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

Post-Gazette Sports Network: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more
Author: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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Insider coverage of the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, Pitt Panthers and Penn State Nittany Lions from the Post-Gazette sports reporters who know them best.
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On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado ponder the top candidates to replace James Franklin as head coach after he was fired Sunday. Will the ties Matt Rhule, Al Golden or D'Anton Lynn have to the program and Joe Paterno years win out? Could successful head coaches with outsider resumes like Eli Drinkwitz, P.J. Fleck and Curt Cignetti have success in Happy Valley? Should fans want to see Franklin-era legacy hires like Joe Brady and/or Manny Diaz make a return? Or would young coordinators like Brian Hartline and Ohio State or Will Stein at Oregon have the most possible upside? Our duo ponders those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter welcomes NFL analyst Ross Tucker to chart the growth of the offensive line.
Are Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick figuring things out in protection of QB Aaron Rodgers? How much room do they still have to grow as a line? And can they find more chemistry in the running game for backs including Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson within OC Arthur Smith's offense?
Our duo tackles those questions, plus the latest in the AFC North race. Can coach Mike Tomlin and Co. cruise to a division title after yet another loss by the Ravens on Sunday and continued struggles from the Browns and Bengals? Or can Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Baltimore still charge back with some tougher tests awaiting the Steelers after their NFL Week 7 matchup with the Bengals this week? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Steelers practice facility after Tuesday's practice leading up to the team's "Thursday Night Football" matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
What can we expect from the Steelers defense, which went out and got defensive backs like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay Jr. to pair with Joey Porter Jr. and take on guys like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? What does it say about that unit's depth that they may be able to move guys around and use in different matchups and coverages?
What can we expect from Joe Flacco, a player who's very familiar with the Steelers and actually beat Pittsburgh last season as a member of the Indianapolis Colts? Will pass rushers like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig be able to get after him because of his lack of mobility? Or will his still elite arm strength pose a problem? Our duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Jason Mackey return for their first podcast of the MLB offseason talking arbitration decisions looming for GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly. How much are names like Oneil Cruz, Dennis Santana, Joey Bart, Johan Oviedo and Colin Holderman worth to this team? Could any of them, or others like Jack Suwinski, Justin Lawrence, Yohan Ramirez or Dauri Moreta be non-tender candidates? And how does the potential re-signing -- or lack thereof -- of Andrew McCutchen factor into the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this week's Varsity Xtra Podcast, Post-Gazette high school insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White take a look at what Penn State recruits from the WPIAL -- including Fort Cherry's Matt Sieg and McKeesport's Kemon Spell -- might do following James Franklin's firing as coach. They also look back at interim coach Terry Smith's time in the WPIAL as a player and coach.
Later, they tackle some hot topics on the field in Wester Pa. Could Thomas Jefferson or Aliquippa really miss the WPIAL playoffs? Can Fox Chapel's Harran Zureikat break the state record for longest field goal of 64 yards? Trinity's Jonah Williamson and South Allegheny's Drew Cook are this week's "shining stars," and the guys serve up predictions of the top games this week: Montour at Aliquippa; Elizabeth Forward at Southmoreland; South Side at Laurel; North Allegheny at Pine-Richland; Canon-McMillan at Norwin; Central Valley at Hopewell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to analyze the early results from first-round NFL draft pick Derrick Harmon.
Is he proving why he was worthy of being the team's first-round NFL draft pick, even over fellow standout rookies like the Giants' Jaxson Dart? How is his play opening up room for other members of the defense? Including names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen and Keeanu Benton? And how much room does he still have to grow as a rookie within coach Mike Tomlin's defense?
Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the team's situation at wide receiver next to DK Metcalf. Why was Roman Wilson mostly invisible in NFL Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns? Even with Calvin Austin III out of the lineup because of injury? Is it a simple question of matchups and OC Arthur Smith's preference for tight ends like Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith? Or is Wilson falling short in some areas? Why hasn't Scotty Miller been able to make a strong training camp and preseason translate to regular season games? And could Omar Khan make a trade for a receiver to help QB Aaron Rodgers, following a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter on the topic? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference ahead of an NFL Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.
Why did Tomlin call out the Cleveland Browns and GM Andrew Berry so harshly for their trade of Joe Flacco to the AFC North rival Bengals? Are his frustrations with the intradivision trade valid? Or was there merit to the deal for both sides?
Paul gives his thoughts on those questions, plus the win over the Browns in NFL Week 6. Have Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and the offense started to find an identity? Or should we take big numbers against the Browns with a grain of salt? And how sustainable is the pass rush from names like T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Derrick Harmon, Cam Heyward and Jalen Ramsey against superior competition? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the Panthers' upset of Florida State this past week and how it may or may not reframe expectations for coach Pat Narduzzi's team the rest of the season.
Could freshman QB Mason Heintschel and RB Desmond Reid still possibly lead the team to an ACC championship appearance? Or would that be asking too much of them within OC Kade Bell's offense? Is the defensive line in trouble following the loss of Zach Crothers for the season due to injury? Or could names like Blaine Spires and Jaeden Moore provide boosts? And how will Narduzzi manage his backfield with Ja'Kyrian Turner and Juelz Goff in the mix alongside Reid? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo give their thoughts on a rousing victory against the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Specifically, they weigh in on the offense's performance. Have Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Darnell Washington and others shown fans enough to believe in the unit? Or do we still need to be in wait-and-see mode with OC Arthur Smit's group? Later, they ponder the defense's improvements. Was the dominance of rookie QB Dillon Gabriel a product of the opposition? Or are names like Jalen Ramsey, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Patrick Queen and Derrick Harmon beginning to figure things out after a rocky start to the season? Especially in run defense where they shut down rookie running back Quinshon Judkins? Out duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 6 matchup with the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
Was coach Mike Tomlin's defense able to keep its momentum from the Dublin, Ireland win against the Minnesota Vikings going? Were names like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon able to build on a six-sack effort with consistent pressure on Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel? How did the backfield shape up in Jaylen Warren's return from injury? And were Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and others able to have more downfield passing success?
Our duo tackles those questions and more. The stream will begin 10-15 minutes after the game's conclusion on CBS. 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/Daily College Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado react to Penn State's firing of James Franklin as coach after a three-game losing streak vs. Oregon, UCLA and Nothwestern. Was this the right time for athletic director Pat Kraft to make a move? What's the outlook for this team the rest of the season under interim coach Terry Smith? How much is QB Drew Allar to blame? Or is this a case of Franklin and OC Andy Kotelnicki letting their signal caller down? And where do names like Curt Cignetti, Kenny Dillingham, Kalen DeBoer, Will Stein and Matt Rhule belong in the pecking order of potential replacements? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac & Ray Fittipaldo recap an NFL Week 6 victory against the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns at Acirusre Stadium. They explain how Nick Herbig, Jalen Ramsey, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon and others were able to generate so much pressure on Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel; why Patrick Queen and the run defense were able to shut down dangerous rookie RB Quinshon Judkins; and a productive day from Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and the offense, which was able to move the ball both through the air and on the ground for coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' 34-31 win over Florida State on Saturday, with Stephen reporting from Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla.
How were Pat Narduzzi's Panthers able to pull of the upset on the road? What made the contest so "personal" for Desmond Reid, as he put it, and how much of a difference does he make for the Panthers offense? How did true freshman Mason Heintschel perform in a hostile environment, and how was he able to pick himself up after a couple of bad mistakes at the end of the first half? And how were the offensive and defensive lines, which were both shorthanded due to injuries, able to make enough plays for the 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 the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to trades by the Cleveland Browns ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup between the two teams on Sunday.
Do coach Mike Tomlin, GM Omar Khan and Co. deserve credit for being aggressive about wining in 2025? With big moves for names like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith and others this offseason? Especially now that the team has a comfortable lead in the AFC North division? Or is there validity to the Browns' approach of building for the future, with deals this week involving Joe Flacco and Greg Newsome on expiring contracts?
Our duo tackles those questions, then makes game picks and ponders whether Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel is ready to handle the heat from Steelers defensive stars including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Panthers' noon contest on Saturday against No. 25 Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Can true freshman QB Mason Heintschel lead the Panthers to another win, this time against a ranked opponent in a hostile environment? How pivotal of a game is this for Pitt, and what will we learn about them by the time it's over? What Pitt players/matchups should we pay attention to? Stephen and Abby also give the scouting report for the Seminoles and give their picks for the game and keys to win. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's Thursday practice ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.
They give their thoughts on comments by DC Teryl Austin and OC Arthur Smith. Specifically, the ponder whether Austin has unlocked T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon after they tallied six sacks in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. Can those results continue? Or was the big day a one-off? How involved can Austin get inside linebackers like Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson within the rush? And when will we get to see a complete secondary that includes a healthy Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr.?
Our duo tackles those questions and ways Smith is working with Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Darnell Washington. 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 Cleveland.com and Plain-Dealer Browns insider Ashley Bastock to preview the NFL Week 6 matchup with the Steelers.
What's going on with the team at QB following the Joe Flacco trade. Is Dillon Gabriel ready to be the starter for the rest of the season? And how does Shedeur Sanders figure into the mix as coach Kevin Stefanski prepares to match wits with Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers? How will the latest Myles Garrett vs. T.J. Watt matchup unfold? And how has former Steeler Devin Bush been able to find success with an AFC North rival? 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 this episode of their Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, Post-Gazette insider Abby Schnable and former Panthers player Cat Flood take a look at everything surrounding the team after last weekend's wins over Clemson and Georgia Tech.
What can Pitt take away from its victories over the Tigers and Yellow Jackets? Are the Panthers being disrespected at No. 4 in the AVCA rankings, behind Kentucky, a team they've already beaten this season in straight sets? How is the team evolving as the season goes on? How has last season's AVCA Player of the Year Olivia Babcock improved her defense? Plus, Cat shares some of her experiences playing professionally in Peru. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Live around 5 p.m. Eastern, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise weighs in on the Cleveland Browns QB situation ahead of an NFL Week 6 matchup with the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Should T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and the Steelers defense be happy about facing rookie Dillon Gabriel within the AFC North? Or would they have preferred to face Joe Flacco, who was traded to the Bengals this week? And did Browns coach Kevin Stefanski make the right choice in Gabriel over draft classmate Shedeur Sanders?
Paul tackles those questions as well as the Steelers' tight-end usage with Pat Freiermuth seeing limited reps next to Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith. Is it the right move for QB Aaron Rodgers and OC Arthur Smith's unit? Or should he be a big part of the passing game along with names like DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado evaluate the state of the program after a costly upset loss at UCLA.
Is there anything coach James Franklin can do to escape the toxicity surrounding his job? Does his future deserve to be in question given the elevated commitments the Penn State community has made to the program in recent years? Was Jim Knowles the right hire at defensive coordinator? Or would Dani Dennis-Sutton and the defense have been better off with some continuity in the form of a position coach like Anthony Poindexter? And how much belief genuinely exists in the Penn State locker room after Drew Allar's confident statements that the team can still make the College Football Playoff? 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.
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