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

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko preview the Week 11 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Have coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin made enough adjustments to since the last meeting slow Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and the Bengals passing game? Will personnel moves help? From Jalen Ramsey's move to safety to the additions of Kyle Dugger and Asante Samuel Jr.? And will T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith and the defensive front be able to generate more pressure? Our duo tackles those questions. Then ponders whether the Bengals are the perfect opponent for QB Aaron Rodgers and pass catchers Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, Calvin Austin III, Jaylen Warren and Roman Wilson to figure things out against offensively. 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 beat writers Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley react to Paul Skenes winning the National League Cy Young award this week, alongside American League winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. This show is presented by FanDuel. They address not just why Skenes was the obvious choice despite the Pirates' poor season overall; Skenes' comments about his desire to win in Pittsburgh alongside manager Don Kelly and teammates including Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Mitch Keller and others; and Skenes' and GM Ben Cherington's dismissal of trade rumors this week that suggested Skenes wants to be dealt to the New York Yankees. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt basketball insiders Abby Schnable and Stephen Thompson react to the Panthers' Backyard Brawl defeat in the Backyard Brawl against West Virginia. This show is presented by FanDuel. What went wrong for Brandin Cummings, Demarco Minor, Omari Witherspoon, Cam Corhen, Papa Kante and coach Jeff Capel's team on the road? Why weren't they able to stop Mountaineers star Harlan Obioha? And what are the implications of this loss for the rest of the non-conference schedule? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to assess the Steelers' use of their running game. Should they be feeding the ball to Jaylen Warren more as one of their most consistent options on offense? What about reserves Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson? Could Arthur Smith be doing a better job of play calling with his running game to avoid predictable outcomes? And how does the growth of Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu and the offensive line factor into the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders what's at stake in the NFL Week 11 rematch with the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. Could Mike Tomlin's job finally be in trouble if his team loses to the Bengals -- sans Joe Burrow -- for a second time in 2025? What are the playoff chances for this team if it drops this game? And how does this season's playoff scenario compare to those of the past couple of years 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 Thompsn and Abby Schnable break down what Panthers fans can expect from ESPN's "College GameDay" as it returns to the North Shore for the game against Notre Dame Saturday at Acrisure Stadium. Where will the show be? And what does its cast, led by Rece Davis, Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit have planned for the big day? Later, our duo looks ahead to the matchup itself with major implications for coach Pat Narduzzi, RB Desmond Reid, QB Mason Heintschel and star linebackers Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles. With a specific focus on Notre Dame stars to watching including Jeremiyah Love, CJ Carr, Leonard Moore, Drayk Brown, Tae Johnson and Adon Shuler. Then Abby and Stephen finish the show by previewing the basketball Backyard Brawl on Thursday against West Virginia. 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 welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to preview Pitt football's ranked showdown against Notre Dame at Acrisure Stadium. This show is presented by FanDuel. Do the Panthers need a win to generate buzz in the city? More than they need it for their ACC and College Football Playoff chances, as coach Pat Narduzzi alluded to this week? Do Desmond Reid, Rasheem Biles, Kyle Louis and Co. deserve better than double-digit underdog status? Could QB Mason Heintschel become a hot commodity on the transfer market this offseason if he's able to lead an upset? And how do the Pitt linebackers match up with Jeremiyah Love and the Fighting Irish running game? Our duo tackles those questions and previews the Pitt-West Virginia Backyard Brawl rivalry game in basketball as well. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Cincinnati Enquirer Bengals insider Kelsey Conway to preview the teams' NFL Week 11 matchup. Does the struggling Bengals secondary offer a prime chance for QB Arron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman WIlso, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jonnu Smith and the passing game a prime opportunity to get back on track? Who will be better in Round 2 of the QB matchup between Rodgers and Joe Flacco, both in their 40s now? And doe Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay and -- possibly -- new face Asante Samuel Jr. have any chance of slowing down J'aMarr Chase and Tee Higgins? Our duo tackles those topics as well as the NFL draft stock of Cincinnati Bearcats QB Brendan Sorsby. 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 evaluates the Steelers' coaching staff amid the team's recent funk of three losses in the past four games. Does coach Mike Tomlin deserve the most criticism for the team's performance? Or some credit for the defense's recent turnaround? What is OC Arthur Smith's level of blame as his unit has regressed? With stars Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf suffering the biggest dips in performance? And where does DC Teryl Austin fit into the equation? With T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and the pass rush surging. But Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and others creating questions in the secondary? 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 report from the team's practice facility ahead of an NFL Week 11 matchup with the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. What did we learn from Asante Samuel's first practice with the team Wednesday? Does the free agent signing have a chance to play Sunday? And if so, what role would he have in a depleted secondary alongside names like Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Brandin Echols and James Pierre with Darius Slay and DeShon Elliott out injured? Could Marquez Valdes-Scantling make his Steelers debut? And what should we make of Will Howard returning to the active roster at QB behind Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard? 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, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado react to the loss against Indiana and look ahead to s matchup with Michigan State this week. Did coach Terry Smith and QB Ethan Grunkemeyer reveal the problem with former coach James Franklin's program culture in declaring a moral victory against the Hoosiers? And calling out critics of the team's effort level in defeat? Should a team with Penn State's talent level not be expected to beat --- or at least compete closely -- with a roster like Indiana's? Even when the Hoosiers are ranked No. 2 in the country? And where will coach Curt Cignetti, QB Fernando Mendoza and Indiana go from here? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Can Kaytron Allen, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Nick Singleton and Penn State's other standouts still lift this team to a bowl game appearance? And does Texas A&M coach Mike Elko become a more viable candidate for Penn State by the week, as his team keeps winning without Elko receiving a contract extension? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Serving Up Pitt volleyball podcast, Post-Gazette insider Abby Schnable and for Panthers standout Cat Flood recap the weekend victory against Virginia and look ahead to a crucial matchup against No. 5 Stanford this week. What did we learn about settle Haiti Tautua after she stepped up against the Cavaliers? Why will serving/receiving plus blocking be huge factors for coach Dan Fisher's team against the Cardinal? Will National Player of the Year semifinalists Olivia Babcock or Elia Rubin shine brighter for Pitt and Stanford, respectively? And how could the outcome factor into their individual award battle? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to analyze the team's struggling pass catcher group. Was Calvin Austin III's poor performance in NFL Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers the latest sign that he's not a suitable No. 2 at wide receiver next to DK Metcalf? Does Roman Wilson deserve more snaps in his place as he's found some momentum with QB Aaron Rodgers in recent weeks? Does he have a higher ceiling than Austin does? And what solutions does Chris have in mind for Metcalf? Our duo tackles those questions, then talks tight ends. Why isn't OC Arthur Smith using Jonnu Smith as more of a downfield threat? Will we ever see anything approaching the guy who caught nearly 90 passes a year ago with the Miami Dolphins? Why does Rodgers seem to like throwing to Darnell Washington so much? And where is the happy medium for Pat Freiermuth between the sky-high expectations have for him and his limited role in some games? 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 news that the Steelers are signing free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to their practice squad. What can the veteran bring to the struggling secondary? Will he fit well alongside names like Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols and James Pierre? Will his coverage help names like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig generate more pressure on QBs up front? Can Samuel help coach Mike Tomlin's defense stop tough passing threats, beginning this week with an NFL Week 11 rematch against the Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals? And does this move make up for GM Omar Khan's lack of action at the NFL trade deadline? Paul tackles those questions and more on the offensive side, where Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and others are looking for more success. 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 Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to the Pitt basketball team's victory against Eastern Washington and look ahead to the Backyard Brawl rivalry game with West Virginia later this week. This show is presented by FanDuel. What did coach Jeff Capel's Panthers show in winning without star Brandin Cummings? Did Omari Witherspoon and Barry Dunning Jr. prove that they can be contributors amid their increased opportunities? And what should we make of Cam Corhen's strong start to the season? Has he made enough improvements to take the next step? Or does he still need to display consistency? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley break down GM Ben Cherington's options in left field this offseason. Should he consider making moves for veterans including Taylor Ward, Jo Adell, Mike Yastrzemski and Brandon Lowe? Or should they stick to internal options? Who are the top candidates to fill the bench coach role on manager Don Kelly's coaching staff? And when will we see prospects like Termarr Johnson, Konnor Griffin and Edward Florentino in the offensive lineup? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from coach Mike Tomlin's news conference at the team's South Side facility ahead of an NFL Week 11 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Could Isaac Seumalo return to the lineup this week amid his injury? Will OC Arthur Smith focus on Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and the running game more amid struggles in the passing game? Has Roman Wilson earned more opportunity with DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin struggling to make magic with QB Aaron Rodgers? When will tight ends like Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith get more involved in the offense? And how is Tomlin assessing his re-made safety group of Kyle Dugger and Jalen Ramsey? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo analyze receiver DK Metcalf's lack of production in recent weeks. Who's to blame for the talented receiver's struggles? Are there things the player himself could be doing better? Is QB Aaron Rodgers the problem? Or is OC Arthur Smith just not calling enough for Metcalf as he juggles other targets including Calvin Austin III, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jonnu Smith and Roman Wilson? Then later, the guys ponder the state of the secondary as it prepares for an NFL Week 11 rematch with Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals. Will CB Darius Slay be available? If not, can James Pierre and Brandin Echols step up next to Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr.? And what adjustments can coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin make to avoid a dominant performance by Chase like we saw in the last meeting? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt football insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable react to coach Pat Narduzzi's news conference ahead of a ranked matchup with Notre Dame at Acrisure Stadium. This show is presented by FanDuel. What did Narduzzi mean when he said the game isn't a "must-win" for his team led by Desmond Reid, Mason Heintschel, Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles? Was it an odd comment for him to make with the national spotlight on his program this week? Or is it an accurate reflection of Pitt's contender status in the ACC title race? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders whether Pitt is the best team in the conference after weekend upset losses for top competitors including Louisville and Virginia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's the most wonderful time of year. No, it's not Christmas. It's the WPIAL football championships, with finals in Class 4A and Class 6A slated for Saturday at Pine-Richland. After analyzing the ramifications of the PIAA biennial realignment on football conferences, our Post-Gazette High School insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White delve into the matchups as McKeesport and running back Kemon Spell, who have been to the finals each of the last two years, hope to avenge a 2023 finals loss to the Quips, who have been bolstered by the return of quarterback Marques Council. In the Class 6A final, familiar foes meet as defending champion Central Catholic once again squares off with North Allegheny. They then look deeply at the Friday slate of eight semifinal matchups in Class 1A, Class 2A, Class 3A and Class 5A, featuring rematches from the regular season from Western Hills Conference foes Avonworth-North Catholic and Peters Township-Upper St. Clair from the Allegheny Six. As a bonus, they look at the PIAA Class 1A game featuring Westinghouse and District 5 champion Meyersdale 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 insider Christopher Carter welcomes enterprise reporter Noah Hiles to sort through the team's NFL Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Is 41-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers hitting a wall after his rough performance? Or did he just have a bad night? And what does he need to do to be more productive with his pass catchers. DK Metcalf in particular after his own quiet night. But also depth options including Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith? Our duo tackles those topics, then talks defense. Are the changes coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin have made in the past couple of weeks working? From shifting Jalen Ramsey to safety to deploying James Pierre more at corner alongside Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay and Brandin Echols? And will T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig have more answers with a rematch against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals looming in Week 11? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.