Podcast appearances and mentions of alex highsmith

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.

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 problems on the Steelers defense, and whether they're attributable to one player or not. Coming out of the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week, it seemed like the comments of defensive players such as DeShon Elliott, Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward and Patrick Queen pointed to the presence of one player that was causing most of the problems for the team's defense and drawing criticism of effort level and want-to. Most of the problems have certainly come in the secondary, but when you look at the tape, it's much more of an all-around issue than one player being the cause of all the problems. Since then, every single one of those players has walked back those statements, clarifying that it needs to be 11 guys on the same page instead of 10, but not that the one that hasn't been is the same guy over and over again. Alan breaks it down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss the team returning Cole Holcomb, Roman Wilson and Logan Lee to practice on Tuesday. Will any of them be contributors down the stretch? We also discuss if there's a role for Jamal Agnew and or Eric Rowe to take. Finally, we discuss Zach Frazier winning the team Rookie of the Year award and Alex Highsmith winning the "Chief" award. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey offers 10 thoughts about the Steelers following their NFL Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium. Are the Steelers getting enough value out of their expensive defense? Or do well-paid stars Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith deserve scrutiny amid this three-game losing streak? Have hopes for the AFC North title completely evaporated? Or is there still a chance to beat the Ravens and escape a first-round road game against the Houston Texans? Do Russell Wilson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth have a turnover problem? Is DeShon Elliott's verbal frustration after the game a problem for coach Mike Tomlin's locker room? Is Arthur Smith making questionable calls, especially with Cordarrelle Patterson? And what's going on between RBs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news around 5 p.m. Primarily, he reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 17 loss to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs. Can coach Mike Tomlin still win with this team in the playoffs? Are C.J. Stroud and the Texans an opponent they can beat if they have to travel to Houston for the wild-card round? What is going on in the secondary with DeShon Elliott, Patrick Queen and others venting frustration and Minkah Fitzpatrick struggling? Are T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and the pass rush part of the problem? Is George Pickens' body language and lazy route running sustainable any longer? Should we worry about Russell Wilson? And what buttons do coordinators Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin need to press to get this team back on track?

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 what has happened to the Steelers defense. Facing some of their toughest opposition of the season, the Steelers have allowed 90 points over the last three weeks. They've shown repeated communication issues, players playing out of structure, and leaders like Alex Highsmith and Patrick Queen have openly questioned the effort level and motivation of some members of the unit. What happened to one of the top defenses and can it be fixed by the end of the season. Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's practice facility ahead of a crucial NFL Week 16 matchup with the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. How can OC Arthur Smith get Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and the running game back on track after an ugly performance last week against the Philadelphia Eagles? Can he get more out of young offensive lineman such as Zach Frazier, Broderick Jones and Mason McCormick? Or does he need to switch up his play calling at tactics? Where does George Pickens' injury situation stand, and what impact could that have on QB Russell Wilson and the passing game? Then on the defensive side of the ball, how important is T.J. Watt's availability to helping DC Teryl Austin stop Ravens QB Lamar Jackson? Can the unit survive with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig as the lead pass rushers? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

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 analyze the Steelers defense. What led to the third-down issues last week against the Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith and the Eagles? Can they be fixed ahead of a pivotal AFC North showdown with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in NFL Week 16? And is the secondary a specific area of concern, with Dontae Jackson injured and players like Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick giving up a lot of yardage through the air? Our duo tackles those topics and more, including: Officiating issues that have angered Steelers players including George Pickens; injury updates on players including Pickens, Jackson, T.J. Watt, DeShon Elliott and Larry Ogunjobi; and the defense's readiness to play without Watt with names such as Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig.

Bryant McFadden joins the show to preview the Eagles-Steelers matchup. He is a huge fan of Brain Dawkins. He gives his thoughts on what the Steelers need to do to win the game against the Eagles. He says Alex Highsmith will be the MVP if the Steelers win.

Reaction to the Howard Eskin call. What did Mike Tomlin say on the Pat McAfee show yesterday about the Steelers schedule? Poni asked for a music bed I could not find and the bed that played coincidentally was Bruce Springsteen. More phone calls. Bryant McFadden joins the show to preview the Eagles-Steelers matchup. He is a huge fan of Brain Dawkins. He gives his thoughts on what the Steelers need to do to win the game against the Eagles. He says Alex Highsmith will be the MVP if the Steelers win.

Gene Steratore weighs in on the Alex Highsmith roughing the passer and the Mike Williams offensive pass interference call.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith joins the show this morning ahead of his long awaited return to play alongside TJ Watt and Nick Herbig.

Alex Highsmith joins the show this morning ahead of his long awaited return to play alongside TJ Watt and Nick Herbig. Craig Wolfley believes history is on the Steelers side when they host the Browns this Sunday.

Dave Dameshek, Jim Rooney, Missi Matthews, Alex Highsmith, Craig Wolfley, and more.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, Derrick Bell joins us to preview the team's upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns. What makes this matchup so intriguing and why is it different from their TNF matchup just a couple of weeks ago. Will they have WR George Pickens in the fold after a late-week injury designation? They will have Alex Highsmith and Cory Trice Jr. available to them. What are the key matchups for Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense to attack Myles Garrett and the Browns defense? On the other side, how can TJ Watt and the Steelers defense right the ship against Jameis Winston and the Browns offense? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Bleav in Steelers" host Mark Bergin is joined by "The Orange and Brown Report" host Michael Keefe to preview the NFL Week 14 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers have won 20 straight games in Pittsburgh against the Browns. The guys discussed why the Browns started Deshaun Watson for as long as they did before his season-ending Achilles injury. Jameis Winston has a 2-3 record as the Browns' starter this season. The guys also talked about why the Browns didn't keep Baker Mayfield a few seasons back. The Steelers have had offensive success with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wide receiver George Pickens has played at a high level, but still commits penalties that cost the Steelers. Bergin wonders whether the Steelers will look to offer him an extension in the offseason or whether they'll let him play out his rookie contract. The guys also talked about the dominance of Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt as edge rushers. Alex Highsmith is due back for the Steelers after suffering an ankle injury a few weeks back. Highsmith gives the Steelers depth with Watt and Nick Herbig. Bergin shared how the Steelers will have to try to slow down the Browns' offense led by Winston, Nick Chubb, David Njoku and Jerry Jeudy. Follow Mark Bergin on social media: Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, YouTube, Threads Follow Ike Taylor on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads Ike Taylor Swaggin U' T-shirts: Tap here Taylor Talkin' T-shirts: Tap here

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, we discuss the latest injury news surrounding Alex Highsmith, Cory Trice Jr., Monty Adams and Calvin Austin III. Speaking of Calvin, has his emergence lessened the need for the team to go find a WR? We update on the injury of Roman Wilson, discuss why Zach Frazier can't wait for Browns week, the practice habits of George Pickens and if we believe Russell Wilson will be back in Pittsburgh. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said Alex Highsmith and Calvin Austin should be good to go for Sunday. Will we see more from Mike Williams at some point? How much of a split do we see between Highsmith and Nick Herbig against the Browns? Ray got into some of the defensive numbers and if the unit has been good enough. Ray said it's hard to switch things up when the team is 9-3 in December. Ray liked what he saw from Arthur Smith on Sunday and how he changed up what we're used to seeing. What does the future look like for George Pickens in a Steelers uniform? How should the Steelers handle off-season plans with Russell Wilson?

Is the Steelers defense really good or great? It may not be up to the preseason expectations, but it's still a really good unit – just not great. What is this defense asking of its safeties? We looked at what Minkah Fitzpatrick is doing, which is a fine job, but they're taking away what he is best at. As long as the numbers are good, people won't pay too much attention to it, but what happens if this team loses games? Chris thinks that theory will be tested heavily the new few games. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said Alex Highsmith and Calvin Austin should be good to go for Sunday. Will we see more from Mike Williams at some point? How much of a split do we see between Highsmith and Nick Herbig against the Browns? Ray got into some of the defensive numbers and if the unit has been good enough. Ray said it's hard to switch things up when the team is 9-3 in December. Ray liked what he saw from Arthur Smith on Sunday and how he changed up what we're used to seeing. What does the future look like for George Pickens in a Steelers uniform? How should the Steelers handle off-season plans with Russell Wilson? Total Request Thursday.

