Podcast appearances and mentions of alex highsmith

What are the trade values ​​of Pat Freiermuth and Alex Highsmith? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Kaboly thinks the biggest surprise of the season has been the Ravens. The Colts are Bob's biggest surprise. Is Cam Ward already a bust? If the NFL wants more international games, they would need 18 games and two byes. Mark does not see a Chris Olave trade happening or the Steelers trading Alex Highsmith.

Hour 3 with Bob Pompeani: Mike Tomlin has never missed the playoffs after starting 3-1. Mark talked to Steelers players who felt the Vikings were susceptible to an extra offensive lineman formation. Mark thinks the one thing being undersold is the offensive line. If the NFL wants more international games, they would need 18 games and two byes. Mark does not see a Chris Olave trade happening or the Steelers trading Alex Highsmith.

September 30, 2025 - For Episode 1,671 this Tuesday afternoon, Josh Carney says Nick Herbig's growth and success doesn't mean the Steelers should look into trading Alex Highsmith. ⁠⁠steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey to analyze the Steelers' recurring communication issues. How much blame does coach Mike Tomlin deserve for them? Are they becoming a stale excuse for him? Is his scheme the problem considering they've persisted after names like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Donte Jackson were swapped out for guys like Jalen Ramsey, Juan Thornhill and Darius Slay Jr. this offseason? Or does Tomlin need another assistant to help sort these issues out? Our guys tackle those questions, as well as T.J. Watt's lack of sacks through two games. Are those excusing the production by citing his pressure rate using the same arguments they've dismissed about Myles Garrett's performance with the Cleveland Browns for years? Should those pressures eventually open up opportunities to Jack Sawyer, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig to finish plays? And how much should Watt's gaudy offseason contract be part of the conversation? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Hour 2 with Joe Starkey and Donny Football: DeShon Elliott and Joey Porter Jr. have not practiced this week and Ray doesn't think either will play. The Steelers are concerned about defensive lineman Derrick Harmon's conditioning coming off his knee injury. Harmon would be on a snap count if he plays. Nick Herbig will likely start for Alex Highsmith, but Jack Sawyer will play! The top numbers in the Steelers-Patriots game.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise offers his thoughts on the struggles of the Steelers defense through the first two weeks of the NFL season. Specifically, he ponders the concern level regarding T.J. Watt not having a sack yet in 2025. Can the Steelers' defense be its best if he isn't making disruptive plays? How much have the defensive line's struggles in the absence of Derrick Harmon hindered him? Do Keeanu Benton, Cam Heyward, Yahya Black and others need to step things up for Watt to be the best version of himself? How much will the Alex Highsmith injury potentially hurt Watt by allowing defenses to focus on stopping him more? And can Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer step up enough to fill that void for coach Mike Tomlin's defense? Paul tackles those questions and the latest headlines from Tomlin's weekly news conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Steelers played Cover 1 and Cover 3 70% of the time so far this year and Nick said they're not hiding anything. T.J. Watt has gone his last six games without a sack. Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig are going to have to fill in for Alex Highsmith. Nick thinks Kaleb Johnson is in his own head and the game is too fast for him, at the moment.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: The Steelers played Cover 1 and Cover 3 70% of the time so far this year and Nick said they're not hiding anything. T.J. Watt has gone his last six games without a sack. Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig are going to have to fill in for Alex Highsmith. Starkey's mailbag. Who will have a bigger impact this season, Roman Wilson or Kaleb Johnson? Pirates questions as well.

Mike Tomlin was making excuses for his defense after Sunday. What was the most annoying line he used – they were tired, they have too many new players, etc.? Tomlin acts like nobody else around the league has new players on their team. How much ROI are the Steelers getting with some of their defensive big names? Tomlin Tidbits – Jack Sawyer is going to take on a bigger role with the Alex Highsmith injury.

Kaleb Johnson let a kickoff go right past him and didn't attempt to recover the football in the end zone. Seattle recovered and scored a touchdown. Is the mistake worse than Will Craig? Kenneth Gainwell is averaging 3.3 yards per touch. Alex Highsmith could be out four weeks with a high ankle sprain.

