Join us every week for a look at Pittsburgh sports with a rotating cast of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sportswriters from our home base on North Shore Drive.
On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Christopher Carter talks with Steelers insider Gerry Dulac about Russell Wilson's game plan in the preseason game against the Bills. Why are the Steelers convinced Wilson is the man for the job in Week 1? And has Justin Fields proven to be worthy of his own packages? Plus, what are the chances Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick all start on the offensive line?
In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to weigh Steelers GM Omar Khan's options if he can't complete a trade for San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk. Would Khan be justified to feel content with names like Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller behind George Pickens? Or should he be looking at other options like the Seattle Seahawks' D.K. Metcalf, who played with QB Russell Wilson? Is Roman Wilson still a viable option as a No. 2 this year? And would a return for JuJu Smith-Schuster make any sense after he was cut by the New England Patriots this week? Our duo tackles those questions, then gets into some Pirates talk. Why does Oneil Cruz seem to take so much criticism from fans and media despite being one of the few truly productive players on GM Ben Cherington's roster? Were manager Derek Shelton's comments this week about playing good baseball until this current 10-game losing streak too generous? And is Cherington failing by his own criteria after his farm system was rated poorly this week?
On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Daily Collegian/Post-Gazette insider Joel Haas ponder freshmen breakout candidates for coach James Franklin and the Nittany Lions in 2024. Can offensive linemen Cooper Cousins maintain his spring momentum and earn a starting spot? Can five-star prospect Luke Reynolds emerge in a tight end room that includes respected veterans Tyler Warren and Khalil Dinkins? How does Max Granville fit in behind names like Dani Dennis-Sutton and Abdul Carter at the EDGE spots? Can Tyseer Denmark find reps behind the likes of Julian Fleming, Trey Wallace and Liam Clifford? And can Quinton Martin see the field even with stars Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen ahead of him at running back? Our duo tackles those questions, Penn State's No. 8 ranking in the AP poll this week and a sizeable donation toward Beaver Stadium renovations.
Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks with reporters after Steelers training camp practice Wednesday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. He explains how he's feeling as he continues to work his way back from a calf injury and take over No. 1 reps from backup Justin Fields; his expectations of joint practices and an NFL preseason game with the Buffalo Bills this week; his growing relationships with coaches and teammates including Mike Tomlin and Cam Heyward; the opportunities new OC Arthur Smith's offense creates for receivers including top option George Pickens; and the growth of offensive linemen including Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick.
On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes insider Brian Batko to break down the latest developments in the QB battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at Steelers training camp. Is Wilson's light workload in Latrobe strange, even despite the injury? Has Fields become a legit threat to win the starting role? Or are GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin simply trying to evaluate Fields' potential future with the team beyond 2024? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Including: Are rookies such as Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson, Mason McCormick and Beanie Bishop being given more opportunities to climb the depth chart than past classes of first-year players? And how is the secondary coming together with DBs including Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr. and Cam Sutton searching for roles alongside more established starters including Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott and Minkah Fitzpatrick?
Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo talk after Monday's training camp practice about Arthur Smith's offense. Even though Smith is known more as a run-first guy, what can we learn from how aggressive the Steelers were throwing the ball on Friday against the Texans? How are Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers coaching staff evaluating Justin Fields and, to a lesser extent, Russell Wilson? And how can Cordarrelle Patterson, fresh off the injury list, unlock more potential in the Steelers offense? Our duo discusses those topics and more.
On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: How many games will it take new coordinator Kade Bell's offense to find its stride? Why are names including Zion Fowler and Lamar Seymore standing out at receiver and has Konata Mumpfield established himself as the No. 1 option? And why are guys including Nate Matlack and Francis Brewu among linemen to watch in coach Pat Narduzzi's defense? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith speaks to reporters after Steelers training camp practice Monday in Latrobe. He offers his thoughts on Cordarrelle Patterson working his way back into action after injury; QB Justin Fields' efforts in the preseason loss the Houston Texans, including snap issues with C Nate Herbig; the No. 2 receiver battle between Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson; the growth of rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick in their first in-stadium outings Friday; and Russell Wilson's availability after his own injury.
