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

In their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Christopher Carter answer reader questions. Among them: Why have coach Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers struggled so much at the QB position since Kenny Pickett left for the Steelers? Who will Narduzzi target as his new offensive coordinator, replacing the fired Frank Cignetti? And what is receiver Tiquan Underwood's future with the program? 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 hockey podcast, Post-Gazette Penguins insiders Andrew Destin and Matt Vensel discuss the team's struggling power play. What tweaks can coach Mike Sullivan make to get a unit highlighted by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin back on track? Does the group need more of the physicality Patric Hornqvist once offered in front of the net? And how has the penalty kill unit gotten back on track after a rough start? 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 Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to break down an NFL Week 12 victory against the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati. Did Kenny Pickett and the offense really show progress in the absence of fired coordinator Matt Canada by moving the ball? Or was the lack of points still a concern for interim coordinator Eddie Faulkner and play caller Mike Sullivan? How much credit does coordinator Teryl Austin deserve for the defense's emerging dominance amid injuries to key players including Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander? And where do the Steelers stand in the AFC North race following a win for the Ravens and loss for the Browns on Sunday? 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 sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' Week 12 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.Did Kenny Pickett show any signs of improvement from his recent poor efforts against Cleveland and Green Bay? How did the offense look overall following the firing of Matt Canada? And how did T.J. Watt and the defense handle a Bengals offense led by Jake Browning, not the injured Joe Burrow?The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes after the conclusion of the game on CBS. A replay of the show will be available immediately after the live show ends. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast brought to you by the Acrisure Fan Advantage, the Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter welcomes Ben Baby of ESPN to preview the Steelers' NFL Week 12 showdown with the Bengals in Cincinnati. What do Steelers fans need to know about Jake Browning as he takes over at quarterback for the injured Joe Burrow? What impact will the firing of Matt Canada have on the game? And could Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offense find its stride against a Bengals defense that has been struggling? 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 brought to you by Mike’s Beer Bar, the Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter and Brian Batko discuss what the realistic expectations should be for the Steelers’ new OC. Do the Steelers have a coordinator hiring problem? What changes should we expect from the playcalling this Sunday against Cincinnati? Our duo those questions and more, plus give their Week 12 Steelers-Bengals predictions.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.

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnists Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze possible candidates to replace the fired Matt Canada as Steelers offensive coordinator. Does Byron Leftwich make sense with his Pittsburgh ties? Could Ken Dorsey make Kenny Pickett better with lessons learned coaching Josh Allen in Buffalo? Could Darrell Bevell or Zach Robinson bring fresh ideas from trendy systems? Or could a veteran like Jim Caldwell be the steady hand Pickett needs? Our duo tackles those questions and other changes coach Mike Tomlin should make now that Canada has been let go. Later, Paul and Adam share their thoughts on the college football national championship race. Who's got the edge between Ohio State and Michigan as coaches Ryan Day and Jim Harbaugh face off for possibly the final time? Does Florida State belong in the College Football Playoff without QB Jordan Travis? And could chaos in the final weeks spice up an otherwise fairly chalky season? 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 insider Seth Engle analyze the Nittany Lions' quarterback situation heading into the season finale at Michigan State. Will the injured Drew Allar play at all? If he does, should backup Beau Pribula still get an extended look in the second half? And will Pribula get a chance to pass more frequently if and when he does enter the game?Later, our duo dives into other questions around the program. Are Chop Robinson and Olu Fashanu locks to leave Happy Valley for the NFL draft? Could defensive coordinator Manny Diaz head elsewhere for a head coaching position? And what are Penn State's likely bowl outcomes? Does anywhere other than the Peach Bowl make sense right now? Get insight on 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 presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex to analyze the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Was it a surprise that the team made the change now instead of at the end of the season, given the historical rarity of such moves? Do Kenny Pickett and the offense have any chance at improvement under interim OC Eddie Faulkner and play caller Mike Sullivan? And where do the Steelers fit in the AFC North race with the Ravens, Bengals and Browns following the injuries to Deshaun Watson and Joe Burrow? 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 CBS Sports NFL analyst Charles Davis to analyze the team's passing game in the wake of a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 11. Why can't quarterback Kenny Pickett seem to get receivers including Diontae Johnson and George Pickens involved downfield? What options does coordinator Matt Canada have to try to find a spark? And on the rushing front, does Jaylen Warren have a chance to be the Steelers' backfield star of the future? 