This injury report is brought to you by Shenderovich, Shenderovich and Fishman.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap an NFL Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the home opener at Acrisure Stadium. They sort through the defense's many issues in slowing down QB Sam Darnold, RB Kenneth Walker III and receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Is it time to worry about coach Mike Tomlin's high-priced unit that includes names like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey? Are injuries to names like Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott and Alex Highsmith the bigger issues? And can DC Teryl Austin find solutions sooner than later? Our guys tackle those questions; a tepid performance, at best, from QB Aaron Rodgers, WR DK Metcalf and RB Jaylen Warren; and a costly gaffe by rookie RB Kaleb Johnson on a kickoff that contributed mightily to the defeat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Highsmith had eight pressures in the game. Are the Miami Hurricanes for real? Fans wonder if the Steelers should bring in Jabrill Peppers at safety if DeShon Elliott is out. Aaron Rodgers said he's happy to beat everyone associated with the Jets. The Steelers awarded Cam Heyward a $3 million incentive-based sweetener.

We are so back, Steeler Nation! Ahead of Week 1, Steelers legend Merril Hoge joined Michael from Dublin to talk about his time with the Black and Gold. Also, Michael gives his keys to the game on Sunday against the New York Jets, before hearing from Yahya Black, Darius Slay, Troy Fautanu, and Alex Highsmith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the Mike Tomlin news conference and Steelers practice at the team's UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. What will the absence of Derrick Harmon mean to the defensive line? Especially with Cam Heyward still threatening to possibly hold out for NFL Week 1 against the New York Jets, which would leave the group thin beyond Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black? How likely is it that Nick Herbig will play as the outside linebackers led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith look to bounce back in pass rushing? And how seriously is Tomlin taking Heyward's threats? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

In this clip from the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey to ponder best-case scenarios for the Steelers in 2025 and what needs to go right to attain them. Do T.J. Watt, Alex Smith, Nick Herbig and the pass rush need to be better than they were in 2024? And how much will a reloaded offensive line with Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black next to Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton help in that pursuit? Can the entire quarterback room be good enough for OC Arthur Smith? From Aaron Rodgers, who's facing questions about how quickly he can find his stride, to Mason Rudolph in a backup role. And can coach Mike Tomlin get where he wants to go if Broderick Jones, and potentially also Troy Fautanu, aren't playing at close to a Pro Bowl level in protecting a largely immobile Rodgers behind center? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

In this clip from the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Ray Fiitpaldo and Christopher Carter project the team's 53-man roster on the defensive side of the ball. -Will Derrick Harmon's injury open up space for names like Isaiahh Loudermilk and Logan Lee behind Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black along the defensive line? -How many inside linebackers will coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan keep beyond Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb and Payton Wilson? Will a name like Mark Robinson make the team because of his special teams ability? Or could Carson Bruener and/or Malik Harrison secure spots? -Will anyone other than T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer make the team at EDGE rusher? -Is Beanie Bishop in trouble at cornerback with Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr. likely locks and names like Brandin Echols and Cory Trice Jr. in the mix as well?

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes former defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko to talk about training camp and the preseason, after his bid to make the team fell short. He explains his feelings about leaving the team and what he was seeing from former teammates. How are defensive line rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black looking up close? And how quickly can they find their way alongside Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton? Why should fans not sleep on Nick Herbig as a key piece of the defense, even as he sits behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the depth chart? And which QBs does Breiden like in the 2026 NFL draft in Pittsburgh? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

In this clip from the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the defense's depth at linebacker and ongoing communication issues. How much has the team's depth at linebacker grown in the offseason? How much will projected starters Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson play? And how often might they be rested in favor of reserves like Cole Holcomb, who's been shining in Steelers training camp and the NFL preseason? And where will rookie Jack Sawyer find his niche in the outside linebacker group behind names like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig? The guys tackle those questions, then explain whether they're concerned about communication issues that plagued the defense down the stretch. Especially because veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay Jr. have not gotten the chance to mesh with new teammates like DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter Jr. and Juan Thornhill much in the preseason.