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

Send us a textIn this bonus episode of the podcast we are looking at the Script Club New York City production of  "The Out-Of-Towners Club", an adapted version of an audio drama that originally ran on this podcast back in 2019. In our interview you can hear Script Club NYC members Jackie Jorgenson, Roger Lipson, Alex Highsmith and Jess Thompson talking about their roles in the upcoming performances at the Fiction Bar / Cafe in BrooklynYou can also hear an excerpt from our original audio drama featuring Miguel Antonio as Dan (written by Chris Gregory, Jackie Jorgenson and Mary McDonald) and an excerpt from the Script Club NYC production performed by Alex Highsmith and Jess Thompson. You can get tickets for Out-Of-Towners Club performances on 7th and 21st December here https://script-club-nyc.ticketleap.com/holiday-radio-show/And find out more about Script Club NYC here linktr.ee/scriptclubnycFollow Script Club NYC on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/scriptclubnyc/You can hear our original audio drama of The Out-Of-Towners Club from 2019 here and the sequel "Out-Of-Towners" here To find out more about Alternative Stories and our work you can follow us on social mediahttps://x.com/StoriesAlthttps://www.instagram.com/stories.alt/or visit our website https://alternativestories.com/Contact us by email at office@alternativestories.comSupport the show

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the first episode of HBO's 'Hard Knocks' show, which is taking an inside look at the Steelers and their AFC North rival Browns, Bengals and Ravens this season. Why was coach Mike Tomlin the obvious star? Could the show change perceptions about him by giving fans more insight on how he interacts with his players and assistants? Which of his qualities did we see in moments with players including George Pickens and Nick Herbig that aren't aren't always obvious from the outside? Jason tackles those questions and more related to the show, then ponders what the return of Alex Highsmith could mean for T.J. Watt and the pass rush. He wraps the show with his thoughts on former Pirates reliever Aroldis Chapman signing with the Boston Red Sox in MLB free agency.

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 the impending return of pass rusher Alex Highsmith on defense. How can he be a gamechanger for this defense as it looks to do a better job against QB Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 14 thank it did in their first matchup a couple weeks ago? And what will his availability mean for fellow pass rushers T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig? Offensively, our duo weighs how Russell Wilson's decision making has changed the offense since he took over for Justin Fields and helped targets including George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III and other gain more yards after the catch. Then Chris and Ray wrap the show with a look at the AFC playoff race and where the Steelers fit in it with teams like the Bills, Chiefs, Ravens, Broncos, Chargers and Texans.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, we discuss Mike Tomlin's Hard Knocks debut performance, as the world got a look into exactly who and what Mike Tomlin is. Could this be leveraged into being a more attractive place for free agents? Baltimore Ravens WR Diontae Johnson has been suspended by the team for refusing to enter their last game. What do we make of that situation? Calvin Austin III got in a limited practice as he remains in concussion protocol. Alex Highsmith and Monty Adams both practiced in limited capacity as they work their way back from injuries. The team waived RB Jonathan Ward as they prepare to activate Cory Trice Jr. from IR. Who would write Mike Tomlin's biography? How can the Steelers fix their zone defense woes? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, we discuss Mike Tomlin's weekly availability. He dove into a variety of topics, including Alex Highsmith being set to return and allowing the team to deploy him, TJ Watt and Nick Herbig collectively. He said Joey Porter Jr. has a serial killer mentality and they don't want to take that away. He praised Bengals WR Tee Higgins and touched on why Cam Sutton saw the majority of snaps over Beanie Bishop in the slot. We also answer questions on if Josh Reynolds could be a fit, if the team record would be better if Russ didn't get hurt and if Joey Porter Jr. should play less press-man coverage. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 4 with Joe Starkey: The nation is swinging its opinion on the Steelers due to Russell Wilson bringing offense back. Where does Russell Wilson rank in your top 10 NFL quarterbacks? Mike Williams has been targeted one time since being acquired from the Jets. Alex Highsmith is coming back this week.