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 Steelers insider Brian Batko joins Adam Bittner to react to the team's firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday. Who ultimately made the decision? Was it owner Art Rooney II or coach Mike Tomlin? What impact will the decision have on quarterback Kenny Pickett? What can we expect from reported interim coordinator Eddie Faulkner and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan as the play caller? And what direction should the Steelers go in hiring a new offensive coordinator in 2024? Do names like Pep Hamilton or Jim Caldwell make sense? Our duo tackles all of that and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In their weekly Pitt mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Christopher Carter answer reader questions. Among them, could fired Syracuse coach Dino Babers be an option for Pat Narduzzi and Pitt if they move on from Frank Cignetti Jr. at offensive coordinator? Who are some other OC candidates and is former receivers coach Brennan Marion among them? And who are the basketball team's most important players at the preseason NIT tournament this week in Brooklyn? 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 Penguins podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Matt Vensel and Andrew Destin analyze the team's goalie situation. Is Tristan Jarry still the team's unquestioned No. 1 following his long offseason extension? Or could backup Alex Nedeljkovic push him for playing time coming off a stretch of stellar play, including a 3-0 shutout of the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday evening at PPG Paints Arena? Our duo tackles those topics and more. They also ponder captain Sidney Crosby's hot start to the season and consider the club's depth options amid injuries to defenseman Chad Ruhwedel and forward Vinnie Hinostroza. 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 Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to break down the team's 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 11. Has coach Mike Tomlin lost the locker room, given some of the post-game comments by his players? Is quarterback Kenny Pickett the piece that is holding the offense back most? How much credit should the defense get for keeping the Steelers in the game? 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.

North Shore Drove podcast host Christopher Carter joins Adam Bittner to break down an anemic Steelers loss to the Browns. How much is Kenny Pickett part of the problem? Is there anything the coaching staff can do to right the ship? And is the defense being hurt by the offense's ineptitude? 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 Pitching In podcast, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Jason Mackey is joined by club TV analyst Michael McKenry to discuss hot offseason topics. Among them: How will general manager Ben Cherington replace starter Johan Oviedo in MLB free agency after news of his season-ending injury? Could Cherington choose to non-tender any members of last year's roster before the deadline Friday? What should we make of the club's 40-man roster going into the Rule 5 draft? And should Henry Davis continue to find himself in the Pirates' catching mix? 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 Chris Dell joins host Tony Squares to break down all things Steelers-Browns, as well as top players to start and sit for Week 11 on our new "Steel City Sleepers" podcast and YouTube show.The guys discuss which Steelers and Browns players they're either buying or selling ahead of this Sunday's pivotal AFC North clash. They also dish out their top five sleepers and busts at each position, including top defensive (D/ST) streamers and kickers.Is Jaylen Warren now the clear Steelers RB to own over Najee Harris?Are we benching Pat Freiermuth against a stingy Cleveland Browns defense?And are there any Browns worth buying with Watson out for the year?Visit the Post-Gazette website for Chris' weekly 'Fantasy Favorites Manifesto' flagship column (also printed in our Sunday newspaper) and subscribe to our @PGSportsNow YouTube channel to avoid missing future videos from our reporters, columnists and guests. 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 Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to tackle a range of hot topics around the team. How do T.J. Watt and the defense match up against Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Browns quarterback they'll face this week in place of the injured Deshaun Watson? Should general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin considering bringing in some competition for Kenny Pickett at QB this offseason? And what are Chris and Brian's predictions for the NFL Week 11 matchup this weekend at Cleveland? 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/podcast appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze the Steelers' situation at inside linebacker. Are Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson enough to help the team reach the playoffs amid season-ending injuries to Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb? Or should the Steelers be considering a move to rebuild their depth ahead of their NFL Week 11 matchup with the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium? Our duo tackles those topics, ponders whether some fans and media are overreacting to quarterback Kenny Pickett's underwhelming performance in the win against Green Bay and analyzes where James Franklin and Penn State go from here after losing to Michigan and firing offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. 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 In the Trenches podcast, Pitt football standouts Jake Kradel and Gavin Bartholomew join Post-Gazette insider Noah Hiles to reflect on some memories ahead of Kradel's Senior Night on Thursday against Boston College. They discuss Kradel's favorite road stadiums to play in; beating Clemson on the road to an ACC championship in 2021; and Kradel overcoming injury and earning his starting position back. 