This week, Michael is still at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, the home of Steelers Training Camp, where he is joined by Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith. Alex chats his career so far - and the iconic first ever Dublin Game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss injury updates with Joey Porter Jr. returning to practice, Alex Highsmith and Calvin Austin III still out, Will Howard and Jonnu Smith leaving early and more. We also discuss the opportunity in front of Roman Wilson and how it's his time to shine, coming off his best practice. Speaking of, will Broderick Jones continue to stack good practices? Is there a disaster situation that would cause them to pivot from their QB plan during the 2026 draft? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff had a one-on-one with Arthur Smith and Smith discussed how he's not panicking and trying to find a good offense balanced with Aaron Rodgers. Jeff thinks Mike Tomlin might be trying to send a message to Roman Wilson with the depth chart. Alex Highsmith has a potential groin injury suffered on Sunday.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the offensive line struggles at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They ponder whether coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith can get the inconsistency turned around ahead of the first NFL preseason game this week; whether Broderick Jones is in trouble after struggling against teammates Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and T.J. Watt; and the challenge facing others including Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu as they look to protect QB Aaron Rodgers and pave the way for RBs Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson. Then later, they explain how the veteran days off for projected starters like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey and Keeanu Benton have given other players a chance to shine and prove that this defense has lots of useful players. They praise guys including Brandin Echols, James Pierre, Jack Sawyer, Yahya Black and Daniel Ekuale for their solid performances in team practice sessions, allowing the unit to maintain momentum against the struggling offense.

Starkey would trade Alex Highsmith to the Commanders for Terry McLaurin. Broderick Jones hasn't been great and Pat Bostick said he doesn't think the Steelers will make it through the full season with Jones starting. Kaleb Johnson said he was looking forward to backs on backers, but Ray said it was a nightmare for him.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: Starkey would trade Alex Highsmith to the Commanders for Terry McLaurin. Payton Wilson dominated backs on backers. Kaleb Johnson said he was looking forward to backs on backers, but Ray said it was a nightmare for him. Pirates fans chime in on the trade deadline moves. Our top 10 quarterbacks of all time.

Cam Heyward and Hayden break down the latest Steelers news — from contract drama to the new uniforms — then sit down with Steeler defenders Jack Sawyer and Alex Highsmith for a raw and hilarious convo about life in the NFL trenches.In this episode:

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to discuss what's at stake for the team's rookies during training camp, which begins next week at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. What does first-round NFL draft pick Derrick Harmon need to do to solidify his status as a presumed defensive line starter next to Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton? How much of him will we see in the preseason? And does he have a chance to fly under the radar a bit with big-name veterans including Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith and DK Metcalf joining the team as well? Can Kaleb Johnson seize starter duties at running back? Or are committee duties with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell the best he can hope for? Will Jack Sawyer be battling with Nick Herbig dor the No. 3 role behind Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt at outside linebacker? And can Yahya Black prove he belongs in the defensive line rotation? Our duo tackles those questions, then discusses later-round draft picks including Will Howard, Carson Bruener and Sebastian Castro in the third segment.

A chart is going viral with the final 5 drafts under Kevin Colbert. Colbert may be a Hall of Fame GM, but this painted a picture as to how things were left for Omar Khan. The chart is split into a few categories and only 1 player is labeled as a ‘great' draft pick (Alex Highsmith).

Another moment of Terry Bradshaw defending Kenny Pickett in his time with the Steelers. But the guys wondered if it was more of a shot at the head coach than a defense of Pickett. Deshaun Watson got married this weekend, which was the cause for a few jokes on social media. There was also a defense of Sam Darnold in the interview with Bradshaw, which the guys think is a little bit comparable to Pickett even though Darnold was a former 3rd overall pick. Now with Pickett in Cleveland, how is the talent around him supposed to be good enough? A chart is going viral with the final 5 drafts under Kevin Colbert. Colbert may be a Hall of Fame GM, but this painted a picture as to how things were left for Omar Khan. The chart is split into a few categories and only 1 player is labeled as a ‘great' draft pick (Alex Highsmith). Donny Football Debrief – The Athletic ranked the Top 25 college football rivalries and there is a glaring omission.

Shaving Points highlights the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers in this deep dive review!- Steelers Film and Stats- Steelers Offseason Moves- Steelers Draft Class- Steelers 2025 Depth Chart- Steelers Futures BetsThe boys talk TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Aaron Rodgers, Kaleb Johnson, DK Metcalf, the offensive line, the All-22 tape, and more! #nfl #football #steelers

On this episode of The Sick Podcast, pass rush expert Dez Walker joins Jordan York and Mike Nicastro to discuss his career, training the Pittsburgh Steelers including Derrick Harmon, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo look ahead to Week 2 of OTAs. Is T.J. Watt's absence during contract negotiations being overplayed? Or has the edge rusher earned the right to miss voluntary workouts? Plus, assuming Watt is on the field by Week 1, how can the Steelers use him and Alex Highsmith more effectively to ramp up their pass rush? And behind them, is Payton Wilson ready to be a full-time starting linebacker?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Christopher Carter react to the end of a busy week of OTAs for coach Mike Tomlin's team. Did Alex Highsmith drop hints about T.J. Watt's contract extension talks? Will that deal get done soon? Or could it drag into the summer as talks with Pat Freiermuth and Cam Heyward did last year? In segment two, the guys ponder the upside Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr. has a top cornerback pairing. And in the final segment, the Brian and Chris digest a brand new trade rumor linking the Steelers to tight end Jonnu Smith. Would he be a good addition to Arthur Smith's offense alongside Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? Or should the Steelers stick with what the have?

NFL Network Insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport report on the biggest football stories of the day. First, Steve Wyche joins with more anecdotes from the life of the late Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Then, none other than Coach Tony Dungy joins the program to reflect on the life of his old friend. Later, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith has a discussion with the Insiders about this upcoming season. The day is capped off with Michael F. Florio's fantasy football insight into the AFC East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter react to the team's picks on Day 3 of the NFL draft. -How can fourth-round pick Jack Sawyer add to the already deep EDGE group that includes T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig? -Does the defensive line now have the necessary depth to succeed now that fifth-round pick Yahya Black has joined first-round pick Derrick Harmon and veterans Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton? -What will sixth-rounder Will Howard offer the QB room, which currently includes Mason Rudolph and may still sign Aaron Rodgers? -Will seventh-rounders Carson Bruener and Donte Kent make contributions? Or are they likely depth pieces? Our duo tackles those questions, plus reacts to Shedeur Sanders heading to Cleveland to join a crowded QB group that already includes Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Deshaun Watson and former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett.

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 how active to expect general manager Omar Khan to be when free agency opens on Monday. The Steelers have over $63 million in offseason salary cap space available, and have the ability to make plenty more than that if they want to, through releases, restructures and an extension for T.J. Watt. They also have to spend a significant amount of cash this offseason to make sure they're abiding by the NFL's 90 percent rule. With relatively few of their own players hitting free agency, the Steelers don't have that many needs, meaning you should expect Khan to be seeking some of the top players in the free agent class, instead of the Steelers usual bargain hunting. As a rule, Pittsburgh hasn't spent huge money in free agency, but they've usually drafted better in the past, instead choosing to re-sign their own players, instead of playing in the free agent market. But this time around, that won't be the case. In the 2020 and 2021 draft classes, only Alex Highsmith and Pat Freiermuth got second contracts with the team, and 2022 isn't looking a lot better at this point.  That means it's time to spend big in free agency. Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to owner Art Rooney II's year-end comments earlier this week. Is Rooney too focused on winning with the running game, considering how it performed despite run-focused Arthur Smith calling the plays in 2024? Do the Steelers simply need to look beyond Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as lead backs to have more success? Can the offensive line take a step forward behind key young players including Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick? And where does the QB situation with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields fit into the conversation. Later, our duo ponders whether GM Omar Khan will spend more money on offense in NFL free agency to balance out the disparity with the defense, which has players on major deals including T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith. And they discuss possible coaching staff changes still to come.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey continues to react to the Steelers' season-ending loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL playoffs. Should owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan consider firing DC Teryl Austin for the defense's backslide in the final games of the season? Should coach Mike Tomlin have less control over the unit and instead allow his coordinator to establish his own identity? And what does the unit need to do differently to get more out of stars including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith? Later, Jason also explains why he feels Russell Wilson should not be the starter at QB in 2025 and analyzes the Penguins' mess in goal with Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic both struggling.

