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

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles report from the first day of spring training in Bradenton, Fla. What's the latest on 1B Spencer Horwitz's injury from GM Ben Cherington? And what kind of shadow does it cast on the club's already meager efforts in MLB free agency and the trade market? How is Ke'Bryan Hayes' recovery coming along after back issues caused him to miss the end of the 2024 season? How will manager Derek Shelton manage his outfield with Tommy Pham joining the mix? Will Bryan Reynolds now play some right field with Oneil Cruz in the middle? Our guys tackle those questions, plus explain former 1B Daniel Vogelbach's new role with the organization. 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to news that coach Mike Tomlin has made a change at DBs coach, with Gerald Alexander replacing Grady Brown. Will the move help the team get more out of players like Joey Porter Jr., Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cory Trice Jr., DeShon Elliott and others? Or is the change not big enough to make a difference? Later, they give their thoughts on reporting by MMQB's Albert Breer and others that GM Omar Khan is considering QB options beyond Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in NFL free agency and the trade market this offseason. Would moves for names like Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford make sense? Or are they negotiating ploys as they look toward bringing back Fields and/or Wilson? Then in the third segment, our duo ponders the possible return of Najee Harris at running back amid a weak free agent market. Does keeping him alongside Jaylen Warren make sense? Or would they be better served looking at names like Ashton Jeanty and Quinshon Judkins in a loaded NFL draft class? 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 Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin preview spring training for the club, which begins Wednesday in Bradenton, Fla. Will Paul Skenes maintain momentum into his sophomore season after winning rookie of the year honors in 2024? Will Ben Cherington make any more moves to add to a meager free agent class that included Andrew McCutchen, Adam Frazier and Tommy Pham? Will Ke'Bryan Hayes find a way to bounce back at the plate? Where will we see Bryan Reynolds this year defensively? How much will trade acquisition Spencer Horwitz help the offense? Is Oneil Cruz ready to take a step toward MLB stardom? When will we see prospects including Bubba Chandler and Termarr Johnson? And how good can the rotation behind Skenes be with Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and others? Our duo tackles those questions with guests including PG sports columnist Jason Mackey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should Steelers GM Omar Khan look to trade for 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel, amid reports that San Francisco is exploring its options with him? Or will the cost be too high, as it was with Brandon Aiyuk last summer? Is keeping offensive line coach Pat Meyer the right move? Or should coach Mike Tomlin be looking for someone else to develop young players including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu? And how important is it that the Steelers sign at least one of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to a contract before they reach the open market in March? Paul tackles those questions, then offers his thoughts on Pirates spring training storylines with pitchers and catchers due to report to camp in Bradenton on Wednesday. Will Paul Skenes regress at all in his second season? Can Ke'Bryan Hayes ever find his hitting stroke again amid chronic injury issues? And how much upside does Oneil Cruz still have to show? 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 Pitt basketball mailbag video, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Who will coach Jeff Capel turn to for minutes after the Damian Dunn injury? And how will they supplement the core of Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and Zach Austin? Do the Panthers still have a chance to make the NCAA tournament as an at-large team amid their recent losing skid? What will they need to do in the remainder of ACC play to see March Madness? And would the program accept an NIT invitation if it falls short? Or opt instead to focus on recruiting, especially in the transfer portal? 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 former Pitt football standout Tre Tipton to react to Kenny Pickett's Super Bowl victory with the Eagles. Does Pickett get too much hate from Pittsburgh fans for the way his tenure ended here, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields taking over QB duties? Is Pittsburgh generally a tough city for athletes? And what coach GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin do to get the right QB in place for the long-term, either free agency or the NFL draft? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders how best the Steelers can get the most out of WR George Pickens. And where Calvin Austin III fits in this receivers room long-term. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern, with a specific focus on the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Did former GM Kevin Colbert, current GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin make mistakes in passing on key pieces of the Eagles' championship in the NFL draft? Selecting names like Chase Claypool and Troy Fautanu over the likes of Jalen Hurts and Cooper DeJean? How many years of better drafting will it take for the Steelers to get to the Eagles' title-winning form? What can Tomlin and Co. learn from Nick Sirianni and the Eagles' coaching staff? And is Justin Fields capable of having the same success Hurts has as an athletic QB who incorporates the run heavily in his game? Paul tackles those questions and many more. Then offers thoughts on busy weekend for the Penguins and another costly loss for Pitt basketball that has put the Panthers' March Madness hopes in serious jeopardy. 