On their Pirates podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss what the Pirates' goals should be now that losing sweeps against the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have severely diminished their MLB postseason chances. Can young players including Henry Davis and Jack Suwinski prove they belong in the club's 2025 future and beyond? Will young starters Paul Skenes and Jared Jones see their innings counts managed more closely to limit injury risk? And will prospects including Billy Cook, Nick Yorke, Mike Burrows and Brandon Ashcraft see promotions from GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton by the end of the season? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to tackle the hottest topics from Steelers training camp practice on Sunday. Do first-team reps signal rising stock for LB Payton Wilson and Cory Trice Jr. after strong NFL preseason debuts Friday vs. the Houston Texans? And is the defensive line showing improved depth thanks to guys including DeMarvin Leal and Montravius Adams stepping up? Our duo tackles those questions on defense, then studies the offense. What should we make of the offensive line discussion after first in-stadium looks at Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick? And what's the latest in the quarterback competition between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson? Is Wilson just being eased back in after his injury? Or is something more complicated at play?
Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo talk after Sunday's training camp practice about first-round pick Troy Fautanu's injury and the battle at center. Is Fautanu going to start on the sideline after a rough first preseason game and getting hurt? And is Zach Frazier taking over at center for Nate Herbig already? Plus, a look at how Cordarrelle Patterson's return could impact the new kickoff rules.
Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the Steelers 20-12 NFL preseason loss to the Houston Texans on Friday night at Acrisure Stadium. What should we take from QB Justin Fields' performance, which was accurate but undone by struggles around him? How much will Nate Herbig's two botched exchanges weigh in the center competition with rookie Zach Frazier? How did first-round pick Troy Fautanu look in his NFL debut? What about fellow rookie linebacker Payton Wilson? And how should Arthur Smith's first game as Steelers OC be graded? Our duo tackles those questions and looks ahead to next week at Steelers training camp. How much will we see from Russell Wilson at QB? And where do the Brandon Aiyuk trade discussions stand with the San Francisco 49ers?
The Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' first NFL preseason game Friday evening vs. the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. How did Justin Fields look with the first team with Russell Wilson taking the night off? What happened in the offensive tackle battle between Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr? Which receivers -- including Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller -- had good nights in the battle for the No. 2 spot behind George Pickens, as Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors swirl? And how did new OC Arthur Smith's offense look overall? Our duo tackles those topics and more.
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: What needs to change with the Pirates' Oneil Cruz? Should GM Ben Cherington consider bring back Aroldis Chapman amid bullpen struggles from David Bednar and Colin Holderman? What is Derek Shelton's future as Pirates manager amid the club's losing skid that's pushed it to the fringes of MLB postseason contention? And on the Steelers front, how tiring have the Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors with the San Francisco 49ers become?
On Friday's episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter is joined by Steelers insider Gerry Dulac to discuss the latest Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors. Do the Steelers hold all the cards when it comes to the potential trade package? And what will we be watching for from Justin Fields in the Steelers' preseason opener against the Texans?
On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Daily Collegian/Post-Gazette insider Joel Haas react to comments by coaches and players at the Nittany Lions' media day this past weekend. Why are receivers including Tre Wallace, Kaden Saunders and Liam Clifford generating buzz early in fall camp? How will the complement transfer Julian Fleming? And how will coach James Franklin and new OC Andy Kotelnicki get the ball in their hands more frequently? Our duo tackles those questions and talks receivers and cornerbacks as well. Is Drew Allar still showing the confidence we saw earlier in the offseason? What should we make of his NFL draft potential? Why does Franklin love praising backups including Beau Pribula and Jaxon Smolik? And are corners including A.J. Harris, Jalen Kimber, Cam Miller, Zion Tracey, Audavion Collins and Elliot Washington ready to face the best the sport has to offer should they reach the College Football playoff? To end the show, Adam and Joel analyze the first coaches poll of the season and react to the ongoing fallout of the NCAA's House settlement.