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's it's how the Steelers have had back-to-back quality drafts, but still end up on the wrong end of the stick when it comes to the level of talent on the team. The Steelers have signed just three players from their 2019, 2020 and 2021 draft classes to contract extensions, and only two of those three will be around for the 2025 season: outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and tight end Pat Freiermuth. While the Steelers have quality veterans in Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, and promising younger players like Joey Porter Jr., Zach Frazier and Keeanu Benton, they're missing a middle class thanks to several weak draft classes in a row. Despite trying to find a shortcut, the only way out of the problem is the way they got in: by winning in the draft. Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo consider what's at stake for the team -- win or lose -- in its NFL playoffs matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Is Mike Tomlin closer to the hot seat if he loses? Or validation if he wins in the eyes of GM Omar Khan and owner Art Rooney II? What about coordinators Teryl Austin and Arthur Smith? Does the front office led by Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl have a higher opinion of this season than fans, upset with a long playoff win drought? Or could there still be changes to the coaching staff if the team falls short? In the second segment, Adam and Ray discuss the future of the the roster's core and how much hingers on a win vs. as loss. Are T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward assured of returning next season? Or would there be reason to doubt they could ever deliver in the postseason with another loss? What impact will the game have on extension talks with players including George Pickens? Could Pat Freiermuth or Alex Highsmith be on the trade block despite recent extensions of their own? And how important is it to see young players like Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton step up on the big stage? Then in the third segment, our duo wades into QB talk. Does Russell Wilson's future in Pittsburgh hinge on this game? How much of an impact could it have on his contract demands in NFL free agency? Will Justin Fields get a second look as the potential starter? And what are the chances outside options like the Jets' Aaron Rodgers could be considered?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's NFL Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and look ahead to the wild-card playoff matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Have coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith begun to lose trust in QB Russell Wilson amid some costly turnovers and decisions in recent weeks? And do they need to re-gain that trust in order to have a chance against Lamar Jackson and Co. this week? What's missing in Wilson's connection with WR George Pickens? Do they have time to fix it? And is it time for Justin Fields to see some opportunities? Our duo tackles those questions, then turns attention to the defense. Has DC Teryl Austin's unit begun to figure things out after clamping down on Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Co.? Or is there still room for improvement? Could we continue to see Patrick Queen blitzing more than usual? And is the lack of interior pass rush beyond Cam Heyward hurting T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith outside? In the final segment, Ray and Chris give their early thoughts on the matchup with the Ravens.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 18 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Can QB Russell Wilson shake of his string of costly turnovers and build passing game momentum with targets including George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III and Mike Williams? How will Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris manage in the running game? Were offensive linemen including Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr. able to provide better protection? How did Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr and DeShon Elliott bounce back after a tough few weeks for the pass defense? And were T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith able to get better pressure on Bengals QB Joe Burrow?

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to preview the NFL Week 18 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Is this game a must-win to avoid a potential first-round matchup with the Baltimore Ravens and instead draw the struggling Texans? Is QB Russell Wilson's ability to avoid costly mistakes the key to an offensive turnaround? Or is the pressure on Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr. and the young offensive line to pave the way for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to have rushing success? On defense, can T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward and the pass rush be more effective in getting home and sacking Joe Burrow to slow his connection with receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? And can the return of Joey Porter Jr. help the secondary in coverage? Our duo tackles those questions, previews a busy slate of games around the NFL -- including the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings for the No. 1 seed in the NFC -- and also gives predictions for how Steelers-Bengals will shake out.

