Steelers Afternoon Drive

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's new head coach Mike McCarthy and whether he'll be more aggressive when it comes to things like time management and fourth-down decision-making than his predecessor, Mike Tomlin. Bradley Locker of PFF broke down the best, worst, most and least-aggressive teams on fourth downs, and it turns out that he might end up being more similar to Tomlin than you'd think. 

Alan breaks it dow...

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the NFL not holding a supplemental draft, which would have allowed QB Brendan Sosby to be selected by an NFL team, the Geno Smith domestic situation and how it could impact the Steelers and who will play a lot during the 2026 preseason. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the 2027 NFL Draft, and what the Steelers need -- and what players there are to watch -- beyond the bumper crop of quarterbacks that is projected to be available next April. Safety, slot cornerback, linebacker and defensive tackle are all positions that Omar Khan and Andy Weidl could have their charges keeping an eye on when the 2026 college football season kicks off in August.

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss if Aaron Rodgers can be better in 2026 and where he ranks in NFL QB hierarchy. We then discuss what battles will be most spirited at training camp, what QBs are the best fit for Mike McCarthy's offense and how to handle the ILB room going forward. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's ongoing World Cup, which showcases the potential for the massive amount of revenue that the NFL could make if it could ever make even a fraction of the same type of international impact that soccer has -- and that's why the league is going to be relentless about continuing to push those opportunities.

Alan breaks it down:

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Derrick Bell and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss if Brendan Sorsby should be on the team's radar, what to make of Jack Sawyer slimming down, if Derrick Harmon can take the next step as a pass rusher, where to place blame on the team's run defense woes, where this CB group ranks compared to ones of the past and what would make 2026 a success regardless of wins/losses? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Brendan Howe and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the main storylines to watch this summer, if the team could still add to the roster, best places to hit in Pittsburgh and the big "fan-goggle" narratives we see being created. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the value of a kick returner in the modern NFL. Rule changes have made the kick return into a play that happens a lot more than it used to, but is there value tied up in the kick returner position, and were the Steelers smart to invest a fourth-round pick in Kaden Wetjen?

Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the idea of punting on an entire draft class, if the outlook of the 53-man roster highlights the missteps of the NFL Draft and making as many selections as the team did, if the game day rosters should be expanded and if inactive players should be done away with, if there's a chance Drew Allar will play this season and much more.

Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the 53-man roster battles for the team this summer, with difficult cuts at nearly every position looming as the team gets ready for training camp.

Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the team bringing Jacoby Windom back, if Brendan Sorsby should be on the team's radar, what to do if the team creates a logjam at QB with Will Howard, Drew Allar and a 2027 first-round pick and who we believe should be in the 2026 Hall of Honor class for the team. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the latest in the ongoing saga of Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who is now applying to join the NFL via the supplemental draft this summer. Why the latest turn and will the Steelers be interested?

Alan breaks it down:

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Welcome to the Steelers Afternoon Drive, our new daily podcast featuring all the latest Steelers news and analysis. Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the team signing WR Levi Wentz and releasing LB Daylan Carnell and P Aidan Laros in the process. We then discuss the idea of moving Alex Highsmith for a 2027 second-round pick. What is the next big trend that will come into play in the NFL? We discuss. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this! Check out the show on our YouTube page...

Welcome to the Steelers Afternoon Drive, our new daily podcast featuring all the latest Steelers news and analysis.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers.

On today's episode, Steelers Now reporter Brendan Howe fills in for Smitty. The guys turned the page from spring football to take a look at what they're looking forward to when it comes to training camp, the next item on the team's calendar. They also had some fun with the World Cup.

Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it’s the idea that the Steelers could use a franchise tag on cornerback Joey Porter Jr. if contract talks between he and the team do not progress. Porter is set to enter the final season of his rookie contract, with general manager Omar Khan already having extended two of Porter’s draft-mates, the star cornerback is likely near the top of the list for a cont...

Welcome to the Steelers Afternoon Drive, our new daily podcast featuring all the latest Steelers news and analysis.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers.

On today's episode, Noah Strackbein of All Steelers Talk and Sports Illustrated fills in for Smitty. The guys discussed the last practice of OTAs and what we've learned about the 2026 Steelers over the four weeks of spring ball.

Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers.

On today's episode, Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Locked On Steelers fills in for Smitty. The guys discussed the role for Darnell Washington in Mike McCarthy's offense after his big contract extension, the future of Acrisure Stadium, Baker Mayfield and more.

Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the Steelers plans for scouting the 2027 NFL Draft, which will be finalized next month. This time last year, it was clear that general manager Omar Khan was going to direct his staff toward prioritizing the quarterback position in the 2026 NFL Draft.

It's not quite as clear this time around, but if the Steelers aren't looking hard at quarterbacks, what will they be seek...

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss how the rookie class has looked during OTAs and minicamp, how the young nucleus will be the driving force in telling the story of the future success of the team, the team bringing in another punter to potentially add some competition and much more. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the start of the final week of OTAs, were the battle lines will begin to be drawn when it comes to the final spots on the team's 53-man roster. While no spots will be decided until the pads come on at training camp, the rookie-heavy final week of spring practice will got a long way to determining who the battles will involve.

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss how media access works and how the limitations and rules work. We also discuss why Drew Allar has yet to sign his rookie deal. How unique the 2023 draft class is in regard to players from the class earning second contracts from the team and how improved the team is from last year, compared to the rest of the division and hierarchy. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's a judge in Texas reinstating eligibility for Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby for the 2026 college football season, despite him admitting to gambling on games his team, then Indiana, played in. Sorsby will now not enter the supplemental draft, and will instead be part of the quarterback-laden 2027 NFL Draft class, unless the NCAA quickly wins an appeal.

Alan breaks it down:

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, Brendan Howe joins us to discuss if we are buying what the Steelers are selling in regard to Alex Highsmith, the biggest winners and losers from the coaching staff changes, how things are going at this portion of the calendar for Dylan Cook and Kaleb Johnson, the Bears move to Indiana and much more. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's whether or not the Steelers are on the right path or the wrong path when it comes to making all kinds of contract extensions this season.

Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the team giving Darnell Washington a four-year $42 million extension, with $21 million of that guaranteed. What does it mean for the offense moving forward? We then discuss the team adding TE Robert Tonyan and LB Jamin Davis on one-year contracts to compete at training camp. Could either make the roster? Former Steelers QB Russell Wilson retired, and we discuss his impact on the team and city, after just one season here. Is TJ Watt being underrated at this point? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon...

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the new contract Steelers general manager Omar Khan handed out to tight end Darnell Washington on Wednesday, making the big man the 12th-highest-paid tight end in the NFL, despite being primarily a blocker. 

Good move? Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we wrap up the team's minicamp. What do we make of TJ Watt saying his stubbornness is the reason we haven't seen him rush much other than over the RT? Alex Highsmith was absent with an illness per the team, after several questions were raised about him not being in attendance. Could Keeanu Benton be the next guy in line for an extension? What do we make of the pressure vs sack conversation? What about impact plays as a whole? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon...

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.Today, it's the new contract handed out to edge rusher Nick Herbig, what it means for fellow outside linebackers Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, and whether that means a trade is now inevitable.Alan breaks it down:#steelers #herewego #nfl CONNECT WITH STEELERS NOW: Steelers Now: https://steelersnow.com SN on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pghsteelersnow SN on FB: https://facebook.com/steelersnow SN on Insta: https...

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the Steelers giving EDGE rusher Nick Herbig a four-year $100M contract extension. What does this mean, if anything for the futures of TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith? How will the team use Nick Herbig in 2026 that could be different from his role up to this point? Does there have to be an odd man out this season? We also discuss the team signing Darnell Savage, what went down at mandatory minicamp and much more. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all...

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the first day of the team's mandatory minicamp for 2026, and big questions like will Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig report, will they practice if they report, and how will Jalen Ramsey fit into the defense will be answered this week.

Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the Cleveland Browns trading star EDGE rusher Myles Garrett to the LA Rams for Jared Verse, a first-round pick, a second-round pick and a third-round pick. What are the impacts on the Steelers by this, and should we have remorse about not moving TJ Watt? We then discuss the deal that sent AJ Brown to the New England Patriots and how it impacts the AFC. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss what battles we are seeing take shape. From Mason Rudolph and Will Howard battling for QB2 to Roman Wilson trying to hold off Germie Bernard to two open spots on the right side of the offensive line, how will these play out? We then discuss the team dismissing Derius Swinton II from the coaching staff, the changes to cutdown day and much more. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss what Alan learned at OTAs. Jaylen Warren cut some weight. Were plans within the RB workload revealed by that? How do we see things playing out up and down the depth chart within that group? How big is the addition of Sebastian Joseph Day for Yahya Black and Keannu Benton? Why is there such a break in QB development these days from level to level? is the future coach of the team currently on the staff? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and...

Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's Mike McCarthy's quarterback school, what it means and what it doesn't mean for the team's development of young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar.

Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss what Alan learned when speaking to a lot of the coaches for the first time. What did Domato Peko have to say about being on the other side of the Steelers-Bengals rivalry? What did Tom Arth have to say about Will Howard? How excited are Joe Whitt Jr. and Jason Simmons to work with Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey? What did Adam Henry have to say about Aaron Rodgers' role in coaching WRs? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all...

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss Dean Lowry being brought back into the fold, the latest surrounding Brendan Sorsby, if the Steelers should consider moving forward with Darnell Washington and in the process trading Pat Freiermuth and much more. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's the idea of whether the Steelers are just a quarterback away from being a future Super Bowl contender. Aaron Rodgers is here for the 2026 season, but has announced it will be his last. Is his replacement the only piece the Steelers need to solidify themselves as contenders for the future?

Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss Alan's trip to the Naval Academy graduation and the experience. We then dive into what the defense will look like under Patrick Graham, the issues with mobile quarterbacks, what will be different from a secondary perspective and much more. How does Roman Wilson fit into a much more crowded wide receiver room? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League.

Today, it's graduation day for the midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy, including Steelers running back and Mt. Lebanon native Eli Heidenreich, who is graduating and being commissioned in the Marine Corps Reserve. Alex Tecza, who was Heidenreich's teammate at Mt. Lebanon and Navy and also had a tryout with the Steelers at rookie minicamp.

Alan breaks it down:

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Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the changes made to training camp practices, if Broderick Jones could kick inside to guard, if the OL alignment is different due to the pass-happy nature of what Mike McCarthy wants to do offensively and much more. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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