Williams has been targeted one time since being acquired from the Jets. Should the Steelers look his way? Alex Highsmith is coming back this week.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, Derrick Bell joins to preview the team's upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The team will continue to be without Monty Adams and Cory Trice Jr. It appears Alex Highsmith (listed as doubtful) will need another week as well. How do TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward and company matchup with Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals offense? On the other side, how will Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense attack Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals defense? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! 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 talk Steelers ahead of a crucial NFL Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. What can coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith do to fix the red zone issues that have surfaced the last few games? Or is better execution from key players including Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth the simple answer? Later, our duo turns attention to the defense. Is T.J. Watt doing enough as the pass rush has struggled to get to opposing quarterbacks in recent weeks? Or does he need to do more to lead the group that includes Nick Herbig and Preston Smith in the absence of Alex Highsmith? And how should we evaluate the work Minkah Fitzpatrick has been doing in the secondary? Should he be making more big plays? Or is the way he denies offense wide swaths of the field valuable in its own right?

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, we discuss if Montravius Adams and Alex Highsmith will rejoin the team for their upcoming matchup against the Cincinatti Bengals. We also discuss where Pat Freiermuth has been within this offense, why most fans just don't like their favorite team's offensive coordinator and what the path forward is for an offense that isn't built to play from behind the sticks but also has mightily struggled in short yardage situations. Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's show, we discuss Mike Tomlin's weekly availability and the team returning to practice ahead of their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. There is a clear emphasis on improving in short-yardage and goal line situations. Tomlin even put the blame largely on the coaches for the team's woes in those areas. Alex Highsmith didn't participate in practice but could still return for the game. Same for Monty Adams and Cory Trice Jr. Do we think Dan Moore Jr. is more likely to return in 2024 based off his performance? How will the team navigate being on Hard Knocks? Have we seen the necessary leaps from Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Broderick Jones this year? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Bleav in Steelers" host Mark Bergin shared key stats that have defined the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 season. The Steelers have scored touchdowns on 44.44% of their red zone trips, which ranks 30th in the NFL. Bergin suggested that the Steelers use Justin Fields to improve this number. However, Russell Wilson has a better rapport with third-year wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens is averaging 91 receiving yards per game with Wilson and 60.5 with Fields at quarterback. Mike Tomlin has been dominant as a coach in one-score games. Plus, Chris Boswell is having his best season. Bergin shared how Alex Highsmith is not expected against the Browns due to an ankle injury. He also shared how the Steelers need to focus their attention on stopping Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett. Follow Mark Bergin on social media: Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, YouTube, Threads Follow Ike Taylor on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads Ike Taylor Swaggin U' T-shirts: Tap here Taylor Talkin' T-shirts: Tap here

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

"Bleav in Steelers" host Mark Bergin is joined by "Bleav in Ravens" host Matt Trigger to discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The guys discussed how the Steelers have dominated the recent rivalry, winning seven of the last eight matchups. The Steelers have been Lamar Jackson's kryptonite. Jackson has a 2-4 record against Pittsburgh. They also talked about Russell Wilson's success in his first three games with the Steelers, and whether the team should offer him a lucrative contract extension in the offseason. Sunday will mark the first time Diontae Johnson will go against the Steelers, his former team. The Steelers will be without edge rusher Alex Highsmith due to an ankle injury. They could get Nick Herbig back from a hamstring injury. Newly acquired edge rusher Preston Smith is also expected to get reps. Meanwhile, Baltimore brings a potent offense but faces challenges on defense, allowing the most passing yards per game in the NFL. Can the Ravens' high-scoring attack overcome the Steelers' second-half dominance, where they've outscored opponents 135-55? Follow Mark Bergin on social media: Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram, YouTube, Threads Follow Ike Taylor on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads Ike Taylor Swaggin U' T-shirts: Tap here Taylor Talkin' T-shirts: Tap here

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

September 14, 2024 - For Episode 1,290 on this Saturday afternoon, Joe Clark talks about Alex Highsmith potentially having a big day on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices