Post-Gazette Sports Network: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze Pitt's key ACC game at Stanford. This show is presented by FanDuel. Is this a sneaky big game for coach Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers? With ranked matchups against Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and Miami looming? Could the West Coast travel be an issue in Pitt's first game against such a distant conference opponent? How important was it to see QB Mason Heintschel bounce back from struggles against Syracuse to deliver a solid performance against NC State? What does that resilience say about him moving forward? And how much credit does OC Kade Bell deserve for the turnaround with Heintscel? To what extent have the offense's problems from earlier this season with Eli Holstein at QB been absolved? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Indianapolis-area radio host Kent Sterling to preview the NFL Week 9 matchup with the Colts at Acrisure Stadium. They ponder reasons why Jonathan Taylor, Daniel Jones, Michael Pittman and the Colts offense has been so effective during the team's 7-1 start; possible ways Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey, Derrick Harmon, Patrick Queen and coach Mike Tomlin's defense may be able to slow that group down; and options QB Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and OC Arthur Smith's offense will have to put up points against the Colts defense. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Steelers trade for New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger. This show is presented by FanDuel. Will he prove to be the missing piece in coach Mike Tomlin's struggling secondary? How will he fit alongside names like Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr., Juan Thornhill and Jabrill Peppers? And what will his role be if injured safety DeShon Elliott is able to return to the lineup after his injury scare? Paul tackles those questions and more ahead of an NFL Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium, in which Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and the Steelers offense will have to keep pace with Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman as explosive counterparts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado preview the weekend matchup with Ohio State through the lens of AD Patrick Kraft's coaching search to replace James Franklin. Could Buckeyes OC Brian Hartline be auditioning for the job in this matchup? Does he have enough coaching experience to take over in Happy Valley? And could he bring premier receivers like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka and Jaxson Smith-Njigba into the fold? How would he pair with current Penn State DC Jim Knowles, who won a national championship in the same role last season in Columbus? And do the QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, RB Kayton Allen and interim OC Terry Smith have any shot at an upset against the nation's No. 1 team this week? Our duo tackles those questions, plus Brian Kelly's firing at LSU and the start of hoops season for coach Mike Rhoades and star recruit Kayden Mingo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this clip from the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to assess the team's linebackers amid their inconsistency. Should coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin be getting more from Patrick Queen, who's had major swings in performance over the past month? Or should he still be seen as a high-upside guy considering his young age of 26 for a guy playing on a second contract. Is Payton Wilson's recent surge sustainable? Or could he still regress following struggles earlier in the season? And how does Cole Holcomb fit into the situation for this team ahead of an NFL Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Panthers insider Abby Schnable welcomes former standout Cat Flood to analyze the week that was for coach Dan Fisher and and key plays such as Olivia Babcock, Brooke Mosher and Blaire Bayless. How were the Panthers able to overcome the absences of names like Dagmar Mourits and Bre Kelley due to injuries? Why is the libero spot still in flux? Has service pressure become a point of strength for this team with NCAA championship aspirations? And how will Pitt manage against the rest of its ACC schedule now that it's in first place? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to assess the team's situation at wide receiver. Would a name like Marquez Valdes-Scantling -- who's been linked to the Steelers this week -- really make the wide receivers room better? Would OC Arthur Smith even use him or other possible trade targets like Chris Olave or Jaylen Waddle enough next to DK Metcalf? And has the offense improved enough with Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III in support roles for QB Aaron Rodgers and TEs Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith to justify keeping them toward the top of the depth chart? Our duo tackles those questions and whether possible draft capital used in deal ahead of the NFL trade deadline would be better used on a cornerback to help the struggling Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr. and Joey Porter Jr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise gives his thoughts on the state of the Steelers' coaching staff following losses to the Bengals and Packers in NFL Weeks 7 and 8, respectively. Should DC Teryl Austin be on the hot seat as his star-studded unit that includes names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Jalen Ramsey and Patrick Queen has struggled? Would firing him actually change anything? Or does blame for the unit's performance ultimately rest with coach Mike Tomlin? And what are realistic expectations for a midseason turnaround? Paul tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from coach Mike Tomlin's news conference at the team's South Side facility ahead of an NFL Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. What's the latest on S DeShon Elliott, G Isaac Seumalo and WR Scotty Miller and is it possible we could see them sooner than expected? Will DT Daniel Ekuale be able to return this season after suffering an ACL injury last week against the Green Bay Packers? Is Roman Wilson improving at receiver? And how much value can he add for QB Aaron Rodgers and OC Arthur Smith the rest of the way alongside DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III? And could names like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Vonn Bell and Eddie Jackson be joining this roster soon? And what kind of challenge do the Colts pose this week with names like QB Daniel Jones, RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Michael Pittman and TE Tyler Warren thriving in OC Jim Bob Cooter's offense? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley react to the hot topics surrounding the new as the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers unfolds and key offseason decisions loom. This show is presented by FanDuel. How should fans feel about GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly's hiring of Bill Murphy as pitching coach, replacing Oscar Marin? Can Paul Skenes continue to dominate MLB under Murphy's tutelage? And is he a lock to win the Cy Young award in a few weeks? What should the Pirates do with Mitch Keller this offseason? Keep him in the rotation or trade him for a bat who could help out Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz and others in the lineup? And which young pitchers from the group of Johan Oviedo, Braxton Ashcraft and Mike Burrows will make the rotation? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable tackle the hot topics around the team heading into an important ACC matchup this week at Stanford. This show is presented by FanDuel. What should we make of OC Kade Bell's running back usage last week against NC State? Did Desmond Reid play too long after the game was mostly decided? Should we have seen more of Ja'Kyrian Turner and Juelz Goff? Or did it make sense to keep Reid around to close things out? How much credit does the defense deserve for stepping up despite injuries to names like Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis? How can coach Pat Narduzzi keep that group on track? And why was QB Mason Heintschel able to bounce back against the Wolfpack following a shaky outing in the previous game against Syracuse? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the offense's upside as the defense struggles. Can OC Arthur Smith's unit overcome the struggles of the defense to deliver wins? How much more can Smith get out of names like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson? And how much pressure is on Omar Khan to trade for a true No. 2 receiver if offense is the unit that's going to carry coach Mike Tomlin's team to the NFL playoffs? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The field is set for the WPIAL football playoffs, and our high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White say the league's football committee made some head-scratching decisions in the Class 4A bracket. New Castle and Montour tied for a conference championship, so why in the world did the WPIAL put them against each other in the first round of the playoffs? Did Trinity deserve the No. 2 seed?Central Catholic, Pine-Richland, McKeesport, Avonworth, Seton LaSalle and Fort Cherry are the No. 1 seeds. Will they all end up as champions? Seton LaSalle's Kymarr Freeman and Burrell's Antonio Perkins are this week's "Shining Stars," and Keith and Mike play remember when with the most memorable playoff games they ever witnessed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to an NFL Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Was captain Cam Heyward right to call out his unit after it was dominated by Packers QB Jordan Love and TE Tucker Kraft? How can coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin fix the group, with fans holding high expectations of names like T.J. Watt, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Nick Herbig, Patrick Queen and others? And how can the secondary specifically -- led by veterans Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr. -- step up its game. Especially in potential absence of injured S DeShon Elliott? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL Week 8 matchup with the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Why did did the secondary -- led by Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr. and Jalen Ramsey -- struggle so badly against QB Jordan Love, TE Tucker Kraft and the Packers passing game? Where was the pressure from T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon and others as they failed to generate a sack for a second consecutive game? How should we grade QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson and TEs Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington in the passing game? And why was RB Jaylen Warren able to have success on the ground? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Noah Hiles react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 8 Sunday Night Football matchup with the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. How did QB Aaron Rodgers perform against his long-time team? Was he able to put up points with offensive personnel including DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jonnu Smith, Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell? Or were Micah Parsons and the Packers defense able to keep him in check? Who won the coaching matchup between Mike Tomlin and Matt LaFleur? How did DBs Jalen Ramsey, DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr. hold up in a tough matchup against Jordan Love after a rough outing against the Bengals? And how much pressure were T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Patrick Queen, Derrick Harmon and Nick Herbig able to generate? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 53-34 win over NC State on Saturday, during which freshman QB Mason Heintschel threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns. What led to Heintschel's stellar performance, and how far can the true freshman take them? Are they contenders in the ACC? What led the offense to have such a major bounce back after a disappointing outing against Syracuse last weekend? How can the wide receivers trio of Kenny Johnson, Blue Hicks and Poppi Williams Jr. keep up this production? And how did the defense, led by guys in new spots like Kavir Bains-Marquez and Cameron Lindsey, fare without All-American candidates like Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko ponder which defensive problems the Steelers most need to fix ahead of an NFL Week 8 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Are coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin too focused on stopping the run compared to the pass? How can they get DBs including Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr. and others on track when facing a tough matchup against QB Jordan Love? And where do front seven members like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton and others fit into that equation? Our duo tackles those questions, plus Aaron Rodgers' matchup with his former team. How many points will he be able to put up with options including DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith surrounding him? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley continue their series of podcasts looking back on the 2025 season and forward at moves GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly could make to improve. Did Henry Davis become good enough defensively to overcome his offensive shortcomings? Should Joey Bart have a role on this team as a struggling defender? And where do Endy Rodriguez and Rafael Flores fit into the future at the position? The guys ponder those questions as well as the DH spot, where Andrew McCutchen's future looms large. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to ponder the Steelers' options at the NFL trade deadline amid struggles from the prospective rookie class of QBs in the NFL draft. Should coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan still be hoarding picks to select names like Drew Allar, Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik, even as they've struggled to meet expectations? Or should they consider trading some picks for a proven wide receiver for QB Aaron Rodgers to complement his current pass catching options including DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? And if they do make a deal, do names like Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins, Chris Olave of the Saints and Jakobi Meyers of the Raiders make sense? Our duo tackles those topics, plus Rodgers' future with the team past 2025. Could he have longevity within OC Arthur Smith's offense? Or could he wear thin as Russell Wilson did when the team hits the tougher portions of its schedule? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Abby Schnable and Stephen Thompson get you ready for the Panthers' matchup with the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. This show is presented by FanDuel. How can coach Pat Narduzzi and OC Kade Bell get freshman QB Mason Heintschel back on track after a rocky outing against Syracuse? Can the defense survive another game with Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis injured? Why are CJ Bailey and Hollywood Smothers the names to beware of for the Wolfpack? And what are Stephen and Abby's picks for this game that has sneaky ACC championship and College Football Playoff implications? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In their weekly Pitt football chat, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to ponder Pitt's outlook amid a slew of injuries to some key players. Can coach Pat Narduzzi and Co. stay in ACC contention without RB Desmond Reid, LB Rasheem Biles and LB Kyle Louis at full strength? Which of those three players is the most valuable? Why hasn't Kade Bell's offense been able to run very well when Reid is off the field? Are opponents starting to notice tendencies with freshman QB Mason Heintschel within OC Kade Bell's offense? And which College Football Playoff contender remaining on their schedule do the Panthers have the best chance to beat? Miami, Georgia Tech or Notre Dame? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In their weekly Penn State football chat, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise ponder how meaningful the Nittany Lions results for the rest of the season will be. Will more struggles under interim coach Terry Smith from OC Andy Kotelnicki and DC Jim Knowles further validate James Franklin's firing as coach? Or has the move given the team permission to lose focus on 2025? Do Ethan Grunkemeyer, Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Co. have any hope of upsetting Ryan Day and Ohio State or Curt Cignetti and Indiana? Do Matt Rhule's results at Nebraska for the season matter to his candidacy to replace Franklin? Or will Joe Paterno supporters want him to take over the Lions regardless? And what are the chances under-the-radar names like Pat Fitzgerald, Kliff Kingsbury and Matt Campbell emerge as candidates in the search? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Green Bay Packers legend LeRoy Butler to preview the showdown between the two teams in NFL Week 8 at Acrisure Stadium. Why does LeRoy believe coaches Mike Tomlin and Matt LaFleur could be matching wits again in a Super Bowl rematch of this contest? What does he expect from the QB matchup of Jordan Love vs. Aaron Rodgers and his team of offensive options that includes DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington? Plus defensive stars like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey? And will Rodgers play with a little extra juice against his former team, as he did when facing Justin Fields and the New York Jets back in Week 1? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise gives his thoughts on the Steelers quarterback situation through the lens of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields struggling elsewhere, with Fields notably drawing criticism this week from his New York Jets owner, Woody Johnson. Do coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan deserve more credit for zeroing in on Aaron Rodgers when he became available this offseason? Could Wilson or Fields have had similar success in Arthur Smith's offense with weapons like DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth around them? And will the ultimate outcome be any different with Rodgers than it might have been with Wilson or Fields in the form of an NFL playoffs victory? Paul tackles those topics and gives his thoughts on the matchup looming Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado to react to the weekend loss to Iowa in the first game since James Franklin's firing. How much was Ethan Grunkemeyer to blame for struggles in his first start at QB in place of the injured Drew Allar? And how much criticism should OC Andy Kotelnicki shoulder? Have Trebor Pena, Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross already become the most disappointing group of transfer wide receivers yet? What are reasonable expectations for tight end Luke Reynolds? And why has Nick Singleton struggled so much at RB as Kaytron Allen has thrived? Our duo tackles those questions, ponders Jim Knowles future as defensive coordinator; wonders whether Penn State can still make a bowl game; and reacts to Curt Cignetti's extension at Indiana as Penn State looks for a Franklin replacement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, Post-Gazette Panthers insider Abby Schnable welcomes former standout Cat Flood to react to a busy weekend of action for the squad. What did we learn about coach Dan Fisher's team after it was able to rally from a steep deficit Friday night against Notre Dame? Does the win over No. 4 Louisville later in the weekend prove this team is still a national title contender? How valuable have Marina Pezelj and Mallorie Meyer proven to be as depth? And is Olivia Babcock the frontrunner for player of the year nationally after her big night against the Fighting Irish and Cardinals? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to analyze the team's offensive line. Are young players like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick actually improving? Or benefitting from heavy sets that include tight ends like Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith? And better-than-expected mobility from QB Aaron Rodgers? Can Jones and Fautanu take the next steps in their growth and become good NFL tackles before the NFL season ends? Is guard Isaac Seumalo an underrated piece of the group? And how much credit do coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith deserve for the development of McCormick? Our duo tackles those questions, then pivots to the secondary. Who is struggling most in his role right now between Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr. and Jalen Ramsey? Does Brandin Echols deserve more playing time? And how are safeties DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill holding up as GM Omar Khan's answers at the position following the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Steelers facility after Tuesday's practice leading up to the team's "Sunday Night Football" matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Can we expect reinforcements at wide receiver, with Calvin Austin III set to return after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury? How does that affect coordinator Arthur Smith's offensive game plan? Is Pat Freiermuth back to producing at a high level along with fellow tight ends Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward? How is Aaron Rodgers continuing to play at such a high level at 41 years old? Can we expect the offense to keep humming with Jaylen Warren and DK Metcalf? And what adjustments can coordinator Teryl Austin make to get the defense led by T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward back on track? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their latest Pirates season-in-review podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey look at what went right and what went wrong for the infield in 2025. And moves GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly could make to improve it in the year ahead. Was Spencer Horwitz the biggest success story within the group with solid production at first base? Can more be expect of Nick Gonzales at second base? Will Konnor Griffin be an answer at shortstop at the MLB level in 2026? And why might Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies be among the best third base solutions available on the trade market? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable tackle a variety of hot topics around the team ahead of a key ACC matchup with North Carolina State on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Should fans worry about star running back Desmond Reid after he missed most of the Syracuse win last week because of injury? And how should we interpret coach Pat Narduzzi's comments on the matter? How much longer can Cam Lindsey and Nick Lapi hold out at linebacker with Rasheem Biles and Kyle Louis injured? And what did Abby notice from coach Jeff Capel's men's basketball team in an exhibition against Providence and why does she believe Damarco Minor is a player to watch this coming season? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Heading into the final weekend of the WPIAL football regular season, high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White tell you who should be the top seeds in each classification. Should Aliquippa get one of the two wild card playoffs spots in Class 4A and should Clairton or Fort Cherry get the No. 1 seed in Class 1A? Mohawk's Bobby Fadden is a five-sport athlete who has made WPIAL football history and is one of our Shining Stars. And who wins this week's big games of Westinghouse vs. University Prep (Pittsburgh City League championship), Steel Valley at South Allegheny, Montour at West Allegheny, Washington at Seton LaSalle, California at Jefferson-Morgan and North Catholic at Hopewell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to talk about Aaron Rodgers as he prepares to face his former team this week. Is the veteran QB ready for the challenge of taking down the Green Bay Packers in NFL Week 8 at Acrisure Stadium? What will he have to say about his first game as a Packers opponent? Will his comments be similar or different than they were in the lead-up to the NFL Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets, who cut him this offseason? And how will others including coach Mike Tomlin and players like DK Metcalf, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and Patrick Queen approach the situation? Our duo tackles those questions, then tight end usage within OC Arthur Smith's offense. How can names like Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington repeat their NFL Week 7 success against the Cincinnati Bengals? And can Rodgers continue to get the ball to Freiermuth in particular for big numbers in the absence of serious WR2 options behind DK Metcalf? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze changes the defense needs to make ahead of an NFL Week 8 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. What adjustments should coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin make? Particularly in the secondary? Do players including Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr. and Brandin Echols need to be used differently after getting beaten badly by Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins last week? And how can front seven options including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Payton Wilson and others generate more pressure and be better against the run? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponder whether QB Aaron Rodgers is playing his way into another season with the Steelers amid his success with DK Metcalf, Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth, Cavlin Austin III and Jonnu Smith in the passing game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to Saturday's road win at Syracuse. Nick Lapi and Cam Lindsey stepped up with leading linebackers Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles out. But the offensive line was the crux of Pitt's offensive issues (penalties, not great blocking, allowed 7 sacks). It was anything but pretty, but a key play from Kenny Johnson and three interceptions kept momentum flowing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to sort through the level of blame coach Mike Tomlin deserves for the NFL Week 7 loss to the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Was the game plan flawed from the start? Where was the pressure from the pass rush and stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, Derick Harmon and others? Were the 3- and 4-man rushes frequently deployed simply not enough to disrupt Bengals QB Joe Flacco and star WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, leading to problems in the secondary for Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey and others? And why haven't names like Benton, Payton Wilson and others developed as much as many fans had hoped under Tomlin? Our duo tackles those questions, plus the performance of the tight ends. Who's the best player from the group of Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith right now? Are they enough for Aaron Rodgers to have success in the passing game beyond DK Metcalf most weeks? And should GM Omar Khan consider trading any of them for a second wide receiver who's an upgrade over Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley begin their offseason analysis series by looking at the outfield. If Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds improve enough, will the issues in the outfield be addressed from within? If not, who should the Pirates go after in free agency? And how close is Esmerlyn Valdez to the big leagues? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his weekly YouTube appearance discussing Pitt football, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise weighs in on the win against Florida State last week and what it says about the Panthers' chances in the ACC title race. Did the upset legitimize the upside coach Pat Narduzzi's team has? Or are the Seminoles under coach Mike Norvell too inconsistent to count as a significant landmark victory? Can Narduzzi win the games his team is favored in the rest of the way? Especially with a freshman at QB in Mason Heintschel? And how much flack does Narduzzi deserve for choosing Eli Holstein over Heintchel early on, considering the new NIL era that gives players with big deals a leg up? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his weekly Penn State YouTube segment, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to react to the Nittany Lions' firing of coach James Franklin this week. Was the move by AD Pat Kraft too impulsive in hindsight? Did he deserve at least another year considering Penn State was in the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff less than a year ago? What does Paul make of legacy candidates for the job including Nebraska's Matt Rhule and Cincinnati Bengals DC Al Golden, both of whom played for Joe Paterno in Happy Valley? And what should we make of Curt Cignetti's new deal at Indiana and his potential to take the Penn State job? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to the team's NFL Week 7 loss to the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Why were Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr., DeShon Elliott and the Steelers' secondary so bad in many coverage against the Bengals' passing attack led by Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Joe Flacco? Were expectations that coach Mike Tomlin's secondary would thrive in one-on-one situations misplaced? Or is this still an area where DC Teryl Austin can generate success against less potent pass games? And where do Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon and the pass rush fit into the situation? Our duo tackles those questions and ponder whether this was a loss to panic over or just a bump in the road over the course of a long season. Especially considering the way Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and the offense were able to generate points to keep the Steelers in the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the Steelers' NFL Week 7 loss against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Why were the Bengals' Joe Flacco, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase able to have so much success against Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott and the Steelers' vaunted secondary? How did Bengals RB Chase Brown pile up over 100 yards against a Steelers defensive front that includes Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson? And where does coach Mike Tomlin's defense stand moving forward? Our duo tackles those questions plus and up-and-down night for Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jaylen Warren, Roman Wilson and the Steelers offense that piled up points but also committed some costly errors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 7 Thursday Night Football matchup with the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Were Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Darnell Washington and others able to maintain their momentum in the passing game? How did Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and the offensive line perform against the Bengals' pass rush? Were they able to clear running room for RBs Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell against a porous Bengals secondary? On the defensive side, how well was the secondary led by Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott able to contain star Bengals receivers Ja'Marr Case and Tee Higgins? And how effective was the pass rush led by T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon against Bengals QB Joe Flacco? Our duo tackles those questions, plus the coaching performance of Mike Tomlin and coordinators Arthur Smith and Teryl Asutin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado ponder the top candidates to replace James Franklin as head coach after he was fired Sunday. Will the ties Matt Rhule, Al Golden or D'Anton Lynn have to the program and Joe Paterno years win out? Could successful head coaches with outsider resumes like Eli Drinkwitz, P.J. Fleck and Curt Cignetti have success in Happy Valley? Should fans want to see Franklin-era legacy hires like Joe Brady and/or Manny Diaz make a return? Or would young coordinators like Brian Hartline and Ohio State or Will Stein at Oregon have the most possible upside? Our duo ponders those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter welcomes NFL analyst Ross Tucker to chart the growth of the offensive line. Are Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick figuring things out in protection of QB Aaron Rodgers? How much room do they still have to grow as a line? And can they find more chemistry in the running game for backs including Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson within OC Arthur Smith's offense? Our duo tackles those questions, plus the latest in the AFC North race. Can coach Mike Tomlin and Co. cruise to a division title after yet another loss by the Ravens on Sunday and continued struggles from the Browns and Bengals? Or can Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Baltimore still charge back with some tougher tests awaiting the Steelers after their NFL Week 7 matchup with the Bengals this week? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Steelers practice facility after Tuesday's practice leading up to the team's "Thursday Night Football" matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. What can we expect from the Steelers defense, which went out and got defensive backs like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay Jr. to pair with Joey Porter Jr. and take on guys like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? What does it say about that unit's depth that they may be able to move guys around and use in different matchups and coverages? What can we expect from Joe Flacco, a player who's very familiar with the Steelers and actually beat Pittsburgh last season as a member of the Indianapolis Colts? Will pass rushers like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig be able to get after him because of his lack of mobility? Or will his still elite arm strength pose a problem? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Jason Mackey return for their first podcast of the MLB offseason talking arbitration decisions looming for GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly. How much are names like Oneil Cruz, Dennis Santana, Joey Bart, Johan Oviedo and Colin Holderman worth to this team? Could any of them, or others like Jack Suwinski, Justin Lawrence, Yohan Ramirez or Dauri Moreta be non-tender candidates? And how does the potential re-signing -- or lack thereof -- of Andrew McCutchen factor into the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's Varsity Xtra Podcast, Post-Gazette high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White take a look at what Penn State recruits from the WPIAL -- including Fort Cherry's Matt Sieg and McKeesport's Kemon Spell -- might do following James Franklin's firing as coach. They also look back at interim coach Terry Smith's time in the WPIAL as a player and coach. Later, they tackle some hot topics on the field in Wester Pa. Could Thomas Jefferson or Aliquippa really miss the WPIAL playoffs? Can Fox Chapel's Harran Zureikat break the state record for longest field goal of 64 yards? Trinity's Jonah Williamson and South Allegheny's Drew Cook are this week's "shining stars," and the guys serve up predictions of the top games this week: Montour at Aliquippa; Elizabeth Forward at Southmoreland; South Side at Laurel; North Allegheny at Pine-Richland; Canon-McMillan at Norwin; Central Valley at Hopewell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the early results from first-round NFL draft pick Derrick Harmon. Is he proving why he was worthy of being the team's first-round NFL draft pick, even over fellow standout rookies like the Giants' Jaxson Dart? How is his play opening up room for other members of the defense? Including names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen and Keeanu Benton? And how much room does he still have to grow as a rookie within coach Mike Tomlin's defense? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the team's situation at wide receiver next to DK Metcalf. Why was Roman Wilson mostly invisible in NFL Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns? Even with Calvin Austin III out of the lineup because of injury? Is it a simple question of matchups and OC Arthur Smith's preference for tight ends like Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith? Or is Wilson falling short in some areas? Why hasn't Scotty Miller been able to make a strong training camp and preseason translate to regular season games? And could Omar Khan make a trade for a receiver to help QB Aaron Rodgers, following a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter on the topic? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference ahead of an NFL Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Why did Tomlin call out the Cleveland Browns and GM Andrew Berry so harshly for their trade of Joe Flacco to the AFC North rival Bengals? Are his frustrations with the intradivision trade valid? Or was there merit to the deal for both sides? Paul gives his thoughts on those questions, plus the win over the Browns in NFL Week 6. Have Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and the offense started to find an identity? Or should we take big numbers against the Browns with a grain of salt? And how sustainable is the pass rush from names like T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Derrick Harmon, Cam Heyward and Jalen Ramsey against superior competition? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the Panthers' upset of Florida State this past week and how it may or may not reframe expectations for coach Pat Narduzzi's team the rest of the season. Could freshman QB Mason Heintschel and RB Desmond Reid still possibly lead the team to an ACC championship appearance? Or would that be asking too much of them within OC Kade Bell's offense? Is the defensive line in trouble following the loss of Zach Crothers for the season due to injury? Or could names like Blaine Spires and Jaeden Moore provide boosts? And how will Narduzzi manage his backfield with Ja'Kyrian Turner and Juelz Goff in the mix alongside Reid? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.