In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to weigh the potential impact of a Brandon Aiyuk trade with the San Francisco 49ers on the rest of the Steelers' roster. Could GM Omar Khan be forced to choose between Aiyuk and George Pickens as soon as next season for salary cap reasons? What impact could a major deal with Aiyuk mean for the QB situation with Russell Wilson, Justin Fields or someone else? And will there be enough cap space left to get deals done with names like Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris and/or Cam Heyward? Our duo tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front, then gets into some Pirates, Penguins and Pitt football talk. Is the latest losing skid proof that GM Ben Cherington waited too long to upgrade his offense before the MLB trade deadline? Does this lineup have any serious hope with names like Ke'Bryan Hayes struggling so badly? Can this club afford to move on from Andrew McCutchen in the offseason? What should we make of the delay in a contract extension between the Penguins and Sidney Crosby? And what should we make of the Panthers' QB battle between Nate Yarnell and Eli Holstein?
In Thursday's edition of First 10, Jason Mackey talks about another incredibly frustrating Pirates loss, as the bullpen gives up another game while Yasmani Grandal and Connor Joe fail to come through in the clutch. Are there any answers to stop their free fall from contention? Plus a look at the Steelers' first preseason game Friday and lingering concerns over Sidney Crosby's contract. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.
Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac report from Steelers training camp practice in Latrobe ahead of the first NFL preseason game Friday vs. the Houston Texans. How much -- or how little -- will we see big names including Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Russell Wilson? Could Justin Fields see as many as three drives at QB before giving way to backups? Why have Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins been standing out at receiver this week? What's going on with kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson ahead of the Steelers' first experience with the NFL's new kickoff rules? And will offensive line rookies Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick maintain their momentum into preseason games? Our duo tackles those topics and more.
Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks to reporters following practice at Steelers training camp on Wednesday. He explains how he's feeling now that he's been integrated into practices following his calf injury; his expectations to play in NFL preseason games starting Friday vs. the Houston Texans; his excitement level to see backups including Kyle Allen and John Rhys Plumlee work; how his deep ball has evolved over time; and wats that deep ball fits with receivers including George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Quez Watkins.
On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko react to reports that the team has "re-engaged" in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers regarding receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Is a deal now a serious possibility? What would GM Omar Khan be willing to give up? And how do the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns fit into the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions, then gets into some depth chart and training camp topics. What does it mean that first-round NFL draft pick Troy Fautanu is listed as the backup at left tackle? Are Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook fighting for the final offensive line roster spot? What does it mean that Beanie Bishop is listed as the starter at slot corner? And what is Cole Holcomb's future after being listed as a third-teamer at linebacker?
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' wild loss to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. Could the PNC Park drainage woes that caused a long delay become symbolic of the season falling apart? Will manager Derek Shelton's team lose out on a Bailey Falter start while still having to face the Padres' Dylan Cease later in the week? And could we see names like top prospect Thomas Harrington called up from the minors soon to help with the stretch run toward a possible MLB wild card berth? Jason tackles those topics, then weighs in on the latest in the Sidney Crosby contract drama with the Penguins and developments from Steelers camp. Could a trade for the San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk be coming soon? What does it mean that Russell Wilson is getting close to practicing fully? And that Troy Fautanu is seeing first-team reps?
Post-Gazette insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap practice at Steelers training camp on Sunday in Latrobe. Is Russell Wilson's workload expanding at QB as he returns from his injury? How's the relationship between receiver George Pickens and position coach Zach Azzanni unfolding after their dust-up early in camp? How did No. 1 NFL draft pick Troy Fautanu look getting first-team reps? Why do Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier continue to impress? And what does it all mean for the preseason opener Friday vs. the Houston Texans?
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey tackles the latest trade rumors tying San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Steelers. Is a deal finally a legit possibility amid GM Omar Khan's search for a No. 2 receiver across from George Pickens? Or are Aiyuk's contract demands still a problem for making a swap work? Later, Jason looks ahead to the Pirates' key series against the San Diego Padres this week at PNC Park. How important is it for the club's postseason hopes? How much will San Diego sluggers including Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. challenge probable Pirates starters Bailey Falter, Marco Gonzales and Luis Ortiz? And how much more will the Pirates need from guys like Gonzales and Ke'Bryan Hayes down the stretch?
On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is there a true competition at QB? Or has coach Pat Narduzzi pretty much decided that Nate Yarnell will start over Eli Holstein barring a rash of mistakes by Yarnell? What are the odds of Pitt winning seven games and getting back to a bowl game this season? Will defensive lineman Bam Brima be missed after his recently announced departure? And how will new offensive coordinator Kade Bell use his running backs including Rodey Hammond Jr.?
Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey streams his daily First 10 podcast live and tackles the hot topics in Pittsburgh sports. Can the Pirates still make the MLB postseason after a disastrous loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday that included questionable decisions from manager Derek Shelton? What should the club do with shortstop Oneil Cruz amid his continued struggles in the field? And what should the future of the bullpen be after another ugly outing for reliever Colin Holderman? There will also be plenty of Steelers training camp and Penguins talk. How are position battles at QB with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, plus offensive line with Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr. and Troy Fautanu shaping up? What will the preseason opener against the Houston Texans bring? And what is the deal with Sidney Crosby's contract negotiations?
On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to recap the first week in pads at Steelers training camp. Were rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick the biggest winners? How soon could Fautanu start at tackle, and what would that mean for fellow tackles Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones? And what can we expect in the first preseason game Friday vs. the Houston Texans? Our duo also tackles those questions and more. Including: Is Justin Fields still gaining ground on Russell Wilson? And what are the highlights of Ray's first 53-man roster projection of the preseason?
Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin discuss the series against the Diamondbacks, which ended in dramatic fashion as Colin Holderman blew another lead and another Paul Skenes start was wasted. Did manager Derek Shelton cost his team a critical game in the NL wild card race?
Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap Sunday's training camp practice as the defense responds with a bounce-back day after the offense had several standout days. DeMarvin Leal is back to looking like the athletic force he looked like when the Steelers drafted him, while corner Cory Trice is inspiring hope for the secondary.
Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko report on everything that went down at the Steelers' annual "Friday Night Lights" training camp practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. How did the players and fans interact at this special event? How did Justin Fields perform in another practice with the first team as Russell Wilson continues to nurse his calf injury? And what led to the running backs winning the fan-favorite "backs on backers" drill? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey answers reader questions. Among them: Is it time for the Pirates to move SS Oneil Cruz to the outfield or designated hitter spot amid his struggles in the field this season, highlighted by a three-error game Wednesday vs. the Houston Astros? What are the Penguins' chances of making the playoffs? And will GM Kyle Dubas make a big move by trade G Tristan Jarry and/or acquiring a top-six winger to play alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin? What is catcher Henry Davis's future with the Pirates after another year of underwhelming development? And what are Jason's latest thoughts on the Steelers training camp QB battle between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson?
On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Brian Batko to react to a chippy week at Steelers training camp in Latrobe. Was the practice fight on Wednesday after a hit on QB Justin Fields a bad sign for team camaraderie? Or was it an important part of implementing a nastier identity for the offense under OC Arthur Smith, who was to play physically with running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and a revamped offensive line led by Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier? Our duo tackles those questions, the return of Markus Golden to the OLB corps, and previews the Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. Can the offensive linemen maintain momentum against defensive linemen like Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton? And will we see more from QB Russell Wilson amid his calf injury?
On their weekly Penn State football podcast, the host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas look ahead to the Nittany Lions' media day this weekend and ponder expectations for them in 2024. Can they win in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff? Not just earn a berth in the field? Is that a fair expectation with big names including Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, Abdul Carter and Julian Fleming in the lineup? Or is coach James Franklin's team still at too big a talent deficit to teams like Ohio State, Oregon and Georgia to expect to be a serious championship contender? And will it be easier or harder to make the Big Ten championship now that the conference has scrapped its divisional format with the addition of Oregon, USC, UCLA and Washington? Our duo tackles those questions and also analyzes the decisions to play the White Out game against Washington on Nov. 9 instead of Ohio State the week before.
Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Brian Batko have the latest from Steelers training camp Thursday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. How does the re-signing of OLB Markus Golden impact the defense moving forward? Did T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward get the unit back on track in the seven shots drill Thursday after several days of offensive domination? And can rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick continue to show practice under the Friday Night Lights practice spotlight on Friday at Latrobe Memorial Stadium? Our duo tackles those questions and more.
In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze the hype around the rookie class following one week of Steelers training camp. Are names including Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson, Roman Wilson and even Mason McCormick on track to see significant time faster than Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton did a year ago? Or will coach Mike Tomlin and coordinators Teryl Austin and Arthur Smith still be more cautious? And is there less immediate pressure on this group amid the installation of Smith's offense and the competition at QB? Our duo tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front. Including: What's the level of concern at WR amid Roman Wilson's injury? Are running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren plus tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington showing they can make up for any deficit at that position? And why does the Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields debate seem so divisive? Then the guys wrap up the show with talking about Pirates GM Ben Cherington's moves at the MLB trade deadline. Are the additions of Bryan De La Cruz and Isiah Kiner-Falefa enough to get this team in the postseason? How much pressure should Cherington be under if they don't? What happened to the team's organizational depth in the middle infield? And what's a target win total for this team to snatch a National League wild card slot?
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey gives his thoughts on Pitt football at the start of their training camp on the South Side. Will new OC Kade Bell's emphasis on speed help the Panthers to a quick bounceback from their 3-9 record a year ago? What's TE Gavin Bartholomew's upside in this system? How much optimism is reasonable for Nate Yarnell and Eli Holstein at QB plus Rodney Hammond Jr. at running back? Are 8 wins possible for coach Pat Narduzzi's team despite key departures via graduation and the transfer portal? Jason tackles those questions and more, then pivots to some Pirates topics. How much can Jake Woodford help this bullpen following his call-up from the minors? What's the link between Paul Skenes and Konnor Griffin, this season's first-round MLB draft pick who signed this week? And what should we take away from the loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday?
Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap Wednesday's eventful and scrappy Steelers training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. What caused the practice-field fight making the rounds on social media? How were Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen involved? What does it say about rookies Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick that they stepped in to protect Justin Fields? And could that give the team a much needed jolt of energy as it continues through the daily grind of training camp?
On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to early progress from new coordinator Arthur Smith's offense in the early days of Steelers training camp. Are the positive signs legit? Or are they reminiscent of false hope from last season, when the unit struggled under Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett? How have QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields looked specifically? And what did running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, plus tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington do in the backs on backers drill that made for an encouraging first day in pads? Our duo tackles those questions and reacts to positive signs from young offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and first-round pick Troy Fautanu, who looked good against T.J. Watt in the first day of padded practice.
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline Tuesday. Specifically, he gives his thoughts on headline acquisitions Bryan De La Cruz, formerly of the Miami Marlins, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, former of the Toronto Blue Jays. Where do they fit in the Pirates' lineup and defensive alignment? How much can they help the club's frustrating offense? How much credit does GM Ben Cherington deserve for adding them in the final hour before the deadline without giving up any top prospects? And what should we make of more minor deals involving Martin Perez, Jalen Beeks, Josh Walker and more? Jason tackles those questions, analyzes the center field situation with Michael A. Taylor getting hot at the plate and gives quick thoughts on a busy first day in pads at Steelers training camp, where Russell Wilson and George Pickens provided offensive highlights.
The Post-Gazette's Paul Zeise, Jason Mackey, Andrew Destin and Adam Bittner react live to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline. How does Bryan De La Cruz improve the club's outfield mix after he was acquired from the Miami Marlins? Where does Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Toronto Blue Jays fit in manager Derek Shelton's lineup? Will Martin Perez be missed from the rotation? Will prospects given up -- including pitcher Jun-Seok Shim, infielder Garret Forrester and outfield Charles McAdoo be missed? And what do these moves signal about GM Ben Cherington's intent to compete for the postseason with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and Bryan Reynolds under contract for several more years? Our group tackles those questions and more.
Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldor recap the first padded practice of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why the offense got the better of the defense -- notably in the seven shots and backs on backers drills -- thanks to standout performances from RB Najee Harris and QB Justin Fields. They also offer their thoughts on Russell Wilson's first practice of training camp after his injury last week; a potential injury for rookie receiver Roman Wilson; Jaylen Warren getting the best of Patrick Queen in backs on backers; solid days for tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington; rookie LB Payton Wilson's up-and-down afternoon; and guard Mason McCormick's surprisingly strong efforts so far.
Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks with reporters Tuesday at Steelers training camp in Latrobe, following his first practice since arriving last week. He explains how the rehab from his calf injury that cost him all of last week is progressing; growing relationships with targets including Connor Heyward and Quez Watkins; his mastery of new OC Arthur Smith's offense; what he's seeing from running back Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris; and his relationship with backup QB Justin Fields.
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates comeback victory against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, in which Michael A. Taylor's late homer ensured another strong start by Paul Skenes did not go to waste. He also talks GM Ben Cherington's remaining options before the MLB trade deadline. Will he make a move for remaining potential targets like the Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Diaz, the Miami Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz or the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward or will he stand pat? Then later, Jason analyzes Monday's trades: Pitcher Quinn Priester to the Boston Red Sox for minor league infielder Nick Yorke. And minor league pitcher Luis Peralta to the Colorado Rockies for reliever Jalen Beeks.
On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is coach Pat Narduzzi on the hot seat this season after a 3-9 record in 2023? Which position groups will improve the most from last season, and why is defensive line a good bet with Sean FitzSimmons, Nahki Johnson and Nick James? And on the basketball front, who will lead the Panthers in scoring this season? Return standouts like Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett? Or newcomers such as Damian Dunn, Cam Corhen and Brandin Cummings?
On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the first week of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Where was Justin Fields inconsistent in taking first-team QB reps in place of the injured Russell Wilson? What does Fields need to work on to be a serious starting candidate for the team after being traded here from the Chicago Bears? And what should expectations for Wilson be in the week ahead coming off of his injury? Our duo tackles those topics. In segment two, they analyze what standout first weeks from corners Donte Jackson and Beanie Bishop could mean for the secondary. Then in segment three, they preview the first week in pads, with a focus on offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu, as well as running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey offers his thoughts on the first four days of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Why shouldn't QB Russell Wilson's absence because of injury be a big deal at this stage? Is George Pickens' flare-up with position coach Zach Azzanni actually a good sign? What's going on in the tackle competition with Broderick Jones injured and Troy Fautanu impressing? And how are Roman Wilson and Van Jefferson stepping up in the competition for the No. 2 receiver role? Jason tackles those questions, then evaluates the Pirates' rapidly diminishing options ahead of the MLB trade deadline and their series loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend.
Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo break down Sunday's training camp practice, as Troy Fautanu gets a shot with the first-team offense and impresses. When will he get the full-time job along with Broderick Jones? Another rookie, center Zach Frazier, is also looking like an early starting candidate. Plus, Gerry and Ray look ahead to the first padded practice of training camp.
In their latest Steelers training camp update, Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap a sluggish day for the offense as Justin Fields continues to fill in for an injured Russell Wilson. But despite that, rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson continues to open eyes.
Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittiapldo recap the second practice of Steelers training camp on Friday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain how new conditioning techniques may have contributed to the injury that's kept QB Russell Wilson out so far; QB Justin Fields' struggles, particularly with passes over the middle; fellow backup Kyle Allen's solid performance in the seven shots drill; the importance of Saturdays backs on backers drill for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as coaches evaluate their fit in Arthur Smith's offense; and solid outings for Donte Jackson and undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop in the secondary.
Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks to reporters after practice Friday at Steelers training camp in Latrobe. He explains how he's navigating his calf injury suffered during workouts on Wednesday, which he expects to return from soon; his relationships with veteran teammates Elandon Roberts, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick; his mentorship of backup Justin Fields as he gets a chance for some first-team reps; and the preparation process that's helped him win Super Bowls and make Pro Bowls in the past.
On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the first practice of Steelers training camp on Thursday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Why did top receiver George Pickens appear to be butting heads with position coach Zach Azzanni? What might it signal about how differently coordinator Arthur Smith approach to coaching on offense? And is maturity still a concern for Pickens after he showed some visible frustrations last season? Our duo tackles those questions. Then later, they discuss Justin Fields getting first-team practice reps amid Russell Wilson's apparent injury. And Smith's focus on TEs, primarily Pat Freiermuth, in the early going of camp.
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