Dec. 3 – Ep. 36: On this episode of The Depot Dive, Joe and Ross dive right in on recapping the exciting 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals to improve the Pittsburgh Steelers' record to 9-3. We talk about Russell Wilson's big day winning in multiple different ways. We also talk about the defense allowing 31 points, Joey Porter Jr.'s penalties, the three forced turnovers and more. For the second topic, we recap the injury news from Mike Tomlin's Tuesday press conference. Alex Highsmith should be returning, so we talk about having all four outside linebackers available for the first time and more. For the third topic, we preview the upcoming rematch against the Cleveland Browns. It could be quite the chippy game given some of what happened during the last matchup. We wrap it up by answering a question about Nick Herbig and whether he is a franchise-type player that needs to be extended following the 2025 season. Thank you for joining us for this 35-minute episode, and we hope to see your thoughts in the comment section. Call the hotline at (412) 254-3145 and leave us a question for a chance to have it answered in a future episode. You can also text the line if you don't wish to have your voice on the show! Follow us on Twitter: Ross: @Ross_McCorkle Joe: @jclark1233 Steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov. 12 – Ep. 33: On this episode of The Depot Dive, Joe Clark and Ross McCorkle dive into the Steelers' big Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. We discuss some of the controversial calls from the game, and the failed fake punt that left many fans frustrated in the moment. We also talk about the performance of several individual players and more. For the second topic, we discuss the immediate success of the two trade-deadline acquisitions with Mike Williams and Preston Smith making a big impact on the game less than a week after joining the roster. We discuss Williams' game-winning touchdown and whether it earned him an accelerated integration into the offense moving forward. For the third topic, we recap the latest injury news including an update from Alex Highsmith's father on Twitter earlier today. Thank you for joining us for this 33-minute episode, and we hope to see your thoughts in the comment section. Call the hotline at (412) 254-3145 and leave us a question for a chance to have it answered in a future episode. You can also text the line if you don't wish to have your voice on the show! Follow us on Twitter: Ross: @Ross_McCorkle Joe: @jclark1233 Follow our work on steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct. 29 – Ep. 31: On this episode of The Depot Dive, Joe Clark and Ross McCorkle begin by recapping the Week 8 win over the New York Giants to advance to 6-2 ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers' bye week. We discuss the offense's ability to move the ball and inability to score in the red zone. We also discuss the defense allowing big plays and the dominance of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. For the second topic, we talk about Roman Wilson being sent to IR and the state of the wide receiver room. We touch on a number of WR trade candidates ahead of the deadline and how necessary a trade may or may not be given Russell Wilson's recent ability to elevate the group. For the third topic, we discuss the excellence of the Steelers' special teams units and how this is now a team that is capable of creating a spark in all three phases of the game. Thank you for joining us for this 34-minute episode, and we hope to see your thoughts in the comment section. Call the hotline at (412) 254-3145 and leave us a question for a chance to have it answered in a future episode. Follow us on Twitter: Ross: @Ross_McCorkle Joe: @jclark1233 Follow our work on Steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct. 15 – Ep. 29: On this episode of the Depot Dive, Joe Clark and Ross McCorkle get right into the big news story of the day, which was Russell Wilson seemingly being in line to start his first game in black and gold. We discuss if we agree with the decision, what it could potentially do for the offense, any potential drawbacks, and more. For the next topic, we dive into the injury report coming out of Mike Tomlin's Tuesday press conference. We discuss the offensive line still being in flux with Zach Frazier out injured and the possible return of Alex Highsmith. For the final topic, we offer our final thoughts on the Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. We talk about Najee Harris' big day, Justin Fields' up-and-down performance, and George Pickens getting some garbage time looks in the passing game. We wrap up the show by answering a listener question about Justin Fields and the conservative game plans for him. Thank you for joining us for this 38-minute episode, and we hope to see your thoughts in the comment section. Call the hotline at (412) 254-3145 and leave us a question for a chance to have it answered in a future episode. Follow us on Twitter: Ross: @Ross_McCorkle Joe: @jclark1233 Follow our work on Steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sept. 26 – Ep. 26: On this episode of The Depot Dive, Joe Clark and Ross McCorkle start out by wrapping up the Steelers' Week 3 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. We talk about the defense now being the best in the league in multiple major stat categories, the dam getting closer to breaking on offense, and more. We then go through the list of injuries which seems to be piling up for the Steelers. We discuss which situation is most troubling, including Alex Highsmith being out for a couple weeks with a groin injury and Cory Trice Jr. going to IR with a hamstring. For the third topic, we preview the Steelers' Week 4 matchup against the Colts. We discuss stopping the Colts' run game, Anthony Richardson's athleticism at quarterback, their offensive line talent, and more. Thank you for joining us for this 30-minute episode, and we hope to see your thoughts in the comment section. Call the hotline at (412) 254-3145 and leave us a question for a chance to have it answered in a future episode. Follow us on Twitter: Ross: @Ross_McCorkle Joe: @jclark1233 Check out the show on YouTube. Follow our work at Steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices