Podcast appearances and mentions of nick herbig

October 3, 2025 - For Episode 1,674 this Friday afternoon, Alex Kozora says the NFL must change its intentional grounding scoring to give defenders credit for sacks, like the one Nick Herbig should've had against the Vikings. ⁠⁠steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 this special episode of The Sick Podcast, Mike Nicastro discusses the Pittsburgh Steelers' 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings, overall feeling coming into bye week, game management concerns, Steelers excelling in run blocking, Nick Herbig cementing his place among the best pass rushers in the NFL, the path to winning the AFC North, monitoring the health of key players, false narrative being pushed by national media regarding the Steelers' injuries and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to ponder the sustainability of some standout performances from the NFL Week 4 win against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. Can names like DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell, Nick Herbig and Payton Wilson keep producing as they did Sunday? Why was OC Arthur Smith able to get the running game going with Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson? What will happen to the receiver group if Calvin Austin III is forced to miss time while injured? When will Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith get more involved in the offense? Where is coach Mike Tomlin's team fitting into the AFC Noth race? And how impactful is DeShon Elliott within DC Teryl Austin's defense? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the Steelers' NFL Week 4 victory against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. Did coach Mike Tomlin's team establish its desired identity in stopping Jordan Mason and the Vikings running game; getting heave pressure on QB Carson Wentz with T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, Patrick Queen and others; and achieving success in the running game wit Kaleb Johnson and especially surprise starter Kenneth Gainwell, who filled in admirably for Jaylen Warren? Do we still need to see more from the passing game? Especially TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith after Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf seemed to get their connection going on Sunday? And how will this team navigate injuries in the secondary to names like Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr.? Our duo tackles those questions, plus storylines to watch during the upcoming off week. Where can coordinators Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin make the biggest adjustments? Will the Ravens continue their early struggles? Or will they start making up ground on the Steelers in the AFC North after a brutal early-season schedule? And are the Colts and Jaguars emerging as threats in the AFC? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should the Steelers keep and pay Nick Herbig or release him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dorin Dickerson praises the play of LB Nick Herbig in the games he's been in this season, and Dorin argues why it's crucial for the Steelers to make the most out of his productivity.

Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson discuss whether or not the Steelers should find a way to lock up LB Nick Herbig now before he breaks out and prices out of the team's budget.

Cam Heyward and Hayden celebrate a big win over the Patriots before looking ahead to a historic showdown against the Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. Then, linebacker Nick Herbig joins the show to talk about his early success, learning from veterans, and, of course, the Herb Special... In this episode:

Ed Troup and Jacob Recht debate the potential overreactions following Week 3 such as Nick Herbig is the best outside linebacker and will Jaylen Warren continue to lead the team in receiving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter & Ray Fittipaldo react to the NFL Week 3 victory against the New England Patriots. Should coach Mike Tomlin be encouraged that Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Jabrill Peppers, Cole Holcomb and Brandin Echols were able to generate five turnovers on defense? Or is it a concern that Patriots QB Drake Maye was still able to move the ball in between those big plays? Can this unit really rely on that amount of ball luck in subsequent weeks? Or does DC Teryl Austin still need to figure out how to limit opposing offenses better? Our duo tackles those questions, then gives thoughts on the offense as well. Does OC Arthur Smith need to consider passing more with Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith to open up running lanes for Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell? Or was the first drive evidence that this unit can run the ball if Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and the offensive line are performing? Try ZipRecruiter for FREE at ZipRecruiter.com/audio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to an NFL Week 3 victory against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. They offer thoughts on Aaron Rodgers' inconsistent effort at QB that included touchdowns to Calvin Austin III and DK Metcalf but frustration in between. And a up-and-down day for Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell behind the offensive line led by Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Our duo also weighs in on coach Mike Tomlin's defense, which generated five turnovers thanks to names like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Cole Holcomb and Jabrill Peppers. But also yielded significant yardage to Patriots QB Drake Maye, signaling that some of the unit's recent woes may be persisting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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.

A former Steeler texted Joe that Jack Sawyer should start, Nick Herbig rotate in, and Cole Holcomb play instead of Payton Wilson. This former Steeler also thinks Yahya Black should start over Keeanu Benton. Kaleb Johnson is being taken off the kick return team. Sidney Crosby said he loves Pittsburgh and wants to be here.

Hour 1 with Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey: A former Steeler texted Joe that Jack Sawyer should start, Nick Herbig rotate in, and Cole Holcomb play instead of Payton Wilson. This former Steeler also thinks Yahya Black should start over Keeanu Benton. Paul Skenes lost his 10th game and is 10-10 after struggling last night against the Chicago Cubs. Mike Tomlin said Broderick Jones played "significantly better" against the Seahawks. Jeff Patton joins for this week's Starkey's Card of the Week!

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 said that the Steelers defense is capable of “much better than that”. The Steelers let Brian Flores walk, which seems to be a mistake. Sam Darnold is historically very bad under pressure, and the Steelers refused to send any. Nick Herbig actually played one more snap than TJ Watt did. Patrick Queen didn't really answer questions postgame. The Steelers will likely play Carson Wentz in Ireland, as opposed to JJ McCarthy, due to McCarthy's injury. Callers voice their opinions on yesterday's game. PIT-SEA Game Balls. Game ball number 3 goes to Byron Murphy II for his constant pressure and his TFL. Game ball number 2 goes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had over 100 yards. Game ball number 1 goes to Kenneth Walker, who averaged over 8 yards per carry.

Mike Tomlin said that the Steelers defense is capable of “much better than that”. The Steelers let Brian Flores walk, which seems to be a mistake. Sam Darnold is historically very bad under pressure, and the Steelers refused to send any. Nick Herbig actually played one more snap than TJ Watt did.

September 5, 2025 - Season 16, Episode 20 of The Terrible Podcast is now in the can. In this Friday morning episode, Alex Kozora and I get right to talking about the 2025 NFL regular-season opener Thursday night between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, which included the debut of former Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens in a new uniform. With Steelers OLB Nick Herbig dealing with a hamstring injury this week, Alex and I have a lot to say on that topic and if the team might elevate OLB DeMarvin Leal or new ILB Jon Rhattigan on Saturday. We also discuss the possibility of ILB Malik Harrison playing on the edge some on Sunday should Herbig not play in the regular season opener against the New York Jets. We talk about how important the Friday injury report will be for Herbig as we then go through the rest of the Week 1 injury report heading into Friday's practice. On Thursday, we heard from two of the Steelers' coordinators, Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin, so Alex and I recap the few main talking points top come out of those two media sessions. Alex and I welcome Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic back to the show, and he helps us get started with a preview of the Steelers' road game against the Jets. Rosenblatt has covered the Jets for several seasons, and nobody knows that team better than him. We get his thoughts on new Jets QB Justin Fields and Steelers new QB Aaron Rodgers and many more things related to Sunday's game at MetLife Stadium. At the end of our talk with Rosenblatt, he gives us his score prediction for the Sunday game between the Steelers and the Jets. If not already doing so, make sure to follow Zack on X/Twitter at @ZackBlatt and make sure to read his work online here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/zack-rosenblatt/ After finishing with Rosenblatt, Alex and I provide our own preview of the game between the Steelers and the Jets. We break down what we are looking for out of both teams on both sides of the football ahead of the Week 1 game. Alex and I then give our picks against the spread for all of the Week 1 games in the NFL using the line provided by show sponsor MyBookie.ag. We also give our score predictions for Steelers-Jets to end that segment. Finally, Alex and I make our predictions for not only the 2025 Steelers, but the entire NFL. We give our record predictions for the 20254 Steelers, if we think they will make the playoffs, and more. We also predict Super Bowl LX as well. This 127-minute episode also discusses several other minor topics not noted, and we close things by answering a few emails that we recently received from listeners. steelersdepot.com 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 Cam Heyward's vet day, Nick Herbig remaining a limited participant while Malik Harrison worked in some EDGE reps, Darius Slay discussing an emotional night ahead as he watches his old team raise a Super Bowl banner and if cap circumvention takes place in the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, Julianne Pelusi joins to discuss the launch of Pelusi's Picks on the channel, if we are buying what Aaron Rodgers is selling in terms of the game against the Jets just being another game, his faith in his tight end group, the latest surrounding Nick Herbig and Cam Heyward and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to Cam Heyward's latest refusal to commit to playing in NFL Week 1 against the New York Jets amid a contract dispute with GM Omar Khan's front office. Is Heyward serious? Or is he just continuing to posture until kickoff in hopes of pressuring the team into a deal? Is whatever raise he could secure worth it in terms of fan backlash to his demands? And how would his absence affect T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey and the rest of the Steelers' defense? Paul tackles those questions, plus his thoughts on coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference, where he gave injury updates on players including Derrick Harmon and Nick Herbig.

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.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, Jobe Morrison joins to discuss what Mike Tomlin had to say at his first Tomlin Tuesday of the regular season. We know Derrick Harmon won't be in the mix for the team, but what about Nick Herbig. What's the plan if Herbig can't go? How unique of a challenge is it to face a team with a new coaching staff, but also a QB you just had on your own roster? The team released WR Robert Woods from the practice squad. Is this the end of the road for him? Let's go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: The Mike Tomlin Press Conference. Tomlin is expecting Cam Heyward to play. Derrick Harmon is out. The door is ajar for Nick Herbig. Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined the show. Cam Heyward is leaving the door open he won't play Sunday against the New York Jets.

The Mike Tomlin Press Conference. Tomlin is expecting Cam Heyward to play. Derrick Harmon is out. The door is ajar for Nick Herbig.

Tim Benz and Joe Rutter react to news about Cam Heyward, Justin Fields, Derrick Harmon, Nick Herbig and more from Mike Tomlin's first press conference of the 2025 regular season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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?

In maybe our funniest episode yet, Steelers defenders T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig join Cam Heyward and Hayden for an episode talking Steeler football on and off the field. From brutal practice battles to team brotherhood, this one gives you a look into this hilarious tandem. In this episode:

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.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray is curious how much we will see of the starting defense tonight. Ray said the only way DeMarvin Leal is kept is if the Steelers roll with 5 edge rushers, which they haven't done in recent memory. Is there any reason to be concerned with Jack Sawyer so far? Ray said the Steelers will have an interesting decision to make with Nick Herbig after this season. Ray indicated that Skylar Thompson could find himself a roster spot because Will Howard did not play at all in the preseason. How is Ray feeling about the run game to this point in the preseason? Ray doesn't expect Calvin Austin to play tonight and he projected the receiver room for the initial 53-man roster.

We are 2 hours away from Steelers-Panthers in the preseason finale. What could this final roster look like? We are getting to see most of the starting defense tonight. Poni thinks it's the best defense in the AFC. How did we rank the Steelers defensive starters? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray is curious how much we will see of the starting defense tonight. Ray said the only way DeMarvin Leal is kept is if the Steelers roll with 5 edge rushers, which they haven't done in recent memory. Is there any reason to be concerned with Jack Sawyer so far? Ray said the Steelers will have an interesting decision to make with Nick Herbig after this season. Ray indicated that Skylar Thompson could find himself a roster spot because Will Howard did not play at all in the preseason. How is Ray feeling about the run game to this point in the preseason? Ray doesn't expect Calvin Austin to play tonight and he projected the receiver room for the initial 53-man roster. Mega Matchups.

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.

Derrick Bell and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss who we are most excited to watch in the team's preseason opener and how you can evaluate what you are seeing in this setting. Who needs to shine? We also discuss the rise of the slot corner position, if Nick Herbig will eventually be a trade piece and Cam Heyward's IG story following his desire for a new deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to a report that DL Cam Heyward is holding in at Steelers training camp in pursuit of a restructured contract. Does the defensive captain deserve a new deal after signing an extension just a year ago? Especially at his advanced age for his position of 36? Should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin be devoting even more resources to their defense, which also includes highly paid stars like Jalen Ramsey and T.J. Watt? And how should other deals signed around the NFL factor into these conversations? Paul weighs in on those questions, plus Tomlin's list of players that will be held out of the preseason opener Saturday against the Jaguars. Should younger names like Joey Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig be available? What about newer veterans like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith? And when should we see those players this preseason, if at all?

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.

Jarrett Bailey is joined by Brian Baldinger of NFL Network to discuss the Steelers' first padded practice of training camp. Plus, what he likes so much about Nick Herbig, Pittsburgh's talented offensive line, the offense taking time to click with Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey's impact on the defense, and much more.

Nick Herbig, Joey Porter Jr, Mark Robinson, Troy Fautanu listed by Nick Farabaugh as stars of today's practice. Poni mentions that the defense should beat the offense in camp, as it is the highest paid unit in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers said that he's still having fun playing football, and that he likes Latrobe. Mullsy says that Aaron Rodgers has earned a reputation as being “artificial” behind the scenes. Rodgers said that in Green Bay and New York, they didn't tackle in practice. Poni says that you can see how different Rodgers is from Russell Wilson simply through his interview answers.

Nick Herbig, Joey Porter Jr, Mark Robinson, Troy Fautanu listed by Nick Farabaugh as stars of today's practice. Poni mentions that the defense should beat the offense in camp, as it is the highest paid unit in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers said that he's still having fun playing football, and that he likes Latrobe. Mullsy says that Aaron Rodgers has earned a reputation as being “artificial” behind the scenes. Rodgers said that in Green Bay and New York, they didn't tackle in practice. Poni says that you can see how different Rodgers is from Russell Wilson simply through his interview answers. All Access with Aditi Kinkhabwala. Aditi says that the teams that really want to compete always embrace physicality in camp. Mullsy says Rodgers sounds more authentic when talking about football than Russell Wilson. Aditi says that the defense always prospers in team drills early in camp. She says that this is often because the offense is always trying different stuff early in camp. Dom Debrief. The Steelers give out a packet with the name and face of team media personalities. Do the guys think that they're on the packet? Poni says that one of the guys should ask Pat Freiermuth to take a picture of this packet and send it to them. Mullsy gives Starkey props as a great interviewer. Dom calls himself the funniest guy at the station.

The Steelers defense was on the field for the final 10 minutes of the game against the Ravens and were pushed around. The linebackers are the best unit and were excited to see the steps that Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer take. Joey Porter Jr. needs to take a step up.

Hour 2 with Bob Pompeani: The Steelers arrive at training camp on Wednesday. ESPN ranks the Steelers the 19th best roster in the NFL. Did they get it right? The Steelers offensive line is a significant question and will come down to Broderick Jones more than anyone. The linebackers are the best unit and were excited to see the steps that Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer take.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today's episode, we discuss what Alan is looking forward to the most at training camp in terms of storylines or questions that need answered. How will Aaron Rodgers get acclimated? Will Payton Wilson take on a much larger role? How will the WR room shake out? How will the defensive backfield group form? We then answer questions about Nick Herbig's future and why the Steelers shouldn't be viewed as true Super Bowl contenders. 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, 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.

Payton Wilson is Bob's breakout player to watch on defense. Austin also likes Wilson, but points to Nick Herbig as someone who could take a step up. If Alex Highsmith is hurt again or the T.J. Watt contract situation continues into the season, it gives Herbig time to shine.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter welcomes podcaster Dave Dameshek to get his assessment of the team ahead of training camp next month at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They begin by pondering which young players could be x-factors in 2025, with a specific focus on the 2023 NFL draft class that included Joey Porter Jr., Broderick Jones, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Cory Trice Jr. Will those guys be the difference makers if coach Mike Tomlin and Co. are going to have a good season? Or, if they struggle, could they drag the whole team down regardless of what new faces like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf and others bring to the table? Later, the guys look to Steelers history for lessons in leadership that could help the current squad. And Dave plays a game of "What If?" Imagining what might have happened had Ben Roethlisberger retired after his 2019 arm injury, and whether names like Jordan Love, Justin Herbert or Jalen Hurts could be the team's franchise quarterback right now.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo recap the team's minicamp at its South Side facility this week. What did we ultimately learn about Aaron Rodgers upon his arrival in Pittsburgh? What should we make of him not practicing with the team? What kind of impact is DK Metcalf making on the passing game? And how will both players shape Arthur Smith's offense in the year ahead? Our duo tackles those questions, then give their thoughts on T.J. Watt's absence, the looming risk of a training camp holdout and the 2023 NFL draft class -- led by Joey Porter Jr., Broderick Jones, Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig -- starting to step into leadership roles for the team.