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

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, the Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Christopher Carter preview OTAs for the team, which begin next week at its South Side facility for the first time under new coach Mike McCarthy.

What will the QB dynamic be with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph joining Drew Allar after his time in the spotlight for rookie minicamp? Especially with the Aaron Rodgers situation looming in the background? What will we see from new receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard as they start...

In his weekly Pirates mailbag video, Post-Gazette insider Colin Beazley answers reader questions. Among them: Will GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly consider promoting Endy Rodriguez if he continues to hit in the minors? Especially with Henry Davis and Joey Bart struggling at the plate? Would Jhostynxon García be the first to get a call if an injury takes Ryan O'Hean, Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and/or Jake Mangum out of the outfield mix? Could Konnor Griffin regularly hit second against lefties as he did this week? And what are the chances former top pick Seth Hernandez m...

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edger Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Brian Batko react to the news of the Steelers being scheduled for a game against the New Orleans Saints in Paris next season and the release of cornerback Cory Trice Jr.

Why were the Steelers picked to play overseas for a second straight season? What does it say about the brand recognition the team has? Is this another opportunity for the team to plant its flag in an international market? How were last season's festivities at...

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley and columnist Noah Hiles break down the team's bullpen struggles and which pitchers' stock is rising and whose is falling. This show is presented by FanDuel.

Which pitchers have been solid out of the 'pen? How can manager Don Kelly continue to maximize his three lefties — Gregory Soto, Mason Montgomery and Evan Sisk? How can they help get Dennis Santana back to where he needs to be? And what options do they have in middle relief after some of the struggles of Justin Lawrence and others? Our duo tackles those topics and mo...

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edger Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo break down the weekend's rookie minicamp.

Where do NFL Draft picks Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker fit along the Steelers' offensive line? Will new offensive line coach James Campen need to do some reshuffling with names like Troy Fautanu? And where does this leave Broderick Jones? What did our guys see from other draft picks like Germie Bernard, Daylen Everette and Eli Heidenreich? Our duo tackles those topics and more, then...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's rookie minicamp, where NFL draft selections including Max Iheanachor, Germie Bernard, Drew Allar, Gennings Dunker and Daylen Everette made their first appearances in uniform.

How did Allar look as he looks to compete with last year's rookie QB, Will Howard? How will Bernard fill out the receiving corps next to DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson? And what impressions did Iheanachor and Dunker make as they look to find playing time next to established veterans Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier on...

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the news that Aaron Rodgers is expected to be in Pittsburgh this weekend to possibly sign with the team for the 2026 season.

Was Rodgers' return as inevitable as it has seemed at times? Or have GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy had doubts that Rodgers may retire or sign with another team? How excited will Rodgers be to work with new receiving options like Germie Bernard and...

On his weekly mailbag show, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley answers reader questions. Among them: How aggressively should we expect GM Ben Cherington to promote top draft choice Seth Hernandez through the minor leagues? How should manager Don Kelly juggle outfield and DH duties for Bryan Reynolds, Marcell Ozuna, Oneil Cruz and Ryan O'Hearn to limit defensive gaffes as much as possible? Why has Joey Bart caught for Bubba Chandler lately? And could Jared Jones be the sixth man in the rotation when he returns from injury? Colin tackles those questions and more. This show is presented by FanDuel.<...

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edger Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner and guest Christopher Carter ponder lessons the Steelers can learn from past competitions between young QBs.

They reference colleague Ray Fittipaldo's story in which he looked back on battles between Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn with the packers; Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III with the Commanders; and Brock Purdy and Trey Lance with the 49ers. Can Drew Allar and/or Will Howard replicate the success Flynn, Cousins and Purdy had as later round QBs? Does Howard...

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko break down the team's offensive line after the news that Broderick Jones didn't have his fifth-year option picked up.

What does this decision mean for Jones' future with the team? What does it signal about Jones' neck injury? Does the Max Iheanachor pick in the first round of the NFL Draft make more sense now? And how should coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan build their offensive line now? Our duo tackles those topics and...

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former league executive Andrew Brandt to react to a busy week of NFL draft news from a local perspective.

What should fans make of GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy missing out on primary target Makai Lemon before settling for Max Iheanachor in the first round? How does he see the future of the QB position with Aaron Rodgers' 2026 status still uncertain and Drew Allar, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph waiting in the wings? And what are Andrew's thoughts on...

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison and sports columnist Noah Hiles break down the team's season-ending Game 6 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers from Xfinity Mobile Arena and look at where the team goes from here. This show is presented by FanDuel.

Why didn't the Penguins emerge victorious in a game when they played well? Did Arturs Silovs cement himself as the Penguins' goalie of the future? Were they undone by resting key players down the stretch? Would the series have turned out differently if they played like that the whole time? And what is next for the team's...

On the Wednesday edition 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 receiving options following the NFL draft.

Does the selection of Germie Bernard, following the trade for Michael Pittman Jr., make GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy's team good at the position relative to the rest of the NFL? Or does the unit led by DK Metcalf still lag behind? How well will this group be able to work with young QBs Drew Allar and Will Howard...

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison and sports columnist Noah Hiles break down the team's Game 5 win over the Philadelphia Flyers and wonder if a reverse sweep might actually be a possibility. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What has changed between the Penguins' first three losses and their two subsequent wins? Are they just now finding their feet after resting through the final few games of the regular season? Is Sidney Crosby taking over this series despite being banged up? And what are the keys to a Game 6 win back in Philly? Our duo tackles those topics...

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley recaps a busy week for the club on the road, plus a frustrating home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.

Is there any reason for manager Don Kelly to worry about Dennis Santana after his blown save? Or do the numbers suggest it might have just been a bad night? Should GM Ben Cherington consider sending young shortstop Konnor Griffin to the minors amid his early career struggles? How much credit does Kelly deserve for his recent gameplans? And what should the team do with catchers Joey Bart and Henry...

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's selection of Penn State QB Drew Allar in the third round of the NFL draft.

Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy signal intent to use Allar as a starter by visiting with him both at the NFL combine and in Pittsburgh before selecting him at No. 76 overall with the first of three third-round picks? Or is he destined to be a career backup behind Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph...

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise gives his thoughts on the team's quarterback situation after GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy selected Penn State's Drew Allar at that position in the third round of the NFL draft.

What's next for Will Howard and Mason Rudolph now that Allar has joined them in the QB room for now? Will Aaron Rodgers finally join the roster formally soon? Or will he wait to see how the situation evolves? And which QB may be the odd man out if the Steelers are only able to keep...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' new assistant coaching staff and look at key returner Macari Moore. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What do the additions of assistant coaches Ronald Ramon, Ricardo Greer and Billy Hubly mean for Jeff Capel's program? What will they bring on and off the court? And what about the departure of Gilbert Brown? What do they lose from him? Our duo tackles those topics and more, plus takes a look at returning guard Macari Moore. What will his role be next season, and how will...

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 react to the team's NFL draft picks from over the weekend.

Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy value development over immediate impact in selecting Max Iheanachor, Germie Bernard, Drew Allar, Daylen Everett, Gennings Dunker, Kaden Wetjen, Riley Nowakowski, Gabe Rubio, Robert Spears-Jennings and Eli Heidenreich? And how will they fit within the roster for 2026 around established veterans including DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Jaylen Warren, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward...

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison and sports columnist Noah Hiles break down the Game 4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers and look ahead at who most needs to step up to keep them alive in the Stanley Cup playoffs. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What changed in Game 4 that allowed the Penguins to win their first game of the series? What role did Arturs Silovs play, and should he start Game 5 in place of Stuart Skinner again? Is a comeback possible with two of the three possible remaining games in Pittsburgh? Who has been the Penguins' best...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo break down Day 2 of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

How surprising was GM Omar Khan's selection of Penn State QB Drew Allar in the third round? What does that pick say for the futures of Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph? Did they reach too far to get Allar? How can new coach Mike McCarthy mold Allar into an NFL quarterback? Can second-round WR Germie Bernard out of Alabama help the Steelers offense in 2026? Where will he line up? And what do Georgia CB Daylen Everette and Iowa...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's first night of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, as they selected Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor after the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in and stole Makai Lemon out from under them.

Why was Iheanachor such an unpopular pick? Can the Steelers expect him to produce in his rookie season? Or is he a project? Does it matter that he didn't take a pre-draft visit? What does this say about Broderick Jones' future with the team as he deals with a neck injury from last season? How...

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison welcomes columnist Noah Hiles to analyze the team's 3-0 series hole against the Flyers. Did the officials handle the Game 3 melee properly? How did the Penguins respond? What role did Stuart Skinner play in the team's second-period collapse? And finally, do the Penguins have a chance to make a major comeback? And what does this series say about where the franchise is headed? Does it make it less likely that Evgeni Malkin returns?

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Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise gives his final thoughts on what the Steelers should do in the NFL draft.

Should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy be seeking playmakers at the receiver position in the form of Makai Lemon and Omar Cooper Jr. to play next to DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.? Should their have their eye on offensive linemen, particularly Vega Ioane to replace Isaac Seumalo at guard? Where do quarterbacks including Ty Simpson, Drew Allar, Cole Payton, Taylen Green and Garrett Nussmeier fit into the equation for Paul with...

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 sort through his final first-round NFL mock draft and its implications for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy's team.

Will coveted prospects like Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon and Vega Ioane even be available for selection at No. 21 overall? Or will the Steelers need to trade up to get them? Is Omar Cooper Jr. the likely best bet at No. 21 overall? And why does Chris feel he may be a...

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison welcomes Noah Hiles to discuss the team's disastrous first two games of the Stanley Cup playoffs and wonder whether they have any shot at a comeback against the Philadelphia Flyers. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What has gone wrong for the Penguins, and why didn't they fix it in between Games 1 and 2? Do the Penguins look old, buoyed by stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson? How are the Flyers so much more physical and faster to the puck? What does this series outlook say about the...

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze picks from his final seven-round mock before the 2026 NFL draft begins.

Why did Ray go with receiver Denzel Boston as the first-round pick, despite size that overlaps with what DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. already offer GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy? Is Keylan Rutledge closing a clear second-round value at guard? Does Treydan Stukes offer the versatility the secondary needs alongside Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean? Why...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the pre-draft news conference of GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy. Is Broderick Jones healthier than a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter indicated earlier Monday? Is there still a chance Aaron Rodgers will sign before the NFL draft later this week? Or will Mason Rudolph and Will Howard continue to be the internal signal callers for now? Will Khan make any trades as he holds 12 picks for this draft? If so, why is USC receiver Makai Lemon the name to watch most closely? And are Vega Ioane and...

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 react to news that Broderick Jones has suffered a setback in his injury recovery and may not be ready for training camp or the start of the season.

Could this force GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy to go hunting for a tackle in the NFL draft later this week? Is Dylan Cook a viable alternative if Jones isn't healthy enough? And would first-round options like Kadyn Proctor, Blake Miller, Spencer...

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko recap the introductory news conferences for coach Mike McCarthy's new lieutenants: OC Brian Angelichio, DC Patrick Graham and STC Danny Crossman.

How will Angelichio handle the uncertainty at QB with Aaron Rodgers still yet to sign and Will Howard and Mason Rudolph under contract? How will he juggle duties with McCarthy calling the plays? And what are his plan for a unit that includes known quantities like Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth in addition to a young offensive line built around Mason...

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable break down the Panthers' latest transfer portal additions and ponder whether the near-total roster overhaul can actually be a blessing for Jeff Capel's squad. This show is presented by FanDuel.

In this day and age of college basketball, could it actually be a blessing in disguise that Capel's squad will be entirely rebuilt for next season? Are there examples where a complete roster overhaul has worked for struggling programs? Can Charleston Southern transfer A'lahn Sumler give Pitt what it's been missing for multiple years now — a proven ball handler an...

In his weekly Pirates mailbag video, Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley answers reader questions. This show is presented by FanDuel.

Is it too early to be worried about Konnor Griffin struggling to find his stride since his MLB debut? Has manager Don Kelly simply been unlikely with in-game decisions involving Brandon Lowe, Nick Yorke and Justin Lawrence? And in pulling starters like Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Mitch Keller, Carmen Mlodzinski and Braxton Ashcraft early? And could GM Ben Cherington try to trade with the Texas Rangers for Andrew McCutchen if he continues to be productive?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to sort through the week in NFL mock draft for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy's team.

Is Ty Simpson starting to fade as a favorite choice for experts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Tom Fornelli? Have Vega Ioane and Omar Cooper Jr. begun to emerge as the most common choices with a little less than a week to go before teams make their selections? Are the Steelers serious about projected Day 2 QBs like...

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Pirates' series split with the Washington Nationals this week at PNC Park.

What should we make of Konnor Griffin's inconsistent start to his MLB career? Both at the plate and on defense, where he had an ugly error that cost the team three runs Thursday before redeeming himself with a triple? Can Oneil Cruz make his hot-hitting start last And what would that mean for the offense alongside names like Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn and Bryan Reynolds? And has Marcell Ozuna begun to shake out...

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko is joined by sports editor Adam Bittner to ponder questions for new offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham ahead of their expected introductions Friday. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What will Angelichio's role be within Mike McCarthy's staff if he's not the play caller? What will he have to say about Aaron Rodgers with the QB still yet to sign as the starter ahead of Will Howard and Mason Rudolph? How will he use players like Jaylen Warren and DK Metcalf...

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison welcomes Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports to preview the Penguins-Flyers matchup in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. This show is presented by FanDuel.

What led to the Flyers' turnaround after the Olympic break? How does Porter Martone change the complexion of their team? Will Sidney Crosby carry on his tradition of lighting up the Flyers, one of the Penguins' most hated rivals? King and Charlie tackle those topics, then reveal which way they're leaning as to which team might win the series.

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Post-Gazette Pitt insider Abby Schnable is joined by senior outside hitter Blaire Bayless to talk about the team's spring preparations, new additions and returning players, then Abby answers reader questions. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How have spring practices been going? How are new additions like Jordyn Dailey, Ayanna Watson, Izzy Starck and Jessica Smallwood meshing with the team? How are returners like Olivia Babcock forming an identity around the team? How is Bayless progressing in terms of her play on the court and her leadership off of it? Abby and Blaire tackle those topics and...

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko analyze league-wide trends and why they may influence GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy in selecting a receiver in the first round of the NFL draft.

Is the high statistical "hit rate" of Day 1 receivers simply too much for the team to ignore, despite its history of finding solid receivers like Antonio Brown and George Pickens in the later rounds of the draft? Is that a reason we could expect them...

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the latest Steelers draft visits of the week, with Penn State guard Vega Ioane being the biggest name.

Are GM Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy narrowing their focus on a player who could fill one of the team's biggest needs following the departure of Isaac Seumalo? Or are they simply doing their due diligence? And how would Ioane fit alongside fellow young linemen like Broderick Jones, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu?

Paul tackles those questions, then ponders the visits of Iowa...

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison breaks down the team's Stanley Cup playoffs first-round matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers ahead of Tuesday night's regular season finale. This show is presented by FanDuel.

How do the Penguins and Flyers match up? Is this a good opponent for the Penguins, or were they hoping for someone else? Will this reignite a yearslong rivalry, one of the best in the NHL? And who should start at goalie for the Penguins — Stuart Skinner or Arturs Silovs? King tackles those topics and more.

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