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to the Eagles' Super Bowl victory against the Chiefs through a Pittsburgh prism. What lessons should coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith learn from the Eagles' success? Does the victory validate the Steelers' emphasis on defense and running the ball? And how far away are the Steelers from what the Eagles have in terms of personnel? On the offensive side of the ball, did Eagles QB Jalen Hurts prove the Steelers can win big with player like Justin Fields? Can Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick mature into a line as dominant as Philadelphia's? And does A.J. Brown's turnaround this season engender hope that George Pickens can mature into a key piece of a Super Bowl team? Defensively, should GM Omar Khan put an emphasis on building defensive line depth around Cam Heyward, considering how the Eagles' group was able to dominate Patrick Mahomes for much of the evening? And should there be any regret about passing on Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the draft? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders whether Tomlin's staff is big enough and structured properly, after Nick Sirianni guided the Eagles to a championship with nine new assistants, including OC Kellen Moore and DC Vic Fangio. 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 Steelers NFL mock draft tracker video, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider welcomes Ray Fittipaldo to analyze this week's picks for the team from various national pundits. How big is the team's need at CB? With Joey Porter Jr. as their only proven commodity and names like Beanie Bishop and Cory Trice Jr in depth roles? Should coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan consider one in the first round? Could Michigan's Will Johnson fall to them as one of the top prospects in this year's class? And where do Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison and Florida State's Azareye'h Thomas fit into the conversation. Are they first-round caliber? Or names to monitor with an eye toward Day 2? Our duo tackles those questions, then looks at other positions. Why is Emeka Egbuka still the early consensus first-round pick for this team? Is Quinshon Judkins worth using a second-round pick to take? Does their Ohio State teammate Will Howard make sense as a selection at QB? And what could depth names like Notre Dame's Rylie Mills and Michigan's Kalel Mullings bring to the roster? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his news Saturday podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes long-time PG scribe Bob Smizik to tackle and array of Pittsburgh sports topics, starting with his favorite memories of covering Super Bowls past. What was it like covering those games as a reporter and columnist? What moments stuck out? And what are Bob's thoughts on this year's game between the Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and Saquon Barkley and the Eagles? Our duo tackles those questions, then transitions to some current Steelers topics. Did the Steelers do anything wrong in their handling of Kenny Pickett, who's now in the Big Game with Philadelphia? What should we make of the reported friction between OC Arthur Smith and QB Russell Wilson? And what should it mean for Justin Fields? And should the team bring back Najee Harris amid new reporting of the team's interest in doing so from the PG's Gerry Dulac? Later, Jason gets Bob's reflections on his long career in media and some of the other teams around town. Will Tommy Pham help the Pirates? What will have to happen for the team to be any good? And will Bob be watching Penguins including Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell in the 4 Nations Faceoff? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette spots columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. How will the Steelers' 1970s dynasty -- featuring legendary names like Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris -- compare to what Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs have done this decade if the Chiefs are able to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl? And how can we expect the game to play out? Will Mahomes' greatness win out again? Or could Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles find the magic to take him down? Later, Paul tackles some other hot Steelers topics. How excited should fans be for the 2025 game in Dublin, Ireland? Was T.J. Watt snubbed in DPOY voting, with the Broncos' Patrick Surtain II taking the honors? And how do the Pro Football Hall of Fame resumes of Hines Ward and James Harrison compare to those of 2025 inductees like Sterling Sharpe and Jared Allen? 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's offensive line heading into the NFL offseason. How much pressure is on Broderick Jones to perform to his potential in 2025? What skills must he master to get there? And is he a viable long-term piece of the offensive line of the future? Can Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu already be considered cornerstones for the next decade, despite being drafted just last year? What is Frazier's upside? Can he be a Pro Bowl or All-Pro caliber player after a promising rookie campaign? And where does Mason McCormick fit into the long-term picture amid likely flux at guard with Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels playing on expiring contracts? Our duo weighs options for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin. Later, the guys react to the NFL awards announced Thursday. Did T.J. Watt deserve DPOY over Patrick Surtain II? Were Hines Ward and James Harrison worthy of more Pro Football Hal of Fame consideration following the announcement of a class that included Sterling Sharpe, Eric Allen and more? And what should be make of the Bills' Josh Allen winning MVP over the Ravens' Lamar Jackson and the Eagles Saquon Barkley? Then in the third segment, Adam and Ray preview the Super Bowl from a Steelers perspective. Should fans be rooting for the Eagles to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs from claiming a history-making third consecutive championship? And which team will win 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 sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Did Cowboys star Micah Parsons disrespect the Steelers' T.J. Watt by leaving him out of his top pass rushers list for a second-straight season in a Super Bowl week podcast appearance? Is Watt really less valuable that Parsons or the Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett because he plays on position? Or is Parson's downplaying Watt's production unfairly? Paul tackles those questions and other football topics. Should the Steelers trade up for a QB in the NFL draft, as Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis has suggested? Or should they stick with either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields? And is Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins a fit for Arthur Smith's offense? 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 Jason Mackey react to Kenny Pickett's comments about his time with the Steelers at the Super Bowl. Did GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin make a mistake in moving on from their former first-round pick at QB after just two years? Now that he'll be one snap away from playing in the biggest game of the season for the Eagles against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs? Or were Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both clear enough upgrades that the move still makes sense in hindsight, even despite the late-season swoon and NFL playoffs loss to the Baltimore Ravens? Was Pickett throwing subtle shade at the Steelers locker room for being too prone to distractions? And what chances do Saquon Barkley and the Eagles have in the big game if Pickett has to replace Jalen Hurts at any point? Our duo tackles those questions, then switches focus to the Penguins, Pitt basketball and the Pirates. Did GM Kyle Dubas get enough back in the trade this week that sent Marcus Pettersson and Drew O'Connor to the Vancouver Canucks? Could Rickard Rakell be the next player moved? Is there any hope of unloading the contracts of Erik Karlsson, Ryan Graves and Tristan Jarry with an eye toward rebuilding? And what does it all mean for the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kirs Letang? What will the Panters’ latest swoon mean for their March Madness chances? And on the Pirates front, did the signing of Tommy Pham salvage the Pirates’ MLB offseason, in which Adam Frazier, Andrew McCutchen and Spencer Horwitz were the only other noteworthy adds? Or is this still a disastrous effort from GM Ben Cherington in building around his core of Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Bryan Reynolds and others? Is there any hope of another significant move between now and the start of the regular season? And what should we think about the fan survey the team commissioned, which has been widely panned on social media? 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He responds to viral criticism by former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman -- echoed by former QB Ben Roethlisberger -- that the Steelers' defense is too predictable. Do the two men have a point? What could or should Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin change about their process on that side of the ball? Could they get more out of their stars on that side of the ball -- including Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt -- if they are open to change? Later, Paul weighs in on the reported friction between QB Russell Wilson and OC Arthur Smith. What it should mean about the choice between Wilson and Justin Fields at the position. And the Peguins' latest loss -- which included an injury to star Sidney Crosby. 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to colleague Gerry Dulac's report about friction between OC Arthur Smith and QB Russell Wilson this past season. Why didn't Smith want Wilson changing plays at the line of scrimmage? Could their friction prevent them from working together next season? Is this another reason to believe the Steelers will prefer Justin Fields for 2025? And what level of involvement did coach Mike Tomlin have in the situation? Our duo tackles those questions, then turns attention to receivers. Is trading George Pickens a serious possibility for GM Omar Khan and this front office? Where would that leave the receivers room beyond Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson? And is Cooper Kupp a worthwhile trade target after the Rams made him available on the NFL trade market 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 sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Specifically, he gives his thoughts on news that Rams receiver Cooper Kupp expects to be traded this offseason. Should Steelers GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin look to add him to the team's receiver corps? How would he fit with what Arthur Smith's offense already has in George Pickens and Calvin Austin III? And how would such a move influence the team's NFL draft and free agency plans? Later, Paul checks in on Pitt basketball after yet another costly defeat Monday against Virginia. And he weighs in on top Pirates storylines with spring training set to begin in a little over a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, host Adam Bittner welcomes Ed Bouchette, former Steelers insider for the Post-Gazette and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to react to the team's 2024 season and where it goes from here. Is Mike Tomlin closer to a messy exit like Chuck Noll? Or a Super Bowl-winning revival like Bill Cowher? How would Dan Rooney have handled the team's current playoff wins drought differently than son Art Rooney II as owner, if at all? And is Tomlin's long tenure more about loyalty? Or belief in doing business the way ownership would like to? Ed tackles those questions, then weighs in on roster issues. Why does he prefer Justin Fields over Russell Wilson or outside options at quarterback? What are his feelings about WR George Pickens and whether GM Omar Khan should explore trading him this offseason? Is it time to break up the defensive core of Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick? And why does Ed like Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton as young players who can grow into bigger roles? Then our duo wraps the show with some Hall of Fame talk with a focus on Hines Ward and James Harrison. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What should we make of Russell Wilson's comments at the Pro Bowl over the weekend, in which he expressed a preference to remain with the Steelers in NFL free agency instead of possibly reuniting with former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll via the Las Vegas Raiders? Does it matter what Wilson wants if general manager Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith prefer Justin Fields? And what impact could Myles Garrett's trade request have on the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns? Paul tackles those topics, plus Pitt basketball's costly loss to Wake Forest over the weekend; Penn State football's introduction of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator; and the Penguins trade that sent Marcus Pettersson and Drew O'Connor to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for two NHL players, a prospect and a first-round NHL draft pick. 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo react to news that Aaron Curry will not return as Steelers ILBs coach. Is this an opportunity for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin to shake up the defensive staff under DC Teryl Austin? Could former New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo be the big acquisition needed give a jolt to what's become a stale defense? How much could he help players like Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson at the ILB position? And what impact could improved LB play have on the rest of the defense that includes stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr.? Later, the guys take an early look at NFL free agency. Is Tee Higgins a live option to join George Pickens and Calvin Austin III in the WRs room? Would Javon Hargrave, D.J. Jones, B.J. Hill and/or Javon Kinlaw make sense as DT additions? And is Byron Murphy a name worth considering in the secondary? Our guys tackle those question, then ponder the running back market to possibly replace Najee Harris in the backfield. Would Khan really get older at the position by signing free agents like Aaron Jones or Nick Chubb? Would names like A.J. Dillon, Javonte Williams Alexander Mattison really be upgrades on Harris? Or should the Steelers be looking to the NFL draft? 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 Steelers NFL mock draft tracker podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko react to the week in projected picks for coach Mike Tomlin's team. Does receiver make sense as the top early position for GM Omar Khan to target? Has the franchise lost its touch in grabbing future stars at the position in the later rounds? With George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Calvin Austin III and others all struggling to live up to their hype to varying degrees? Is there any chance top prospects like Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan could fall to the team at No. 21? Or do names like Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden III and Matthew Golden make more sense? And can Tre Harris and Isaiah Bond assert themselves in the mix as well? Our duo tackles those questions, the looks at some names on the QB and DL radars. Does Louisville's Tyler Shough make any sense as a relatively immobile option who will also be 26 as a rookie? Should we read anything into Tomlin's interactions with Deone Walker of Kentucky at the Senior Bowl this week? And is Kenneth Grant another defensive lineman who makes a lot of sense? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his new Saturday podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes longtime Pittsburgh sports broadcast and current Pirates public address announcer Guy Junker to tackle a range of topics. They start with fan frustration surrounding the Steelers. Is it at an all-time high after eight years without an NFL playoffs win? Has owner Art Rooney II's philosophy worn thin with his hardcore customers, particularly with regard to coach Mike Tomlin and the stability he represents? What can be done to fix the defense that faltered down the stretch, despite the presence of highly paid stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen and Alexi Highsmith? And what should happen at the QB position? Should GM Omar Khan pick the veteran presence of Russell Wilson? The mobility of Justin Fields? Or someone else entirely via the NFL draft or free agency? Our duo tackles those questions, then reflects on Guy's long career; his work with colleagues including Stan Savran and Bob Pompeani; and his many years on the popular Sportsbeat show. Later, Jason and Guy reflect on the latest with the Pirates and Penguins. Who's most to blame for the Penguins' recent struggles? Is it the Fenway Sports ownership group that has failed to live up to the success Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle had here? Is it past GMs including Jim Rutherford and Ron Hextall, whose moves are still hurting the roster today? Is it current GM Kyle Dubas and his disastrous deal with goalie Tristan Jarry? Or is it coach Mike Sullivan's inflexible game plans? And how will the franchise handle star Sidney Crosby moving forward. On the Pirates side, what we can expect from them in 2025? Can Ke'Bryan Hayes stay healthy at 3B? Does Oneil Cruz still have more upside, particularly as a power threat at the plate? How good can the young pitching staff led by Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller be? And how can manager Derek Shelton fix this team's problems with fundamentals? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He offers his thoughts on what the Steelers under coach Mike Tomlin have in common with the Philadelphia Eagles under Andy Reid, before his dynastic Super Bowl success with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Is Tomlin capable of a similar run elsewhere if the Steelers ever let him go? Is that a reason for GM Omar Khan and owner Art Rooney II to keep him in place here? And what should we make of Rooney praising Tomlin for the winning "culture" built around stars like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward? Paul tackles those topics, then talks a little Pirates. Specifically, how the lineup should be coming together around key pieces like Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz and Ke'Bryan Hayes with spring training looming. 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko hand out Driver awards for the team's bests and worsts in 2024. Was Cam Heyward the team's best player? Or do T.J. Watt and others have arguments? Was Justin Fields the biggest winner, earning favor with his early victories before watching Russell Wilson and the offense struggle down the stretch? Was Cam Sutton GM Omar Khan's worst acquisition? Zach Frazier the best draft pick? Chris Boswell the best supporting player? And special teams coach Danny Smith coach Mike Tomlin's best assistant coach? Our duo tackles those questions and more, including the best and worst performances of the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should the Steelers consider trading for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford if he's made available on the trade market ahead of a likely rebuild in Los Angeles? Or are coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan better off with the players they know in Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields via NFL free agency? And where does Cooper Kupp belong in offseason trade conversations, with the Steelers known to covet receiving help, as well? Paul tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front, then reacts to the Penguins' overtime win Wednesday in their first trip to face the Utah Hockey Club; and news that the Pirates are seeking feedback from fans via a survey released 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 sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to tackle the hot topics in Pittsburgh sports, starting with the Steelers' struggles at the wide receiver position in 2024. Was owner Art Rooney II just being realistic about the team's lack of talent in the passing game when stating his preference to build around the running game earlier this week? Who or what is most responsible for the current mess in the WR room. Is it former GM Kevin Colbert and current GM Omar Khan for failing to cultivate depth? Is it Mike Tomlin's personality management of players like George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool? Was it moving on from JuJu Smith-Schuster, who's now an important piece for Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl-bound Kansas City Chiefs? And where do depth options like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson fit into the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to headlines on the college front. How crucial was Pitt basketball's victory against the North Carolina Tar Heels this week? Is Jeff Capel starting to figure out how to better use his forwards around star guards like Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett? And on the Penn State front, what does the Jim Knowles hiring say about James Franklin's intent to compete at a championship level? And does early 2025 College Football Playoff hype make sense for this team with the return of key pieces like Drew Allar, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen? The later, the guys react to the Pirates' sluggishness in MLB free agency. What is the primary reason GM Ben Cherington has made only small moves like signing Andrew McCutchen and Adam Frazier or trading for Spencer Horwitz so far? Is TV revenue an issue? Is saving for a Paul Skenes extension a possibility? And how much trouble are Cherington and manager Derek Shelton in? Should we interpret the inactivity as a signal that they feel comfortable? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Could the Steelers lose QB Russell Wilson via NFL free agency to a reunion with former coach Pete Carroll and the Raiders? Would the duo be able to recreate the Super Bowl-winning magic they had in their time together with the Seattle Seahawks? Or are those days long gone? And should GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers prefer Justin Fields paired with NFL draft options like Alabama's Jalen Milroe anyway? Paul tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front then looks toward Pirates and Pitt topics. Will GM Ben Cherington's signing of Adam Frazier via MLB free agency make any difference to this team's trajectory? Or should they have pursued a name like Austin Hays instead? And how important was Pitt basketball's win vs. the North Carolina Tar Heels, as coach Jeff Capel, guards Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett and the Panthers look to bolster their March Madness resume? 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to owner Art Rooney II's year-end comments earlier this week. Is Rooney too focused on winning with the running game, considering how it performed despite run-focused Arthur Smith calling the plays in 2024? Do the Steelers simply need to look beyond Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as lead backs to have more success? Can the offensive line take a step forward behind key young players including Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick? And where does the QB situation with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields fit into the conversation. Later, our duo ponders whether GM Omar Khan will spend more money on offense in NFL free agency to balance out the disparity with the defense, which has players on major deals including T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith. And they discuss possible coaching staff changes still to come. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 4 p.m. Eastern. Are the Eagles a realistic model for the Steelers? Given assistant GM Andy Weidl's ties to both teams? Or will their Super Bowl-level success be difficult to replicate in the absence of offensive stars like Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts? Or an offensive line anchored by reliable pieces like Lane Johnson? What should we make of Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan, Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin all appearing at the Senior Bowl this week? What NFL draft prospects should they be looking closest at? And which running back names are intriguing with the possibility of Najee Harris moving on in NFL free agency? And on the Pirates front, what difference will Adam Frazier make in his return to Pittsburgh? And is Paul Skenes already one of baseball's biggest stars with his appearance on the MLB The Show cover, announced Tuesday? 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 and Football podcast, host Brian Batko welcomes fellow Post-Gazette Steelers insider Gerry Dulac to react to owner Art Rooney II's comments about the team Monday. Specifically, they focus on the QBs after Rooney said he doesn't expect the team will be able to keep both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in 2025. Should they give Wilson another look despite his five-game losing streak and NFL playoffs loss to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? Or did Fields show enough upside early in the season that he deserves a chance to be the No. 1? Also on the docket are coaching issues. What did Rooney's comments tell us about his satisfaction level with Mike Tomlin? And what does the future hold for assistants Arthur Smith, Teryl Austin and Pat Meyer? 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 Pitt basketball mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Who deserves the most blame for the recent offensive slump? Coach Jeff Capel? Or a lack of shooting prowess from key offensive pieces like Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and Zack Austin? Why is forward Cam Corhen playing 35-plus minutes per game despite frequent struggles? And on the football side, what are reasonable expectations for coach Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers with key pieces including QB Eli Holstein and RB Desmond Reid set to return? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Specifically, he gives his thoughts on this weekend's AFC and NFC championships, in which Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs beat Josh Allen and the Bills, and Saquon Barkley and the Eagles topped Jayden Daniels and the Commanders to reach the Super Bowl. How could Mike Tomlin and the Steelers possibly hope to beat the Chiefs if Allen and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson can't in big games? What will it take for any team, let alone the Steelers, to stop their dominance of the AFC? And do he Eagles have any chance in the Big Game in a couple of weeks with Jalen Hurts at QB? Paul tackles those topics, then weighs in on Art Rooney II's comments to the media Monday; Pitt basketball's weekend victory against Syracuse that snapped a long losing streak; Penn State's hiring of Ohio State's Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator; and colleague Ray Fittipaldo's first NFL mock draft of the offseason. 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 edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to break down his first seven-round NFL mock draft of the offseason. Is this year's defensive line class to enticing to ignore this year, and could Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart be the best option for coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan in the first round? Why does Stanford's Elic Ayomanor possibly fill a need at receiver? Is Jalen Milroe a QB worth keeping an eye on amid uncertainty surrounding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? And why does Ray like names including Kansas RB Devin Neal, Louisville CB Quincy Riley, Georgia G Dylan Fairchild, Ohio State S Jordan Hancock and Alabama A&M OL Carson Vinson in the later rounds? Our duo tackles those questions, previews owner Art Rooney II's scheduled comments to the media Monday and reacts to the AFC and NFL championships Sunday, with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and Saquon Barkley and the Eagles earning Super Bowl berths. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On a special edition of their Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily College Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas react to reports that the program is hiring Ohio State DC Jim Knowles to the same position with a record-breaking coordinator contract. Does the bombshell move signal an all-in mentality from coach James Franklin's program heading into 2025? Could Penn State attract any elite talent -- such as star safety Caleb Downs -- away from the coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes via the transfer portal? How much did the return of stars like Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Zane Durant, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zakee Wheatley influence the move? What does the big contract say about how invested Penn State's top donors are in breaking through at the national level? What level of impact did Penn State's College Football Playoff breakthrough have on the situation? And how much will familiarity with Ohio State and Oregon help the Lions in their pursuit of a national championship? 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 edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the team's QB situation. Do Russell Wilson's recent comments about contract talks suggest GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and the organization still view him favorably as the starter for next season? Or is Wilson trying to speak a new contract into existence? What does it all mean for Justin Fields, who the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac has reported is the team's preference heading into next year? And how close an eye should we keep on NFL draft prospects? Our duo tackles those questions and more, then gets into Brian's votes for postseason honors. Why did he prefer the Bills' Josh Allen over the Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the MVP race? Where does the Eagles' Saquon Barkley belong in the conversation? Did T.J. Watt get Brian's vote in the DPOY race? Or did Cam Heyward possibly deserve more love in that debate? Our duo wraps the show with picks for the AFC and NFC championships. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise talks about the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He reacts to comments by Jim Rooney, son of late Steelers owner Dan Rooney and brother of current owner Art Rooney II on a podcast that that defended coach Mike Tomlin and the franchise's results over the last 25 years. Does Rooney have a point about the success that surpasses NFL league averages? Or has he lost sight of the Super Bowl standard, where Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and Tom Brady and the Patriots have surpassed the Steelers in recent history? On other fronts, Paul weighs in on CB Donte Jackson defending Tomlin from "haters" during a recent podcast appearance; George Pickens' latest social media dust-up in which he called trade speculation "lying"; and the ongoing QB conundrum involving Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What can GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers learn from the group of QBs remaining in the NFL playoffs? What should we expect from those players in the AFC and NFC championships this week? Will Josh Allen and the Bills finally get the better of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? Can Jayden Daniels and the Commanders keep their meteoric rise going against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles? And what does it all mean as the futures of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields hang in the balance? Later, Paul gives his thoughts on what we've learned about the AFC North from HBO's "Hard Knocks" and Joey Porter Jr.'s vow to improve. Then Post-Gazette Pirates insider Noah Hiles joins the show to react to Piratesfest and GM Ben Cherington's inability to make many moves of note in MLB free agency so far. 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's options at running back. Will GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin try to bring Najee Harris back to pair with Jaylen Warren? Are there any realistic free agent targets? Or is Harris the best of the bunch? And how could a deep NFL draft running back class fit into the equation? Would top prospects like Boise State's Ashton Jeanty or Arizona State's Cam Skattebo be options? Or are do later-round names like Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson the better use of scare draft capital? Later, the guys discuss young players who most need to step up in 2025. Can Broderick Jones finally prove why he was worthy of a first-round selection? Will Keeanu Benton become more active in the pass rush? And what does Joey Porter Jr. need to do to become an elite cornerback? And in the final segment, Chris and Ray dig into reasons why the Steelers seem to be so far behind top NFL teams in fourth-down efficiency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Tuesday, he gives his thoughts on the NFL coaching carousel, and what the Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin can learn from it. What does Lions OC Ben Johnson's hiring as Bears coach say about the direction offense is heading around the league? Where will Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy land? Could Steelers OC Arthur Smith land with the Cowboys, Jets, Jaguars, Raiders or Saints? And who are the hottest candidates remaining on the market? Paul tackles those questions and more, including. What does Ohio State's College Football Playoff championship win over Notre Dame signal for the sport? How did the 12-team format work overall in its first year? And are the Penguins heading in a better direction with a couple of wins since sending goalie Tristan Jarry to the minors? 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 Chris Mueller of 93.7 The Fan to ponder decisions GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin will have to make about personnel this offseason. With a specific focus on colleague Ray Fittipaldo's trade, cut or keep analysis on our website. Should Minkah Fitzpatrick and his lucrative contract return to the secondary after it struggled down the stretch? Did Patrick Queen live up to his expensive deal from last year in NFL free agency? And what should be done about George Pickens, who's created some headaches despite strong production? Our duo tackles the fate of those players and a few others including Cordarrelle Patterson, Cam Sutton, Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb. 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 Pitt basketball mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Amon them: How many more wins does coach Jeff Capel's team need to secure a March Madness bid now that the Panthers have lost four in a row in ACC play? Does Papa Kante deserve more playing time over brothers Guillermo Diaz-Graham and Jorge Diaz-Graham? And should Capel deploy a guard-heavy lineup led by Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and Zack Austin more often? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He gives his thoughts on trade chatter surrounding the Steelers' T.J. Watt. Is he most valuable as the foundation of the defense? Or should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider dealing him near the peak of his value? How much value might he hold in terms of NFL draft capital if the Steelers decided the would like to trade him? And how would his departure act as a reset for a unit that struggled down the stretch despite the presence of fellow standouts Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick? Then later, he ponders what Pitt basketball's three-game ACC losing streak could mean for the Panthers' March Madness chances; and the possibility of further Pirates moves with spring training looming in a little more than a month. 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to address the team's lack of coaching staff changes so far. Will coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan finally make moves this week? Or are names including OC Arthur Smith and DC Teryl Austin safe in their jobs? Could Tomlin look to add positions to his coaching staff, like he did for Brian Flores recently? And how could a bigger staff help the offense get more out of playmakers like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth? Or improve communication issues on a defense loaded with stars like Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen? Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to results from the NFL playoffs this past weekend. What can the Steelers learn from how Josh Allen and the Bills stopped Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? And what does the Commanders' stunning upset of the Lions show about the Steelers' ability to turn things around quickly with some good decisions? 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 Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to talk through DC Teryl Austin's future with the team. Would it help the unit and stars T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Joey Porter Jr. and Patrick Queen if the organization moved on from Austin? Would anything really change with Mike Tomlin still in place as the head coach with a heavy hand in the game plan? Or could there be value in a new voice and message, especially amid the communication issues that plagued the group down the stretch of the regular season and in the NFL playoffs? And how can the unit restore its aggressiveness regardless of who's coaching it? Our duo tackles those questions, then makes picks for the divisional round of the playoffs this weekend. Will Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs cruise past the Texans again? Who will win the marquee QB battle in the other AFC matchup? The Ravens' Lamar Jackson or the Bills' Josh Allen? And can the Commanders or Rams stop the Lions and Eagles from meeting in the NFC championship? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist lists what he believes are the worst contracts in Pittsburgh sports right now. Does Steelers coach Mike Tomlin belong at the top of the list, given his high-end pay but limited results, especially in the NFL playoffs? Where do Penguins players Tristan Jarry, Ryan Graves and Erik Karlsson rank, especially with Jarry now making millions to play in the minor leagues? Does Pirates 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes belong in the conversation amid his struggles offensively since signing his lucrative extension a few years back? And what about starter Mitch Keller, whose numbers are decent but not incredible despite a hefty salary? Jason tackles those questions, then weighs in on NFL playoffs matchups this weekend including Texans-Chiefs, Commanders-Lions, Bills-Ravens and Rams-Eagles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Should coach Mike Tomlin, GM Omar Khan and the Steelers consider any outside QB options beyond Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? Could the draft route work, where names including Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers and Jaxson Dart figure to be available? Will the NFL free agency market be too watered down with re-tread names like Carson Wentz, Jimmy Garoppolo, Mason Rudolph and Mac Jones? Are trade options like Trevor Lawrence and Kyler Murray too cost prohibitive? Or too old in the cases of Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers? Would reclamation projects like Will Levis, Malik Willis and Anthony Richardson possibly be the best available options? Paul tackles those topics plus a report that Wilson was not getting along with OC Arthur Smith as the offense struggled down the stretch to get the most out of playmakers like George Pickens, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to news that the Penguins have waived goalie Tristan Jarry with the intent of sending him to their Wilkes-Barre/Scranton affiliate in the AHL. Why was it the right move for GM Kyle Dubas, despite Jarry's lucrative contract? Will the NHL goaltending group be better moving forward with Joel Blomqvist and Alex Nedeljkovic? Was former GM Jim Rutherford picking Matt Murray over Marc-Andre Fleury still the right move in hindsight, given what it led to with Jarry? How much does the Jarry contract taint Dubas moving forward? And what can the Penguins expect from star Evgeni Malkin amid his return? 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 basketball insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson recap an ugly loss against Florida State, which ended with a fight as frustrations for coach Jeff Capel's team reached a breaking point amid a now three-game losing streak. When will we see consistency and discipline out of the veteran guard trio of Jaland Lowe, Ishmael Leggett and Damian Dunn? Will Jorge Diaz-Graham be able to build on a strong performance against the Seminoles? What's wrong with the 3-point shooting? And what happened in the post-game scrape involving Cam Corhen, Brandon Cummings and others? 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 Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas react to a busy week of personnel moves following the College Football Playoff loss to Notre Dame at the Orange Bowl. Will coach James Franklin miss Tom Allen as DC after his move to join Dabo Swinney at Clemson? Or are Anthony Poindexter, Dan Connor, Al Golden and D'Anton Lynn attractive possible alternatives? What about Harrison "Trey" Wallace and Omari Evans at receiver? Will their transfer portal departures hurt? Or could they be addition by subtraction after their no-show efforts in Miami? And can transfers Kyron Hudson from USC and Devonte Ross from Troy step into those roles capably? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders NFL draft decisions. Does Penn State have the depth to stay elite despite the loss of names like Tyler Warren, Abdul Carter and Kobe King? To what degree can names like Dani Dennis-Sutton and Luke Reynolds step up behind them? And how encouraging are the returns of Dennis-Sutton, Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Zane Durant for Penn State's NIL program? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. How much blame does Steelers OC Arthur Smith deserve for the team's late-season meltdown and NFL playoffs loss to the Baltimore Ravens? How much more should he have gotten from quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson? Why didn't the running game led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren live up to expectations? Should he have gotten the ball to targets including George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth and Calvin Austin III more often? And what responsibility does he bare for the lack of development from young offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier? Paul tackles those topics, then gives his thoughts on Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry being placed on waivers. Was this the right move from GM Kyle Dubas and coach Mike Sullivan? What's next for the franchise at the position beyond backup Alex Nedeljkovic? And could a shake up in goal help Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup playoffs berth? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.