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

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko look ahead to the Week 2 matchup with Broncos in Denver. Is first-round pick Troy Fautanu ready to make his NFL debut? And would have change how Justin Fields and the Steelers offense would attack the Broncos? Plus, keys to game and predictions on if the Steelers will start the season 2-0. 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 First 10, Jason Mackey takes reader questions and looks ahead to the Penguins season, which begins with training camp. Will Erik Karlsson live up to his hefty contract? Where does new addition Rutger McGroarty fit? Plus, thoughts on the job Pirates GM Ben Cherington has done and what should happen with Andrew McCutchen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Post-Gazette's Brian Batko and Christopher Carter report from the Steelers' South Side practice facility, where the team's QB plans for NFL Week 2 against the Denver Broncos remain uncertain. Why does the story about Russell Wilson's status seem to keep changing? And is Justin Fields the likely starter for a second week in a row? Our duo tackles those topics, plus comments from other notable plays. Will OC Arthur Smith use George Pickens as a decoy against Devner's Patrick Surtain II to free up Pat Freiermuth? Will Troy Fautanu start after taking first-team reps? And where does Broderick Jones fit into that conversation? 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 Joel Haas ponder the outlook for coordinator Tom Allen's defense after it was torched in the first half against Bowling Green this past week at Beaver Stadium. Was this just a bad, one-off effort physically? Or could it be a sign of more struggles to come? They also weigh in on some questions on offense. Is Omari Evans emerging as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Trey Wallace? Where has Julian Fleming gone in this offense? Can Tyler Warren exceed the production of recent Penn State greats including Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth at tight end? And what should we make of Drew Allar throwing his first interception months earlier than he did a year ago? 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, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze the Steelers' situation at receiver behind George Pickens. Was the group's two catches by Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III for eight yards vs. the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 1 alarming? Or is it sustainable in the type of offense OC Arthur Smith wants to run? Did GM Omar Khan bank too hard on acquiring Brandon Aiyuk via trade? And how closely should we watch potential fallback options including the Denver Broncos' Courtland Sutton and the Las Vegas Raiders' Davante Adams? Later, the guys weigh in on the QB situation with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Plus the tackle competition between Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones. Then they give their thoughts on the Backyard Brawl between Pitt and West Virginia; Eli Holstein's development at QB for the Panthers; Penn State's struggles defensively vs. Bowling Green; and Pirates GM Ben Cherington's expectations that manager Derek Shelton will return next season. 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 weighs in on what Pitt should be looking for in its next athletic director after firing Heather Lyke earlier this week. What role should fundraising play in the new college athletics world of NIL? And what are the challenges of the job in a saturated sports market that includes the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, to say nothing of other regional schools like Penn State and West Virginia? Jason delves into those question, then reacts to some Pirates news. How important is Bailey Falter to the team's future after another strong start Wednesday vs. Miami? And should we believe GM Ben Cherington when he says he expects manager Derek Shelton to return next season? 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 editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start and sit at every position ahead of Week 2 using his top 150 rankings cheat sheet and positional tiers, as well as his top offensive matchups to target. Host Dalton Brown runs through the guys that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) and looks at top trade targets, sleepers and stashes heading into the weekend. Who on the Steelers is still worth starting — and rostering — after a TD-less Week 1 performance, what does say about Jaylen Warren as a possible cut candidate? When should fantasy managers look to sell-high and trade away household fantasy RB names like Rachaad White and Travis Etienne, who lost playing time in Week 1 to fellow risers in Bucky Irving and Tank Bigsby, respectively — and where does Chris have Anthony Richardson and Jayden Daniels ranked after each finished as top-5 scoring fantasy quarterbacks in Week 1? Why is Chris so low on the Texans' offense, including C.J. Stroud, as they face the Chicago Bears in Week 2, and how does that affect the rankings of fellow Houston skill players, such as Joe Mixon, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs and Dalton Schultz? Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion and finished fifth out of more than 200 analysts in the FantasyPros Week 1 accuracy contest for 2024. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' top 150 weekly rankings and his '30 in 30' strategy series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football. 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 react to GM Ben Cherington's statement Wednesday that he expects Derek Shelton to return as manager in 2025. Is that the right move for the club after another disappointing season? Could owner Bob Nutting have a different opinion on the matter? And on Cherington himself? Could Cherington change his mind over the last 2.5 weeks of the season? And what other moves should we be watching for in baseball operations? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 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, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to coach Mike Tomlin's news conference Tuesday at the team's South Side facility. Does Justin Fields have any chance to keep the starting QB job after Russell Wilson gets healthy? If so, what does he have to show to Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith? Our duo tackles those topics, plus more from around the team. What's the situation at tackle with Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? What does Terrell Edmunds bring to the safety room after GM Omar Khan signed him this week? And how big of a problem is this team's receivers group after a disappointing Week 1 for names including Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller behind George Pickens? 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 Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's Tuesday news conference. Why does it seem only natural for Justin Fields to start in NFL Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, in place of the injured Russell Wilson? And is now the time to settle on Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones at the tackle spots with Dan Moore Jr. injured as well? Jason gives his thoughts on those questions and an array of others. Including: Why is a 1950s matchup between Pitt and West Virginia often overlooked in Backyard Brawl history? Should the Pirates plan to bring Andrew McCutchen back this offseason, given his continued solid production? What's the deal with the Penguins' defense corps? And could the Washington Wild Things win the Frontier League this week? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Steelers' South Side practice facility, where coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the team is preparing for Justin Fields to start Sunday in NFL Week 2 against the Denver Broncos as Russell Wilson continues to nurse a calf injury. Is Tomlin being sincere? Or could he be playing mind games with Broncos coach Sean Payton? How are is Tomlin of the national interest in the QB situation? And why is this different than the Mason Rudolph vs. Kenny Pickett decision that Tomlin had to make last year? Our duo tackles those questions and gives an update on injured receiver Roman Wilson. 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, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes the team's new play-by-play commentator Rob King to react to an 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 1 and look ahead to a crucial matchup vs. the Denver Broncos in Week 2. How did King's debut in the booth go? Does Arthur Smith deserve more credit for his own debut as the team's offensive coordinator, despite the lack of touchdowns? How will -- and how should -- the quarterback situation play out this week between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as the latter continues to nurse his calf injury? What are his thoughts on Terrell Edmunds' return to the defense via NFL free agency? And what impact will the loss of punter Cameron Johnston have on the rest of the season? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 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 the firing of Heather Lyke as Pitt athletic director, first reported by the PG's Christopher Carter. What prompted the shocking move from chancellor Joan Gabel, during Backyard Brawl week with prominent alumni including DeJuan Blair and Darrelle Revis in town no less? Could names including Pat Bostick, Louis Riddick and Doug Whaley make sense as replacements? And how much pressure is the school under to get this hire right amid the shifting college athletics landscape? Jason offers his thoughts on those questions, plus other topics around town. What's taking the Penguins so long in getting a deal done with Sidney Crosby? What did Crosby have to say at his media session Monday? What impact will the season-ending injury to punter Cameron Johnston, plus the signing of former first-round pick Terrell Edmunds have on the Steelers' season? And what did we learn from Paul Skenes' latest strong start for the Pirates? 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, Adam Bittner hosts in place of Christopher Carter and welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL Week 1 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Specifically they analyze the quarterback situation. Did Justin Fields' solid outing after a shaky start give coach Mike Tomlin the latitude to let the injured Russell Wilson rest as long as necessary? Should Fields get a chance to keep the starting job even when Wilson is recovered? How much could the type of calf injury Wilson is dealing with affect him for the rest of the season? And how much did a rough day for receivers not named George Pickens contribute to the inability to make big plays and finish drives? Our duo tackles those topics, then turns attention to the defense. Was the dominant effort in the victory more a reflection of how good this unit can be? Or how limited Atlanta's offense was with a hobbled Kirk Cousins? Were DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson underrated offseason additions? And what's Minkah Fitzpatrick's potential now that he seems freer to roam around the defense? The show ends with some talk about a rough Week 1 in the AFC North that saw the Cleveland Browns lose to Dallas, the Cincinnati Bengals fall to the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens drop a nail-biter to the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Who should be most concerned? And how much could an early division lead help the Steelers? 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 the Steelers' 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 1. He highlights the dominance of LB T.J. Watt and kicker Chris Boswell on a day when the offense took center stage. And ponders what should happen at quarterback after Justin Fields filled in capably for injured starter Russell Wilson. He also weighs in on Pitt's win over the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, noting QB Eli Holstein's maturation and a breakout performance from RB Desmond Reid. Then he wraps the show by explaining why he was encouraged by the Pirates' Jared Jones and newly promoted Billy Cook after they split their series with the Washington Nationals over the weekend. 