Podcast appearances and mentions of patrick queen

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, hosts Christopher Carter and Brian Batko evaluate the performance of rookies during OTAs and minicamps. Was Derrick Harmon the clear winner after claiming a starting spot early? Something names like Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. have not been able to do early on? Why was RB Kaleb Johnson also worthy of praise? And what was noticeable about other NFL draft picks including Will Howard, Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black? Later, the guys ponder which departed Steelers could have the best seasons elsewhere. Will QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields shine with the New York Giants and Jets, respectively? How will Najee Harris look with the Los Angeles Chargers? And will George Pickens be a difference maker for the Dallas Cowboys? Then in the third segment, Brian and Chris explain why Patrick Queen's brutal self-evaluation process.

Ray Fittipaldo joins to discuss Rodgers vs Fields and which player and team will have the better year, his confidence in Troy Fautanu, who the most impactful rookie will be, his grade for Patrick Queen in 24, his choice for breakout player, if Benton and JPJ can bounce back this year, if Watt will get what he wants, free association.

Ray Fittipaldo joins to discuss Rodgers vs Fields and which player and team will have the better year, his confidence in Troy Fautanu, who the most impactful rookie will be, his grade for Patrick Queen in 24, his choice for breakout player, if Benton and JPJ can bounce back this year, if Watt will get what he wants, free association. Joe and Sean make their choices for the Pirates All-Century team, and have mostly the same guys except for an argument about Freddy Sanchez's position. 

There was plenty of drama in the Pirates doubleheader yesterday. Dennis Santana went after a fan. TJ McConnell has become one of the biggest stories in the NBA. Who are the best basketball players from Western PA. We agree that Pistol Pete doesn't count. Joe runs down the list of other candidates for Western PA basketball Mount Rushmore. We take calls on the subject - there's a ton of candidates. Ray Fittipaldo joins to discuss Rodgers vs Fields and which player and team will have the better year, his confidence in Troy Fautanu, who the most impactful rookie will be, his grade for Patrick Queen in 24, his choice for breakout player, if Benton and JPJ can bounce back this year, if Watt will get what he wants, free association. Joe and Sean make their choices for the Pirates All-Century team, and have mostly the same guys except for an argument about Freddy Sanchez's position. Mike DeFabo joins to give Joe medical advice, the possible changes for the Steelers defense (quarters defense), his first impression of Aaron Rodgers. Mike White of the PG joins to share stories about TJ McConell from his youth and how he's evolved his game, his Mt Rushmore of Western Pa basketball, his keys to a Pacers win in Game 7. We can't get a hold of Bob Walk, so we shift topics, our Penguins All-Century team, does Lemieux make the list? What about Gonchar vs Orpik? A few updates to the Pens coaching staff. City Limits calls in. We choose our Pitt MBB All-Century team.

On the Wednesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to persisting rumors that the team may be interested in trading for TE Jonnu Smith. Does Smith really fit on a team that already has Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? How would OC Arthur Smith deploy a trio of talented TEs? Would it help compensate for the lack of a clear No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf? What would GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin have to give up in a possible trade? And how would his game mesh with QBs Mason Rudolph Will Howard and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? Our duo tackles those questions; Minkah Fitzpatrick's leadership role that's shown through at OTAs; and Cole Holcomb's return from injury to an ILB mix that includes Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from Day 4 of the team's OTAs at its South Side facility. Why is Minkah Fitzpatrick at these voluntary practices while other veterans including T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf and likely QB Aaron Rodgers are not? How important is it that Fitzpatrick is leading the effort to clean up the late-season issues for coach Mike Tomlin's defense? Alongside names like Patrick Queen? And how is LB Cole Holcomb looking in his return from a devastating injury? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

After Thursday's OTAs practice from the Steelers' South Side facility, Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko share their key takeaways, including what seems to be an increased role for Payton Wilson at linebacker. Has he ascended to a starter next to Patrick Queen? Or is he just a placeholder until Cole Holcomb is healthy? And on offense, what kind of role can we expect from new running back Kenneth Gainwell?

The Patrick Queen sequel, green dot sold separately. Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear award-winning columnist Dejan Kovacevic's Daily Shots of Steelers, Penguins and Pirates -- three separate podcasts -- every weekday morning on the DK Pittsburgh Sports podcasting network, available on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/dkpghsports

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's selections in the NFL draft over the weekend. Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin do enough to address the ailing run defense with selections including Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black? And how will they fit alongside names like Keenau Benton, Cam Heyward and Patrick Queen? What should fans feel about the way the team addressed the QB situation, settling on Will Howard over names including Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart? Especially with Aaron Rodgers still undecided any Mason Rudolph as the only viable starter on the roster at the moment? And what does Penguins coach Mike Sullivan's surprise departure Monday say about Tomlin's future amid his own prolonged stretch or relative mediocrity?

On their weekly podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey react to the Steelers' offseason moves so far. How do moves for names like DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell, Darius Slay and -- potentially -- Aaron Rodgers compare to GM Omar Khan's action in his first two seasons? Does this group compare well with the 2023 NFL free agency class that included Elandon Roberts, Larry Ogunjobi and Isaac Seumalo? Or the 2024 group that included Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott? Will a lack of NFL draft picks naturally lead to a less bountiful offseason? And how should the stockpiling of compensatory picks for 2026 factor into this conversations? Later, the guys get into some college talk with Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia all stating spring practice. Are eyes on Drew Allar in Happy Valley as he looks to shake off a College Football Playoff loss to Notre Dame? Can he get the most out of a loaded roster that includes returnees such as Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and more? And are receiver transfers Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson enough to help the passing game as it loses Tyler Warren to the NFL? In Morgantown, what kind of difference can the return of coach Rich Rodriguez make? And can Eli Holstein, Desmond Reid and the Panthers emerge from mediocrity? Our duo tackles those questions. Then in the third segment, airing on the PG Pirates YouTube channel, Adam and Jason get into predictions for the Pirates and the MLB season. How many wins will manager Derek Shelton's club rack up? Can Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and the pitching staff push them over the .500 mark? Or will the lineup led by Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and Ke'Bryan Hayes continue to struggle like it has in years past? What should we make of Carmen Mlodzinski earning a rotation spot? How will the catching situation play out with Endy Rodriguez making the Opening Day roster and Henry Davis starting in Class AAA? And why haven't we hear from owner Bob Nutting this spring?

New Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison speaks to reporters at his introduction. He explains his relationships with Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott, two former Ravens who themselves left Baltimore in NFL free agency last season. He also lists his reasons for wanting to join coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin this offseason.

DeShon Elliott and Patrick Queen are trying to recruit Christian Kirk. Would you trade George Pickens for DK Metcalf? Do you think the Steelers should sign Nick Chubb? Charles Davis has Jaxson Dart going third to the Giants in his latest mock draft.

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 potential surprise free agent targets for general manager Omar Khan. Last season, the Steelers made a splash in free agency by signing former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen to the team's highest-priced free agent deal in club history. This year, a lot of the focus has been on the team being active at quarterback, wide receiver and cornerback in the free agent market, but is there another position where they could make a splash? When you're talking about following in the footsteps of Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Rosemen, you should never discount the idea of adding another offensive lineman. It's a great class of guards, and though Mason McCormick played well for his draft slot next year, they need a long-term replacement for Isaac Seumalo at that position, as well, opening the door for another potential free agent splash at an unexpected position. But there's some evidence the Steelers might not be interested in playing in that market in that way. 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 grade GM Omar Khan on his first two seasons of NFL draft picks and free agency signings. How much credit does he deserve for adding contributors including Joey Porter Jr., Zach Frazier, Keeanu Benton, Payton Wilson and Nick Herbig. Can first-round picks Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu still emerge as difference makers? And do the draft classes rely on them to be considered successes? On the free agency and trade front, how should we view moves for names including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Patrick Queen, Donte Jackson, Larry Ogunjobi, Patrick Peterson, Elandon Roberts, Isaac Seumalo, DeShon Elliott, Van Jefferson and others? Did Khan hit on enough of those guys? Or did the additions end up leaving too much to be desired? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders how much help the offensive line may still need despite heavy investment in it the past couple of offseasons.

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 ponder GM Omar Khan's next moves to trim players from his roster to free up salary cap space ahead of NFL free agency next month. Who will join Preston Smith as a cap casualty as the pass rusher was cut late last week? Is Larry Ogunjobi making too much relative to his hefty salary? Did Cordarrelle Patterson do enough on special teams and in the offensive backfield to justify bringing him back? Especially with Najee Harris set to hit free agency? And how will the team handle the case of the injured Cole Holcomb? Could he be cut but brought back at a lower salary? Our duo tackles those questions and more on the defensive side. How can Khan and coach Mike Tomlin bolster defensive line depth beyond Keeanu Benton and Cam Heyward? Should they consider a pending free agent like Milton Williams, who was drafted by assistant GM Andy Weidl with the Super Bowl champion Eagles a few years back? Should they look to the draft with names like Michigan's Kenneth Grant? And how will new ILBs coach Scott McCurley be able to help key pieces of DC Teryl Austin's unit, including Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He responds to viral criticism by former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman -- echoed by former QB Ben Roethlisberger -- that the Steelers' defense is too predictable. Do the two men have a point? What could or should Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin change about their process on that side of the ball? Could they get more out of their stars on that side of the ball -- including Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt -- if they are open to change? Later, Paul weighs in on the reported friction between QB Russell Wilson and OC Arthur Smith. What it should mean about the choice between Wilson and Justin Fields at the position. And the Peguins' latest loss -- which included an injury to star Sidney Crosby.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo react to news that Aaron Curry will not return as Steelers ILBs coach. Is this an opportunity for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin to shake up the defensive staff under DC Teryl Austin? Could former New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo be the big acquisition needed give a jolt to what's become a stale defense? How much could he help players like Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson at the ILB position? And what impact could improved LB play have on the rest of the defense that includes stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr.? Later, the guys take an early look at NFL free agency. Is Tee Higgins a live option to join George Pickens and Calvin Austin III in the WRs room? Would Javon Hargrave, D.J. Jones, B.J. Hill and/or Javon Kinlaw make sense as DT additions? And is Byron Murphy a name worth considering in the secondary? Our guys tackle those question, then ponder the running back market to possibly replace Najee Harris in the backfield. Would Khan really get older at the position by signing free agents like Aaron Jones or Nick Chubb? Would names like A.J. Dillon, Javonte Williams Alexander Mattison really be upgrades on Harris? Or should the Steelers be looking to the NFL draft?

On his new Saturday podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes longtime Pittsburgh sports broadcast and current Pirates public address announcer Guy Junker to tackle a range of topics. They start with fan frustration surrounding the Steelers. Is it at an all-time high after eight years without an NFL playoffs win? Has owner Art Rooney II's philosophy worn thin with his hardcore customers, particularly with regard to coach Mike Tomlin and the stability he represents? What can be done to fix the defense that faltered down the stretch, despite the presence of highly paid stars like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen and Alexi Highsmith? And what should happen at the QB position? Should GM Omar Khan pick the veteran presence of Russell Wilson? The mobility of Justin Fields? Or someone else entirely via the NFL draft or free agency? Our duo tackles those questions, then reflects on Guy's long career; his work with colleagues including Stan Savran and Bob Pompeani; and his many years on the popular Sportsbeat show. Later, Jason and Guy reflect on the latest with the Pirates and Penguins. Who's most to blame for the Penguins' recent struggles? Is it the Fenway Sports ownership group that has failed to live up to the success Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle had here? Is it past GMs including Jim Rutherford and Ron Hextall, whose moves are still hurting the roster today? Is it current GM Kyle Dubas and his disastrous deal with goalie Tristan Jarry? Or is it coach Mike Sullivan's inflexible game plans? And how will the franchise handle star Sidney Crosby moving forward. On the Pirates side, what we can expect from them in 2025? Can Ke'Bryan Hayes stay healthy at 3B? Does Oneil Cruz still have more upside, particularly as a power threat at the plate? How good can the young pitching staff led by Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Mitch Keller be? And how can manager Derek Shelton fix this team's problems with fundamentals?

Arthur and Deke start the show discussing Patrick Queen being named to the AFC Pro Bowl Roster and discussing the previous 4 drafts by the Steelers! The guys then discuss Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft and who he has the Steelers selecting in the 1st round! Moats and Deke then finish the show opening the phone lines to the fans to hear who they want as QB1 for the Steelers in 2025!

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 weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Chris Mueller of 93.7 The Fan to ponder decisions GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin will have to make about personnel this offseason. With a specific focus on colleague Ray Fittipaldo's trade, cut or keep analysis on our website. Should Minkah Fitzpatrick and his lucrative contract return to the secondary after it struggled down the stretch? Did Patrick Queen live up to his expensive deal from last year in NFL free agency? And what should be done about George Pickens, who's created some headaches despite strong production? Our duo tackles the fate of those players and a few others including Cordarrelle Patterson, Cam Sutton, Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb.

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 address the team's lack of coaching staff changes so far. Will coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan finally make moves this week? Or are names including OC Arthur Smith and DC Teryl Austin safe in their jobs? Could Tomlin look to add positions to his coaching staff, like he did for Brian Flores recently? And how could a bigger staff help the offense get more out of playmakers like George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth? Or improve communication issues on a defense loaded with stars like Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen? Our duo tackles those questions, then reacts to results from the NFL playoffs this past weekend. What can the Steelers learn from how Josh Allen and the Bills stopped Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? And what does the Commanders' stunning upset of the Lions show about the Steelers' ability to turn things around quickly with some good decisions?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He gives his thoughts on trade chatter surrounding the Steelers' T.J. Watt. Is he most valuable as the foundation of the defense? Or should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider dealing him near the peak of his value? How much value might he hold in terms of NFL draft capital if the Steelers decided the would like to trade him? And how would his departure act as a reset for a unit that struggled down the stretch despite the presence of fellow standouts Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Queen, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick? Then later, he ponders what Pitt basketball's three-game ACC losing streak could mean for the Panthers' March Madness chances; and the possibility of further Pirates moves with spring training looming in a little more than a month.

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 talk through DC Teryl Austin's future with the team. Would it help the unit and stars T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Joey Porter Jr. and Patrick Queen if the organization moved on from Austin? Would anything really change with Mike Tomlin still in place as the head coach with a heavy hand in the game plan? Or could there be value in a new voice and message, especially amid the communication issues that plagued the group down the stretch of the regular season and in the NFL playoffs? And how can the unit restore its aggressiveness regardless of who's coaching it? Our duo tackles those questions, then makes picks for the divisional round of the playoffs this weekend. Will Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs cruise past the Texans again? Who will win the marquee QB battle in the other AFC matchup? The Ravens' Lamar Jackson or the Bills' Josh Allen? And can the Commanders or Rams stop the Lions and Eagles from meeting in the NFC championship?

On this episode, Marlon Humphrey and Jack Settleman recap the Ravens playoff win over the Steelers, preview the divisional round against the Bills and talk about AJ Brown reading on the sideline of a game! (0:00) Intro (4:54) Meeting 2 Chainz  (7:25) Chad Ochocinco on Nightcap (9:45) AJ Brown reading a book (14:09) Who shows Lamar funny stuff on the internet (17:09) Patrick Queen (18:14) The loudest M&T Bank stadium (25:13) Should the Steelers fire Tomlin? (29:27) Deion Sanders to the Cowboys? (34:57) Bills-Ravens Preview (40:38) National Championship Pick

0:00   Mike Tomlin intro7:50   Steelers reportedly “not planning” to make a coaching change15:30   QB situation for PIT22:40   Report: George Pickens showed up late to Christmas game38:00   PIT wild card performance “not Steelers football”41:15   Steelers players experienced flu symptoms in wild card

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.

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 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens and news that coach Mike Tomlin is expected to return in 2025, per a report by the PG's Gerry Dulac. What is owner Art Rooney II thinking in keeping Tomlin despite eight years without a playoff win and six consecutive postseason defeats? Is he looking to father Dan Rooney's example of keeping Bill Cowher as coach despite three straight years of missing the playoffs during his tenure? Then later, the discuss other possible moves beyond Tomlin. Could DC Teryl Austin be in trouble after his unit studded with stars including T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr. and Patrick Queen struggled late in the year? What about offensive line coach Pat Meyer, who saw limited results from young linemen including Broderick Jones? Or defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who failed to build depth behind Heyward with names including Keeanu Benton and Larry Ogunjobi?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. with a specific focus on the Steelers after their NFL playoffs loss to the Baltimore Ravens. What next steps should GM Omar Khan take in building his roster for 2025? Should he bring back Russell Wilson? Or look to build around a young quarterback like Justin Fields, as the Washington Commanders have with Jayden Daniels? Should he consider trading Minkah Fitzpatrick and his bloated contract? Where should Patrick Queen fit into the defense's equation after falling short of lofty expectations for his first season here? How can the team get more help for CB Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback? Or George Pickens at receiver via NFL free agency or the NFL draft? And where does Mike Tomlin fit into all of it?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's NFL playoffs loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Why have slow starts become such a problem for Mike Tomlin-coached teams in the postseason? Will yet another loss like this spur owner Art Rooney II to any action? Why couldn't the expensive defense led by T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen, Cam Heyward and Joey Porter Jr. do much to stop Ravens stars Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson? And what changes will come on offense after Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth and teammates failed to score more than 17 points for a fifth consecutive game?