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 Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's rookies. Have names like Joey Porter Jr., Broderick Jones and Keeanu Benton secured starting roles for good after limited playing time early on? And what kind of impact could they have the rest of the way? Our duo tackles those topics plus the potential impact of Pat Freiermuth's return from injury and news that Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss the game Sunday against the Steelers and the rest of the season because of shoulder surgery. 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 sports podcast, Post-Gazette insider Seth Engle joins host Adam Bittner to discuss the Nittany Lions' frustrating loss to Michigan on Saturday at Beaver Stadium and the subsequent firing of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich by coach James Franklin. Was it a surprise to see Franklin move on so quickly? Was the move a response to losses in big games or offensive sluggishness the entire season? Could quarterback Drew Allar weigh a transfer without the coach primarily responsible for getting him to Happy Valley? And would backups Beau Pribula and Jaxon Smolik be ready to fill the void if Allar did move on? 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 weekly Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Aaron Schatz, chief analytics officer at FTN, to break down the team's advanced metrics. Do they paint offensive coordinator Matt Canada's unit as a disaster? Or is it more efficient than some might think? How does quarterback Kenny Pickett grade out? And where do the Steelers fit in the AFC North hierarchy? Can they be considered a serious contender by continually winning one-possession games while getting outgained by their opponents? Our duo tackles those topics and more ahead of the Steelers' Week 11 matchup with the Browns on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. 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 sports mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Christopher Carter answer readers questions. Among them: Which of coach Pat Narduzzi's assistants could be out if he shakes up this staff this offseason? Could the Panthers lose numerous players to the NCAA transfer portal because of their bad results this season? Could Phil Jurkovec see playing time this week against Boston College, his former school? And who should start at quarterback? Christian Veilleux or Nate Yarnell? 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 Penguins podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Andrew Destin and Matt Vensel discuss six trends from the team's first 13 games and whether they'll continue moving forward. Can the top core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson and others keep carrying the offense if the depth forwards don't step up? Are the Penguins a good or bad finishing team after going through peaks and valleys of offensive production vs. their expected goal total so far? Is Karlsson starting to take a next step in his offensive game? And is the third line sustainable? 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 Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to break down the team's NFL Week 10 victory against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Has the Steelers' running game found its stride with rookie tackle Broderick Jones in the lineup and backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris playing well? What should we make of Kenny Pickett after yet another tepid performance? And how does the AFC North race look after a big win for the Browns and losses for the Ravens and Bengals this week? 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 columnist Paul Zeise joins Adam Bittner to react to the Steelers' win over the Packers on Sunday. It was another ugly game, but it was also another win. What are our main takeaways as the Steelers move to 6-3? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast brought to you by the Acrisure Fan Advantage, the Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter welcomes ESPN's Rob Demovsky to break down the Steelers' Week 10 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Will T.J. Watt and the Steelers defense be too much for first-year starting QB Jordan Love? Or can the young signal caller pose a threat despite an ordinary start to 2023? Will the Packers defense continue the recent trend of containing star Steelers receiver George Pickens? And who should be favored to win? 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 Pitching In podcast, Post-Gazette insider Jason Mackey and Pirates TV analyst Michael McKenry discuss Ben Cherington's comments at the MLB general manager meetings in Arizona. Specifically, they dive into the club's options as MLB free agency gets underway. Should general manager Ben Cherington be allocating his dollars toward acquiring starting pitcher? Or options at first base? How much should the club be able to rely on its development regime to help fill holes? What are the chances that Andrew McCutchen returns for another season in 2024? And what did we learn about players from the Pirates system in the annual Arizona Fall League? 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 presented by Mike's Beer Bar, Post-Gazette insider Brian Batko joins host Christopher Carter to discuss former Steelers running back Merril Hoge's recent comments about George Pickens. Was it fair for Hoge to call the receiver "immature" for his sideline demeanor and social media conduct in the week since the Steelers beat the Tennessee Titans? What should we make of Pickens' explanation to reporters on Wednesday? And what action should the coaching staff take, if any?Our duo tackles those topics, answers a reader's question about former players like the Raiders' Antonio Piece taking coaching jobs with little coaching experience and previews the NFL Week 10 matchup with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest episode of In The Trenches, Pitt football standouts Gavin Bartholomew and Jake Kradel and Post-Gazette Pitt beat reporter Noah Hiles go over the Panthers' 24-7 loss to Florida State. They then talk a little baseball before previewing the team's upcoming trip to Yankee Stadium to take on Syracuse at a neutral site in the Big Apple. 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' wide receiver corps. Should general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin have considered bringing back former WR Martavis Bryant before he signed with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week? Do the Steelers generally have enough size at the position? And is George Pickens' apparent displeasure with his role and issue? Our duo tackles those topics, offers thoughts on rookie Broderick Jones taking over for Chuks Okorafor at right tackle and breaks down Penn State's top 10 battle against Michigan this Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Do coach James Franklin and the Nittany Lions have a chance? And what role will sign-stealing allegations against coach Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines have on the contest. 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 Shelby Cassesse of 93.7 The Fan and WPXI-TV to discuss hot Steelers topics of the week. Among them: Is coach Mike Tomlin making the right call starting rookie Broderick Jones at right tackle over Chuks Okorafor instead of left over Dan Moore Jr.? What should we make of Tomlin's comments about receiver George Pickens and the dissatisfaction some felt they saw from him at the end of the win Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans? And which remaining games are most important if the Steelers intend to make the playoffs? 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 Penn State podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Nittany Lions insider Seth Engle discuss the hot topics ahead of a pivotal game against Michigan on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Were coach James Franklin's frustrations after this past week's win against Maryland fair? How badly has the Big Ten struggles this season hurt his team in terms of perception? And is the coach possibly letting the pressure get to him a little bit ahead of a huge matchup?Our duo tackles those questions and breaks down the game itself. How does Drew Allar matchup with the Wolverines' J.J. McCarthy? Will the Penn State defense do a better job of slowing Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and the Michigan running game that dominated in last season's showdown? And were the signs of offensive life against Maryland relevant when facing an elite defense like Michigan's? 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 Fox Sports NFC North reporter Carmen Vitali to break down the Week 10 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. How does coach Mike Tomlin keep "baffling" national observers by racking up wins despite the Steelers' poor performance offensively? What do quarterback Kenny Pickett and Packers counterpart Jordan Love have in common as they search for consistency? How far can former Steelers quarterback Josh Dobbs take the Minnesota Vikings as he replaces the injured Kirk Cousins as the starter? And why didn't the Steelers completed their rumored deal for Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson before the NFL trade deadline last week? 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 sports mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Christopher Carter answer reader questions. Among them: Have Jeff Capel and the Pitt basketball team settled on a starting five before their season opener Tuesday against North Carolina A&T at the Petersen Events Center? How much better will Blake Hinson be this season compared to last? Who will the Panthers' most impactful newcomer be? And what our Chris and Noah's record predictions for the squad? 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 Penguins podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Matt Vensel and Andrew Destin analyze the Jeff Carter situation. What are the Penguins' options with the veteran who's tallied zero points in nine games this season and was scratched in the 10-2 win against the San Jose Sharks over the weekend. Could he be traded? Waived and sent to the minor leagues? Continue to take up a roster spot as a consistent healthy? Or will he get another chance to prove his worth? Our duo tackles those questions, ponders defenseman Erik Karlsson's potential to find another gear in his impressive play and discusses goalie Tristan Jarry's improved play of late. 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 to discuss receiver George Pickens' recent lack of production. Is something wrong with Pickens' games? Or are opposing defenses just loading up to stop him and force other Steelers receivers to make plays? And should Pickens' sour demeanor on the sideline concern Steelers fans from a team chemistry perspective? Our duo tackles those topics, analyzes the impact Cam Heyward's return will have on the defense moving forward and ponders what the success of the AFC North division rival Ravens, Bengals and Browns means for the Steelers' playoff hopes. 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 Mike's Beer Bar, Steelers insider Brian Batko joins Christopher Carter to recap another comeback win, this time over the Titans. Is Kenny Pickett simply a winner, or is his fourth-quarter play still a mirage? Plus did Joey Porter Jr. and Broderick Jones lock down starting jobs after their great performances? 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 Chris Dell joins host Tony Squares to break down all things Steelers and fantasy football on our new "Steel City Sleepers" Week 9 fantasy preview show.They also discuss their top five players to start and sit at each position, including top defensive (D/ST) streamers, kickers, sleepers, stashes and busts.Does Tua Tagovailoa belong on fantasy benches against a stingy Chiefs defense in Germany?Will Trey McBride emerge as an elite TE option or become a waiver wire bust in Week 9?And who are the top RB stashes to add now, ahead of the fantasy playoff stretch?Visit our website for Chris' weekly 'Post-Gazette Fantasy Favorites Manifesto' flagship column (also printed in our Sunday newspaper) and subscribe to our @PGSportsNow YouTube channel to avoid missing future videos from our reporters, columnists and guests.For three months of digital access to the Post-Gazette for just 99¢, visit here. 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' Week 9 matchup with the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium.How did quarterback Kenny Pickett look in his return from injury last week against Jacksonville? What about defensive captain Cam Heyward, who’s been injured since week 1? How did the defense cope with the loss of star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick? And how did the offense respond to offensive coordinator Matt Canada calling plays on the sideline instead of in the press box? 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 Pitching In podcast, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Jason Mackey and TV analyst Michael McKenry welcome team radio host Dan Zangrilli to break down the team's offseason. Should general manager Ben Cherington put more focus on starting pitching or first base during MLB free agency? How much could the club's payroll increase? What lessons did we learn from the 2023 World Series, which ended Wednesday with the Texas Rangers beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games? And should 2024 be Andrew McCutchen's last season in the big leagues? Our trio 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 Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Nittany Lions insider Seth Engle break down the offense under coordinator Mike Yurcich. What grade does he deserve this season and over his entire three-year tenure in Happy Valley? Should he be on any kind of hot seat because of ugly performances against Ohio State and Indiana? Or has last year's Rose Bowl victory bought him more time? And how responsible is he for his receivers' struggles this season? Later, our duo breaks down whether Drew Allar or his receivers deserve more blame for the passing game's ineffectiveness; looks ahead to an important game Saturday against Maryland; and discusses whether coach James Franklin took a jab at Pitt's Pat Narduzzi during his weekly news conference Tuesday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's Acrisure Fan Advantage podcast, Locked On Titans expert Tyler Rowland joins Christopher Carter to preview Steelers-Titans on "Thursday Night Football." What can we expect from Titans rookie QB Will Levis in his second career start? And can Kenny Pickett find success against a suspect secondary? And finally, what are our final predictions? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of the Chipped Ham and Football podcast, Steelers insider Brian Batko is joined by Prime Video's Andrew Whitworth to look ahead to Thursday night's game against the Titans. Could the short week actually help the Steelers? And is there any hope for Kenny Pickett and the offense to turn things around in the second half of the 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.

In their weekly Pitt football mailbag video podcast, Post-Gazette Panthers insiders Noah Hiles and Christopher Carter answer reader questions. Among them: Why has running back Rodney Hammond Jr. seen his playing time reduced in recent weeks? Is Christian Veilleux still looking like a potential fixture at quarterback amid a blowout loss this past week at Notre Dame? And is there any chance Michigan State will be interested in coach Pat Narduzzi despite Pitt's ugly season on the field? Our duo tackles those topics, plus Narduzzi's controversial comments after the loss on Saturday in South Bend. 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 brought to you by Mike's Beer Bar, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko break down the loss Sunday to the Jacksonville Jaguars at Acrisure Stadium and look ahead at a quick turnaround to the Thursday Night Football matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9. How will the defense cope with the loss of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who's expected to miss substantial time with a hamstring injury? Does quarterback Kenny Pickett have a chance to play against the Titans? And how did coach Mike Tomlin assess the loss in which Matt Canada's offense struggled mightily once again? 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 sports columnist Paul Zeise joins sports editor Chris Dell as they react live after the Steelers' Week 8 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.Who is to blame for the Steelers' 20-10 loss to the Jaguars: the referees, Matt Canada, Mike Tomlin or someone else?How will the defense be impacted moving forward — and on a short week — without Minkah Fitzpatrick?And do we now have a QB controversy in Pittsburgh following Kenny Pickett's rib injury?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 latest episode of the Pitching In podcast, Michael McKenry and Jason Mackey look at the World Series matchup and wonder: Can the Pirates make a similar jump from 100 losses to title contention? Plus they look ahead to key offseason moves, namely what the team will do with Miguel Andujar and what's on their wish list. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week’s edition of the Acrisure Fan Advantage, ESPN Jaguars beat reporter Michael DiRocco joins Christopher Carter to break down their NFL Week 8 showdown with the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. These two teams share a lot of similarities. Will that lead to a close game? How will Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne attack an opportunistic Steelers defense? And how will former first overall pick Travon Walker attack Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offensive line? 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.