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 writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. How did QB Justin Fields look in starting for the injured Russell Wilson? How should we assess new OC Arthur Smith's unit in his first regular season test? How did the offensive line navigate the uncertainty of the last few weeks surrounding Isaac Seumalo, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier? What kind of difference did Patrick Queen, Donte Jackson and other new additions make on defense? And how did the receiver pecking order behind George Pickens shake out for names including Scotty Miller, Van Jefferson and more? The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes after the conclusion of the game on FOX. 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 Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson break down the Panthers' 28-27 win over Cincinnati on Saturday at the Bearcats' Nippert Stadium. How did the Panthers complete their epic comeback, as they were down 21 points with just a few minutes left in the third quarter? What adjustments did Eli Holstein make that allowed him to perform so much better in the second half? What kind of play calls did defensive coordinator Randy Bates dial up to get the defense to stand tall? And how can Pitt, now 2-0, take momentum from this contest into next week's Backyard Brawl with Cincinnati? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 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 First 10, Jason Mackey takes reader questions about the hottest topics in town, including the future of Pirates manager Derek Shelton and GM Ben Cherington. Has Bob Nutting seen enough to make a change? Plus, Mackey offers thoughts on the Steelers quarterback quandary and if the Penguins have enough to make a playoff run for Sidney Crosby and Co. 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, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko discuss the latest injury to quarterback Russell Wilson, which has his Week 1 status in doubt. Is this going to be a problem for the rest of the season? And is Justin Fields ready to start the opener? Plus, we break down the matchup in Atlanta and give our predictions. 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 editor and fantasy football analyst Chris Dell breaks down his favorite players to start — and sit — at every position ahead of Week 1 using his top 200 rankings cheat sheet. Host Dalton Brown runs through the guys that Chris is higher and lower on vs. the FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR), as well as looking at optimal strategy for defenses/kickers heading into the weekend. Who are the most popular fantasy QBs that belong on benches this weekend, and what does that say about the season-long stock for guys like Dak Prescott and Brock Purdy facing tough Week 1 matchups? When is the right time to buy or fade RBs with tougher defensive opponents than others this weekend, and where does put commonly-drafted players like D'Andre Swift, Ezekiel Elliott and Kyren Williams? Why is Chris so high on Texans wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, and how does he feel about top opening week matchups to exploit for young wideouts with upside in Malik Nabers and D.J. Moore? Also, the guys look at some sleepers at tight end, D/ST and kicker to consider to wrap up the show. Chris is the founder of Bet­tingPred­a­tors.com and the for­mer fan­tasy foot­ball and sports bet­ting lead an­a­lyst for ESPN 97.5. He re­cently won first place out of 235 an­a­lysts in the Fan­ta­syPros’ 2023 Fan­tasy Foot­ball NFL Draft Ac­cu­racy rank­ings com­pe­ti­tion. For more fantasy football content, including Chris' Top 200 weekly rankings and his '30 in 30' Sunday series, visit post-gazette.com/sports/fantasy-football 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 Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko recap another busy afternoon at the team's practice facilities Thursday as reporters met with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin ahead of the Week 1 matchup with the Falcons. Is it really business as usual for Smith as he prepares to face the team he coached last season? How is Austin preparing for his matchup with new Atlanta offensive coordinator Zac Robinson? And how are new Steelers offensive weapons like Cordarrelle Patterson, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller going to factor into the game plan? Our duo tackles those questions and more. 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 react to the win against West Virginia and what it could mean moving forward, starting with Saturday's game vs. Bowling Green at Beaver Stadium. Was the explosiveness we saw from OC Andy Kotelnicki's offense sustainable, particularly for players like QB Drew Allar and WR Trey Wallace? Is the secondary a strength of the the team after standout performances from safeties Kevin Winston Jr. and Jaylen Reed as well as cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Jalen Kimber? How is Abdul Carter's switch to defensive end working out? And should the performance change our perception of coach James Franklin's team at all? Our duo tackles those questions and more. 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, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to break down the Steelers' best- and worst-case scenarios for the year ahead. Can they win 12 or 13 games if Russell Wilson is his old self and if the offensive line -- including youngsters Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier -- reaches it potential quicker? Could they have a losing record if Wilson isn't as advertised; if receivers behind George Pickens prove not to be good enough; and if the line has a steep learning curve? And which group should we feel most confident in between the WRs, CBs, QBs and OL? Our duo tackles those topics and more around the football world. Including: Did GM Omar Khan risk spending too much on defense with the Cam Heyward extension? How viable does Penn State look as a college football playoff contender after Drew Allar and Co. dominated West Virginia on Saturday? How much more creative did OC Andy Kotelnicki's Nittany Lions offense look? And can new Pitt OC Kade Bell's group perform against better competition after piling up 55 points against Kent State? The guys wrap the show by talking Pirates. Who is responsible for David Bednar's struggles as closer this year? And should the Kansas City Royals' rapid rebuild be the new bar for Pirates GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton? 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 the contract extension for defensive captain Cam Heyward and ponders whether a deal with TE Pat Freiermuth may be next. He also gives his thoughts on coach Mike Tomlin's press conference Tuesday in which he expressed optimism about his concerning wide receiver and offensive line groups. Will Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson prove Tomlin right and adequately replace the traded Diontae Johnson behind No. 1 receiver George Pickens? And can the line be as physical as it's hoped to be in NFL Week 1 vs. the Atlanta Falcons with Broderick Jones struggling and Troy Fautanu and Isaac Seumalo injured? Jason tackles those topics, then weighs in on the start of the Pitt volleyball season, a sparkling start for the Pirates' Paul Skenes on Tuesday night vs. the Chicago Cubs, and lessons GM Ben Cherington should learn from the success of the Kansas City Royals. 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, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo react to the three-year contract extension that defensive captain Cam Heyward received Tuesday. Was it the right move for GM Omar Khan? What does it mean for the team's NFL salary cap situation moving forward? And is Pat Freiermuth next in line to get a lucrative deal before the team opens its season Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the reason coach Mike Tomlin is painting a fluid picture of the offensive line's status with Troy Fautanu and Isaac Seumalo nursing injuries and Broderick Jones looking to find his stride after a rough preseason. 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 another busy afternoon at the team's practice facilities on Tuesday as Mike Tomlin completed his first weekly press conference of the regular season. How optimistic should Steelers fans be after the news that Isaac Seumalo will avoid the I.R., and how will it affect the future of the team's OL regarding Dan Moore Jr., Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones? How soon will Steelers rookie WR Roman Wilson be able to see the field this season after missing most of training camp and all of the team's three preseason games? Also, will Jaylen Warren and Cordarelle Patterson both be healthy and ready to suit up in Week 1 vs. the Atlanta Falcons? And will Russell Wilson be able to play more consistently than he and the starting offense looked during the preseason? Our duo tackles those questions and more. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com. 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 football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: How much stock can we put into Eli Holstein’s performance in Week 1? Why wasn't tight end Gavin Bartholomew more involved vs. Kent St., and is this is what we should expect from Kade Bell's offense moving forward? Also, should there be concern about Pitt's defense after giving up two long TD plays last Saturday? And how much should Panthers fans be worried about the current RB depth with Rodney Hammond declared ineligible? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com. 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 insider Brian Batko welcomes veteran Atlanta Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter to preview the team's Week 1 NFL regular season opener on his weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast. What should Steelers fans expect from Arthur Smith’s offense in his return to Atlanta? Will we see rumblings of another QB controversy surrounding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in Pittsburgh this season? And could the same type of QB rumors emerge in Atlanta with Kirk Cousins and rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.? Also, will former Steeler and current Falcon Ray-Ray McCloud III be a difference-maker in the slot during the 2024 season? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his Monday episode of First 10, Jason Mackey breaks down the Cubs' managerial mistake from last night in the Pirates' 5-3 road win, as well as the health and resurgence of Jared Jones and Pittsburgh going with Dennis Santana over David Bednar as its closer. He also discusses how Penn State and Pitt might actually give us some really exciting college football to watch in Western Pennsylvania this season and brings up concern over the Steelers' offensive line heading into their Week 1 regular season opener on the road vs. the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com. 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, host Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo take their first look ahead to Week 1 of the NFL season. Both Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins will lead new teams, so which one is more primed for success? Will Cam Heyward and Pat Freiermuth have new contracts before kickoff? And who will start on the banged-up offensive line? 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 Pirates podcast, insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss David Bednar's demotion from closer. Can "The Renegade" ever find is his old All-Star form? Plus they discuss what they need to see from the top pitchers in the final month of the season and the ongoing struggles at the plate for Henry Davis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian insider Joel Haas is joined by the Daily Collegian's Lyle Alenstein to recap Penn State's 34-12 victory Saturday against West Virginia in Morgantown. What should we make of Drew Allar's three-touchdown performance at QB? How much explosive potential does new OC Andy Kotelnicki's offense have after big plays from Nick Singleton at running back and Harrison "Trey" Wallace at receiver? How should we evaluate Abdul Carter's debut at defensive end? And what can we expect from coach James Franklin's Nittany Lions next week vs. Bowling Green? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 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 Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson break down the Panthers' season-opening 55-24 win over Kent State on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Was this high-scoring offensive output a sign of things to come? How did the Panthers offense work in new offensive coordinator Kade Bell's scheme? How did quarterback Eli Holstein fare in his first collegiate start? How did newcomers like Desmond Reid and Poppi Williams contribute? And how can the defense limit the big passing plays it gave up to the Golden Flashes? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 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, Christopher Carter and Steelers insider Brian Batko react to Brandon Aiyuk re-signing with the 49ers and ending his chances of coming to Pittsburgh. Should Omar Khan have upped the ante to get San Francisco to bite? Are the Steelers' wide receivers behind George Pickens good enough this year? Plus, will Troy Fautanu start over Broderick Jones or Dan Moore Jr. in the season opener? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his Friday mailbag episode of First 10, Jason Mackey answers an array of readers questions about the Pirates' tanking season. Should Bryan Reynolds change positions next season? What does the team do about Joey Bart at catcher? And just how long is the leash for manager Derek Shelton? Plus, final thoughts on the Brandon Aiyuk situation now that he will not be joining the Steelers. 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 Joel Haas preview the season opener Saturday vs. West Virginia in Morgantown. Can Drew Allar repeat his sparkling performance against the Mountaineers a year ago? What kind of threat does WVU QB Garrett Greene pose to DC Tom Allen's defense? How can running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen show that they've taken big steps this offseason? How much should we believe coach James Franklin's hype of receivers including Julian Fleming, Harrison "Trey" Wallace, Liam Clifford, Kaden Saunders and others? How important will regional rivalries vs. West Virginia and neighbor Pitt be on the non-conference schedule moving forward? And was athletic director Pat Kraft's extension this week a good long-term move for the school? 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, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the conclusion of the Steelers' preseason. Did coaches Mike Tomlin, Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin answer any of their major questions definitively since the start of training camp? Or do things remain too unsettled with QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, offensive linemen including Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo, receivers behind George Pickens and cornerbacks behind Joey Porter Jr.? In the middle segment, the discuss the Pirates' collapse and the future of management including Ben Cherington and Derek Shelton? Then our duo wraps the show by making predictions for Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia football as they open their seasons on Saturday. 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, Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' meltdown Wednesday vs. the Chicago Cubs, in which they blew a 10-3 lead en route to a 14-10 loss at PNC Park. Is it time to replace David Bednar with Aroldis Chapman at closer? How much would moving on from names including GM Ben Cherington, manager Derek Shelton and hitting coach Andy Haines really help? And why do there seem to be so few easy solutions five years into a full-scale rebuilt? Then later, Jason reacts to some football topics. What can we expect from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields now that Wilson has been named the Steelers' starter at QB? What's the outlook for the offensive line amid Isaac Seumalo's injury? And how much pressure is on Pat Narduzzi and James Franklin at Pitt and Penn State, respectively, this season? 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 ponders the future of manager Derek Shelton, hitting coach Andy Haines and GM Ben Cherington. Should their fates at the end of the season be tied to improving the win total from 76 in 2023? Or if they fall short, is finding out what they have in players like Oneil Cruz in the outfield and Henry Davis behind the plate a reasonable excuse with the club already out of MLB postseason contention? Then later, Jason offers his thoughts on Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke being a leading candidate for the same job at Northwestern. And Steelers GM Omar Khan's roster cuts that got them down to the 53-man roster. 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, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder moves GM Omar Khan may make now that NFL teams have cut down to their initial 53-man rosters. Could he bolster his receiving corps behind George Pickens via trade? Or the addition of a freshly cut free agent like Noah Brown, formerly of the Houston Texans? Is there a need for help in the secondary behind top corners Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson? Or will coach Mike Tomlin press forward with Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush and Beanie Bishop? And could there still be cuts along the defensive line and at tight end to accommodate such moves after Khan initially chose to keep fringe names like Isaiahh Loudermilk and MyCole Pruitt? Our duo tackles those questions and more. 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, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes KDKA-TV sports director and Pittsburgh media legend Bob Pompeani to react to the Steelers' 53-man roster release. Were there any significant or surprising cuts? Why would the Steelers release Quez Watkins and Dez Fitzpatrick when they're already thin at wide receiver? Are they planning on attacking the waiver wire? And what does the roster mean for injured rookies Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson? Plus, Brian and Bob discuss the Steelers' offensive line situation. Will Fautanu be healthy for Week 1 vs. the Falcons? And if he isn't, can Broderick Jones hold his own at right tackle despite a lousy preseason? How will that affect Arthur Smith's offense? Our duo tackles those topics and more. 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 football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is coach Pat Narduzzi making the right move in not yet choosing a starting QB and letting both Eli Holstein and Nate Yarnell play this week vs. Kent State? Why are so many depth chart positions unsettled, including defensive tackle where Nakhi Johnson, Francis Brewu, Anthony Johnson, Nick James and Isaiah Neal are all listed as starters? Will coordinator Kade Bell's offense or Randy Bates' defense start the season faster? And will Bell keep his game plan vanilla this week to save some wrinkles for when the Panthers start facing power conference opponents? 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 gives his thoughts on Heather Lyke's future as Pitt athletic director following the extension for her colleague Pat Kraft at Penn State. How important is it for the Panthers to hold onto Lyke, who's presided over growth for numerous programs including football under Pat Narduzzi and basketball under Jeff Capel? And if she stays, how many more resources does she deserve to keep moving things in the right direction. Later, Jason reacts to the Pirates' blowout loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday night at PNC Park. And questions whether GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton are handling the position change for Oneil Cruz the right way. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin react to Monday's news of the team announcing it will be moving Oneil Cruz from shortstop to center field. Is this a long-term franchise decision, or will Derek Shelton give Cruz a chance again to play at short? Also, how will this affect the team in the short term with the Pirates now eight games out of the NL wild card race? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com. 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 Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap a busy day at the team's South Side practice facility Monday as roster cuts loom. How is Jaylen Warren recovering from his NFL preseason hamstring injury? And will he be ready for Week 1 vs. the Atlanta Falcons? How is the battle to back up Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson at cornerback shaping up between Cory Trice Jr. and Darius Rush? Who has the edge at slot corner between Beanie Bishop and Thomas Graham Jr.? How many of receivers Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins and Dez Fitzpatrick will make the 53-man roster? How is Roman Wilson's ankle injury coming along? And how will coach Mike Tomlin decide to handle his fringe defensive linemen including Isiahh Loudermilk and Logan Lee? Our duo tackles those questions and more. 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 the Pirates' series victory against the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend. He also analyzes the team's catching situation. How important is it for GM Ben Cherington to learn what he has in Henry Davis? Has Yasmani Grandal started to live up to his contract after his walk-off Sunday? Is this Joey Bart's position to lose going into 2025? Then later, Jason gives his thoughts on the Steelers' preseason finale vs. the Detroit Lions. Is it time to feel better about the first-team offense after Justin Fields and Russell Wilson got better results at QB? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss the team's rotation plans for the remainder of the season. Will GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton shut ace rookie Paul Skenes down with the team probably out of the MLB postseason race? Or will they simply slow his workload? What is the plan for fellow rookie Jared Jones? or fellow rotation members Mitch Keller, Bailey Falter and Luis Ortiz? And what is the plan for former first-round pick Henry Davis between now and the end of the year? Our duo tackles those questions and more. 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, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to put a wrap on the team's preseason. Russell Wilson has retained the No. 2 QB job, but how much ground has Justin Fields made up since the start of training camp? What are Ray's expectations for the cornerback room as the 53-man roster cut nears? Could Beanie Bishop be on the bubble for a spot? Who will man the slot corner spot until Cam Sutton's return from suspension? Will GM Omar Khan make any roster moves as teams around the NFL also cut players this week? And why should fans be encouraged by rookie Zach Frazier's performance in the preseason finale Saturday against the Detroit Lions? Our duo tackles those questions and more. 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, Christopher Carter and Brian Batko look ahead to the Steelers' preseason finale against the Lions as the quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields reaches its conclusion. Would Fields give the offense a higher ceiling, or should the Steelers rely on the steady hand of Wilson? Plus, what position battles are most important in Saturday's contest? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Friday's episode of First 10, Jason Mackey takes a look at Kyle Dubas' stunning trade for prospect Rutger McGroarty, sending Brayden Yager out of town. Could McGroarty be an answer to what has ailed Mike Sullivan and company lately? Plus, a look ahead to the Steelers' final preseason game against the Lions and what Broderick Jones, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and others have to show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.