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 defense might be able to better match up against the Baltimore Ravens with Zay Flowers looking likely to be out of the starting lineup. Flower is Baltimore's best and shiftiest wide receiver, and the toughest player for the Steelers to match up with in zone coverage. After their communication problems that greatly hindered their efforts last time around, the Steelers could just play a simpler defense with less communication required, focusing on man-to-man coverage. Usually, it's hard to play against Lamar Jackson in man coverage, because he can beat you with his legs, but Patrick Queen has shown the ability to take that away as a spy. The rest of the Ravens receivers don't look like tough 1 on 1 matchup for the Steelers defense, so it could be a ploy Pittsburgh uses to gain a leg up on Saturday. Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko previews the NFL playoffs matchup against the Ravens with former Baltimore tight end and podcaster Daniel Wilcox. Can Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin stymie star Ravens QB Lamar Jackson again? Or has the reigning league MVP figured out how to combat T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen, Joey Porter Jr. and the star-studded Steelers defense? Can Russell Wilson and the Steelers passing game have success against this Ravens secondary that's been vulnerable at times? Or will the attitude of George Pickens be among factors that slows OC Arthur Smith's offense like it did a few weeks ago? And what kind of relationship does Wilcox have with Tomlin after winning a Super Bowl with him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2002? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

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.

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 defensive unit of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Despite getting a healthy version of Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick this season, despite avoiding the gigantic injury malaise that the linebacker and safety positions went through in 2023 and adding veterans Patrick Queen, DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson, the NFL's highest-paid defense actually got worse in 2024. The Steelers finish eighth in scoring defense in 2024, down from sixth the previous year. What happened? Alan breaks it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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?

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 team's NFL Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Who and what are this team's biggest problems right now? Are players like DeShon Elliott and Patrick Queen referred to guys like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Sutton when expressing their grievances with the secondary's struggles publicly? Can Mike Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin get their pass defense to sort out communication issues after Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce dissected them on Christmas? And what is going on with George Pickens after he showed his frustration with body language and failed to run out his routes in key moments? Our duo ponders those questions and more. Including: How much does this December losing streak have in common with last season's? Could personnel changes be coming, with Najee Harris getting swapped out for Jaylen Warren more? Can this team beat Houston, their likely playoff opponent right now? And what buttons can Tomlin, Austin and OC Arthur Smith push to turn things around? Especially with QB Russell Wilson and the passing game?

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

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 16 loss to the Ravens in Baltimore with 10 post-game thoughts. How encouraging Patrick Queen's message of accountability, and to what degree is he emerging as a leader on this defense? Why was Russell Wilson's QB play encouraging despite his pair of costly turnovers? Has the Ravens' Lamar Jackson started to figure out coach Mike Tomlin's defense? How worried should we be about the banged-up secondary amid a key injury to Joey Porter Jr.? Why did Jaylen Warren out-touch Najee Harris in the running game? Where was tight end Pat Freiermuth in the passing game? And how far from 100% is T.J. Watt right now? Jason tackles those questions and more.

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 analyze the defense's many issues ahead of an NFL Week 17 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Does this group need more splash plays from stars including T.J. Watt, Minah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward to regain elite status? What is happening with Patrick Queen and others in stopping the run? Might the return of Larry Ogunjobi this week help? And how can the pass defense blow fewer assignments amid injuries to DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson? Our duo tackles those questions and more on that side of the ball, then talks offense. Has OC Arthur Smith's game plan been faulty in the past two losses against the Eagles and Ravens? How much did Russell Wilson's two critical turnovers this week overshadow an ability to move the ball? Can Smith get the ball to Pat Freiermuth more often? And what difference can the return of George Pickens make for this unit? Especially for the running game with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren? Later, Chris and Ray give their predictions for what might happen in this week's Christmas matchup with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Co. at Acrisure Stadium.

Russell Wilson lost the Steelers the game in Baltimore. Has Russell Wilson's stock gone up, down, or stayed in between? Patrick Queen didn't do well defending the run. DeShon Elliott and Larry Ogunjobi's absences are being felt.

Post-Gazette sports writers Adam Bittner and Paul Zeise react live after the Steelers' NFL Week 16 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Did Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and the running game bounce back after a tough outing against the Eagles? How did Russell Wilson, Mike Williams, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III and the passing game perform without the injured George Pickens? What kind of a factor was T.J. Watt defensively after the injury he battled over the past week? And how well did teammates including Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Queen execute in slowing down Ravens stars including Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's South Side facility ahead of their NFL Week 17 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. Could some key players including George Pickens, DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, Justin Fields and Larry Ogunjobi return from injury? What's the status of newly injured names like Joey Porter Jr. and Ben Skowronek? How can OC Arthur Smith and QB Russell Wilson get TE Pat Freiermuth more involved in the offense after a quiet outing against the Ravens on Saturday? And how can Mike Tomlin get more out of his defense after Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick and others struggled to contain Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Ray thinks the Steelers might pull a few tricks out of their hat to try and win the game. He believes Lamar will have a more Lamar-like game against the Steelers. Donny spoke to Elandon Roberts who said Patrick Queen is treating it like a regular game and Ray thinks Queen got it out of his system in the earlier matchup.

November 15, 2024 - Season 15, Episode 52 of The Terrible Podcast is now in the can. In this Friday episode, Josh Carney and Alex Kozora review the Pittsburgh Steelers injury report ahead of their Sunday matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. We discuss the new injury designations to RB Jaylen Warren and CB C.J. Henderson ahead of Friday's final report and status. We also highlight the possible return of Ravens' S Kyle Hamilton, practicing yesterday after suffering an ankle injury in Week 10. After, Josh and I recap what OC Arthur Smith and DC Teryl Austin had to say during their usual Thursday meetings with the media. We delve into the possibility of the team using a Justin Fields package and the advantage Pittsburgh gains even when they don't use it. We also joke about Smith's comments of how much time he spends on Friday night with QB Russell Wilson that has their wives wondering where they're at. We respond to Austin's lack of concern with CB Joey Porter Jr.'s three-penalty outing against the Washington Commanders Week 10 and if it's a problem going forward. We also weigh in on CB Cam Sutton's 2024 debut with the team following his eight-game suspension. Our guest of the week is Jonas Shaffer who covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Baltimore Banner. I sit down with Jonas to offer his view of QB Lamar Jackson having another MVP-worthy season and how the Ravens managed to so easily land RB Derrick Henry. Defensively, we discuss the play of Patrick Queen's replacement in LB Trenton Simpson and why Baltimore's secondary has struggled so much this season. Jonas also offers his prediction for who will win Sunday's game. If not already doing so, make sure to follow Jonas on X/Twitter @jonas_shaffer and make sure to read his work online here: https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/author/jonas-shaffer/ After wrapping up with Jonas, Josh and I give our own preview of Sunday's game between the Steelers and Ravens. How to slow down Baltimore's offense and attack their defense while mentioning special teams being a potential X-Factor. Finally, we make our Week 11 picks, including our score predictions for Sunday's game between the Steelers and Ravens. This 122-minute episode also discusses several other minor topics not noted above. steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 12, 2024 - For Episode 1,349 on this Tuesday afternoon, Josh Carney credits Patrick Queen for finding his game, and doing so at just the right time in the Steelers' schedule. steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10/15/24 - Hour 3 Rich weighs in on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defending his “all-in” offseason strategy that was largely based on not plugging Dallas' roster holes, and reacts to the Cleveland Browns trading WR Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills.   Steelers LB Patrick Queen and Rich discuss Russell Wilson possibly taking over the starting reins from Justin Fields in Week 7, what it's like to play for the no-nonsense Mike Tomlin and the ultra-intense TJ Watt, and more.   Falcons WR Drake London and Rich discuss the positive impact of Kirk Cousins' goofy “dad vibes” on Atlanta's locker room, the team's Super Bowl aspirations, his personal goals for the season and more. Please check out other RES productions: Overreaction Monday: http://apple.co/overreactionmonday  What the Football with Suzy Shuster and Amy Trask: http://apple.co/whatthefootball The Jim Jackson Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jim-jackson-show/id1770609432 No-Contest Wrestling with O'Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-contest-wrestling/id1771450708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

October 3, 2024 - For Episode 1,309 on this Thursday afternoon, Josh Carney says the play of Patrick Queen through the season's first month has been concerning, but it's no time to panic — yet. steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices