keeanu Benton and Larry Ogunjobi? And they preview key bye week matchups for the division rival Ravens, Bengals and Browns.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins' 2-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena. Did captain Sidney Crosby and his team have a breakthrough offensively after a long losing skid? Or was this a fluke result? Is Mike Sullivan doing a better job of getting the most out of his roster? And how long can Alex Nedeljkovic stay hot after a strong start? Later, Jason previews huge college games for No. 3 Penn State against Ohio State and No. 18 Pitt against No. 20 SMU. Can James Franklin break through against the Buckeyes who've tortured him for most of the past decade? And can Pat Narduzzi keep the Panthers in the ACC and College Football Playoff races?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. What should Steelers GM Omar Khan be willing to give up in a trade for a wide receiver, with reports suggesting the Broncos' Courtland Sutton, the Giants' Darius Slayton and the Jets' Mike Williams are all top targets? Are any of the remaining targets ahead of the NFL trade deadline really more desirable than what the Steelers have behind George Pickens in Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson? Does Penn State have a chance against Ohio State if the Nittany Lions turn to Beau Pribula amid Drew Allar's injury? Do Pitt's College Football Playoff hopes hinge on beating a ranked SMU team this weekend? And what does Paul make of the Dodgers beating the Yankees in the World Series? He tackles these questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. What impact will the Ravens' trade for former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson have on the AFC North race? Should GM Omar Khan consider trading for a defensive lineman to play alongside Cam Heyward in addition for possibly trading for a No. 2 wide receiver behind George Pickens? What should the Penguins' latest loss --their sixth in a row Tuesday vs. Minnesota -- mean for the job security of coach Mike Sullivan? How long can the Yankees extend their World Series with the Dodgers?

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas preview this week's pivotal matchup against No. 4 Ohio State. What's the latest on Drew Allar's injury, per coach James Franklin? Is Beau Pribula a viable option to beat the Buckeyes in what would be his first career start? What bar does Allar have to meet healthy wise to have reasonable hopes to play? And how similar is Pribula's game to that of Nittany Lions legend Trace McSorley's?

Our duo tackles those questions and more, including: Was Ohio State QB Will Howard a recruiting miss for Penn State, considering his fiery comments about facing the Lions this week? Do Tyler Warren, Trey Wallace, Liam Clifford, Julian Fleming and others give Penn State its deepest wide receivers room in some time? Are the linebackers ready for the challenge of slowing down Buckeyes starts TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in the running game? And what does this game mean for the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff races? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey takes stock of the season Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is having. Is he the clear frontrunner to win NFL DPOY -- defensive player of the year -- after many feel he had the honor stolen from him last year by the Browns' Myles Garrett? Or do the Giants' Dexter Lawrence and the Jets' Will McDonald belong in the conversation? Jason tackles those topics, then breaks down another Penguins loss, this one to Marc-Andre Fleury and the Minnesota Wild in what's likely to be his final game in Pittsburgh.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to assess the team's offensive progress heading into its NFL Week 9 bye. Does Russell Wilson give OC Arthur Smith's unit a higher ceiling than its No. 15 ranking after replacing Justin Fields at QB? How does the momentum established by Najee Harris and George Pickens play into that conversation? And how much can role players including Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington contribute to this team's upside in the second half of the campaign?

Our duo tackles those questions, ponders adjustments coach Mike Tomlin and coordinator Teryl Austin can make on defense and takes stock of the AFC North division race with the Ravens after they acquired former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson in a trade Tuesday.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 8 victory against the New York Giants and results around the AFC North division. Are the Steelers in the driver's seat for the division title after the Ravens' surprising loss to Jameis Winston and the Browns? And what should we make of the Bengals after their blowout loss to the Eagles? What is the state of the Steelers' offense under QB Russell Wilson after some impressive deep throws but also some struggles in the red zone? And what should GM Omar Khan do on the trade front after Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III had big nights at receivers? Paul tackles those topics and more on the Steelers front, then looks ahead to big games for Penn State (against Ohio State) and Pitt (against SMU), plus another lousy weekend on the ice for the Penguins. As time allows, he also gives his thoughts on the World Series as the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the New York Yankees three games to none.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Why are coach Pat Narduzzi, QB Eli Holstein and the Panthers ranked a lowly 18th in the latest Associates Press poll despite their 7-0 start? Are the Panthers and ACC in general being disrespected in College Football Playoff conversations? Should the NCAA institute a rule forcing Narduzzi to become more transparent about his team's injury situation? Why has OC Kade Bell's offense struggled so much on third downs? And was the blowout of QB Kyle McCord and Syracuse last week a surprise? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko is joined by assistant sports editor Adam Bittner to analyze the team's situation at receiver following an NFL Week 8 victory against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. Did Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson do enough to prove themselves to GM Omar Khan as trade rumors swirl? Or will Khan still be looking at names like the New York Jets' Mike Williams, the Giants' Darius Slayton and the Panthers' Adam Thielen as options ahead of the NFL trade deadline next week? How would their skill sets fit with Russell Wilson's at QB and George Pickens' at WR1? And where do tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington fit into OC Arthur Smith's offense moving forward after quiet nights Monday? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Tuesday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' close win over the New York Giants in NFL Week 8. Russell Wilson has proven he make the passing game competent, but will that be enough to elevate the Steelers to Super Bowl contenders? And what can Mike Tomlin, Arthur Smith and the coaches clean up during the bye week? Plus, T.J. Watt once again is showing why he should be the easy winner of NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the team's NFL Week 8 victory against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. Why does QB Russell Wilson deserve credit despite an uneven effort on offense that included struggles in the red zone? Is T.J. Watt among the most clutch defensive players in the NFL in addition to being one of the best, after yet another strip sack fumble late in the fourth quarter? How did George Pickens overcome having a pair of touchdowns taken off the board? What's Beanie Bishop's future at slot cornerback following another interception with Cam Sutton's return looming? Were the big plays allowed by the defense in both the ground and passing games concerning? Is Calvin Austin III proving himself useful after a punt return touchdown and 29-yard touchdown catch? And what should we make of another strong night from Najee Harris in OC Arthur Smith's revamped offense?

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 8 matchup with the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. How did Russell Wilson fare in his second start since replacing Justin Fields as starting QB? Did Najee Harris churn out another 100-yard effort after dominating the Raiders and Jets? How much pressure were T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith able to get on Giants QB Daniel Jones about that team's troubles up front? And did any receivers behind George Pickens step up with the NFL trade deadline looming?

On the Monday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey takes a final look at the Steelers' prime-time matchup with the Giants. Will T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the rest of the Steelers' defense have a field day against a struggling Daniel Jones? Can Van Jefferson step up to be the Steelers' No. 2 wide receiver? Plus thoughts on the Penguins' ugly road trip.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates,, host Christopher Carter and Steelers inside Ray Fittipaldo break down the "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Giants. Can Russell Wilson show that his offense has truly taken a step up? Would the Steelers have a firm grasp on the AFC North with a win? Plus, our final keys to the game and predictions.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko look at the intriguing ways the team can use Justin Fields, even as Russell Wilson has taken over the starting job. Plus, how realistic are the latest trade rumors involving Cooper Kupp, and our Pick Six games of the weekend.

On the Friday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey reflects on Pitt's dominating win over Syracuse. Can we start to dream big when it comes to the College Football Playoff and the Panthers? Plus, thoughts on the awkward situation between the Penguins and Tristan Jarry and reader questions of the week.

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start and sit at every position ahead of Week 8 using his top 150 rankings cheat sheet and positional tiers. Host Dalton Brown runs through the players that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) and looks at top trade targets, sleepers and stashes heading into the weekend. Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. He's also currently top 10 out of 200+ analysts in the FantasyPros' 2024 in-season NFL accuracy rankings. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' top 150 weekly rankings and his '30 for 30' strategy series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 41-13 win over Syracuse on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. What led to the defense's huge night, with five interceptions of Syracuse QB Kyle McCord and three pick-sixes? How has the defense found its footing to be able to carry Pitt to wins over Syracuse and Cal? Are the Panthers legit College Football Playoff contenders? How can the offense get back on track? And should there be any injury concerns with Eli Holstein? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts live to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. Are Mike Tomlin's Steelers in a must-win spot against the lowly Giants in NFL Week 8 considering how tough their remaining schedule is? What does Russell Wilson still have to prove in replacing Justin Fields? What's the latest on the trade front as GM Omar Khan ponders deals for WRs including the Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp and the New York Jets' Mike Williams? And how important is Pitt's Thursday night game against Syracuse for College Football Playoff hopes?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey previews No. 19 Pitt's Thursday night matchup with Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium. Can coach Pat Narduzzi's team win its sixth-straight Thursday night game? Can QB Eli Holstein get OC Kade Bell's offense back on track after a rugged victory against California? And elsewhere on the Pitt front, what did we learn from new AD Allen Greene's introduction this week? Jason tackles those questions; highlights the Pitt and Pittsburgh ties of Curt Cignetti, Mike Shanahan and Tino Sunseri amid their success at Indiana; and evaluates the contributions of Steelers rookies including Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson and Beanie Bishop.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news. What should the Steelers do at wide receiver with trade targets including Cooper Kupp and Mike WIlliams reportedly available? What's his read on the future of the QB debate between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields after Wilson's big NFL Week 7 effort against the New York Jets? And what can we expect this week against the New York Giants? Then on other fronts, Paul reacts to the Penguins' struggles following their latest loss to the Calgary Flames; looks ahead to Pitt's big game against Syracuse; and possibly talks a little Nittany Lions with Penn State traveling for a significant game this weekend against Wisconsin.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas preview an important game for the Nittany Lions against Wisconsin. Could this be a trap game for coach James Franklin's squad following an emotional win at USC and ahead of crucial home matchups with Ohio State and Washington? And what challenge does the Badgers run game, led by Tawee Walker, pose after the Trojans' Woody Marks had a big day against Penn State a couple of weeks ago?

Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders big questions for the second half of the season. What will happen to QB Drew Allar and the offense if defenses start to try to take star TE Tyler Warren away? Are running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen or receivers Julian Fleming, Trey Wallace, Omari Evans and Liam Clifford ready to step up? Will Penn State see star safety K.J. Winston again this season amid his injury? And why are names including Cooper Cousins, Jalen Kimber and A.J. Harris among those to watch as breakout candidates over the final six games?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins' shootout loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. Why can't coach Mike Sullivan's team hold a lead? Is his message not getting through defensively? And how does the volume of high-danger scoring chances allowed impact the goalie conversation about Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic and Joel Blomqvist? Jason tackles those topics, looks ahead to the Steelers' NFL Week 8 matchup with the New York Giants and wonders whether there are too many transfers in Pitt's important Thursday night matchup with Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium, from the Panthers' Eli Holstein, Desmond Reid and Konata Mumpfield to the Orange's Kyle McCord.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the receiver options available to GM Omar Khan ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Is Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams a legit possibility amid reports that he'll be available? Or will he be another big name who goes elsewhere like Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams? Does the New York Jets' Mike Williams still belong in the conversation? What about the Broncos' Courtland Sutton? The Seahawks' D.K. Metcalf? Or the Giants' Darius Slayton? And how does the change from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson affect that conversation, following another quiet night for names including Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson behind George Pickens in Week 7 against the Jets?

Our duo tackles those questions, reacts to some of the criticism of Wilson's debut nationally and takes stock of Najee Harris and Joey Porter Jr. after praise from coach Mike Tomlin in his weekly news conference Tuesday.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Are coach Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers at any risk of losing QB Eli Holstein to the transfer portal at the end of this season? Or can they keep richer programs like Alabama or Georgia away? Is Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord a threat to the Pitt defense in the teams' critical matchup Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium? And on the basketball front, what's a reasonable record prediction for coach Jeff Capel's squad?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Sumer Sports podcast host Lindsay Rhoades, formerly of NFL Network, to react to the team's NFL Week 7 victory against the New York Jets. Why do reasons for skepticism remain with Russell Wilson at QB, despite his strong Steelers debut? Has coach Mike Tomlin's decision to start Wilson really been vindicated after just one game? Or is there still room to debate the merits of starting Justin Fields? And what did OC Arthur Smith do well to put Wilson in a position to succeed? Our duo tackles those questions and more, including: How good can Najee Harris be the rest of the season after back-to-back 100-yard games? And what should expectations be for the Monday Night Football matchup with the New York Giants in NFL Week 8?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' 5-2 start to the season. Is the success from Mike Tomlin's team so far sustainable, especially with Russell Wilson at QB over Justin Fields? And Najee Harris thriving in the running game? Or could this be another mirage akin to the 2020 season, when Ben Roethlisberger and Co. started 11-0 before sputtering down the stretch? How do they stack up with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North division race or the Kansas City Chiefs in the battle for the conference crown? And why does OC Arthur Smith deserve credit for getting Wilson on track with his play calling in NFL Week 7 against the New York Jets? Jason tackles those questions, plus the need for the Penguins to play better defense in the coming weeks after a leaky start in their own end.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to break down an NFL Week 7 victory against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. Does QB Russell Wilson's impressive night passing the ball -- primarily to George Pickens -- make the team a serious contender in the AFC with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and others? How much credit does coach Mike Tomlin deserve for making the move to Wilson despite Justin Fields' 4-2 start? And what was Wilson able to do different than Fields in OC Arthur Smith's offense?

Our duo tackles those questions and also reacts to a strong performance by the defense that included two interceptions from CB Beanie Bishop and a busy night for the pass rush with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Then later, the guys tackle the question of how balanced this team can be now that the offense appears to have found some chemistry.

On the Monday edition of First 10, Jason Mackey takes another look at the Steelers' win over the Jets on Sunday night. Did Mike Tomlin silence the doubters after Russell Wilson's big performance? Is he the answer to the George Pickens problem moving forward? And how long will we see the rejuvenated version of Najee Harris?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to an NFL Week 7 victory against the New York Jets on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium. What made Russell Wilson so effective at QB, as he produced a season-high 37 points in replacing Justin Fields behind center? How much momentum does RB Najee Harris now have in OC Arthur Smith's offense after a 100-yard night? How good can Beanie Bishop be at slot corner after picking off a pair of passes against Jets QB Aaron Rodgers to change the complexion of the game? And what would a win next week against the New York Giants do for this team's chances in the AFC North division race? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 7 matchup with the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. How did Russell Wilson perform in seizing the starting QB role from Justin Fields? How did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the defense contain Jets stars Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams? Did Najee Harris maintain his momentum from the win against the Raiders last week? And where does this game leave coach Mike Tomlin's squad in the AFC North division race vs. the Bengals, Ravens and Bowns?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter is joined by Steelers insider Brian Batko to provide their analysis of all the NFL storylines surrounding Sunday night's game against the New York Jets and around the league. Who benefits the most from Russell Wilson being the Steelers' starting QB over Justin Fields? Will George Pickens finally have his breakout game with a more traditional pocket pass under center? Also, who will be the X-factors on "Sunday Night Football," and can Najee Harris replicate his rushing dominance from last week's blowout victory over the Las Vegas Raiders? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Later in the show, the guys also make their Week 7 predictions around the league.

For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Friday edition of First 10, Jason Mackey looks at the Steelers' upcoming matchup with the Jets after an expected quarterback change to Russell Wilson. Did Justin Fields earn some major points with the front office with the way he's handled the move? And what should we expect to see out of Wilson? Plus, Jason takes reader questions to head into the weekend.

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas is joined by the Daily Collegian's Lyle Alenstein to talk all things Penn State football heading into the Nittany Lions' second and final bye week of the college season. Joel and Lyle break down PSU's second-half schedule and discuss what the team needs to do in order to beat both Wisconsin and Ohio State in Big Ten play. The guys also look back and evaluate the first half of the season and what James Franklin, Drew Allar and company need to work on before next Saturday night's conference road tilt against the Badgers. Has Penn State lived up to expectations so far despite their undefeated record and No. 3 national ranking? And what do the Nittany Lions need to do to defeat No. 4-ranked Ohio State in two weeks? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from Thursday practice and ahead of the team's NFL Week 7 "Sunday Night Football" home matchup with the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. Brian and Ray dive deep into the nuances of the Steelers' ongoing starting QB controversy between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson and discuss when they expect Mike Tomlin to announce his decision. The guys also discuss whether Arthur Smith actually has a say in the team's starting QB job and whether he prefers to keep Fields under center based on his comments to the media throughout the past week. Our duo tackles those topics and more. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins Steelers insider Brian Batko to break down the team's ongoing starting quarterback controversy between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, as well as the team's upcoming "Sunday Night Football" game against the New York Jets in Week 7. Paul and Brian talk about why Mike Tomlin is so coy about announcing his starting QB despite all indications pointing to Wilson getting his first start of the 2024 NFL season. The guys also debate whether this in-season move will hurt Fields' confidence moving forward. They also touch on the beginning of the 2024 NHL season for the Pittsburgh Penguins and debate whether the verdict is out already on Tristan Jarry as a starting goalie.

On the Thursday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey talks about a historic night of Penguins hockey in which Evgeni Malkin scored his 500th goal and now leads the NHL in points. What has led to Malkin's incredible start? And are we fully appreciating what Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have brought to Pittsburgh? Plus, what will the Penguins do with Tristan Jarry as his struggles reached a new low against the Sabres?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and insider Ray Fittipaldo break down the big question for the Steelers' quarterback job: Can Russell Wilson do more with the offense than Justin Fields? Plus, why didn't Omar Khan get Davante Adams or Amari Cooper? And the latest on the injuries to key players such as Zach Frazier and Alex Highsmith.

On the Wednesday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey takes a look at the resurgent Penguins coming off a successful road trip. How has Evgeni Malkin changes his game this season, and why is it working? And did you know the Penguins are about to make NHL history? Plus, thoughts on the Steelers' QB situation and the dwindling options at wide receiver after the Davante Adams and Amari Cooper trades.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Henry McKenna of FOX Sports to discuss a variety of topics from around the NFL. Among them: What should we make of the Jets and Raiders swinging a trade for Davante Adams, a player whom the Steelers were interested in acquiring? What should the Steelers be prepared for when they face the Jets on Sunday Night Football? Who should start for the Steelers at quarterback — Justin Fields or Russell Wilson? And what is going on in Cleveland? Why are the Browns and Deshaun Watson such a disaster right now? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's Tuesday practice and coach Mike Tomlin's news conference ahead of an NFL Week 7 matchup with the New York Jets. What's next for the Steelers at the quarterback position after Tomlin was cryptic in his messaging at his presser? Will Russell Wilson make his first start of the season now that he's fully recovered from his injury? Or will Justin Fields, who has led the Steelers to a 4-2 start so far, keep his starting gig? And if Wilson does start, could offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have Fields run the football in certain sub-packages? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On this week's Pitt mailbag, Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson take a look at a realistic path to the College Football Playoff and if the Panthers will be annual contenders. Plus, was Pitt's defense against Cal repeatable? And should Jeff Capel's basketball team be ranked in the top 25?

On Tuesday's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey looks at the 6-0 starts for the Pitt Panthers and Penn State Nittany Lions. Could Pat Narduzzi and James Franklin meet in a College Football Playoff game? Plus, Penn State TE Tyler Warren just might be the most fun player in all of college football, and Pennsylvania suddenly has the best kickers in the country.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to an NFL Week 6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Did Justin Fields do enough to keep the Steelers' starting QB job over Russell Wilson after he threw for just 145 yards and ran for two touchdowns? Is Najee Harris' first 100+ yard rushing performance of the season a sign of things to come or a mirage? And is Pittsburgh's defense officially back on track after holding the Raiders to just 57 rushing yards on Sunday? Our duo tackles those questions and more in later segments, including whether the season-ending leg injury to Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson means that T.J. Watt is now in the driver's seat for the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On Monday's episode of First 10, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey breaks down the Steelers' dominant 32-13 road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6. How much can Steelers fans actually learn about how good this team is after playing such a poor opponent? What are Mackey's biggest takeaways from Week 6, and who does he think should be Pittsburgh's starting QB moving forward between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson? He also touches on Najee Harris' inspiring 100+ yard performance on the ground and shares his thoughts on T.J. Watt and Chris Boswell being the best players in the NFL at their respective positions. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL Week 6 win vs. the Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Justin Fields ran the ball well when he had to, but has he shown he can be effective enough throwing the ball to remain as the starter instead of Russell Wilson? What led to running back Najee Harris' best game of the season so far? How did T.J. Watt affect the game even though he didn't record a sack on the stat sheet? And how can the Steelers take lessons from Sunday to ensure what happened in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Following the Steelers' game against the Raiders in Las Vegas, the Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter and Paul Zeise analyze the matchup and give their observations.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 17-15 win over Cal on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. What led to the role reversal — where the Panthers defense had to bail out the offense instead of the other way around? Why did Eli Holstein struggle and have his first truly bad game as a college football player? Why were Jimmy Scott, Braylan Lovelace and the Panthers defensive front able to pressure Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza? And is it time Pitt fans start considering a trip to the College Football Playoff as a possibility? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas is joined by the Daily Collegian's Lyle Alenstein to recap Penn State's nervewracking 33-30 overtime win Saturday against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. What led to Tyler Warren's historic day (17 catches for 222 yards) and is he among the best tight ends in college football? How did Drew Allar perform late in the game when the pressure was at its highest? Did Ryan Barker's game-winning field goal shore up his spot as the Nittany Lions' kicker? And why did the defense struggle in the first half against the Trojans? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo give their final analysis of Sunday's game in Las Vegas against the Raiders. As Russell Wilson nears full health, is this Justin Fields' last chance to keep the starting QB job? Plus they make their predictions around the NFL and if the Steelers can snap their two-game losing streak.

On Friday's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey talks about Joel Blomqvist's excellent performance in goal for the Penguins' first win of the season. Is Tristan Jarry already on the hot seat in net? Mackey also talks about the historic numbers being produced by Pitt's offense, the Pirates' offseason direction and the temperature of Derek Shelton's seat.

Sitting in for colleague Paul Zeise, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey and joins host Adam Bittner to analyze the Steelers defense ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Has coach Mike Tomlin's unit gotten off easy in terms of public criticism following two losses in which it was at least as bad as the offense? Has the defensive line beyond Cam Heyward been an underrated weakness as Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Dean Lowry have all turned in unremarkable efforts up front? Are Minakh Fitzaptrick and DeShon Elliott being asked to do too much to compensate for other issues, contributing to communication problems? And what impact will the loss of Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith have beyond the pass rush?

Our duo tackles those topics, then talks about the QB situation with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, plus the troubled receivers room with a frustrated George Pickens and little else in terms of meaningful contributions. Then later, Adam and Jason preview big games for Pitt and Penn State against Cal and USC, respectively; react to the Penguins' season-opening blowout loss to the New York Rangers; and give the thoughts on how far away high-leverage playoff baseball seems for the Pirates.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joe Haas preview the fourth-ranked Nittany Lions' crucial road game against the USC Trojans on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Are slow starts a concern for OC Andy Kotelnicki's unit as it enters a brand new Big Ten environment? Or is he using first halves to set up big plays, much like the 2016 conference championship team under Joe Moorhead did? How are Penn State receivers including Trey Wallace, Liam Clifford, Julian Fleming and Omari Evans performing relative to expectations. Are Penn State cornerbacks Jalen Kimber and A.J. Harris ready for the challenge of facing USC's high-flying passing game led by Miller Moss, Zachariah Branch and Jakobi Lane? And how important is Nick Singleton's potential return to teammate Kaytron Allen and the running game?

Our duo tackles those topics as well as James Franklin's thoughts on the logistics of traveling to Los Angeles; the impact of USC's loss to Minnesota on Penn State's resume; and the implications of the Ohio State-Oregon game for the Lions.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's QB situation ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Could Justin Fields be benched in the middle of the game if the offense starts slowly again? How much blame should other players share? And what could Wilson bring to OC Arthur Smith's unit that Fields has not so far?

Our duo tackles those questions and more later in the show. Including: What impact could the loss of Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith and DeMarvin Leal at the pass rushing slots, plus Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaylen Warren at the running back spots have in this game? And what is going on with George Pickens after a rough game against the Cowboys and concerns about his attitude?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey previews the Penguins' season on opening night, which includes a date with the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena. Can Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson stay healthy? Will the power play improve? Will young players step up and make impacts? Which training camp performances are most likely to continue? And how will all of those questions factor into whether this team can return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Then later, Jason weighs in on a slew of Steelers injuries to names including Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, DeMarvin Leal, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Geryry Dulac report from the team's Tuesday practice and coach Mike Tomlin's news conference ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. What's next for Russell Wilson now that Tomlin says the QB has been cleared to fully participate in practice this week? And how much longer will Justin Fields hold onto the starting job?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Including: What's going on with George Pickens after his reduced workload in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys? Is he being punished? Or is there another reason? And what's the injury situation for players including Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, DeMarvin Leal, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson?

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Why hasn't TE Gavin Bartholomew gotten the ball more in OC Kade Bell's offense? Why wasn't coach Pat Narduzzi included on the search committee for a new AD to replace Heather Lyke? Will Bell ever use RBs Rodney Hammond and Desmond Reid at the same time on offense? And what is the ceiling for this team after its 5-0 start? Is it too early to starting talking about an ACC title and College Football Playoff appearance?

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Will Graves of the Associated Press to discuss receiver George Pickens. How concerning was his lack of accountability for a fumble in NFL Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts? Or his disappearing act for much of the Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys? Is his production worth the headaches he causes at times? And how should Mike Tomlin handle him moving forward?

Our duo tackles those questions as well as the ongoing quarterback debate about Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey weighs in on the Steelers' quarterback situation ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Could Russell Wilson get more from receivers including George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller and Calvin Austin III? Or has Justin Fields been limited by that group's own limitations? And what else should go into coach Mike Tomlin's decision at the position this week?

Later, Jason gets into some Penguins and Pirates talk. Is this the year we should believe in goalie Tristan Jarry? What should we make of final roster cuts ahead of the season opener Wednesday? What can Rutger McGroarty accomplish in place of Brian Rust? And where do the Pirates stand after deciding to retain GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton last week?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to an NFL Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium. Is it time for coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith to consider a QB change to Russell Wilson after the offense's continued inconsistency under Justin Fields? Or do other factors need to be considered, including another rough outing from Najee Harris and the running game and drops from players including Connor Heyward?

Our duo tackles those questions and more in later segments. Including: What's going on with George Pickens after one of his quietest outings of the season? And does the defense need to follow Minkah Fitzpatrick's advice and simplify after rampant communication issues allow Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys to pile up yards against DC Teryl Austin's purportedly elite unit?

On Monday's episode of First 10, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Jason Mackey recaps the Steelers' last-minute loss to the Cowboys on Sunday night. Does Mike Tomlin's defense deserve the blame for allowing Dak Prescott to go wild? And did Justin Fields do enough to keep his starting quarterback job away from Russell Wilson? Plus, Mackey gives thoughts on Pitt entering the top 25 and the continued frustration with the Pirates.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react the to team's NFL Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium. Did Justin Fields take a step back at QB with Russell Wilson's return from injury looming? Why did George Pickens have such a quiet night? What went wrong for the defense as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys were able to sustain drives and score enough points despite three turnovers? Can the unit get back on track despite injuries to key players including Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith? And what can coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith adjust heading into Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Chris Dell react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 5 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium. Was Justin Fields good enough to keep the starting QB job with Russell Wilson getting healthy? How did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and the defense contain Dallas stars Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb? Did Najee Harris get back on track in the running game? How did injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence impact the game? And how explosive was receiver George Pickens able to be in OC Arthur Smith's offense?

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 34-24 win over North Carolina on Saturday, with Stephen reporting from Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. What allowed the Panthers to break their streak of seven straight losses on the road to the Tar Heels? Desmond Reid has solidified himself as one of college football's most electrifying players, but how can Kade Bell and the Pitt offense manage his workload? How can Pitt cut down on some of the sloppy mistakes it saw in the first half? And how can defensive coordinator Randy Bates make sure his defensive line is finishing plays? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insiders Joel Haas and Lyle Alenstein break down the Nittany Lions' breezy 27-11 win over UCLA on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Did Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions offense underwhelm again? And what can they do to improve and come out of the gates faster? What's Nick Singleton's injury status? On the other hand, what made defensive coordinator Tom Allen's unit so dominant against the struggling Bruins? And what can Penn State take from this contest into next week's road trip to face off with USC in Los Angeles? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start and sit at every position ahead of Week 5 using his top 150 rankings cheat sheet and positional tiers. Host Dalton Brown runs through the players that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) and looks at top trade targets, sleepers and stashes heading into the weekend. Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. He's also currently first out of 200+ analysts in the FantasyPros' 2024 in-season NFL accuracy rankings. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' top 150 weekly rankings and his '30 for 30' strategy series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko give their final preview of Sunday night’s game against the Cowboys. Has Justin Fields earned the freedom to show everything he’s capable of as the starting quarterback? Will offensive coordinator Arthur Smith allow Fields to change calls at the line? Plus, Carter and Batko offer their predictions for Steelers-Cowboys and big games around the NFL. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On his daily First 10 podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey goes on a rant about whether Bob Nutting actually cares about the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise and why the team is sticking with "this group" heading into 2025 and beyond. He also talks about Terry Francona coming out of retirement, as well as the future of Ke'Bryan Hayes and Henry Davis. Also, what entertaining trade offers should Ben Cherington consider for Mitch Keller this offseason? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko report from Steelers practice ahead of an NFL Week 5 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium. Why was OC Arthur Smith effusive in his praise of QB Justin Fields on Thursday? And what does that mean for Fields' future in the starting role when teammate Russell Wilson is healthy? And what did Smith have to say about the slow start and strong finish for his unit in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Including: Why has Teryl Austin focused so much of his prep this week on star receiver CeeDee Lamb over other other Cowboys stars like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott? And what's the latest on injuries to key players including Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson and Isaac Seumalo?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey recaps comments Wednesday by Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. Where exactly did Cherington see "clear evidence" of progress after his team matched its 2023 win total, in a disappointment to fans? How could he believe the club is doing "fine" in free agency and trades despite the struggles of players like Rowdy Tellez, Bryan De La Cruz and others? Why did he refuse to commit to bringing Andrew McCutchen back in 2025, despite him being one of the team's most productive offensive players? Did he admit to salary dumping Martin Perez so he could trade for Isiah Kiner-Falefa at the MLB trade deadline? Does he feel the strong rotation of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jared Jones, Luis Ortiz and Bailey Falter is adequate to compete next season? And why does he feel the team doesn't need a new hitting philosophy after the team finished 23rd in MLB in runs scored? Jason tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Daily Collegian/Post-Gazette Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas react to the Nittany Lion's key win against No. 19 Illinois and look ahead to their next matchup Saturday against UCLA at Beaver Stadium. How much is the offense's inability to finish drives damaging perception of coach James Franklin's teams and OC Andy Kotelnicki's unit? Does Franklin have a real kicking issue on his hands after Sander Sahaydak missed two kicks against the Fighting Illini? And how will that impact Kotelnicki's playcalling moving forward.

Our duo answers those questions and more, including: How have Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen improves so much from last season? Are quiet nights from Drew Allar, Tyler Warren and the passing game part of the offense's identity? What will dominance for Abdul Carter look like at his DE spot going forward after two sacks at Illinois? What will the Bruins bring to the table in this week's game? How do hot starts by Rutgers and Indiana impact Penn State's potential College Football Playoff path? And does the exciting Alabama-Georgia game from over the weekend show the complexity of the new 12-team playoff format?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey weighs in on the Steelers quarterback situation ahead of a crucial NFL Week 5 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. Is Justin Fields playing to keep the starting job with Russell Wilson getting closer to a return from his calf injury? And what should we make of coach Mike Tomlin's comments on the matter at his weekly news conference? Later, Jason weighs in on the trade rumors swirling around Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams and the potential fit with George Pickens and the Steelers. And he reacts to the Penguins exhibition loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder whether Steelers GM Omar Khan should pursue a deal for Raiders star Davante Adams amid his request for a trade out of Las Vegas. Could the team afford to make the deal, given Adams' lucrative contract? What kind of challenge would it be to rework Adams' contract to keep him in Pittsburgh long term? And what would the deal cost in terms of NFL draft capital? Our duo tackles those questions, then moves on to QB and offensive line talk. Could Russell Wilson be active for the Steelers' NFL Week 5 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys? If he is, what are the chances he could take the starting job from Justin Fields? And how important will Isaac Seumalo's potential return boost a blocking unit that has now lost James Daniels for the season, as well as Troy Fautanu for a substantial part of it?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference ahead of an NFL Week 5 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium. What's the latest on Russell Wilson as he recovers from a calf injury? How did Justin Fields' performance in Week 4 vs. the Indianapolis Colts impact his grip on the starting job? Why was Tomlin bothered by mistakes? Especially officiating mistakes, including a controversial call on Minkah Fitzpatrick? And where do injuries to other key players including Alex Highsmith, Jaylen Warren, Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels stand? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Should QB Eli Holstein and the Panthers be favored by more than two points this week against North Carolina amid the Tar Heels' mediocre start? Are the problems on OC Kade Bell's offensive line more about talent? Or scheme? Was Miami's near loss to Virginia Tech last weekend a reason for hope that coach Pat Narduzzi's Panthers can compete seriously for an ACC title? And on the basketball side, what will guard Amsal Delalic's injury have on his ability to be ready for the season with coach Jeff Capel's squad? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette insider Brian Batko welcomes Yahoo! Sports' Jori Epstein to break down the Steelers' NFL Week 5 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium. Will OC Arthur Smith be at an advantage against the Cowboys defense, given significant injuries to star pass rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence? Will this be another tough matchup for the Steelers' own star pass rusher T.J. Watt? What about CB Joey Porter Jr. going up against QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys' prolific passing game? And what is Jori's view of the Steelers' QB situation with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson from afar? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes Pirates insiders Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles to react to news that the club has fired Andy Haines as hitting coach and Justin Meccage as bullpen coach. Why were the two men let go? Could GM Ben Cherington and/or manager Derek Shelton be next? And why are players including closer David Bednar and former No. 1 overall MLB draft pick Henry Davis among those who could benefit most from the moves? Our trio tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to the end of the Pirates' 2024 season after a 6-4 loss to the New York Yankees. Is the MLB rotation for next season already set after the success of Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter? Can Ke'Bryan Hayes bounce back from injuries that led to a rough year offensively and defensively? What's next for struggling young hitters including Henry Davis and Jack Suwinski? Can Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds build on strong seasons? How much heat do GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton deserve for development failures? What changes will be made on the coaching staff and in the minor leagues? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the Steelers' NFL Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. What happened to DC Teryl Austin's defense in yielding by far its most points in a game this season? How could the game have ended differently if Joey Porter seizes two opportunities to make interceptions, or Patrick Queen recovers a fumble by Colts QB Anthony Richardson in the first quarter? And why weren't T.J. Watt and the pass rushers able to generate more pressure on immobile backup QB Joe Flacco?

Our duo tackles those questions, then turns attention to the offense. Were Justin Fields' fumbles at QB forgivable as he looks to hold off Russell Wilson for the starting job? Are mistakes to be expected from the offensive line amid a rash of injuries to guys like Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels, which have pressed young players including Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson and Broderick Jones into service? And can OC Arthur Smith get receivers Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III more involved in the offense? Or is another solid veteran needed for that group?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts. What were some of the poor decisions coach Mike Tomlin made that impacted the game? And did Tomlin's post-game explanations for them make sense? Would the outcome have been different if not for key fumbles by Justin Fields and George Pickens, as well as a dropped interception by Joey Porter Jr.? And what should Fields' future be as starting quarterback after he played fairly well otherwise? Jason tackles all of those questions, plus gives his thoughts on the end of the Pirates' season, as well as the Isiah Kiner-Falefa bonus situation that has gotten some attention following a similar drama with former teammate Rowdy Tellez.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the Steelers' NFL Week 4 loss against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Does Colts coach Shane Steichen have Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's number after gashing his defense in each of the last two meetings? Why did OC Arthur Smith's offense get off to such a slow start? What should we make of Justin Fields' day at QB, which was good statistically but included multiple costly fumbles? Ditto George Pickens, who had a seismic fumble down near the goal line? What impact did James Daniels' injury have on an offensive line already missing Isaac Seumalo and Troy Fautanu? And why did Najee Harris have such a bad day running the ball while Cordarrelle Patterson was finding holes? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Christopher Carter react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 4 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Did QB Justin Fields continue to put pressure on coach Mike Tomlin to start over the injured Russell Wilson? How did TJ. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Steelers defense handle second-year Colts QB Anthony Richardson? Was Najee Harris able to keep his momentum from Week 3 going? And what about receivers behind George Pickens including Scotty Miller and Calvin Austin III?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey talks about why Derek Shelton remains the Pittsburgh Pirates' manager, what should happen in a few days once the MLB regular season concludes and why Bob Nutting continues to own the franchise. He also takes a look at how the Penguins' top-six will look this season and who has earned depth-forward spots moving forward. Jason also breaks down just how far Pitt football has raised its floor (and ceiling) heading into its bye week. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko look ahead to the Week 4 matchup on the road with the Indianapolis Colts. Will the Steelers' No. 1-ranked defense continue its dominant ways against turnover-prone QB Anthony Richardson and RB Jonathan Taylor? Also, how will the Steelers' run game look with both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren banged up coming out of their Week 3 victory over the L.A. Chargers? Plus, Chris and Brian give their top Week 4 picks around the NFL, as well as break down their x-factors and final score predictions for Steelers-Colts. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start and sit at every position ahead of Week 4 using his top 150 rankings cheat sheet and positional tiers, as well as his top offensive matchups to target. Host Dalton Brown runs through the guys that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) and looks at top trade targets, sleepers and stashes heading into the weekend, including some Steelers-specific fantasy talk. Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. He's also currently ranked first out of 200+ analysts for the FantasyPros 2024 in-season accuracy rankings. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' top 150 weekly rankings and his '30 in 30' strategy series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey, sitting in for colleague Paul Zeise, joins host Adam Bittner to react to a report from ESPN's Dan Graziano about the Steelers' interest in pursuing a trade for a No. 2 wide receiver behind George Pickens before the NFL trade deadline. What should the level of urgency for GM Omar Khan be after he missed out on dealing for the San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk in the preseason? How adequate are the team's existing options: Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller and Calvin Austin III after solid showings in NFL Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers? And are the Tennessee Titans' DeAndre Hopkins and the Jacksonville Jaguars' Christian Kirk viable targets, as Graziano reports? Our duo tackles those questions and a couple of others on Steelers. Will the offensive line's growth be linear? And what are reasonable expectations for this team in the AFC North race with the Ravens, Browns and Bengals all struggling? Later, they focus on the Pirates' Rowdy Tellez dilemma and Penn State's primetime matchup with Illinois this week.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas preview this week's Big Ten opener and primetime matchup with Illinois at Beaver Stadium. What does coach James Franklin mean in calling for "White Out energy," and was the Fighting Illini's Bret Bielema providing bulletin board material with his comments about it? And ow important is this game for OC Andy Kotelnicki and Drew Allar in silencing their loud critics who remain despite a record-setting win against Kent State? What is receiver Omari Evans' upside after another explosive effort against the Golden Flashes? Can fellow WRs Liam Clifford and Julian Fleming build on their best efforts of the season against a quality opponent? And how good can the tight end room be with Tyler Warren, Luke Reynolds and Khalil Dinkins?

Our duo tackles those questions and analyzes the impact veteran Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer could have on the contest. Will the Lions defense contain him like it did WVU's Garrett Greene? Or could he be a challenge in the mold of Bowling Green's Connor Bazelak?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to coach Mike Tomlin's handling of his QB situation ahead of an NFL Week 4 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Is he savvy to keep Russell Wilson in the QB1 spot as he continues his recovery from a calf injury? Or has Justin Fields earned more respect amid the team's 3-0 start?

Later, our duo analyzes the offensive line and defense. Has Broderick Jones turned the corner after dominating the Los Angeles Chargers' Joey Bosa this past week? What is Mason McCormick's role after seeing his first action Sunday? What's the injury outlook for Isaac Seumalo? How much have Dan Moore Jr. and James Daniels impressed in the early going? When will the defense start generating turnovers? And how will injuries to Alex Highsmith and Cory Trice Jr. affect that unit?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' decision to designate first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment four plate appearances short of a $200,000 bonus in his contract. Was this a cheap move by manager Derek Shelton and GM Ben Cherington. Will it hurt perception of the club among MLB free agents this winter? And will the club really learn enough about Liover Peguero and Joshua Palacios -- the minors leaguers replacing Tellez and Michael A. Taylor on the roster -- to justify the move? Later, Jason gives his thoughts on coach Mike Tomlin noncommittal stance about Justin Fields as the Steelers' starting quarterback over Russell Wilson. And reacts to the Penguins' NHL preseason home opener Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena, a 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Are coach Pat Narduzzi, QB Eli Holstein and the Panthers a playoff contender amid their 4-0 start? Or are ACC foes including Miami still ahead of them in the pecking order? What's the status of injured players including defensive linemen Anthony Johnson and Seaon FitzSimmons? Whose undefeated start is more legit? Pitt's, or that of the Steelers? And on the basketball side, who do Chris and Stephen expect to form coach Jeff Capel's starting five alongside names including Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to coach Mike Tomlin's news conference at the team's South Side facility ahead of an NFL Week 4 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Is Justin Fields in line to start again at QB? How is Russell Wilson progressing in his return from injury? And has the plan for when he's fully healthy changed at all? Our duo tackles those questions and recaps a growing list of injuries to players including Alex Highsmith, Cory Trice Jr. and Jaylen Warren. What would that mean for the workload of existing starters including Najee Harris? And reserves like Cordarrelle Patterson, Darius Rush, Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal who are looking for opportunities?

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette insider Brian Batko welcomes comedian, impressionist and big Steelers fan Joey Mulinaro to look ahead to the team's NFL Week 4 matchup with the Colts. What is the mood around the team out in Indianapolis, where Joey resides? What's going on with Anthony Richardson, the former first-round draft pick who's struggled at QB so far? Will be be the next to have a rough day against T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and the Steelers defense? Later, Brian gets Joey's thoughts on the quarterback competition between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson; how the excitement around Fields differs from the hype that accompanied Kenny Pickett; and his favorite experiences with Steelers players over the years.

In his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders the Penguins' power play unit as it looks to improve on an ugly 2023-24 NHL season. How will new assistant David Quinn shake things up, both in terms of personnel and scheme? How do pieces including Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell fit within that dynamic? And how can they help the Penguins get more out of stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang?

Jason tackles those topics ahead of the preseason home opener Tuesday night, then weighs in on the Pirates' final MLB homestand over at PNC Park. Can they match their win total from 2023? What consequences should follow for manager Derek Shelton and GM Ben Cherington if they don't? And what is Ke'Bryan Hayes future after being shut down for the season yet again with back issues?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL Week 3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium. Specifically, they tackle the QB situation. Will coach Mike Tomlin elect to stay with the hot hand of Justin Fields in NFL Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts? Or will he go back to Russell Wilson, who won the QB job out of training camp before his calf injury caused him to miss the first three games?

Later, our duo weighs in on the offensive line and the defense. Was Sunday a turning point up front, as young linemen including Broderick Jones, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson and Zach Frazier played well amid the injury to Troy Fautanu? Can the Steelers regularly close out games the way they did against the Chargers, will Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson ripping off big gains? And what is the ceiling for T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig and Co. on the other side of the ball after they held Los Angeles to minus-5 yards in the second half?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 3 victory against Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium. Are T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward's elite defense turning this team into a legit contender for coach Mike Tomlin? How can Tomlin bench Justin Fields as the starting quarterback when Russell Wilson is healthy? Should we feel good about the running game with Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson at running back despite a slow start? And how legit is Calvin Austin III as a receiving threat after his long touchdown? Jason answers those questions, and reacts to some Pitt football and Pirates topics as well. How did Eli Holstein continue to prove himself in the blowout victory Saturday against Youngstown State? And is Paul Skenes now the odds on favorite with win National League rookie of the year?

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Joe Starkey react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium. Paul Zeise joins later with reaction from the locker room. How did Justin Fields perform in his third game as the starter amid Russell Wilson's injury? How did TJ. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Steelers defense contain the Chargers' Justin Herbert and J.K. Dobbins? Who won the coaching battle between Jim Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin? And what happened with Broderick Jones starting at tackle over the injured Troy Fautanu?

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas is joined by the Daily Collegian's Lyle Alenstein to recap Penn State's historic 56-0 blowout of Kent State on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. How dangerous can OC Andy Kotelnicki's unit be in Big Ten play, which begins next week vs. Illinois, after setting a Nittany Lions record for yardage in a game against the Golden Flashes? Is Drew Allar playing the most efficient football of his career right now? Can receivers Trey Wallace, Omari Evans, Liam Clifford and Julian Fleming remain on their upward trajectory after a huge day? Just how dangerous can TE Tyler Warren be after contributing as a runner, passer and receiver on Saturday? How did Beau Pribula look in replacing Allar late? And just how dominant can Abdul Carter and Penn State's defense be for coach James Franklin? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Christopher Carter break down the Panthers' 73-17 win over Youngstown State on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. What led to the most complete performance of the season for the Panthers and quarterback Eli Holstein? How has Holstein improved week to week? Why didn't star running back Desmond Reid play, and how did others like Derrick Davis Jr. and Daniel Carter perform in his absence? Has Kade Bell's offense found its stride? And on the defensive side of the ball, how far can Pitt linebackers like Kyle Louis and Brandon George take Randy Bates' unit? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko look ahead to the Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers in Pittsburgh. What will make the Steelers' offense "dam break" when it comes to Justin Fields, George Pickens and others? Can either Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren help kickstart the scoring vs. Jim Harbaugh and company? And can the Steelers' OL stem the tide of LAC's pass rush in their 2024 regular season home opener? Plus, Chris and Brian give their top picks around the NFL and final score predictions for Steelers-Chargers. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Friday Q&A edition of his First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey analyzes the Steelers' offense through two weeks this season and its struggles despite a 2-0 start against the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. Also, what will Sidney Crosby's contract extension allow the Penguins to do during the 2024 NHL season and beyond? Jason also breaks down the chances of the Pirates ever leaving PNC Park. What gives Pittsburgh fans confidence that Bob Nutting, Ben Cherington and Derek Shelton will get changes right next season? Plus, what could MLB free agency look like for the Pirates this offseason? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start and sit at every position ahead of Week 3 using his top 150 rankings cheat sheet and positional tiers, as well as his top offensive matchups to target.

Host Dalton Brown runs through the guys that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) and looks at top trade targets, sleepers and stashes heading into the weekend, including some Steelers-specific fantasy talk.

Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. He's also currently ranked first out of 200+ analysts for the FantasyPros 2024 in-season accuracy rankings. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' top 150 weekly rankings and his '30 in 30' strategy series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's Thursday practice session at its South Side facility. Why is OC Arthur Smith praising QB Justin Fields, despite criticism of his lack of statistical production? How is the defense preparing to face Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert in NFL Week 3. Are Troy Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr. still locked into the starting tackle spots this week amid Broderick Jones' recent struggles? And how will they handle the Chargers pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas react to news from coach James Franklin that star safety Kevin "KJ" Winston will be out for the "long-term" with an injury. How long will the projected first-round NFL draft pick be out? And does Penn State have enough depth in the form of Jaylen Reed, Zakee Wheatley and Cam Miller to navigate the the coming weeks without much trouble?

Our duo dives into those topics and more. Including: How much pressure is on the team to dominate Kent State, given the Golden Flashes profound struggles so far in 2024? Will we see highly-touted prospects including Ethan Grunkemeyer, Max Granville and others in extensive duty if the Lions can get out to a big lead? How closely should we be watching Illinois' ranked showdown with Dylan Raiola and Nebraska this week, ahead of the Fighting Illini's visit to Beaver Stadium on Sept. 28? And what's the deal with No. 3 Penn State volleyball after getting dominated by No. 1 Pitt on Wednesday night?

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to weigh Steelers QB Justin Fields' performance in an evolving NFL offensive environment. Is his lack of counting stats so far a concern? Or does it track with passing numbers that are plunging across the league? Is it unrealistic to hold Fields -- and any modern QBs -- to the pass-happy standard of retired legends like Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and others? Is Fields opponent this week -- the Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert -- a perfect example of this phenomenon? Is this even, really, a passing league anymore?

Our duo tackles those questions and more, then gets into some college football plus Pirates and Penguins talk. What's a realistic standard for Pitt and coach Pat Narduzzi now that they're 3-0? What Neal Brown's future at West Virginia after a 1-2 start? Can Penn State cover a huge number Saturday against Kent State? Has celebration of Pirates MLB debuts gotten over the top? And does Sidney Crosby's contract extension have any chance of resulting in another deep Stanley Cup run?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to No. 1 Pitt volleyball's electric and dominant win over No. 3 Penn State, which drew nearly 12,000 fans to the Petersen Events Center on Wednesday night. Can anyone stop the Panthers from winning a national title? And what made the atmosphere so special for the big win?

Later, Jason reacts to the Pirates' latest bullpen implosion by David Bednar and Jalen Beeks; ponders the legacy of the Penguins Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang as training camp opens this week; and wonders if the Steelers defense is facing its toughest test yet this season in its NFL Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's situation at offensive tackle. Was benching Broderick Jones the right move for coach Mike Tomlin after Jones' numerous penalties in NFL Week 2 vs. the Denver Broncos? And what has rookie Troy Fautanu done right to earn a starting job across from veteran Dan Moore Jr.?

Then later, the duo offers thoughts on the team's QB and WR situations. Why does Justin Fields seem poised to remain the starter for NFL Week 3 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers this week at Acrisure Stadium? How is Russell Wilson's injury situation progressing? And is Tomlin serious in his belief in the receiving corps as names including Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller have struggled for production behind No. 1 option George Pickens.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' latest loss Tuesday to the St. Louis Cardinals. He ponders another strong start from Bailey Falter; three hits for Nick Yorke in his MLB debut; manager Derek Shelton's curious decision to pinch hit Yasmani Grandal for Billy Cook late in the game; the disturbing surge of stolen bases allowed to opposing runners; and what it all means in the big picture. How has the team crashed so hard since the July 30 MLB trade deadline? And can they even match their 2023 win total by playing decent baseball over the final couple of weeks?

Jason answers those questions, then turns attention to the Steelers. Why should there be no controversy at QB this week with Justin Fields likely starting in NFL Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers, as Russell Wilson continues to navigate his injury? And will Broderick Jones get another chance at tackle from coach Mike Tomlin?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Sidney Crosby's contract extension. How much pressure does it put on GM Kyle Dubas and coach Mike Sullivan to get back in the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs and win? Do additions including Cody Glass, Blake Lizotte and Kevin Hayes make the supporting cast around Crosby and fellow starts Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin better? And what are the consequences if the Penguins struggle and miss the playoffs again in 2025?

Jason tackles those questions, plus Oneil Cruz's shift to center field for the Pirates. Are some fans overreacting to his early mistakes? And are the overall results actually promising for manager Derek Shelton and GM Ben Cherington?

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes ESPN Los Angeles Chargers reporter Kris Rhim to break down the teams' NFL Week 3 matchup Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. How has new coach Jim Harbaugh changed things since arriving from Michigan this offseason? Does Harbaugh have some surprises for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers with the unusual way he's preparing for this game? How has quarterback Justin Herbert performed in this more run-based offense? What's his injury status for Week 3? And how has Harbaugh used names including J.K. Dobbins, Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey effectively through two weeks?

Our duo tackles those questions. Then Brian gets Kris's view from the outside of the Steelers' QB situation with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is offensive line play a concern for coach Pat Narduzzi's Panthers despite the thrilling Backyard Brawl victory against West Virginia on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium? How can the group better protect QB Eli Holstein and block for RB Desmond Reid? What about the defensive line's inability to pressure opposing QBs, leaving defensive backs exposed? And is the linebacker group that includes names like Braylan Lovelace, Kyle Louis and Brandon George the best of Narduzzi's tenure at Pitt? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL Week 2 victory against the Denver Broncos. Specifically they weigh in on Justin Fields' performance at quarterback. Is he doing enough to keep the starting job when Russell Wilson gets healthy? Or does he need to play better this week in a likely start against the Los Angeles Chargers? What impact did OC Arthur Smith's gameplan and frequent penalties have on his bottom line production. And are receivers including Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III letting him down?

Our duo tackles those topics and more. Including: What's going on with Broderick Jones at tackle after a rash of penalties Sunday? Is his development being derailed by playing on the right side? How will coach Mike Tomlin handle his tackles including Troy Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr. moving forward? And can Teryl Austin's defense continue to be elite? Or are they padding stats against bad teams and players like Bo Nix and the Broncos?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 2 victory against the Denver Broncos. Can Broderick Jones be fixed following a penalty-plagued performance? Can OC Arthur Smith's offense as a whole clean up its numerous mistakes that short-circuited its second half? Are we seeing positive signs from Justin Fields with Russell Wilson's return from injury seemingly a ways away? And how good can coach Mike Tomlin's defense be after limiting Bo Nix and the Broncos to just six points?

Then later, Jason reacts to Pitt's Backyard Brawl victory against West Virginia on Saturday. What does it mean for coach Pat Narduzzi's Panthers to have started 3-0? And what has quarterback Eli Holstein proven about himself after engineering yet another comeback?

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 2 matchup with the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. How did Justin Fields perform in his second consecutive game filling in for the injured Russell Wilson? Did receivers behind George Pickens including Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III get more involved? How did T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and the defense look against Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix? And how did the offensive tackle situation shake out between Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu?

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson break down the Panthers' 38-34 win over West Virginia on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium in the 107th edition of the Backyard Brawl. How on earth did QB Eli Holstein and the Panthers offense stage a crazy comeback for the second week in a row? How did new-found star Desmond Reid perform against the Big 12's Mountaineers? How did Pat Narduzzi's squad handle its emotions during the fierce rivalry game? What does this win mean for the team going forward and for the athletic department without Heather Lyke? And should Pitt be concerned about its run defense? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko look ahead to the Week 2 matchup with Broncos in Denver. Is first-round pick Troy Fautanu ready to make his NFL debut? And would have change how Justin Fields and the Steelers offense would attack the Broncos? Plus, keys to game and predictions on if the Steelers will start the season 2-0.

On the Friday edition of First 10, Jason Mackey takes reader questions and looks ahead to the Penguins season, which begins with training camp. Will Erik Karlsson live up to his hefty contract? Where does new addition Rutger McGroarty fit? Plus, thoughts on the job Pirates GM Ben Cherington has done and what should happen with Andrew McCutchen.

The Post-Gazette's Brian Batko and Christopher Carter report from the Steelers' South Side practice facility, where the team's QB plans for NFL Week 2 against the Denver Broncos remain uncertain. Why does the story about Russell Wilson's status seem to keep changing? And is Justin Fields the likely starter for a second week in a row?  Our duo tackles those topics, plus comments from other notable plays. Will OC Arthur Smith use George Pickens as a decoy against Devner's Patrick Surtain II to free up Pat Freiermuth? Will Troy Fautanu start after taking first-team reps? And where does Broderick Jones fit into that conversation?

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas ponder the outlook for coordinator Tom Allen's defense after it was torched in the first half against Bowling Green this past week at Beaver Stadium. Was this just a bad, one-off effort physically? Or could it be a sign of more struggles to come? They also weigh in on some questions on offense. Is Omari Evans emerging as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Trey Wallace? Where has Julian Fleming gone in this offense? Can Tyler Warren exceed the production of recent Penn State greats including Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth at tight end? And what should we make of Drew Allar throwing his first interception months earlier than he did a year ago?

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze the Steelers' situation at receiver behind George Pickens. Was the group's two catches by Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III for eight yards vs. the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 1 alarming? Or is it sustainable in the type of offense OC Arthur Smith wants to run? Did GM Omar Khan bank too hard on acquiring Brandon Aiyuk via trade? And how closely should we watch potential fallback options including the Denver Broncos' Courtland Sutton and the Las Vegas Raiders' Davante Adams?

Later, the guys weigh in on the QB situation with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Plus the tackle competition between Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones. Then they give their thoughts on the Backyard Brawl between Pitt and West Virginia; Eli Holstein's development at QB for the Panthers; Penn State's struggles defensively vs. Bowling Green; and Pirates GM Ben Cherington's expectations that manager Derek Shelton will return next season.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey weighs in on what Pitt should be looking for in its next athletic director after firing Heather Lyke earlier this week. What role should fundraising play in the new college athletics world of NIL? And what are the challenges of the job in a saturated sports market that includes the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, to say nothing of other regional schools like Penn State and West Virginia? Jason delves into those question, then reacts to some Pirates news. How important is Bailey Falter to the team's future after another strong start Wednesday vs. Miami? And should we believe GM Ben Cherington when he says he expects manager Derek Shelton to return next season?

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start and sit at every position ahead of Week 2 using his top 150 rankings cheat sheet and positional tiers, as well as his top offensive matchups to target.

Host Dalton Brown runs through the guys that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) and looks at top trade targets, sleepers and stashes heading into the weekend. Who on the Steelers is still worth starting — and rostering — after a TD-less Week 1 performance, what does say about Jaylen Warren as a possible cut candidate?

When should fantasy managers look to sell-high and trade away household fantasy RB names like Rachaad White and Travis Etienne, who lost playing time in Week 1 to fellow risers in Bucky Irving and Tank Bigsby, respectively — and where does Chris have Anthony Richardson and Jayden Daniels ranked after each finished as top-5 scoring fantasy quarterbacks in Week 1?

Why is Chris so low on the Texans' offense, including C.J. Stroud, as they face the Chicago Bears in Week 2, and how does that affect the rankings of fellow Houston skill players, such as Joe Mixon, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs and Dalton Schultz?

Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion and finished fifth out of more than 200 analysts in the FantasyPros Week 1 accuracy contest for 2024. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' top 150 weekly rankings and his '30 in 30' strategy series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to GM Ben Cherington's statement Wednesday that he expects Derek Shelton to return as manager in 2025. Is that the right move for the club after another disappointing season? Could owner Bob Nutting have a different opinion on the matter? And on Cherington himself? Could Cherington change his mind over the last 2.5 weeks of the season? And what other moves should we be watching for in baseball operations? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to coach Mike Tomlin's news conference Tuesday at the team's South Side facility. Does Justin Fields have any chance to keep the starting QB job after Russell Wilson gets healthy? If so, what does he have to show to Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith?

Our duo tackles those topics, plus more from around the team. What's the situation at tackle with Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? What does Terrell Edmunds bring to the safety room after GM Omar Khan signed him this week? And how big of a problem is this team's receivers group after a disappointing Week 1 for names including Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller behind George Pickens?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's Tuesday news conference. Why does it seem only natural for Justin Fields to start in NFL Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, in place of the injured Russell Wilson? And is now the time to settle on Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones at the tackle spots with Dan Moore Jr. injured as well? Jason gives his thoughts on those questions and an array of others. Including: Why is a 1950s matchup between Pitt and West Virginia often overlooked in Backyard Brawl history? Should the Pirates plan to bring Andrew McCutchen back this offseason, given his continued solid production? What's the deal with the Penguins' defense corps? And could the Washington Wild Things win the Frontier League this week?

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Steelers' South Side practice facility, where coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the team is preparing for Justin Fields to start Sunday in NFL Week 2 against the Denver Broncos as Russell Wilson continues to nurse a calf injury. Is Tomlin being sincere? Or could he be playing mind games with Broncos coach Sean Payton? How are is Tomlin of the national interest in the QB situation? And why is this different than the Mason Rudolph vs. Kenny Pickett decision that Tomlin had to make last year? Our duo tackles those questions and gives an update on injured receiver Roman Wilson.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes the team's new play-by-play commentator Rob King to react to an 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 1 and look ahead to a crucial matchup vs. the Denver Broncos in Week 2. How did King's debut in the booth go? Does Arthur Smith deserve more credit for his own debut as the team's offensive coordinator, despite the lack of touchdowns? How will -- and how should -- the quarterback situation play out this week between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as the latter continues to nurse his calf injury? What are his thoughts on Terrell Edmunds' return to the defense via NFL free agency? And what impact will the loss of punter Cameron Johnston have on the rest of the season? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the firing of Heather Lyke as Pitt athletic director, first reported by the PG's Christopher Carter. What prompted the shocking move from chancellor Joan Gabel, during Backyard Brawl week with prominent alumni including DeJuan Blair and Darrelle Revis in town no less? Could names including Pat Bostick, Louis Riddick and Doug Whaley make sense as replacements? And how much pressure is the school under to get this hire right amid the shifting college athletics landscape?

Jason offers his thoughts on those questions, plus other topics around town. What's taking the Penguins so long in getting a deal done with Sidney Crosby? What did Crosby have to say at his media session Monday? What impact will the season-ending injury to punter Cameron Johnston, plus the signing of former first-round pick Terrell Edmunds have on the Steelers' season? And what did we learn from Paul Skenes' latest strong start for the Pirates?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Adam Bittner hosts in place of Christopher Carter and welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL Week 1 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Specifically they analyze the quarterback situation. Did Justin Fields' solid outing after a shaky start give coach Mike Tomlin the latitude to let the injured Russell Wilson rest as long as necessary? Should Fields get a chance to keep the starting job even when Wilson is recovered? How much could the type of calf injury Wilson is dealing with affect him for the rest of the season? And how much did a rough day for receivers not named George Pickens contribute to the inability to make big plays and finish drives?

Our duo tackles those topics, then turns attention to the defense. Was the dominant effort in the victory more a reflection of how good this unit can be? Or how limited Atlanta's offense was with a hobbled Kirk Cousins? Were DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson underrated offseason additions? And what's Minkah Fitzpatrick's potential now that he seems freer to roam around the defense?

The show ends with some talk about a rough Week 1 in the AFC North that saw the Cleveland Browns lose to Dallas, the Cincinnati Bengals fall to the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens drop a nail-biter to the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Who should be most concerned? And how much could an early division lead help the Steelers?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 1. He highlights the dominance of LB T.J. Watt and kicker Chris Boswell on a day when the offense took center stage. And ponders what should happen at quarterback after Justin Fields filled in capably for injured starter Russell Wilson.

He also weighs in on Pitt's win over the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, noting QB Eli Holstein's maturation and a breakout performance from RB Desmond Reid. Then he wraps the show by explaining why he was encouraged by the Pirates' Jared Jones and newly promoted Billy Cook after they split their series with the Washington Nationals over the weekend.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. How did QB Justin Fields look in starting for the injured Russell Wilson? How should we assess new OC Arthur Smith's unit in his first regular season test? How did the offensive line navigate the uncertainty of the last few weeks surrounding Isaac Seumalo, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier? What kind of difference did Patrick Queen, Donte Jackson and other new additions make on defense? And how did the receiver pecking order behind George Pickens shake out for names including Scotty Miller, Van Jefferson and more? The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes after the conclusion of the game on FOX.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson break down the Panthers' 28-27 win over Cincinnati on Saturday at the Bearcats' Nippert Stadium. How did the Panthers complete their epic comeback, as they were down 21 points with just a few minutes left in the third quarter? What adjustments did Eli Holstein make that allowed him to perform so much better in the second half? What kind of play calls did defensive coordinator Randy Bates dial up to get the defense to stand tall? And how can Pitt, now 2-0, take momentum from this contest into next week's Backyard Brawl with Cincinnati? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey takes reader questions about the hottest topics in town, including the future of Pirates manager Derek Shelton and GM Ben Cherington. Has Bob Nutting seen enough to make a change? Plus, Mackey offers thoughts on the Steelers quarterback quandary and if the Penguins have enough to make a playoff run for Sidney Crosby and Co.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko discuss the latest injury to quarterback Russell Wilson, which has his Week 1 status in doubt. Is this going to be a problem for the rest of the season? And is Justin Fields ready to start the opener? Plus, we break down the matchup in Atlanta and give our predictions.

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start — and sit — at every position ahead of Week 1 using his top 200 rankings cheat sheet. Host Dalton Brown runs through the guys that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR), as well as looking at optimal strategy for defenses/kickers heading into the weekend.

Who are the most popular fantasy QBs that belong on benches this weekend, and what does that say about the season-long stock for guys like Dak Prescott and Brock Purdy facing tough Week 1 matchups?

When is the right time to buy or fade RBs with tougher defensive opponents than others this weekend, and where does put commonly-drafted players like D'Andre Swift, Ezekiel Elliott and Kyren Williams?

Why is Chris so high on Texans wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, and how does he feel about top opening week matchups to exploit for young wideouts with upside in Malik Nabers and D.J. Moore?

Also, the guys look at some sleepers at tight end, D/ST and kicker to consider to wrap up the show.

Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' Top 200 weekly rankings and his '30 in 30' Sunday series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko recap another busy afternoon at the team's practice facilities Thursday as reporters met with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin ahead of the Week 1 matchup with the Falcons. Is it really business as usual for Smith as he prepares to face the team he coached last season? How is Austin preparing for his matchup with new Atlanta offensive coordinator Zac Robinson? And how are new Steelers offensive weapons like Cordarrelle Patterson, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller going to factor into the game plan? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider react to the win against West Virginia and what it could mean moving forward, starting with Saturday's game vs. Bowling Green at Beaver Stadium. Was the explosiveness we saw from OC Andy Kotelnicki's offense sustainable, particularly for players like QB Drew Allar and WR Trey Wallace? Is the secondary a strength of the the team after standout performances from safeties Kevin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed as well as cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Jalen Kimber? How is Abdul Carter's switch to defensive end working out? And should the performance change our perception of coach James Franklin's team at all? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to break down the Steelers' best- and worst-case scenarios for the year ahead. Can they win 12 or 13 games if Russell Wilson is his old self and if the offensive line -- including youngsters Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier -- reaches it potential quicker? Could they have a losing record if Wilson isn't as advertised; if receivers behind George Pickens prove not to be good enough; and if the line has a steep learning curve? And which group should we feel most confident in between the WRs, CBs, QBs and OL?

Our duo tackles those topics and more around the football world. Including: Did GM Omar Khan risk spending too much on defense with the Cam Heyward extension? How viable does Penn State look as a college football playoff contender after Drew Allar and Co. dominated West Virginia on Saturday? How much more creative did OC Andy Kotelnicki's Nittany Lions offense look? And can new Pitt OC Kade Bell's group perform against better competition after piling up 55 points against Kent State?

The guys wrap the show by talking Pirates. Who is responsible for David Bednar's struggles as closer this year? And should the Kansas City Royals' rapid rebuild be the new bar for Pirates GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the contract extension for defensive captain Cam Heyward and ponders whether a deal with TE Pat Freiermuth may be next. He also gives his thoughts on coach Mike Tomlin's press conference Tuesday in which he expressed optimism about his concerning wide receiver and offensive line groups. Will Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson prove Tomlin right and adequately replace the traded Diontae Johnson behind No. 1 receiver George Pickens? And can the line be as physical as it's hoped to be in NFL Week 1 vs. the Atlanta Falcons with Broderick Jones struggling and Troy Fautanu and Isaac Seumalo injured? Jason tackles those topics, then weighs in on the start of the Pitt volleyball season, a sparkling start for the Pirates' Paul Skenes on Tuesday night vs. the Chicago Cubs, and lessons GM Ben Cherington should learn from the success of the Kansas City Royals.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo react to the three-year contract extension that defensive captain Cam Heyward received Tuesday. Was it the right move for GM Omar Khan? What does it mean for the team's NFL salary cap situation moving forward? And is Pat Freiermuth next in line to get a lucrative deal before the team opens its season Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the reason coach Mike Tomlin is painting a fluid picture of the offensive line's status with Troy Fautanu and Isaac Seumalo nursing injuries and Broderick Jones looking to find his stride after a rough preseason.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap another busy afternoon at the team's practice facilities on Tuesday as Mike Tomlin completed his first weekly press conference of the regular season. How optimistic should Steelers fans be after the news that Isaac Seumalo will avoid the I.R., and how will it affect the future of the team's OL regarding Dan Moore Jr., Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones? How soon will Steelers rookie WR Roman Wilson be able to see the field this season after missing most of training camp and all of the team's three preseason games? Also, will Jaylen Warren and Cordarelle Patterson both be healthy and ready to suit up in Week 1 vs. the Atlanta Falcons? And will Russell Wilson be able to play more consistently than he and the starting offense looked during the preseason? Our duo tackles those questions and more. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: How much stock can we put into Eli Holstein’s performance in Week 1? Why wasn't tight end Gavin Bartholomew more involved vs. Kent St., and is this is what we should expect from Kade Bell's offense moving forward? Also, should there be concern about Pitt's defense after giving up two long TD plays last Saturday? And how much should Panthers fans be worried about the current RB depth with Rodney Hammond declared ineligible? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes veteran Atlanta Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter to preview the team's Week 1 NFL regular season opener on his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast. What should Steelers fans expect from Arthur Smith’s offense in his return to Atlanta? Will we see rumblings of another QB controversy surrounding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in Pittsburgh this season? And could the same type of QB rumors emerge in Atlanta with Kirk Cousins and rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.? Also, will former Steeler and current Falcon Ray-Ray McCloud III be a difference-maker in the slot during the 2024 season? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com

On his Monday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey breaks down the Cubs' managerial mistake from last night in the Pirates' 5-3 road win, as well as the health and resurgence of Jared Jones and Pittsburgh going with Dennis Santana over David Bednar as its closer. He also discusses how Penn State and Pitt might actually give us some really exciting college football to watch in Western Pennsylvania this season and brings up concern over the Steelers' offensive line heading into their Week 1 regular season opener on the road vs. the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo take their first look ahead to Week 1 of the NFL season. Both Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins will lead new teams, so which one is more primed for success? Will Cam Heyward and Pat Freiermuth have new contracts before kickoff? And who will start on the banged-up offensive line?

In their weekly Pirates podcast, insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss David Bednar's demotion from closer. Can "The Renegade" ever find is his old All-Star form? Plus they discuss what they need to see from the top pitchers in the final month of the season and the ongoing struggles at the plate for Henry Davis.

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas is joined by the Daily Collegian's Lyle Alenstein to recap Penn State's 34-12 victory Saturday against West Virginia in Morgantown. What should we make of Drew Allar's three-touchdown performance at QB? How much explosive potential does new OC Andy Kotelnicki's offense have after big plays from Nick Singleton at running back and Harrison "Trey" Wallace at receiver? How should we evaluate Abdul Carter's debut at defensive end? And what can we expect from coach James Franklin's Nittany Lions next week vs. Bowling Green? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson break down the Panthers' season-opening 55-24 win over Kent State on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Was this high-scoring offensive output a sign of things to come? How did the Panthers offense work in new offensive coordinator Kade Bell's scheme? How did quarterback Eli Holstein fare in his first collegiate start? How did newcomers like Desmond Reid and Poppi Williams contribute? And how can the defense limit the big passing plays it gave up to the Golden Flashes? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko react to Brandon Aiyuk re-signing with the 49ers and ending his chances of coming to Pittsburgh. Should Omar Khan have upped the ante to get San Francisco to bite? Are the Steelers' wide receivers behind George Pickens good enough this year? Plus, will Troy Fautanu start over Broderick Jones or Dan Moore Jr. in the season opener?

In his Friday mailbag episode of First 10, Jason Mackey answers an array of readers questions about the Pirates' tanking season. Should Bryan Reynolds change positions next season? What does the team do about Joey Bart at catcher? And just how long is the leash for manager Derek Shelton? Plus, final thoughts on the Brandon Aiyuk situation now that he will not be joining the Steelers.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas preview the season opener Saturday vs. West Virginia in Morgantown. Can Drew Allar repeat his sparkling performance against the Mountaineers a year ago? What kind of threat does WVU QB Garrett Greene pose to DC Tom Allen's defense? How can running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen show that they've taken big steps this offseason? How much should we believe coach James Franklin's hype of receivers including Julian Fleming, Harrison "Trey" Wallace, Liam Clifford, Kaden Saunders and others? How important will regional rivalries vs. West Virginia and neighbor Pitt be on the non-conference schedule moving forward? And was athletic director Pat Kraft's extension this week a good long-term move for the school?

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the conclusion of the Steelers' preseason. Did coaches Mike Tomlin, Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin answer any of their major questions definitively since the start of training camp? Or do things remain too unsettled with QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, offensive linemen including Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo, receivers behind George Pickens and cornerbacks behind Joey Porter Jr.? In the middle segment, the discuss the Pirates' collapse and the future of management including Ben Cherington and Derek Shelton? Then our duo wraps the show by making predictions for Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia football as they open their seasons on Saturday.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' meltdown Wednesday vs. the Chicago Cubs, in which they blew a 10-3 lead en route to a 14-10 loss at PNC Park. Is it time to replace David Bednar with Aroldis Chapman at closer? How much would moving on from names including GM Ben Cherington, manager Derek Shelton and hitting coach Andy Haines really help? And why do there seem to be so few easy solutions five years into a full-scale rebuilt? Then later, Jason reacts to some football topics. What can we expect from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields now that Wilson has been named the Steelers' starter at QB? What's the outlook for the offensive line amid Isaac Seumalo's injury? And how much pressure is on Pat Narduzzi and James Franklin at Pitt and Penn State, respectively, this season?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders the future of manager Derek Shelton, hitting coach Andy Haines and GM Ben Cherington. Should their fates at the end of the season be tied to improving the win total from 76 in 2023? Or if they fall short, is finding out what they have in players like Oneil Cruz in the outfield and Henry Davis behind the plate a reasonable excuse with the club already out of MLB postseason contention? Then later, Jason offers his thoughts on Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke being a leading candidate for the same job at Northwestern. And Steelers GM Omar Khan's roster cuts that got them down to the 53-man roster.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder moves GM Omar Khan may make now that NFL teams have cut down to their initial 53-man rosters. Could he bolster his receiving corps behind George Pickens via trade? Or the addition of a freshly cut free agent like Noah Brown, formerly of the Houston Texans? Is there a need for help in the secondary behind top corners Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson? Or will coach Mike Tomlin press forward with Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush and Beanie Bishop? And could there still be cuts along the defensive line and at tight end to accommodate such moves after Khan initially chose to keep fringe names like Isaiahh Loudermilk and MyCole Pruitt? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes KDKA-TV sports director and Pittsburgh media legend Bob Pompeani to react to the Steelers' 53-man roster release. Were there any significant or surprising cuts? Why would the Steelers release Quez Watkins and Dez Fitzpatrick when they're already thin at wide receiver? Are they planning on attacking the waiver wire? And what does the roster mean for injured rookies Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson?

Plus, Brian and Bob discuss the Steelers' offensive line situation. Will Fautanu be healthy for Week 1 vs. the Falcons? And if he isn't, can Broderick Jones hold his own at right tackle despite a lousy preseason? How will that affect Arthur Smith's offense? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is coach Pat Narduzzi making the right move in not yet choosing a starting QB and letting both Eli Holstein and Nate Yarnell play this week vs. Kent State? Why are so many depth chart positions unsettled, including defensive tackle where Nakhi Johnson, Francis Brewu, Anthony Johnson, Nick James and Isaiah Neal are all listed as starters? Will coordinator Kade Bell's offense or Randy Bates' defense start the season faster? And will Bell keep his game plan vanilla this week to save some wrinkles for when the Panthers start facing power conference opponents?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey gives his thoughts on Heather Lyke's future as Pitt athletic director following the extension for her colleague Pat Kraft at Penn State. How important is it for the Panthers to hold onto Lyke, who's presided over growth for numerous programs including football under Pat Narduzzi and basketball under Jeff Capel? And if she stays, how many more resources does she deserve to keep moving things in the right direction.

Later, Jason reacts to the Pirates' blowout loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday night at PNC Park. And questions whether GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton are handling the position change for Oneil Cruz the right way.

Pittsburgh Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to Monday's news of the team announcing it will be moving Oneil Cruz from shortstop to center field. Is this a long-term franchise decision, or will Derek Shelton give Cruz a chance again to play at short? Also, how will this affect the team in the short term with the Pirates now eight games out of the NL wild card race? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap a busy day at the team's South Side practice facility Monday as roster cuts loom. How is Jaylen Warren recovering from his NFL preseason hamstring injury? And will he be ready for Week 1 vs. the Atlanta Falcons? How is the battle to back up Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson at cornerback shaping up between Cory Trice Jr. and Darius Rush? Who has the edge at slot corner between Beanie Bishop and Thomas Graham Jr.? How many of receivers Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins and Dez Fitzpatrick will make the 53-man roster? How is Roman Wilson's ankle injury coming along? And how will coach Mike Tomlin decide to handle his fringe defensive linemen including Isiahh Loudermilk and Logan Lee? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' series victory against the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend. He also analyzes the team's catching situation. How important is it for GM Ben Cherington to learn what he has in Henry Davis? Has Yasmani Grandal started to live up to his contract after his walk-off Sunday? Is this Joey Bart's position to lose going into 2025? Then later, Jason gives his thoughts on the Steelers' preseason finale vs. the Detroit Lions. Is it time to feel better about the first-team offense after Justin Fields and Russell Wilson got better results at QB?

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss the team's rotation plans for the remainder of the season. Will GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton shut ace rookie Paul Skenes down with the team probably out of the MLB postseason race? Or will they simply slow his workload? What is the plan for fellow rookie Jared Jones? or fellow rotation members Mitch Keller, Bailey Falter and Luis Ortiz? And what is the plan for former first-round pick Henry Davis between now and the end of the year? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to put a wrap on the team's preseason. Russell Wilson has retained the No. 2 QB job, but how much ground has Justin Fields made up since the start of training camp? What are Ray's expectations for the cornerback room as the 53-man roster cut nears? Could Beanie Bishop be on the bubble for a spot? Who will man the slot corner spot until Cam Sutton's return from suspension? Will GM Omar Khan make any roster moves as teams around the NFL also cut players this week? And why should fans be encouraged by rookie Zach Frazier's performance in the preseason finale Saturday against the Detroit Lions? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Christopher Carter and Brian Batko look ahead to the Steelers' preseason finale against the Lions as the quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields reaches its conclusion. Would Fields give the offense a higher ceiling, or should the Steelers rely on the steady hand of Wilson? Plus, what position battles are most important in Saturday's contest?

On Friday's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey takes a look at Kyle Dubas' stunning trade for prospect Rutger McGroarty, sending Brayden Yager out of town. Could McGroarty be an answer to what has ailed Mike Sullivan and company lately? Plus, a look ahead to the Steelers' final preseason game against the Lions and what Broderick Jones, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and others have to show.

Post-Gazette sports editor and fantasy analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite draft strategies and top players to target — as well as to avoid — at every position for 2024. Chris and fellow show co-host Dalton Brown also run through their preferred sleeper picks, handcuff running backs and rookie wide receivers to keep an eye on this season.

Is Christian McCaffrey the clear-cut number-one overall pick this season?

Are there any Steelers worth drafting after a disastrous preseason so far?

Who are Chris' favorite deep-sleeper candidates and league-winners?

What is the best fantasy draft strategy to employ, specifically for 2024?

When should we look to select elite fantasy QBs like Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen?

Where is there the most hidden value at each position as we enter the late rounds?

And why should we wait to draft an elite TE after both Sam LaPorta and Travis Kelce?

Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' Top 150 rankings and his '30 in 30' series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Daily Collegian/Post-Gazette Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas ponder over/unders for the team's biggest stars. Will Drew Allar surpass 3,000 passing yards for the first time in 2024? Could he challenge the 30 touchdown threshold? And will he throw more than his two interceptions from 2023 in new OC Andy Kotelnick's system?

On the running back front, will either of Nick Singleton or Kaytron Allen surpass 1,000 yards? Can they combined for more than 20 touchdowns? In the passing game, can Julian Fleming and/or Trey Wallace be 1,000-yard receivers? Can names including Tyler Warren, Liam Clifford and Kaden Saunders crack 500 yards? And on defense, is 10 or more sacks a reasonable total for Abdul Carter amid his position switch.

Our duo tackles those topics and coach James Franklin's captain picks announced this week.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to the Steelers' struggles offensively so far this NFL preseason. Is new OC Arthur Smith right that exhibition games can "distort reality"? Is it too soon to judge QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, considering Kenny Pickett's success last year that proved to be a mirage? And did expectations for the offensive line get out of control with young players including Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier still trying to find their way?

Our duo tackles those topics, then gets into some Pirates talk. How badly did GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton bungle the Ke'Bryan Hayes injury situation? Do position changes for Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds make sense? And is Bryan De La Cruz already an MLB trade deadline bust, considering his struggles have coincided with the team falling out of the race?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to ponder the team's QB situation ahead of its NFL preseason finale Saturday vs. the Detroit Lions. Will Russell Wilson get the bulk of the first-team reps? Or could he split time with an ascendant Justin Fields?

Later, they tackle the offensive line's struggles. Can players including Broderick Jones and James Daniels actually fix the group's issues after taking accountability on Tuesday? And what did we learn from new OC Arthur Smith's comments about what must improve before the Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist explains why Pitt football needs running backs Desmond Reid -- the Western Carolina transfer -- and Rodney Hammond Jr. to thrive in the running game this season for new OC Kade Bell's offense to succeed. Then later, Jason talks Steelers and Pirates. Is new OC Arthur Smith right not to panic about the ugly NFL preseason performance of his unit? Does Mitch Keller's dominant start against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday feel wasted because of his team's recent 10-game losing streak? And when will Oneil Cruz take a step toward consistency?

Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko report from Steelers preseason practice on Tuesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side. The offensive line, which underperformed in the second preseason game against the Bills, is banged up. What should we make of Broderick Jones' elbow injury? Is he dealing with any other bumps and bruises? Will first-round NFL draft pick Troy Fautanu be ready for Week 1 against the Falcons? And what can Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith do to get the offense ready for the regular season? Our duo discusses those topics and more.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former Super Bowl champion Trai Essex to weigh in on the team's offensive line and QB situations. Are the issues we've seen from OT Broderick jones in the NFL preseason fixable? Or genuine cause for concern? Is Dan Moore Jr. underrated as a tackle option along with Troy Fautanu? And what will it take for the group as a whole to get on track under new OC Arthur Smith?

Our duo tackles those topics, then ponders how much Justin Fields is really pushing Russell Wilson for the starting QB job in the eyes of head coach Mike Tomlin.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Andrew McCutchen's latest injury and what it means for his future with the Pirates. Should GM Ben Cherington bring him back next season as one of their more productive hitters? Or should they look to fill the DH spot with someone who has more positional flexibility? Then elsewhere on the Pirates front, Jason gives his thoughts on a 4-3 loss to the Texas Rangers on Monday night and how the team should look to replace 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes for the rest of the season amid his chronic back issues.

The show ends with some Steelers talk. Specifically focusing on the lack of production from receivers so far in the NFL preseason. Does GM Omar Khan need to go out and find another playmaker at the position if he can't add the San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuk via trade? Or are Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller and Quez Watkins getting less credit than they deserve?

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is Nate Yarnell still the Panthers' clear-cut starting quarterback? Or is Eli Holstein closing in? How many true freshmen see the field this year? And who are the big targets for Jeff Capel and Pitt basketball if they can't land Meleek Thomas? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. What's going on with QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who have yet to produce a touchdown drive this preseason? What can be done about the offensive line's struggles as it navigates injuries to Troy Fautanu and Nate Herbig at the same time young linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick are trying to find their way? And how much is OC Arthur Smith's scheme to blame for the team's struggles to get in the end zone so far? Our do tackles those questions and much more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills this past weekend. Why haven't we seen new OC Arthur Smith's offense translate well in-stadium yet? Why haven't tight ends including Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington seen more targets after heavy workloads at training camp in Latrobe? And what can we expect from RB Najee Harris amid an injury to backup Jaylen Warren?

Jason tackles those topics, then gets into some Pirates after they won two out of three against the Seattle Mariners over the weekend. Specifically: What is the situation with 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes and the back issues that have plagued him this season? And how can we explain the continued absence of former No. 1 overall MLB draft pick Henry Davis?

Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin talk about a rare series victory over the Mariners, as a blowout loss puts their end-of-season plans into focus. What should the team strive for as it closes out what will likely be a dissapointing end to a once-promising season? Has Joey Bart proven himself to be the catcher of the future? And where can Oneil Cruz actually settle defensively?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Christopher Carter talks with Steelers insider Gerry Dulac about Russell Wilson's game plan in the preseason game against the Bills. Why are the Steelers convinced Wilson is the man for the job in Week 1? And has Justin Fields proven to be worthy of his own packages? Plus, what are the chances Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick all start on the offensive line?

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to weigh Steelers GM Omar Khan's options if he can't complete a trade for San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk. Would Khan be justified to feel content with names like Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller behind George Pickens? Or should he be looking at other options like the Seattle Seahawks' D.K. Metcalf, who played with QB Russell Wilson? Is Roman Wilson still a viable option as a No. 2 this year? And would a return for JuJu Smith-Schuster make any sense after he was cut by the New England Patriots this week?

Our duo tackles those questions, then gets into some Pirates talk. Why does Oneil Cruz seem to take so much criticism from fans and media despite being one of the few truly productive players on GM Ben Cherington's roster? Were manager Derek Shelton's comments this week about playing good baseball until this current 10-game losing streak too generous? And is Cherington failing by his own criteria after his farm system was rated poorly this week?

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Daily Collegian/Post-Gazette insider Joel Haas ponder freshmen breakout candidates for coach James Franklin and the Nittany Lions in 2024. Can offensive linemen Cooper Cousins maintain his spring momentum and earn a starting spot? Can five-star prospect Luke Reynolds emerge in a tight end room that includes respected veterans Tyler Warren and Khalil Dinkins? How does Max Granville fit in behind names like Dani Dennis-Sutton and Abdul Carter at the EDGE spots? Can Tyseer Denmark find reps behind the likes of Julian Fleming, Trey Wallace and Liam Clifford? And can Quinton Martin see the field even with stars Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen ahead of him at running back?

Our duo tackles those questions, Penn State's No. 8 ranking in the AP poll this week and a sizeable donation toward Beaver Stadium renovations.

Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks with reporters after Steelers training camp practice Wednesday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. He explains how he's feeling as he continues to work his way back from a calf injury and take over No. 1 reps from backup Justin Fields; his expectations of joint practices and an NFL preseason game with the Buffalo Bills this week; his growing relationships with coaches and teammates including Mike Tomlin and Cam Heyward; the opportunities new OC Arthur Smith's offense creates for receivers including top option George Pickens; and the growth of offensive linemen including Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes insider Brian Batko to break down the latest developments in the QB battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at Steelers training camp. Is Wilson's light workload in Latrobe strange, even despite the injury? Has Fields become a legit threat to win the starting role? Or are GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin simply trying to evaluate Fields' potential future with the team beyond 2024?

Our duo tackles those topics and more. Including: Are rookies such as Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson, Mason McCormick and Beanie Bishop being given more opportunities to climb the depth chart than past classes of first-year players? And how is the secondary coming together with DBs including Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr. and Cam Sutton searching for roles alongside more established starters including Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott and Minkah Fitzpatrick?

Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo talk after Monday's training camp practice about Arthur Smith's offense. Even though Smith is known more as a run-first guy, what can we learn from how aggressive the Steelers were throwing the ball on Friday against the Texans? How are Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers coaching staff evaluating Justin Fields and, to a lesser extent, Russell Wilson? And how can Cordarrelle Patterson, fresh off the injury list, unlock more potential in the Steelers offense? Our duo discusses those topics and more.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: How many games will it take new coordinator Kade Bell's offense to find its stride? Why are names including Zion Fowler and Lamar Seymore standing out at receiver and has Konata Mumpfield established himself as the No. 1 option? And why are guys including Nate Matlack and Francis Brewu among linemen to watch in coach Pat Narduzzi's defense? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith speaks to reporters after Steelers training camp practice Monday in Latrobe. He offers his thoughts on Cordarrelle Patterson working his way back into action after injury; QB Justin Fields' efforts in the preseason loss the Houston Texans, including snap issues with C Nate Herbig; the No. 2 receiver battle between Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson; the growth of rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick in their first in-stadium outings Friday; and Russell Wilson's availability after his own injury.

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss what the Pirates' goals should be now that losing sweeps against the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have severely diminished their MLB postseason chances. Can young players including Henry Davis and Jack Suwinski prove they belong in the club's 2025 future and beyond? Will young starters Paul Skenes and Jared Jones see their innings counts managed more closely to limit injury risk? And will prospects including Billy Cook, Nick Yorke, Mike Burrows and Brandon Ashcraft see promotions from GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton by the end of the season? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to tackle the hottest topics from Steelers training camp practice on Sunday. Do first-team reps signal rising stock for LB Payton Wilson and Cory Trice Jr. after strong NFL preseason debuts Friday vs. the Houston Texans? And is the defensive line showing improved depth thanks to guys including DeMarvin Leal and Montravius Adams stepping up?

Our duo tackles those questions on defense, then studies the offense. What should we make of the offensive line discussion after first in-stadium looks at Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick? And what's the latest in the quarterback competition between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson? Is Wilson just being eased back in after his injury? Or is something more complicated at play?

Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo talk after Sunday's training camp practice about first-round pick Troy Fautanu's injury and the battle at center. Is Fautanu going to start on the sideline after a rough first preseason game and getting hurt? And is Zach Frazier taking over at center for Nate Herbig already? Plus, a look at how Cordarrelle Patterson's return could impact the new kickoff rules.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the Steelers 20-12 NFL preseason loss to the Houston Texans on Friday night at Acrisure Stadium. What should we take from QB Justin Fields' performance, which was accurate but undone by struggles around him? How much will Nate Herbig's two botched exchanges weigh in the center competition with rookie Zach Frazier? How did first-round pick Troy Fautanu look in his NFL debut? What about fellow rookie linebacker Payton Wilson? And how should Arthur Smith's first game as Steelers OC be graded? Our duo tackles those questions and looks ahead to next week at Steelers training camp. How much will we see from Russell Wilson at QB? And where do the Brandon Aiyuk trade discussions stand with the San Francisco 49ers?

The Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' first NFL preseason game Friday evening vs. the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. How did Justin Fields look with the first team with Russell Wilson taking the night off? What happened in the offensive tackle battle between Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr? Which receivers -- including Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller -- had good nights in the battle for the No. 2 spot behind George Pickens, as Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors swirl? And how did new OC Arthur Smith's offense look overall? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: What needs to change with the Pirates' Oneil Cruz? Should GM Ben Cherington consider bring back Aroldis Chapman amid bullpen struggles from David Bednar and Colin Holderman? What is Derek Shelton's future as Pirates manager amid the club's losing skid that's pushed it to the fringes of MLB postseason contention?

And on the Steelers front, how tiring have the Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors with the San Francisco 49ers become?

On Friday's episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter is joined by Steelers insider Gerry Dulac to discuss the latest Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors. Do the Steelers hold all the cards when it comes to the potential trade package? And what will we be watching for from Justin Fields in the Steelers' preseason opener against the Texans?

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Daily Collegian/Post-Gazette insider Joel Haas react to comments by coaches and players at the Nittany Lions' media day this past weekend. Why are receivers including Tre Wallace, Kaden Saunders and Liam Clifford generating buzz early in fall camp? How will the complement transfer Julian Fleming? And how will coach James Franklin and new OC Andy Kotelnicki get the ball in their hands more frequently?

Our duo tackles those questions and talks receivers and cornerbacks as well. Is Drew Allar still showing the confidence we saw earlier in the offseason? What should we make of his NFL draft potential? Why does Franklin love praising backups including Beau Pribula and Jaxon Smolik? And are corners including A.J. Harris, Jalen Kimber, Cam Miller, Zion Tracey, Audavion Collins and Elliot Washington ready to face the best the sport has to offer should they reach the College Football playoff? To end the show, Adam and Joel analyze the first coaches poll of the season and react to the ongoing fallout of the NCAA's House settlement.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to weigh the potential impact of a Brandon Aiyuk trade with the San Francisco 49ers on the rest of the Steelers' roster. Could GM Omar Khan be forced to choose between Aiyuk and George Pickens as soon as next season for salary cap reasons? What impact could a major deal with Aiyuk mean for the QB situation with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields or someone else? And will there be enough cap space left to get deals done with names like Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris and/or Cam Heyward?

Our duo tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front, then gets into some Pirates, Penguins and Pitt football talk. Is the latest losing skid proof that GM Ben Cherington waited too long to upgrade his offense before the MLB trade deadline? Does this lineup have any serious hope with names like Ke'Bryan Hayes struggling so badly? Can this club afford to move on from Andrew McCutchen in the offseason? What should we make of the delay in a contract extension between the Penguins and Sidney Crosby? And what should we make of the Panthers' QB battle between Nate Yarnell and Eli Holstein?

In Thursday's edition of First 10, Jason Mackey talks about another incredibly frustrating Pirates loss, as the bullpen gives up another game while Yasmani Grandal and Connor Joe fail to come through in the clutch. Are there any answers to stop their free fall from contention? Plus a look at the Steelers' first preseason game Friday and lingering concerns over Sidney Crosby's contract. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac report from Steelers training camp practice in Latrobe ahead of the first NFL preseason game Friday vs. the Houston Texans. How much -- or how little -- will we see big names including Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Russell Wilson? Could Justin Fields see as many as three drives at QB before giving way to backups? Why have Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins been standing out at receiver this week? What's going on with kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson ahead of the Steelers' first experience with the NFL's new kickoff rules? And will offensive line rookies Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick maintain their momentum into preseason games? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks to reporters following practice at Steelers training camp on Wednesday. He explains how he's feeling now that he's been integrated into practices following his calf injury; his expectations to play in NFL preseason games starting Friday vs. the Houston Texans; his excitement level to see backups including Kyle Allen and John Rhys Plumlee work; how his deep ball has evolved over time; and wats that deep ball fits with receivers including George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Quez Watkins.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko react to reports that the team has "re-engaged" in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers regarding receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Is a deal now a serious possibility? What would GM Omar Khan be willing to give up? And how do the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns fit into the conversation?

Our duo tackles those questions, then gets into some depth chart and training camp topics. What does it mean that first-round NFL draft pick Troy Fautanu is listed as the backup at left tackle? Are Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook fighting for the final offensive line roster spot? What does it mean that Beanie Bishop is listed as the starter at slot corner? And what is Cole Holcomb's future after being listed as a third-teamer at linebacker?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' wild loss to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. Could the PNC Park drainage woes that caused a long delay become symbolic of the season falling apart? Will manager Derek Shelton's team lose out on a Bailey Falter start while still having to face the Padres' Dylan Cease later in the week? And could we see names like top prospect Thomas Harrington called up from the minors soon to help with the stretch run toward a possible MLB wild card berth?

Jason tackles those topics, then weighs in on the latest in the Sidney Crosby contract drama with the Penguins and developments from Steelers camp. Could a trade for the San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk be coming soon? What does it mean that Russell Wilson is getting close to practicing fully? And that Troy Fautanu is seeing first-team reps?

Post-Gazette insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap practice at Steelers training camp on Sunday in Latrobe. Is Russell Wilson's workload expanding at QB as he returns from his injury? How's the relationship between receiver George Pickens and position coach Zach Azzanni unfolding after their dust-up early in camp? How did No. 1 NFL draft pick Troy Fautanu look getting first-team reps? Why do Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier continue to impress? And what does it all mean for the preseason opener Friday vs. the Houston Texans?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey tackles the latest trade rumors tying San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Steelers. Is a deal finally a legit possibility amid GM Omar Khan's search for a No. 2 receiver across from George Pickens? Or are Aiyuk's contract demands still a problem for making a swap work?

Later, Jason looks ahead to the Pirates' key series against the San Diego Padres this week at PNC Park. How important is it for the club's postseason hopes? How much will San Diego sluggers including Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. challenge probable Pirates starters Bailey Falter, Marco Gonzales and Luis Ortiz? And how much more will the Pirates need from guys like Gonzales and Ke'Bryan Hayes down the stretch?

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is there a true competition at QB? Or has coach Pat Narduzzi pretty much decided that Nate Yarnell will start over Eli Holstein barring a rash of mistakes by Yarnell? What are the odds of Pitt winning seven games and getting back to a bowl game this season? Will defensive lineman Bam Brima be missed after his recently announced departure? And how will new offensive coordinator Kade Bell use his running backs including Rodey Hammond Jr.?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey streams his daily First 10 podcast live and tackles the hot topics in Pittsburgh sports. Can the Pirates still make the MLB postseason after a disastrous loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday that included questionable decisions from manager Derek Shelton? What should the club do with shortstop Oneil Cruz amid his continued struggles in the field? And what should the future of the bullpen be after another ugly outing for reliever Colin Holderman?

There will also be plenty of Steelers training camp and Penguins talk. How are position battles at QB with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, plus offensive line with Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr. and Troy Fautanu shaping up? What will the preseason opener against the Houston Texans bring? And what is the deal with Sidney Crosby's contract negotiations?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to recap the first week in pads at Steelers training camp. Were rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick the biggest winners? How soon could Fautanu start at tackle, and what would that mean for fellow tackles Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones? And what can we expect in the first preseason game Friday vs. the Houston Texans?

Our duo also tackles those questions and more. Including: Is Justin Fields still gaining ground on Russell Wilson? And what are the highlights of Ray's first 53-man roster projection of the preseason?

Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss the series against the Diamondbacks, which ended in dramatic fashion as Colin Holderman blew another lead and another Paul Skenes start was wasted. Did manager Derek Shelton cost his team a critical game in the NL wild card race?

Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap Sunday's training camp practice as the defense responds with a bounce-back day after the offense had several standout days. DeMarvin Leal is back to looking like the athletic force he looked like when the Steelers drafted him, while corner Cory Trice is inspiring hope for the secondary.

Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko report on everything that went down at the Steelers' annual "Friday Night Lights" training camp practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. How did the players and fans interact at this special event? How did Justin Fields perform in another practice with the first team as Russell Wilson continues to nurse his calf injury? And what led to the running backs winning the fan-favorite "backs on backers" drill? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Is it time for the Pirates to move SS Oneil Cruz to the outfield or designated hitter spot amid his struggles in the field this season, highlighted by a three-error game Wednesday vs. the Houston Astros? What are the Penguins' chances of making the playoffs? And will GM Kyle Dubas make a big move by trade G Tristan Jarry and/or acquiring a top-six winger to play alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin? What is catcher Henry Davis's future with the Pirates after another year of underwhelming development? And what are Jason's latest thoughts on the Steelers training camp QB battle between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Brian Batko to react to a chippy week at Steelers training camp in Latrobe. Was the practice fight on Wednesday after a hit on QB Justin Fields a bad sign for team camaraderie? Or was it an important part of implementing a nastier identity for the offense under OC Arthur Smith, who was to play physically with running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and a revamped offensive line led by Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier?

Our duo tackles those questions, the return of Markus Golden to the OLB corps, and previews the Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. Can the offensive linemen maintain momentum against defensive linemen like Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton? And will we see more from QB Russell Wilson amid his calf injury?

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, the host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas look ahead to the Nittany Lions' media day this weekend and ponder expectations for them in 2024. Can they win in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff? Not just earn a berth in the field? Is that a fair expectation with big names including Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Abdul Carter and Julian Fleming in the lineup? Or is coach James Franklin's team still at too big a talent deficit to teams like Ohio State, Oregon and Georgia to expect to be a serious championship contender? And will it be easier or harder to make the Big Ten championship now that the conference has scrapped its divisional format with the addition of Oregon, USC, UCLA and Washington?

Our duo tackles those questions and also analyzes the decisions to play the White Out game against Washington on Nov. 9 instead of Ohio State the week before.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Brian Batko have the latest from Steelers training camp Thursday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. How does the re-signing of OLB Markus Golden impact the defense moving forward? Did T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward get the unit back on track in the seven shots drill Thursday after several days of offensive domination? And can rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick continue to show practice under the Friday Night Lights practice spotlight on Friday at Latrobe Memorial Stadium? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze the hype around the rookie class following one week of Steelers training camp. Are names including Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson, Roman Wilson and even Mason McCormick on track to see significant time faster than Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton did a year ago? Or will coach Mike Tomlin and coordinators Teryl Austin and Arthur Smith still be more cautious? And is there less immediate pressure on this group amid the installation of Smith's offense and the competition at QB?

Our duo tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front. Including: What's the level of concern at WR amid Roman Wilson's injury? Are running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren plus tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington showing they can make up for any deficit at that position? And why does the Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields debate seem so divisive?

Then the guys wrap up the show with talking about Pirates GM Ben Cherington's moves at the MLB trade deadline. Are the additions of Bryan De La Cruz and Isiah Kiner-Falefa enough to get this team in the postseason? How much pressure should Cherington be under if they don't? What happened to the team's organizational depth in the middle infield? And what's a target win total for this team to snatch a National League wild card slot?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey gives his thoughts on Pitt football at the start of their training camp on the South Side. Will new OC Kade Bell's emphasis on speed help the Panthers to a quick bounceback from their 3-9 record a year ago? What's TE Gavin Bartholomew's upside in this system? How much optimism is reasonable for Nate Yarnell and Eli Holstein at QB plus Rodney Hammond Jr. at running back? Are 8 wins possible for coach Pat Narduzzi's team despite key departures via graduation and the transfer portal?

Jason tackles those questions and more, then pivots to some Pirates topics. How much can Jake Woodford help this bullpen following his call-up from the minors? What's the link between Paul Skenes and Konnor Griffin, this season's first-round MLB draft pick who signed this week? And what should we take away from the loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap Wednesday's eventful and scrappy Steelers training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. What caused the practice-field fight making the rounds on social media? How were Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen involved? What does it say about rookies Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick that they stepped in to protect Justin Fields? And could that give the team a much needed jolt of energy as it continues through the daily grind of training camp?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to early progress from new coordinator Arthur Smith's offense in the early days of Steelers training camp. Are the positive signs legit? Or are they reminiscent of false hope from last season, when the unit struggled under Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett? How have QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields looked specifically? And what did running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, plus tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington do in the backs on backers drill that made for an encouraging first day in pads?

Our duo tackles those questions and reacts to positive signs from young offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and first-round pick Troy Fautanu, who looked good against T.J. Watt in the first day of padded practice.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline Tuesday. Specifically, he gives his thoughts on headline acquisitions Bryan De La Cruz, formerly of the Miami Marlins, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, former of the Toronto Blue Jays. Where do they fit in the Pirates' lineup and defensive alignment? How much can they help the club's frustrating offense? How much credit does GM Ben Cherington deserve for adding them in the final hour before the deadline without giving up any top prospects? And what should we make of more minor deals involving Martin Perez, Jalen Beeks, Josh Walker and more?

Jason tackles those questions, analyzes the center field situation with Michael A. Taylor getting hot at the plate and gives quick thoughts on a busy first day in pads at Steelers training camp, where Russell Wilson and George Pickens provided offensive highlights.

The Post-Gazette's Paul Zeise, Jason Mackey, Andrew Destin and Adam Bittner react live to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline. How does Bryan De La Cruz improve the club's outfield mix after he was acquired from the Miami Marlins? Where does Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Toronto Blue Jays fit in manager Derek Shelton's lineup? Will Martin Perez be missed from the rotation? Will prospects given up -- including pitcher Jun-Seok Shim, infielder Garret Forrester and outfield Charles McAdoo be missed? And what do these moves signal about GM Ben Cherington's intent to compete for the postseason with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and Bryan Reynolds under contract for several more years? Our group tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldor recap the first padded practice of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why the offense got the better of the defense -- notably in the seven shots and backs on backers drills -- thanks to standout performances from RB Najee Harris and QB Justin Fields. They also offer their thoughts on Russell Wilson's first practice of training camp after his injury last week; a potential injury for rookie receiver Roman Wilson; Jaylen Warren getting the best of Patrick Queen in backs on backers; solid days for tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington; rookie LB Payton Wilson's up-and-down afternoon; and guard Mason McCormick's surprisingly strong efforts so far.

Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks with reporters Tuesday at Steelers training camp in Latrobe, following his first practice since arriving last week. He explains how the rehab from his calf injury that cost him all of last week is progressing; growing relationships with targets including Connor Heyward and Quez Watkins; his mastery of new OC Arthur Smith's offense; what he's seeing from running back Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris; and his relationship with backup QB Justin Fields.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates comeback victory against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, in which Michael A. Taylor's late homer ensured another strong start by Paul Skenes did not go to waste. He also talks GM Ben Cherington's remaining options before the MLB trade deadline. Will he make a move for remaining potential targets like the Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Diaz, the Miami Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz or the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward or will he stand pat? Then later, Jason analyzes Monday's trades: Pitcher Quinn Priester to the Boston Red Sox for minor league infielder Nick Yorke. And minor league pitcher Luis Peralta to the Colorado Rockies for reliever Jalen Beeks.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is coach Pat Narduzzi on the hot seat this season after a 3-9 record in 2023? Which position groups will improve the most from last season, and why is defensive line a good bet with Sean FitzSimmons, Nahki Johnson and Nick James? And on the basketball front, who will lead the Panthers in scoring this season? Return standouts like Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett? Or newcomers such as Damian Dunn, Cam Corhen and Brandin Cummings?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the first week of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Where was Justin Fields inconsistent in taking first-team QB reps in place of the injured Russell Wilson? What does Fields need to work on to be a serious starting candidate for the team after being traded here from the Chicago Bears? And what should expectations for Wilson be in the week ahead coming off of his injury?

Our duo tackles those topics. In segment two, they analyze what standout first weeks from corners Donte Jackson and Beanie Bishop could mean for the secondary. Then in segment three, they preview the first week in pads, with a focus on offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu, as well as running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey offers his thoughts on the first four days of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Why shouldn't QB Russell Wilson's absence because of injury be a big deal at this stage? Is George Pickens' flare-up with position coach Zach Azzanni actually a good sign? What's going on in the tackle competition with Broderick Jones injured and Troy Fautanu impressing? And how are Roman Wilson and Van Jefferson stepping up in the competition for the No. 2 receiver role?

Jason tackles those questions, then evaluates the Pirates' rapidly diminishing options ahead of the MLB trade deadline and their series loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend.

Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo break down Sunday's training camp practice, as Troy Fautanu gets a shot with the first-team offense and impresses. When will he get the full-time job along with Broderick Jones? Another rookie, center Zach Frazier, is also looking like an early starting candidate. Plus, Gerry and Ray look ahead to the first padded practice of training camp.

In their latest Steelers training camp update, Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap a sluggish day for the offense as Justin Fields continues to fill in for an injured Russell Wilson. But despite that, rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson continues to open eyes.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittiapldo recap the second practice of Steelers training camp on Friday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain how new conditioning techniques may have contributed to the injury that's kept QB Russell Wilson out so far; QB Justin Fields' struggles, particularly with passes over the middle; fellow backup Kyle Allen's solid performance in the seven shots drill; the importance of Saturdays backs on backers drill for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as coaches evaluate their fit in Arthur Smith's offense; and solid outings for Donte Jackson and undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop in the secondary.

Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks to reporters after practice Friday at Steelers training camp in Latrobe. He explains how he's navigating his calf injury suffered during workouts on Wednesday, which he expects to return from soon; his relationships with veteran teammates Elandon Roberts, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick; his mentorship of backup Justin Fields as he gets a chance for some first-team reps; and the preparation process that's helped him win Super Bowls and make Pro Bowls in the past.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the first practice of Steelers training camp on Thursday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Why did top receiver George Pickens appear to be butting heads with position coach Zach Azzanni? What might it signal about how differently coordinator Arthur Smith approach to coaching on offense? And is maturity still a concern for Pickens after he showed some visible frustrations last season?

Our duo tackles those questions. Then later, they discuss Justin Fields getting first-team practice reps amid Russell Wilson's apparent injury. And Smith's focus on TEs, primarily Pat Freiermuth, in the early going of camp.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions primarily about the MLB trade deadline. Is the Miami Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. a realistic fit for the Pirates in the outfield? Or will he and the Chicago White Sox's Luis Robert cost too much? Why do names like the White Sox's Tommy Pham and the Washington Nationals' Jesse Winker make more sense? And how do Oakland Athletics options including J.J. Bleday and Brent Rooker fit into the equation?

Jason tackles those topics and a few others around town. Including: Which member of the 2013-15 Pirates would he like to see on the 2024 team? Can Calvin Austin III grow into a legitimate No. 2 receiver option for the Steelers? And will the Penguins' Sidney Crosby sign his contract extension by his Aug. 7 birthday?

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first practice of Steelers training camp Thursday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. What's the latest on QB Russell Wilson, who say out practice with a minor injury? How did backup Justin Fields look taking first-team reps in his place? Why was CB Donte Jackson impressive? What was Cam Heyward's level of participation amid questions about his contract? Why is DeMarvin Leal looking like he's in better shape? What about Keeanu Benton? And what did OT Broderick Jones have to say in his post-practice comments? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

General manager Omar Khan speaks to reporters after the first practice of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. He gives his thoughts on defensive captain Cam Heyward amid contract negotiations; the state of his receivers room with names like Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson and Quez Watkins competing for time behind George Pickens; the potential to make another trade amid persistent rumors about the San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk; the impact QB Russell Wilson is making in his first camp with the team; the suspension of CB Cam Sutton; the decision to decline the fifth-year option on RB Najee Harris' contract; and potential next moves with existing NFL salary cap space.

In Thursday's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey looks ahead to Steelers training camp after the team reported to Saint Vincent College on Wednesday. Najee Harris spoke to the media at last and admitted he is looking for a big contract. Meanwhile, Nate Herbig and Zach Frazier are set for an important center battle, while Roman Wilson aims for the No. 2 receiver role.

Jason also discusses his reporting on Steelers great Jack Lambert and the Pirates' mindset headed toward the MLB trade deadline.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react after the club's 5-0 win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday that gave them another crucial series victory in their push for the MLB postseason. How will the series impact GM Ben Cherington's plans at the MLB trade dealine? What did we learn about starter Martin Perez in his six shutout innings, with the returns of Bailey Falter and Jared Jones looming? And can the offense, led by Rowdy Tellez's homer on Wednesday, get on a roll after putting up five runs? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap Steelers training camp arrival day and give the best storylines to watch during the following weeks in Latrobe. What position battle will be most important for the Steelers? Will first-round pick Troy Fautanu secure a starting spot? Will fans get their first good look at new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? Plus, Gerry and Ray break down Najee Harris' first public comments since the Steelers declined his fifth-year option over the offseason.

On today's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey talks about how the Pirates desperately need to get Paul Skenes some offensive help after another one of his gems was wasted. Who could Ben Cherington target right now and at the MLB trade deadline?

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Steelers insider Brian Batko to discuss the opening of training camp in Latrobe. Does Justin Fields have a realistic shot to unseat Russell Wilson at quarterback? Will Troy Fautanu become a Day 1 starter? And what's the answer at slot corner after Cameron Sutton's suspension?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey discusses Monday night's Pirates win over the Cardinals, specifically Mitch Keller proving his last start in Chicago was just a bump in the road.

He also shares his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the Steelers roster heading into training camp.

Jason also discusses his column on Christie-Lee Coad, a local product and Pitt grad who is now the co-head athletic trainer for USA Track & Field. Plus, Jason takes a look at the Zoo Crew, Pitt's team at The Basketball Tournament.

On their weekly Pitt mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions, with Stephen reporting from Charlotte, N.C., for the ACC Kickoff media days event. Among the questions: Was the extension for Panthers coach Jeff Capel justified or was it rushed? Have Bub Carrington and Blake Hinson performed well enough in the Summer League to guarantee NBA playing time this season? And can the ACC keep up with other major conferences or will it go the way of the Pac-12?

Pirates insider Noah Hiles talks after the Phillies series about why Luis Ortiz should remain in the rotation, how Oneil Cruz could be on the cusp of a breakout second half and why Martin Perez might be the odd man out of the starting rotation once Bailey Falter and Jared Jones return from the IL.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko and columnist Jason Mackey react to Rob King joining the team's radio broadcasts, replacing the retired legend Bill Hillgrove. What style will King bring to the booth? And how will he mesh with color analyst Craig Wolfley?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Including: What will Tyler Matakevich bring to the linebacker corps in his second year with the team? And what are the implications for guys like Cole Holcomb and Mark Robinson? How will coach Jeff Capel's extension impact PItt basketball moving forward? And will the Pirates be able to maintain momentum coming out of the MLB All-Star break with tough series against the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals coming up over the course of the next week.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to look ahead to Steelers training camp. Who oft-discussed storyline will fade once practices begin? Will it be the QB competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, which draws a lot of national attention? Or is it the trade discussions around San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk? And what under-the-radar storyline will take center stage? Will it be the inexperience of the offensive line, with young players Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier all in line to start? Or is it defensive line depth behind Keeanu Benton, which includes the aging Cam Heyward and underachievers including DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk?

Our duo tackles those topics, plus Rob King replacing Bill Hillgrove in the Steelers broadcast booth; Tyler Matakevich signing here on a one-year deal; the Pirates MLB trade deadline options; Jeff Capel getting a contract extension with Pitt bassketball; Penn State choosing Washington over Ohio State for its White Out game; and reports that the Big Ten and SEC are uninterested in Florida State in conference realignment.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey poses six questions the Pirates must answer in the second half of the season. Will we see innings limits for Jared Jones and Paul Skenes? Will young pitchers including Luis Ortiz, Quinn Priester and Mike Burrows play key roles down the stretch? And what will GM Ben Cherington do at the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month? Why do names like the Los Angeles Angels Taylor Ward and the Oakland Athletics make the most sense as targets? And is there a chance Aroldis Chapman and his hefty contract could be sent out of town, even if the Pirates add with the intention of fighting for a playoff spot?

Jason tackles those questions and more. Then later, he offers thoughts on whether Derek Shelton has been a good manager for the club; what Jeff Capel's extension should mean for Pitt basketball; and the latest in the Brandon Aiyuk trade drama with the San Francisco 49ers.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, guest host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brain Batko to discuss the latest news about Brandon Aiyuk. Will GM Omar Khan finally make a deal for the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver now that he's reportedly requested a trade after failing to reach a long-term contract extension? How does the Aiyuk trade possibility impact extension talks with internal candidates including Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth and Cam Heyward? And how does Aiyuk fit with incumbent No. 1 receiver George Pickens, who posted about Aiyuk on his Instagram this week?

Our duo tackles those questions, the impact of planned joint training camp practices with the Buffalo Bills and a reporter that new OC Arthur Smith is designing red zone packages for QB Justin Fields as he competes with Russell Wilson for the starting job.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes Pirates insider Andrew Destin to recap the MLB All-Star game Tuesday night in Arlington, Texas. Specifically, the recap Paul Skenes' performance in which he dominated the American League's Steven Kwan, Gunnar Henderson and Aaron Judge despite walking Juan Soto. What did LSU gymnast, social media sensation and Skenes' girlfriend Livvy Dunne have to say about the experience of living in Pittsburgh this summer on the All-Star red carpet? And what were Andrew's favorite moments of his first All-Star game on the beat?

Our duo tackles those topics, looks ahead to what the second half may hold for the Pirates and offers more analysis of the club's MLB draft class, completed Tuesday after the selection of high school shortstop Konnor Griffin at No. 9 overall on Sunday evening.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes WPXI-TV's Jenna Harner to analyze the biggest games on the team's 2024 schedule with training camp looming next week. Are early matchups with the Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons and Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers the types of games the season could hinge on? Can the Steelers measure up with elite teams like Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia Eagles and Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs? And how do divisional rivalries against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens and Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns factor into the equation? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reports from the MLB All-Star game in Arlington, Texas. He explains why he feels MLB made the right call in having the Pirates' Paul Skenes start for the National League and how Skenes has handled the national spotlight. He also explains the development differences between Skenes and fellow NL All-Star and former Pirates Tyler Glasnow. Then later, he offers more reaction to the selection of Konnor Griffin in the first round of the MLB draft.

On their weekly Pitt mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Where does the Panthers' Nate Yarnell rank among ACC quarterbacks? How does Pitt stack up in the new "College Football 25" video game from EA Sports? And how is former Pitt guard Bub Carrington faring in his first NBA Summer League after being drafted No. 14 overall by the Washington Wizards?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, the Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter and Adam Bittner discuss Russell Wilson's role as a leader for the Steelers. Can he fill the void on offense left by Ben Roethlisberger, David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey? Can he help young players like Broderick Jones, Pat Freiermuth and others emerge as leaders in their own right? And can he silence some of the doubts about his leadership from his Denver days for legacy purposes? Our duo tackles those questions.

Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins Christopher to talk about the Pirates at the MLB All-Star break. How will Bryan Reynolds and Paul Skenes look in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday? And how did the team's sweep of the Chicago White Sox over the weekend set them up for the second half?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey recaps the MLB draft. Was Konnor Griffin the right pick for the Pirates at No. 9 overall? What about Levi Sterling in the compensatory round? Or Wyatt Sanford in the second round? And what awaits Mars High School product J.J. Wetherholt with the St. Louis Cardinals and Mt. Lebanon product David Shields with the Kansas City Royals?

Jason tackles those questions, previews the week at the All-Star game for Pirates representatives Paul Skenes and Bryan Reynolds and reacts to the weekend sweep of the White Sox in Chicago.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, the Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter and Adam Bittner weigh the Steelers' best candidates to earn their first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections in 2024. Do Joey Porter Jr. or Keeanu Benton have better odds on the defensive side of the ball? What about George Pickens, Broderick Jones and Pat Freiermuth in Arthur Smith's run-heavy offense? How do rookies Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier fit into the equation? And do Najee Harris and Patrick Queen have the best chance to take the next step from Pro Bowl to All-Pro caliber?

Our duo tackles those questions. Then later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Andrew Destin to discuss Paul Skenes' seven no-hit innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. Did manager Derek Shelton make the right call to pull him early? And where do things stand with Skenes heading into the MLB All-Star game?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reaction to Arizona Diamondbacks and National League manager Torey Lovullo's comments about Pirates star Paul Skenes. Is Lovullo hinting that Skenes is the obvious choice to start for the NL in the MLB All-Star game? Who are the other possible candidates? And how much should the hype around Skenes league-wide influence the decision?

Jason tackles those topics, plus the question of whether it's already time for owner Bob Nutting and GM Ben Cherington to consider giving Skenes and extension. Then he analyzes the potential for Penguins defensemen Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves to bounce back after difficult first years wit the club.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise offers his thoughts on some Steelers over/under prop bets available at some sports books. Should George Pickens be a safe bet to go over 1,000 yards? Or will Arthur Smith's run-heavy offense hold him back? Is 775.5 rushing yards too low a number for Najee Harris? Or will Jaylen Warren eat into his numbers this year? And will Pat Freiermuth stay healthy enough to go over 50.5 catches?

Our duo tackles those questions, then Ben Cherington's options ahead of the MLB trade deadline. What's the latest on Paul's report connecting the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward to Pittsburgh? If the Pirates don't get closer to .500, could names like Aroldis Chapman, Rowdy Tellez and others be on the way out? And what are the chances Mitch Keller is moved with his salary set to increase significantly in the coming years?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the latest frustrating Pirates loss in Milwaukee. Will manager Derek Shelton's team ever put a winning streak together this season? Or is .500-ball the best fans can ask for with this offense? Where does Martin Perez stand after his latest mediocre start? And what should we make of reports that some Pennsylvania politicians are looking to impose change on owner Bob Nutting, using the team's expiring lease as a leverage point?

Jason tackles those topics and also gives his thoughts on the culmination of Penguins development camp at their Cranberry facility.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, the Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter and Adam Bittner weigh the Steelers' options at quarterback amid the NFL's eight-game suspension of Cam Sutton. Are Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson good enough as a 1-2 punch? Can depth pieces like Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop and Cory Trice Jr. step up to play prominent roles in Sutton's absence? Or will GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin need to make a move for another veteran cornerback like Chandon Sullivan? And how do the Steelers match up with the tough passing threats on their schedule including the Eagles' A.J. Brown, the Chiefs' Travis Kelce, the Browns' Amari Cooper and the Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase? Our duo tackles those topics.

Then Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins Christopher to react to the team's 12-2 beating of the Brewers on Tuesday night in Milwaukee. Has Rowdy Tellez turned the corner for good? And is Quinn Priester proving he can be an MLB-caliber starter?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' 12-2 thumping of the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday. Why does this offense perform so inconsistently? And can it put things together in time for a run before the MLB All-Star break? What should we make of Quinn Priester's strong outing? Is he finally starting to show why he was a first-round pick? Or does he still have a lot to prove? And does Joey Bart deserve more playing time after his grand slam and amid struggles by Yasmani Grandal and Henry Davis? Jason tackles those questions and also offers some things to watch for as the Penguins wrap up their development camp with a scrimmage in Cranberry.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' win against the New York Mets on Monday, in which Mitch Keller played a key role. How is the starter proving he was worth a lucrative extension in spring training? How important was the win for the club's postseason hopes ahead of the MLB All-Star game? And what kind of energy is Joshua Palacios bringing to the roster after returning from the minors?

Jason tackles those questions, then reacts to the NFL's suspension of cornerback Cam Sutton and what it means for the Steelers' secondary behind Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson.He ends the show by analyzing Penguins coach Mike Sullivan's comments about goalie Tristan Jarry. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com

On their weekly Pitt mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Could Donovan McMillon be the Panthers' next top NFL draft prospect amid his preseason buzz? Who are some off-the-radar candidates to be All-ACC selections for coach Pat Narduzzi by the end of this season? Does Blake Hinson have a chance to make the Los Angeles Lakers' roster thanks to strong NBA Summer League performance? Or will Bronny James snatch his roster spot? And what Bobby Grier, who recently passed, mean in Pitt football history?

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette assistant sports editor Adam Bittner to rank the Steelers' position groups against their AFC North foes. Does Russell Wilson deserve the nod over the Browns' Deshaun Watson, with the Bengals Joe Burrow and Ravens' Lamar Jackson at Nos. 1 and 2? How do Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren stack up against the Ravens' Derrick Henry? Are the Steelers the worst at receiver even with George Pickens? And how does the defensive line led by Keeanu Benton and Cam Heyward stack up with Myles Garrett and the Browns? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins with his latest thoughts on GM Ben Cherington's options ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' weekend series against the New York Mets and the announcement of MLB All-Star selections. Does Paul Skenes deserve to start the game despite only pitching in 10 games so far as a rookie? Did the Pirates deserve any any additional All-Stars beyond Skenes and Bryan Reynolds? And is the rotation prepared to weather injuries to Jared Jones and Bailey Falter with depth options like Luis Ortiz, Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales? Jason tackles those topics then gets into the Penguins. He recaps his exclusive interview with Mike Sullivan over the weekend, the need for GM Kyle Dubas to make the roster younger and faster and his level of faith in goalie Tristan Jarry.

Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to Paul Skenes' selection for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. Should the rookie phenom actually start the game? Is there a bigger story than Skenes in Texas?

On the Friday edition of The North Shore Drive podcast presented by Mike’s Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko discuss whether GM Omar Khan is saving his team’s salary cap space for a big trade or will roll it over into next season. Would wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and CeeDee Lamb be the best use of that money, or should they extend their own players? And later Pirates insider Andrew Destin joins the show to talk about a crucial set of series ahead of the All-Star break.

On today's edition of First 10, Jason Mackey talks about time running short on the Pirates adding some pop, the look of the starting rotation with Jared Jones hurt, what to do with Aroldis Chapman if there are offers and whether Paul Skenes should go to the All-Star Game.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko analyze the team's linebacker core heading into training camp later this month. Are T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already better than Steelers LB legends James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley? Which current Steelers also have the best shot at making the hall of fame?

Our duo tackles those topics and more.

Later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to discuss Noah's 1-on-1 with Pirates pitching coach Oscar Marin. Noah also breaks down the Pirates' Joshua Palacios situation and what to make of the team putting his promotion on pause after Tuesday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

On today's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey discusses what the Pirates need to see out of Jack Suwinski after Tuesday night's performance, why they continue to play Yasmani Grandal, and where he'd like to see them go with the catching situation. Mackey also touches on the Penguins adding Sebastian Aho, needing to get a winger and what looks to be a daunting schedule.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes 93.7 The Fan's "Donny Football" Chedrick to pick the most likely -- or necessary -- breakout players for the team this season. Why does Keenau Benton seem like the most likely to take a major step after an encouraging rookie year? Can Joey Porter Jr. build on strong analytics to become a true shutdown cornerback? Can Pat Freiermuth still surprise people within new OC Arthur Smith's offense despite entering his fourth year in the league? Will George Pickens solidify his place as one of the league's best receivers? And why are names including DeShon Elliott, Nick Herbig, Darius Rush, Calvin Austin III, Broderick Jones and Darnell Washington among others to watch? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Penguins moves -- or lack thereof -- on the first day of NHL free agency. Do additions including Blake Lizotte, Matt Grzelcyk and Anthony Beauvillier make GM Kyle Dubas' roster significantly better? Will Reilly Smith be missed after he was traded to the New York Rangers? What will the core of veteran stars including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang thing about the lack of splashy moves? And elsewhere, what should we make of former Penguins Jake Guentzel's nine-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Jason tackles those questions, then previews the Pirates' series against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park.

On their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Does Bub Carrington's selection in the first round of the NBA draft as a one-and-done actually help the Panthers' program? Will Blake Hinson actually get a chance to play for the Lakers and with LeBron James? And should we be excited about Mason Alexander, a cornerback and Pat Narduzzi's first four-star recruit in the Class of 2025? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko rank the team's position groups from best to worst. Can any group challenge the depth and quality of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and the outside linebackers? Are the receivers the worst group despite the presence of George Pickens? Where do Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and the QBs stack up? What about the defensive line with an aging Cam Heyward but an ascending talent in Keeanu Benton? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Then later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to react to the weekend series with the Atlanta Braves and ponder GM Ben Cherington's options to make a deal ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey previews NHL free agency for GM Kyle Dubas and the Penguins. What should we make of the Kevin Hayes trade with the St. Louis Blues over the weekend? And what should we expect as free agents begin signing with teams officially on Monday? Is there anything Dubas can do to meaningfully upgrade the roster around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? Or are his options limited?

Then later, Jason reacts to the Pirates' series loss against the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. Does the June surge by Rowdy Tellez eliminate the need for a first baseman ahead of the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month? Can Oneil Cruz start to show more consistency after a clutch homer Sunday? And how can GM Ben Cherington improve the offense beyond those guys?

Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss how the series against the Atlanta Braves showed the team’s strengths (Paul Skenes, Aroldis Chapman) and weaknesses (Ke'Bryan Hayes, Jared Triolo) and where improvement can be found.

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze GM Omar Khan's strategy with the offensive line. Is Khan signaling an intent to move on from James Daniels with moves including his selection of Mason McCormick in the NFL draft? Will Daniels make big money with another team, much as Kevin Dotson has with the Los Angeles Rams? What's the plan after Isaac Seumalo's contract expires after last season? And has Khan been smart to prioritize OT with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu over the interior offensive line?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins Chris to discuss how the club will manage innings for Paul Skenes and Jared Jones while also making a push for the MLB postseason.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Why would Starling Marte be a member of the Pirates' 2015 team who'd be an ideal fit with today's? Do manager Derek Shelton's getaway day lineups reveal a lack of urgency about making the postseason? Are there any obvious solutions for Jack Suwinski's prolonged struggles this season? And who's the team's most likely All-Star from the group of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bryan Reynolds?

Jason tackles those questions and also a couple from the Penguins realm. Including: Will GM Kyle Dubas look to make the team's defense better in NHL free agency? Or rely on bouce-back years from Ryan Graves and Erik Karlsson? And what could the potential return be in a Tristan Jarry trade?

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to Kenny Pickett's camp attempting to shoot down negative narratives that surrounded his exit from the Steelers. Do comments by his high school coach and private QB coach to NJ.com amount to sour grapes about the way last season ended with Mason Rudolph taking the starting job? Or about the Steelers signing Russell Wilson? Or are any of the gripes from Pickett's people legit? Should any of the rumors about his strong offseason behind Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles be believed? And will Pickett ever achieve redemption as a Steelers pariah like Le'Veon Bell has in recent years?

Then on the Pirates front, our duo ponders GM Ben Cherington's options at the MLB trade deadline. Should every prospect be on the table as an option to move in exchange for a solid bat? Even names like Termarr Johnson and Bubba Chandler? And should the success Roansy Contreras has had with the Los Angeles Angels concern anyone yet?

Our duo tackles those questions and also offers thoughts on Pitt's Bub Carrington being selected in the NBA draft and moves Penguins GM Kyle Dubas should consider ahead of NHL free agency on July 1.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders moves Penguins GM Kyle Dubas should -- or should not -- consider with NHL free agency approaching on July 1. Should names including Reilly Smith and Rickard Rakell be on the trading block as the team searches for more speed alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? And why do targets including Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi and Jake DeBrusk make sense in free agency?

Jason tackles those question. Later, he ponders what it means for Jeff Capel and Pitt basketball that Bub Carrington is set to go to the Washington Wizards with the No. 14 pick in the NBA draft; reacts to the Pirates taking two out of three games from the Cincinnati Reds this week; and offers his thoughts on whether Luis Ortiz has earned a rotation spot.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to the club's series win against the Cincinnati Reds this week, with Andrew reporting from Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Did Luis Ortiz earn a spot in the rotation after his excellent start on Wednesday? Is Bailey Falter's spectacular start to the season running out of gas? How long can Bryan Reynolds carry the Pirates offense? And is this the version of Rowdy Tellez fans will see for the rest of the season? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's tight end group. Will Pat Freiermuth have an elevated role in new OC Arthur Smith's gameplan? Will Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward also get more looks from QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? And how much can the group as a whole make up for the roster's current lack of a proven No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens? Our duo tackles those questions.

In the second segment, Christopher welcomes NBA draft analysts Leif Thulin and James Barlowe to preview the event from a Pitt perspective. Will the Panthers' Bub Carrington slide into the first round after leading coach Jeff Capel's team to the verge of the NCAA tournament? And will Blake Hinson be selected after his standout career that included All-ACC honors?

Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins to react to the club's Tuesday night victory against the Cincinnati Reds, which included another strong start from Mitch Keller. Is his success going under the radar amid the rise of Paul Skenes and Jared Jones?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts the Pirates' victory against the Reds on Tuesday in Cincinnati. Can they use it as a springboard to a winning streak that would help them greatly in their MLB playoff race for an NL wild card spot? Or will the inconsistency of players like Yasmani Grandal and Michael A. Taylor prevent that? Did Mitch Keller prove that he's just fine after some slips from his dominant May? And can Henry Davis finally prove he belongs at the MLB level as he starts a minor league rehab assignment with the Altoona Curve?

Jason tackles those questions, offers his thoughts on an ESPN article that ranks the Steelers' starters 18th in the NFL and reacts to the announcement of the next Hockey Hall of Fame class.

On Brian Batko's weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, the Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Jason Mackey fill in and offer their thoughts on Justin Fields' performance during Steelers OTAs and minicamp. Have concerns the backup QB been exaggerated after PG insider Ray Fittipaldo reported that his accuracy was a bit of an issue during the offseason program? Why has Fields been such a flashpoint within the fanbase and national media since being traded to Pittsburgh from the Chicago Bears? And what should GM Omar Khan do with him contractually as both Fields and Russell Wilson are set to play on expiring contracts in 2024? Should he get an extension in the mold of Jordan Love's in his last season as Aaron Rodgers backup with the Green Bay Packers? Or should Fields get a contract closer to what Mitch Trubisky signed with the Steelers in 2022? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' 11-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night. Are Bailey Falter's June struggles a sign of what's to come from him? Or can he turn them around? And does the bullpen have enough depth behind David Bednar, Aroldis Chapman and Colin Holderman?

Jason tackles those topics, recaps his column about Willie Mays' Pittsburgh ties and reacts to the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup, but the Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid winning the Conn Smythe trophy as playoffs MVP.

On their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: How high is Bub Carrington's stock ahead of the NBA draft? Does Blake Hinson have a chance to be selected? And what do recent Pitt football commits including Synkwan Smith, Shawn Lee Jr. and Akram Elnagm bring to coach Pat Narduzzi's program?

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder the future for Najee Harris in Pittsburgh. Can a contract extension still be worked out with the running back entering his fourth season? Or does the New England Patriots' recent deal with Rhamondre Stevenson show such a move might be too costly considering GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin have already declined the fifth-year option on Harris' rookie contract? And if Harris is allowed to leave in free agency, how does that impact the Steelers' needs next offseason? Will they stick with Jaylen Warren as the starter? Look to add in the NFL draft? Or hope to get lucky in finding another undrafted free agent gem like Warren?

Our duo tackles those topic, then also explains changes to Steelers training camp in Latrobe. Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins to react to a frustrating series for the Pirates against the Tampa Bay Rays, in which their offense wasted a strong start by Paul Skenes.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey analyzes the Steelers' offseason. Has GM Omar Khan improved the team at almost every spot through the acquisitions of free agents such as Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen? And NFL draft picks including Troy Fautanu, Roman Wilson, Payton Wilson and Zach Frazier? Is receiver the only place where they look worse on paper amid the loss of Diontae Johnson in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson? And what should that mean for the win-loss record in 2024?

Jason tackles those topics, then gets into some baseball and hockey. What are his thoughts on the Pirates' series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays? Will GM Ben Cherington heed owner Bob Nutting's call to improve the offense? And should Penguins GM Kyle Dubas and coach Mike Sullivan consider hiring an assistant dedicated to the power play -- as the Toronto Maple Leafs did recently with Marc Savard -- to get more out of elite talents including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang?

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles react to club's series loss against the Tampa Bay Rays this past weekend at PNC Park. How much longer can manager Derek Shelton's team survive in the MLB playoff race if it keeps wasting stellar pitching performances like Paul Skenes' on Sunday? What's clicking for Bryan Reynolds at the plate amid his long hitting streak? Could the Pirates deal pending free agents Martin Perez or Marco Gonzales at the MLB trade deadline? And what kind of depth issues will the bullpen face with David Bednar hitting the injured list? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the special teams unit. Is position coach Danny Smith ready for all the changes to the NFL kickoff rules, having just turned 70? Does Cordarrelle Patterson have the kick returning job locked down? Or will there be some competition? Will Cameron Johnston be an upgrade over Pressley Harvin III at punter? And how much will he need to adapt to AFC North weather conditions after playing in a dome with the Houston Texans?

Our duo tackles those topics, then ponders GM Omar Khan's moves to cut WR Denzel Mims and S Trenton Thompson a little more than a month before training camp. And later, sports columnist Jason Mackey joins to weigh in on potential trade options for GM Ben Cherington and the Pirates as he looks to bolster the offense in support of standout pitchers Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Jared Jones ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Who's the better fit among potential Penguins trade options for GM Kyle Dubas? The Carolina Hurricanes' Martin Necas? Or the Columbus Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine? What does the Alex Nedeljkovic extension mean for Tristan Jarry's future here? And why are Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang Jason's favorite Penguins to interview? He tackles those hockey questions, plus some about the Pirates. Could Vince Velasquez return to bolster the club's pitching depth, especially as manager Derek Shelton and GM Ben Cherington look to limit innings for Paul Skenes and Jared Jones? Will the team every re-brand to more of a 1970s look? And when will Cherington try to make a move to improve the club between now and the MLB trade deadline?

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to the club's series win against the Cincinnati Reds this week at PNC Park. How did the club's starting pitching trio of Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller have so much success against the Reds, allowing only three runs all series? And how can that be a catalyst for the pitching staff moving forward? On the other end of the spectrum, how can the Pirates offense, which only mustered six runs in those three games, improve? Is it time for general manager Ben Cherington to make a trade to add a bat? And how important will David Bednar and Colin Holderman be out of the bullpen? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to break down the team's QB competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Why does national media perceive the battle to be a 50-50 proposition, when locally it's clear that Wilson has the starting job comfortably heading into training camp? What should we make of Fields' demeanor about his current role as the backup? And is coach Mike Tomlin handling the competition correctly by giving Wilson such a comfortable pole position?

Our duo tackles those topics and also ponders Najee Harris' buy-in as he's set to inherit such a large role in Arthur Smith's new offense. Then later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Andrew Destin to react to Paul Skenes' latest start against the Cincinnati Reds, as well as a 2-1 loss to the same opponent on Tuesday night.

Note: This Steelers segment was meant to be posted Monday, but was not in error. We hope you enjoy it now.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the passing of San Francisco Giants and MLB legend Willie Mays through a Pittsburgh lens, as well as the Pirates' latest loss to the Cincinnati Reds. He also gets into some hockey topics. Among them: Could the Penguins acquire Columbus Blue Jackets standout Patrik Laine at a discount in a trade this offseason? And does the comeback bid by Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final have legs?

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider welcomes ESPN analytics guru Seth Walder. The duo tackles the team's upcoming appearance on HBO's Hard Knocks as well as GM Omar Khan's offseason moves so far -- an possibly moves to come. What do the analytics say about the trade for Justin Fields and the signing of Russell Wilson to make up the team's quarterbacks room? Will Diontae Johnson be missed more than expected after he was traded to the Carolina Panthers for Donte Jackson? Could a trade for the San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuk that fans have long clamored for actually make this team a contender? What are realistic expectations for rookie offensive linemen Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu? And where does this team fit in the division with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals statistically?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Paul Skenes' latest victory on the mound for the Pirates against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at PNC Park. How important was it that Skenes showed he can adjust on the fly? And what does that mean for the rest of his rookie season with his club fighting for an NL wildcard postseason berth?

Jason tackles those questions and also praises progress at the plate from Bryan Reynolds and Rowdy Tellez. Then later, he gives his thoughts on the Steelers appearing on HBO's "Hard Knocks" series alongside AFC North division foes including the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

On their weekly Pitt sports mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: How does Meleek Thomas leaving Lincoln Park High School in Pittsburgh to join Overtime Elite in Atlanta affect Jeff Capel's chances of recruiting him? How are Pitt athletes doing at the swimming and diving Olympic trials? And how does coach Dan Hurley's decision to stay at UConn affect Pitt and the rest of the college sports world? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the team's situation at quarterback. What should we make of Justin Fields' demeanor in his competition with Russell Wilson? How does the dynamic between the two echo the 2022 QB competition between Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett? And should Fields be getting more first-team reps, even if he is expected to the be the backup?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Among them: What's Najee Harris' level of buy-in as the focal point of this offense? Especially after he didn't speak to the media much during offseason workouts?

Then later, Pirates insider Andrew Destin joins to discuss whether GM Ben Cherington will make a significant move to upgrade the team before the MLB trade deadline.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey explains why he feels better fundamental baseball from manager Derek Shelton's Pirates is as important to their chances as what GM Ben Cherington can add to the roster via deals before the MLB trade deadline. He also gets former Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett's thoughts on young aces Paul Skenes and Jared Jones; reacts to Mt. Lebanon native Neal Shipley's weekend at the U.S. Open; and offers his view of the NHL's Stanley Cup final and the NBA Finals both being underdiscussed in Pittsburgh.

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin speaks to reporters during the team's minicamp this past week on the South Side. He explains how the secondary is coming together with new faces such as DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson joining familiar ones like Cam Sutton, Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick; how Patrick Queen and rookie Payton Wilson fit into the unit at MLB; how Cor[y Trice Jr. is coming back from his training camp injury a year ago; and Keeanu Benton's ability to grow in 2024.

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to DC Teryl Austin's news conference this week. What lessons did Austin learn from 2023 that he's applying to 2024, specifically in deploying safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee? How have the acquisitions of free agents and draftees including DeShon Elliott, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cam Sutton and others all helped free Fitzpatrick up to better play a centerfield role? And what kind of chemistry will Queen and Elliott bring to this defense collectively after moving here from the Baltimore Ravens?

Our duo tackles those topics, then discusses the receivers. How much might new OC Arthur Smith use George Pickens in the slot this season? Why does receivers coach Zach Azzanni believe Calvin Austin III is ready to make a big leap? And is there still a chance that GM Omar Khan may make a move for a bonafide No. 2 receiver like Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers?

Finally, Andrew Destin joins the show to recap the Pirates' series loss against the St. Louis Cardinals and preview their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Will GM Ben Cherington make a significant move to improve the offense by the trade deadline? If names including the Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or the New York Mets' Pete Alonso are unrealistic, what other options does he have to upgrade on Connor Joe and Rowdy Tellez? Could outfield be an area to watch, too, amid the struggles of Michael A. Taylor and Jack Suwinski? What happened with Jose Hernandez before he was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers this week?

Jason tackles those topics and gets into a little Steelers, too. Specifically, what will the run/pass balance be in Arthur Smith's offense as it looks to get bother Russell Wilson at QB and RBs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris going?

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to discuss whether the Pirates or Steelers are closer to experiencing playoff success. Do dominant pitchers Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Jared Jones make the Pirates an immediate threat if they can get to the postseason? Or are Mike Tomlin, Russell Wilson and the Steelers the better bet because of their consistency?

Our duo tackles those questions, then weighs some minicamp topics. Is the excitement around new OC Arthur Smith's offense deserved after his widely praised media comments this week? And how seriously does Cordarrelle Patterson figure into the backfield that already include Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

Finally, Adam and Paul wrap the show with some Pirates questions. Does Jones deserve an MLB All-Star nod ahead of Skenes? Can Bailey Falter continue to be a solid No. 4 in those rotation? And should the Toronto Blue Jays' Vlad Guerrero Jr. be a trade target if he's available at the MLB trade deadline?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night. Are Henry Davis and Kyle Nicholas showing signs of shaking of season-long funks? How much does the club's success rest on them figuring things out? And what is wrong with Ke'Bryan Hayes, and how much more does manager Derek Shelton need to see from him in the coming weeks?

Jason tackles those topics as well as the Penguins' hiring of David Quinn to replace Todd Reirden; the Steelers need to deploy Minkah Fitzpatrick more effectively this season; and George Pickens' potential to make some contributions in the slot.

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to new OC Arthur Smith's comments Tuesday at the team's minicamp. Specifically, they explain the ways Smith is showing his understanding of the team's history and identity and looking to re-establish its culture created by influences including Ken Whisenhunt, Mike Vrabel and Dick LeBeau. They also ponder which players could see more touches in this offense. Will it be running backs like Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris? Tight ends including Pat Freiermuth? Or will it be off-the-radar names including Scotty Miller and Cordarrelle Patterson?

Then later, Pirates insider Andrew Destin joins Christopher to discuss Paul Skenes' latest dominant start for the Pirates in a win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Paul Skenes' latest dominant start for the Pirates on Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. What new tricks did Skenes show that we hadn't seen at the MLB level previously? Are his lengthening outings proving GM Ben Cherington right for managing his innings early in the season? And can Skenes and fellow rotation members Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and Bailey Falter lead this team to the postseason in a muddled National League Central division?

Jason tackles those topics, then reacts to Day 1 of Steelers minicamp. Why were players including Pat Freiermuth reacting so positively to coach Mike Tomlin's extension? And how are young linemen including Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones and Zach Frazier coming along?

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former Super Bowl champion cornerback Bryant McFadden to discuss Steelers minicamp and coach Mike Tomlin's three-year extension. Is there a major difference between OTAs and minicamp? What makes signing Tomlin long-term a good move for GM Omar Khan and owner Art Rooney II? And why is Tomlin uniquely suited to coaching a team with many new faces including OC Arthur Smith, QBs Russel Wilson and Justin Fields and linemen Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu?

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith speaks with reporters during minicamp Tuesday at the team's South Side facility. He explains how the installation of his new offense is going with names like George Pickens at receiver; Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren at running back; Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at QB; and young standouts up front including Troy Fautanu, Zach Fraizer and Broderick Jones.

Post-Gazette Steelers insider and columnist Jason Mackey join host Adam Bittner to react to coach Mike Tomlin's three-year contract extension, announced by the team on Monday. Is the length of the deal a surprise, or business as usual for owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan? How tied is Tomlin's fate to the success of new OC Arthur Smith, coming off of Matt Canada's disastrous tenure? Can Tomlin find and develop a quarterback of the future, be it Justin Fields or someone else eventually taking the reigns from Russell Wilson? And are the any benchmarks of success Tomlin will have to hit to avoid the hot seat? Our trio tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey ponders the struggles of young Pirates including Henry Davis, Jack Suwinski and Jared Triolo. Is GM Ben Cherington doing something wrong with their development? How do their struggles fit into MLB-wide trends with names like the Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson, the Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday and the Texas Rangers' Wyatt Langford? And do those struggles suggest more time in the minors with Class AAA Indianapolis could be beneficial, as it was for Andrew McCutchen?

Jason offers his thoughts on those questions as well as the series victory against the Minnesota Twins. Then he looks ahead to Steelers minicamp storylines to watch, including how Cam Sutton fits in the secondary and what becomes of Najee Harris.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview Steelers mincamp this week. Is Russell Wilson the face of the team's offense? Or are names like Najee Harris or George Pickens also contenders? What about the offensive line and names like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier in new OC Arthur Smith's run-heavy offense? And on the defensive side, are DBs Cam Sutton and Donte Jackson in better positions to succeed in Pittsburgh than they were with the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, respectively?

Our duo tackles those questions. Then later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Andrew Destin to ponder whether the club is a legit wild-card contender after consecutive series victories against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Andrew Destin and sports columnist Jason Mackey react to the club's series victory against the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park over the weekend. Among the topics: Is Rowdy Tellez truly out of his season-long slump after a strong start to June? Why are Henry Davis and Jack Suwinski continuing to struggle? What is working for Nick Gonzales right now? And what are the big storylines in the bullpen? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko for the latest from OTAs. How does NFL free agent signing Cam Sutton fit in the Steelers' current defense? Will he play outside cornerback across from Joey Porter Jr.? Or will he play the slot while Donte Jackson takes outside duty? And do the additions of free agents like Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott plus draft picks like Payton Wilson give Minkah Fitzpatrick the ability to return to the playmaking role he used to hold in this defense?

Our duo tackles those questions. Then Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to react to the team's series victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which rookies Paul Skenes and Jared Jones shined. And they preview the weekend series against the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Will Pirates GM Ben Cherington make significant moves to improve before the MLB trade deadline, in hopes of winning an NL wild-card spot? Could starters Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Jared Jones all make the MLB All-Star team? Is Nick Gonzales a darkhorse All-Star candidate? What's the situation with pitching prospect Mike Burrows? Could Oneil Cruz be moved to the outfield? And how are the Pirates assessing Henry Davis amid his return to MLB?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' latest win against the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by a strong start from Paul Skenes. Are he and fellow rookie pitcher Jared Jones bringing a new winning swagger to this team? How legit is the recent tear by Nick Gonzales that has given the offense a boost? And should Edward Olivares see more playing time as he's continued to produce?

Jason tackles those topics, then reacts to the Steelers' signing of Cam Sutton and recaps his feature on the Perfect Pitch camp.

Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to ponder pressure facing the Steelers in 2024. Is Arthur Smith's new-look defense the unit under the most? Or will the star-laden defense with T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward face the most scrutiny? Why are names like Russell Wilson, Joey Porter Jr. and Broderick Jones under the most individual pressure? And who needs to perform best if this team is going to take down the big names on its tough schedule, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles?

Our duo tackles those questions, then gets into the Pirates. Can they contend for the playoffs with their potent rotation of Mitch Keller, Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, especially considering the San Diego Padres currently hold the final berth with a sub-.500 record? Is it time to believe in Nick Gonzales yet? And will Jack Suwinski and Henry Davis really be better after short stints in the minors? The finally, Paul gives his picks for the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics, plus the Stanley Cup final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the latest from Steelers OTAs. What should we make of Cam Heyward's return for the final week amid his contract dispute with the team? Will he get a news deal by training camp? Or is it possible he could end his career with another team?

Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to the mid-show return of Cam Sutton to the team's secondary. How does he bolster a unit that currently includes Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson and reserves like Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr.? What kind of impact could his 2023 arrest in Florida have on his return? And does this move rule out the return of Patrick Peterson?

Then later, Noah Hiles joins Christopher to react to Jared Jones' strong start in a 1-0 Pirates win against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at PNC Park.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' 1-0 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at PNC Park. How did Jared Jones silence doubts coming off a rough start against Detroit with dominance against the likes of Dodgers starts Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman? How dangerous could a rotation of Jones, Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller be if it can reach the MLB postseason? Is the bullpen turning a corner after Colin Holderman, Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar slammed the door to preserve a shutout? And how did the clubhouse react to the lifetime ban of former teammate Tucupita Marcano for betting on baseball?

Jason tackles those topics, plus Cam Heyward's return to Steelers OTAs.

Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward speaks to reporters during OTAs on the South Side on Tuesday. He explains why he stayed away for the first couple of weeks amid his contract negotiations; where those negotiations stand now; how much he was communicating with coach Mike Tomlin and his teammates; how he's feeling after being limited by a groin injury last season; and his thoughts on QB Russell Wilson joining the team to lead the offense.

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Shelby Cassesse of WPXI-TV sports to react to the latest from Steelers OTAs. Why does Shelby feel excitement building around the offense, specifically running back Najee Harris in new OC Arthur Smith's run-heavy approach? How much has changed for the unit now that Smith has brought more accountability to it? And how would our duo compare Steelers players including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward to Kennywood rides following their trip to the theme park during OTAs this week? They tackle those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey previews the Pirates' series against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. Are young stars Jared Jones and Paul Skenes ready for the challenge of pitching against one of MLB's best lineups and one of their hometown teams growing up? Will they be starstruck at all going against Shohei Ohtani specifically? And what could the promotion of Henry Davis mean for the team and the series?

Jason tackles those questions, then gets into former Pirate Tucupita Marcano' possible ban from baseball for betting, plus Justin Jefferson's new contract with the Minnesota Vikings and what it could mean for the Steelers with George Pickens and their possible pursuit of a No. 2 wideout like the 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel via trade.

On their weekly Pitt sports mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: How does Jorge Diaz Graham's latest injury impact the Panthers men's basketball team? How does new transfer defensive lineman Anthony Johnson impact the football team's roster? And how has women's basketball coach Tory Verdi done in the transfer portal so far? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist reacts to Pirates GM Ben Cherington saying his team is better in 2024 despite multiple signs of statistical regression and a worse record so far. What is Cherington seeing that we're not? Is the performance of the rotation with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and Bailey Falter the reason for optimism? Or is there something else?

Jason tackles those questions, then gets into some Steelers topics. Is there really a competition at tackle? Or are Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones the obvious starters despite offseason coach speak? And does Van Jefferson have a narrow edge on names like Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller for playing time in this WR room?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider to analyze the team's secondary. Is it underrated with names like DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson joining Joey Poter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick? And will the addition of solid coverage linebackers like Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson free up players like Fitzpatrick to generate more turnovers? Our duo tackles those topics and explains why names including Broderick Jones seem to be stepping up as leaders in the early going at OTAs.

Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins to give his report card for how the team performed in May.

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin recap the weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Did Ke'Bryan Hayes show some signs that he might be figuring some things out offensively after his return from injury? Can Mitch Keller keep his May momentum going in June? Is Bailey Falter pitching like an All-Star with his spot in the rotation? Is the bullpen becoming a bit more steady after faltering the last couple of weeks? And can Rowdy Tellez parlay a strong outing Sunday into more consistency at the plate? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

In this clip from the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnists Paul Zeise and Jason Mackey to debate MLB's decision to include Negro League stats in its official record book. Is it the proper move by commissioner Rob Manfred to honor legends like the Homestead Grays' Josh Gibson and the Pittsburgh Crawfords' Satchel Paige? Or does it soften this history of those players' exclusion from MLB under segregation? And to what degree is the incomplete nature of the stats being included relevant in the conversation? Our trio tackles those topics and more.

Steelers tackle Broderick Jones speaks with reporters during the teams OTAs on the South Side this week. Among the topics: His ability to switch between the left and right tackle spots; then competition with Troy Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr. for starting roles; the ways he's tried to help Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick adapt as rookies, given his own experience as a first-year player in 2023; and the growing relationships with QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields within OC Arthur Smith's new offense.

In this clip from the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to discuss the team's offensive identity as the second week of OTAs comes to a close. Is OC Arthur Smith ahead of where Matt Canada was last year in creating an offensive identity? Why do players led by Broderick Jones seem to be embracing that identity so much more? Can a run-first offense led by linemen like Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, backs like Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and QB Russell Wilson find success in what's become a pass-first league? And can the Steelers win like they did in the Killer B's era with Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey takes reader questions. Among them: How much does the bullpen miss Ryan Borucki this season? Does GM Ben Cherington have any urgency to upgrade this MLB roster via a trade, perhaps involving a key prospect or two? Why does Rowdy Tellez still have a roster spot despite showing no signs of improvement? What is Endy Rodriguez's future at catcher with Henry Davis and Joey Bart also manning that position? And should manager Derek Shelton be starting Jared Jones and Paul Skenes in consecutive outings?

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to weigh Najee Harris' value to the Steelers in 2024 after GM Omar Khan declined his fifth-year option. Should Khan consider trading him instead of letting him walk for nothing at the end of the year? Would other teams actually value him enough to get a deal for a top wideout like Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel done? Or is Harris simply most valuable playing out the final year of his contract in Pittsburgh?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Among them: Should new OC Arthur Smith develop a package of plays for backup QB Justin Fields? Especially after starter Russell Wilson endorsed the idea? Is Pat Freiermuth really going to take a next step in Smith's offense considering Kyle Pitts failed to become an elite TE for him in Atlanta? And is there anything Pirates GM Ben Cherington has done better than predecessor Neal Huntington as he nears the five-year mark in his tenure?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey gives his thoughts on MLB's decision to incorporate Negro Leagues stats into the official statistical record. Was it the right call? He also ponders where Paul Skenes' development stands after another successful outing Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. Is the Pirates' rookie even better than advertised?

Then later, Jason ponders Pittsburgh native Vincent Trocheck's outstanding Stanley Cup playoffs run for the New York Rangers and why it might have been a mistake for GM Kyle Dubas and Penguins not to bring him home last offseason.

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to discuss the latest from Steelers OTAs, specifically Arthur Smith's offense. Why could Pat Freiermuth's expanded role help him rise the ranks to join the elite tight ends in the NFL? Will Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward and Rodney Williams all see expanded roles as well? What has Smith already done in OTAs that puts him ahead of where the offense was under Matt Canada the past couple of years? And what role has QB Russell Wilson's leadership played in that?

Our duo tackles those questions. Then later, Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to break down the Pirates' doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers and how Jared Jones and Paul Skenes may fair starting on the same day. 

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey has the latest on Steelers OTAs. Why is Pat Friermuth looking ready to take the next step and become one of the top tight ends in the NFL? How will Arthur Smith's offense showcase him more than Matt Canada's did? And what were QB Justin Fields' thoughts on the suggestions that he could return kickoffs while serving as Russell Wilson's backup this season?

Jason answers those questions, then gets into some Pirates and baseball topics. What can the club do to help Ke'Bryan Hayes with his chronically ailing back? And what's the significance of MLB's move to include Negro League stats in its official record books? Particularly for Homestead Grays star Josh Gibson?

On their weekly Pitt sports mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: What are the details of the confusing NCAA settlement that paves the way for players to be paid for the first time? Will it help or hurt Pat Narduzzi and the football program or Jeff Capel and the basketball program? Especially in recruiting? Will players be under contract in the new ecosystem? And what are the Title IX implications for women's sports? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey recaps the first week of Steelers OTAs with five storylines he's watching. Among them: Why did Russell Wilson look like the obvious No. 1 QB over Justin Fields? And how long will coach Mike Tomlin stick with him if he struggles? Why do players seem to be grasping Arthur Smith's offense and embracing it more than they ever did under Matt Canada? Why is Jason still not confident in the team's options at No. 2 WR behind George Pickens? And why does he believe Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones should be named the starting tackles sooner than later? He gets into those questions and more.

Then later, Jason previews an important road trip through Detroit and Toronto for the Pirates this week. Could we see Henry Davis with Joey Bart injured? And what were Jason's thoughts on the 1979 World Series reunion this past weekend?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to the latest from OTAs. How are LBs Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson making strong first impressions? Why has Darius Rush been the name to watch at CB? And how is George Pickens handling his transition to the No. 1 WR role? Our duo tackles those questions and much more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Does the Pirates' Dave Parker belong in the Baseball Hall of Fame? Should manager Derek Shelton be on the hot seat after back-to-back ugly losses that included big blown leads? Should GM Ben Cherington consider a trade for a first baseman amid recent struggles by Rowdy Tellez and Connor Joe? And why hasn't Tellez been DFA'd yet?

Jason tackles those questions, plus more on other fronts. Including: When will Penguins GM Kyle Dubas make his first trade of the offseason? Would it be a disappointment if the Steelers start worse than 3-0? And Can West Virginia's Beanie Bishop win the slot cornerback role as an undrafted free agent?

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react from PNC Park to the club's series loss against the San Francisco Giants this week. What went wrong for the Pirates? Is their bullpen fixable after imploding and giving up big leads in two straight games? How did rookie sensations Jared Jones and Paul Skenes fare in their outings this week? Is it time for Ben Cherington to make a move and say goodbye to Rowdy Tellez? Was Aroldis Chapman a wasted signing? And how can Jack Suwinski re-find his form after being demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to Steelers OTAs. Is the hype for QB Justin Fields coming from some fans and media a reflection of his actual talent level? Or is it being rushed by a yearning for him to bring stability at the position after years of uncertainty amid the transition away from Ben Roethlisberger? Should the Steelers have sought a clearer long-term option this offseason? Or was adding Fields and Wilson at bargain rates still the right play?

Our duo tackles those questions and also ponders the expiring contracts of Najee Harris and Cam Heyward. Then later, Paul explains why he thinks the Pirates' 1-2-3 rotation combination of Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller could be enough to get the club to the postseason if names like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds can find ways to hit just a little better.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey weighs in on Penguins coach Mike Sullivan's appointment to lead Team USA in the upcoming 2026 Olympics. Does the selection prove his value as a coach, even as some fans worry his message has gotten stale? Does his reputation around hockey put pressure on his Penguins players to be the solution to the team's two-year streak of missing the Stanley Cup playoffs? And what should we make of Sheldon Keefe joining the New Jersey Devils after some rumors tied him to the Penguins organization?

Jason tackles those questions, then gets into the Pirates. Specifically the struggles of the bullpen and free agents Rowdy Tellez and Aroldis Chapman. He also offers his thoughts on Pittsburgh serving as host for the 2026 NFL draft and the potential for the league to move to an 18-game schedule.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to recap the first day of OTAs on the South Side. Is there an actual competition between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson for the No. 1 QB job? Or just a lot of talk about it? What kind of pressure is on George Pickens as he becomes the top wideout and how is he handling it? How did new receivers including Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller look on Day 1? And did we gain any clarity on how things might be working out at tackle between Dan Moore Jr., Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones? Why can names like Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal potentially take advantage of Cam Heyward's absence amid his contract dispute? And what other questions does this team need to answer before training camp? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' comeback win against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night at PNC Park, in which Nick Gonzales and Oneil Cruz played key roles. Is Cruz turning a corner with clutch hits and more frequent displays of his raw power? What can Ji Hwan Bae do now that he's been promoted back to the MLB roster after a sizzling stint with Class Triple-A Indianapolis? Could Henry Davis be returning after his own power surge with the Indians? And what are Jason's reactions to Barry Bonds, Jim Leyland and Manny Sanguillen being selected to the team's Hall of Fame?

Jason answers those questions, then talks a little Steelers OTAs. How is George Pickens showing signs of maturity already? And what should we make of the contrasting ways Najee Harris and Cam Heyward are handling their contract situations?

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Wes Uhler of the Steelers Radio Network and former linebacker Arthur Moats to discuss hot topics around the team as OTAs begin this week. How will Najee Harris react to having the fifth-year option on his rookie declined, and what are his thoughts about his future in Pittsburgh? Will Cam Heyward's absence amid contract negotiations be noticeable? What will quarterback Russell Wilson have to say about the trade with the Chicago Bears for likely backups Justin Fields? And what are the best road venues the Steelers will visit after the NFL's schedule release last week? Our trio tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes former Pirates catcher and Sportsnet Pittsburgh analyst Michael McKenry to react to the controversial call involving Cody Bellinger and Joey Bart at home plate against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. What did Michael think of the call as a former catcher? And did it remind him of umpire Jerry Meals' missed call at home plate in Atlanta in 2011, one that proved pivotal in the club's season?

Our duo tackles those topics, then takes a wider lens on issue around the team. Is the recent rotation success of Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller built to last? How has Michael been helping Andrew McCutchen lately? And what kind of challenges do recent struggles from Rowdy Tellez pose for manager Derek Shelton in making lineup decisions?

One their weekly Pitt sports mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: Do the additions of players including Amsal Delalic, Cam Corhen and Damian Dunn give basketball coach Jeff Capel and NCAA Tournament-caliber roster? What will the starting lineup look like next season with names including Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett set to return? And what will recent football commit Elijah Dotson bring to coach Pat Narduzzi's team?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview the teams OTAs this week. What will the dynamic between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields be as they compete for the starting QB job? What will Fields have to say about leaving the Chicago Bears in a trade as part of their plan to take Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft? And how will Wilson's leadership look up close. 

Our duo tackles those topics and also looks at other position battles to watch. Will any of the receivers including Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins or Scotty Miller prove they can be a serviceable No. 2? How will the cornerback room look with Donte Jackson arriving via the Diontae Johnson trade and Ryan Watts joining a young group that also includes Cory Trice Jr. and Darius Rush? And how does the absence of Cam Heyward loom over the proceedings? 

Then later, sports columnist Jason Mackey joins to offer his thoughts on the weekend series against the Chicago Cubs in which rotation members Jared Jones, Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller all pitched well. 

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles react to a dominant series victory against the Chicago Cubs this past weekend at Wrigley Field. Can the club's rotation continue its recent domination with names including Jared Jones, Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Mitch Keller all pitching well? Is Nick Gonzales beginning to lay claim to the second base job after hitting over .300 on the road trip against the Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers? What should we make of Andrew McCutchen making his first start in right field over the weekend? And how much longer can GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton continue to give 1B Rowdy Tellez a roster spot? Our duo tackles those topics and more.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' 5-4 win against the Cubs on Thursday night in Chicago. Was the aggression we saw at the plate from players including Nick Gonzales and Edward Olivares a reflection of a changing approach to hitting amid a team-wide slump? Or just a coincidence? How did Jared Jones pitch a solid game despite not having his best stuff? And looking ahead to Friday, what will Paul Skenes do in his second MLB start? 

Jason tackles those questions, gives his thoughts on the Steelers' Najee Harris coming to offseason workouts motivated and encourages the Penguins not to trade defenseman Marcus Pettersson this offseason. 

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko joins host Christopher Carter to discuss the latest news surrounding defensive captain Cam Heyward. Why is he expected to skip offseason workouts with the team? Will his holdout persist into training camp? Or will he be able to reach a new contract with the team?

Our duo tackles those topics and ponders what it means that running back Najee Harris has dropped some weight ahead of Steelers OTAs and minicamp. Then later, Pirates insider Andrew Destin joins Christopher to look ahead to Paul Skenes' second MLB start Friday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

On his weekly First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey takes stock of where the Pirates stand after 44 games, on a 70-win pace. How fair would it be for owner Bob Nutting to be losing patience with GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton, as young hitters including Henry Davis, Jack Suwinski and Nick Gonzales continue to struggle and young pitchers like Quinn Priester and Roansy Contreras are being shipped out via DFA and the minors? And what happened to the "player-centric" development model Cherington promised, as the club seems to be imposing a cookie-cutter approach on hitters offensively?

Jason tackles those questions, then reacts to the Steelers schedule, released Wednesday, that includes four primetime games as well as a Christmas Day matchup with Patrick Mahomes, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to the Steelers' 2024 NFL schedule release. Is the Christmas Day matchup with the Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Netflix a good thing or a bad thing? Will playing three of the first four games on the road hinder the offense's ability to gel with new faces Russell Wilson, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier among others joining the fold? How will this team hold up against a tough second half of the slate that includes all six division games with the Bengals, Ravens and Browns. Plus dates with Super Bowl contenders including the Chiefs and Eagles? And is the home opener against Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert and the Chargers a sneaky tough one?

Our duo tackles those questions and more, then gets into the Pirates. What should we make of the short-lived six man rotation and the decisions to DFA Roansy Contreras and option Quinn Priester back to the minors. Does the coaching staff's failure with those players portend bad things for Jared Jones and Paul Skenes? Was Nick Gonzales' success with Triple-A Indianapolis overhyped? And when will Ben Cherington get some real heat for how this team is performing?

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze third-round NFL draft pick Roman Wilson's role in new OC Arthur Smith's offense. How much potential does Wilson have to be a No. 2 behind George Pickens and ahead of names like Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller and Quez Watkins? Can he handle a high volume of targets after not seeing the ball a ton in his college offense at Michigan? Or are the Steelers going to need to trade for a proven No. 2 like Courtland Sutton, Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. They also ponder what the Steelers can expect in the NFL schedule release Wednesday night. And later, Pirates insider Andrew Destin joins Christopher to break down the team's series against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey checks in with former AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh Pirates sideline reporter Robby Incmikoski to see what he's been up to since leaving the network last fall. How are things in his new role with Bally Sports Southwest, covering the World Series champion Texas Rangers? And what are some of his favorite memories of working with the Pirates in a tenure that spanned the playoff years with Andrew McCutchen, Gerrit Cole and Neil Walker to more recent struggles under GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 

On his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko answers reader questions. Among them: Is a Pat Freiermuth extension really worthwhile for GM Omar Khan considering the tight ends injuries and uninspiring production? Should the team have selected a top NFL draft corner like Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, Nate Wiggins or Cooper DeJean instead of the sixth tackle off the board in Troy Fautanu? Could QB Justin Fields be an option at another position like WR or KR if he fails to beat out Russell Wilson for the top QB job? What about undrafted free agent John Rhys Plumlee? And how quickly can Arthur Smith assemble all of his pieces on offense before the unit hits its stride?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the club's 8-6 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. Is it time to give shortstop Oneil Cruz credit for emerging from his early-season slump? How much longer can general manager Ben Cherington let Rowdy Tellez struggle at first base?  And will the Pirates cum to regret designating Roansy Contreras for assignment to make room for Paul Skenes on the MLB roster? 

Jason tackles those questions, then explains why he prefers the Steelers' QB situation with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to the $212 million contract that the Detroit Lions just gave to Jared Goff.

On their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them: What can Chris and Abby tell us about new Pitt transfer portal commits Chief Borders and Josh McCarty? How is Pat Narduzzi's 2025 recruiting class coming along? What are Blake Hinson's NBA chances after an impressive showing at G League camp? And what is the financial situation like for the Atlantic Coast Conference?

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo joins host Christopher Carter to react to the team's rookie minicamp over the weekend. Should we read anything into Troy Fautanu working out at RT as opposed to LT? Is undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop an option at slot corner? Who is Anthony Averett, the veteran CB signed after a tryout during rookie camp? And how did new faces including Zach Frazier, Roman Wilson and Payton Wilson look on their first weekend as Steelers?

Our duo tackles those topics and more on the football front. Then Christopher welcomes Pirates insider Noah Hiles to react to Paul Skenes' MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at PNC Park. And another series loss for the team.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to Paul Skenes' MLB debut for the Pirates over the weekend. What was the atmosphere at PNC Park like for the win against the Chicago Cubs? What can Skenes improve before his next start against the same team at Wrigley Field this week? And what moves does GM Ben Cherington need to make now to improve a roster that lost yet another series? Could names like Rowdy Tellez be in jeopardy of losing playing time?

Jason offers his thoughts on those questions, then turns his attention to Steelers rookie minicamp, where NFL draft choices including Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Roman Wilson got their first chance to impress while wearing the team's uniforms over the weekend.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to preview the team's rookie minicamp. What will the NFL draft class that includes Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Roman Wilson, Payton Wilson, Mason McCormick, Ryan Watts and Logan Lee show in their first workouts with the team? Do any of these players have a chance to start Week 1 -- or at least early in their rookie seasons?

Our duo tackles those questions, plus reports that former linebacker Bud Dupree has been in contact with the Steelers about a possible return. Then later, Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins Chris to preview Paul Skenes' MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday at PNC Park.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey tackles reasonable expectations for former No. 1 overall MLB draft pick Paul Skenes' MLB debut, scheduled for Saturday against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. He also explains why GM Ben Cherington and the front office kept word of Skenes' promotion a tightly held secret and what the promotion of Nick Gonzales could mean for the club's struggling offense.

Later, he analyzes the Steelers' signing of veteran WR Scotty Miller, arguing the receivers room needs more talent behind Georgie Pickens as the No. 1.

Charlotte Heyward-Wesley, mother of Steelers Cameron and Connor, talks with Post-Gazette Health reporter Abby Mackey about raising a houseful of children — all of whom she instilled with a respect for others and a drive to do good.  

Check out the Post-Gazette's newly launched 412 Kids parenting podcast for more conversations like these: https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/412-kids-parenting-podcast/

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to the Steelers' NFL free agency signing of WR Scotty Miller, who most recently played under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith with the Atlanta Falcons. Could Miller be useful? Or is he just the latest in a slew of uninspiring free agent signings that includes Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins? Does Smith's offense really require a strong No. 2 receiver across from George Pickens? Or is the emphasis on the running game with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren all that really matters? And is there still a chance GM Omar Khan gives quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields a bigger-name weapon between now and the start of the season?

Our duo tackles those questions, then gets into some Pirates topics. Can Paul Skenes really help the team's results much as the offense continues to scuffle? How long will GM Ben Cherington allow 1B Rowdy Tellez to scuffle before giving his roster spot to minor league standouts like Nick Gonzales, Jake Lamb and Ji Hwan Bae? And are Oneil Cruz's early struggles more related to his 2023 injury? Or the Pirates clear issue with developing hitters overall?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson to talk about Paul Skenes ahead of his MLB debut, scheduled for Saturday against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. What makes the former No. 1 overall MLB draft pick special? How did the Tigers' run to a College World Series title last season prepare him for success at the sport's top level? And how does he compare to former Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg, whom Johnson coached against when Strasburg was in college at San Diego State? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

The Pirates are calling up No. 1 prospect Paul Skenes, who will make his major-league debut Saturday against the Cubs. What does this mean for Jared Jones and the Pirates, who lost 5-4 on Wednesday afternoon to drop a winnable series to the visiting Los Angeles Angels at PNC Park? Will Skenes be on a pitch count? Does it even matter if the Pirates can't hit? Our duo discusses those topics and more.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Bee Bar, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo discuss the team's options in finding a No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens. Should GM Omar Khan continue to remain patient and see how internal options like Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Roman Wilson look during spring workouts? Should he target remaining free agents like Hunter Renfrow, Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Michael Thomas? Or could a trade for a name like Courtland Sutton, Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk still make the most sense at some point between now and the start of the 2024 NFL season? At what other spots could they look to add? And is Cam Sutton still a possibility at corner?

Our duo tackles those questions and more. Then later, Chris welcomes Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles to discuss the team's series against the Los Angeles Angels and the chances we could see former No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes in MLB this weekend.

On their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Abby Schnable answer reader questions. Among them? What is basketball coach Jeff Capel's next recruiting move now that Kentucky transfer Adou Thiero has picked John Calipari and Arkansas over the Panthers? And why didn't Blake Hinson receive an NBA draft combine invite after his superb season in the ACC?

Then on the football side, are Anthony Johnson and Jacob Bostick potential recruiting targets in the transfer portal? And does Pat Narduzzi need to emphasize Pitt's success in the NFL draft more frequently on the recruiting trail?