Podcast appearances and mentions of ray fittipaldo

Paul Zeise filling in for Mark Madden as host

Paul Zeise filling in for Mark Madden as hostSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about the 53-man roster the Steelers released on Tuesday.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder if the Steelers should try and splurge on an available WR now or wait until closer to the NFL trade deadline when the season is in progress. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. August 27, 2025, 8:00 Hour

On the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey is joined by insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the team's Monday round of roster cuts. What should we make of Corliss Waitman winning the punting job over Cameron Johnston? And will Mark Robinson be miss in the inside linebacker group behind names like Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb? The guys also ponder the futures of players still potentially in some degree of roster trouble. Is Will Howard destined for IR this point after he and Skylar Thompson made it through this round of cuts? And what's going to happen with seventh-round pick Donte Kent? Or Cory Trice Jr. behind Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr. at corner?

In this clip from the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the Steelers' situation at offensive tackle with Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones. Did either or both show enough in training camp and the preseason to prove that they can be building blocks for the young offensive line, which also includes names like Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier? And will they be able to adequately protect Aaron Rodgers, who increasingly lacks mobility at QB? Later, they ponder whether the running game or high number of new faces in the secondary is a bigger concern. With Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr, Juan Thornhill and others all trying to find their place. And they explain how they feel the Cam Heyward contract dispute may play out now that he's returned to practicing with the team.

In this clip from the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo project the team's 53-man roster for the offensive side of the ball. -How will coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan sort out the logjam at QB? Will Skylar Thompson win the No. 3 job behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, sending Will Howard to injured reserve? -Why does Trey Sermon have a chance to make the team at running back behind Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell? -Is Scotty Miller a lock to be WR4 behind DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III & Roman Wilson? What other wideouts will make the roster? -Will Connor Heyward make the team as a fourth tight end alongside Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? -Which offensive linemen will join starters including Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier?

Hour 2 with Jason Mackey: Ray Fittipaldo thinks the Steelers would be ok in the short term with Yahya Black in the short term. Black has the potential to be a solid player. Calvin Austin hasn't practiced or done much in the last three weeks. Pat Narduzzi said the maturity level is different for this team and the players. Pat thinks the secondary is deep and some people don't talk enough about them and also Eli Holstein. Narduzzi thinks Dez Reid is the toughest guy on the team.

Ray thinks the Steelers would be ok in the short term with Yahya Black in the short term. Black has the potential to be a solid player. Calvin Austin hasn't practiced or done much in the last three weeks. Scotty Miller may have an increased role with Rodgers. Steelers beat the Panthers 19-10 to close preseason.

Mark discusses the news regarding the Hoffmann family becoming potential buyers of the Penguins hockey team, before bringing Ray Fittipaldo on to discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers final pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers tonight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark discusses the news regarding the Hoffmann family becoming potential buyers of the Penguins hockey team, before bringing Ray Fittipaldo on to discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers final pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers tonight.

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 hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder if the Steelers are going to move on from pursuing WR Gabe Davis. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. August 20, 2025, 8:00 Hour

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about DL Cam Heyward reportedly returning to Steelers' practice and about the team's search for another WR.

Post-Gazette insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap Tuesday's Steelers practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side. What should we make of All-Pro defensive lineman and team captain Cam Heyward returning to practice amid news of a contract dispute? What went into coach Mike Tomlin's decision to NOT play Heyward, T.J. Watt, DK Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers in the final preseason game Thursday against the Carolina Panthers? Will Rodgers struggle to adjust when the regular season comes because he hasn't thrown in a game with his group of wide receivers including Metcalf, Roman Wilson and the injured Calvin Austin III? Besides that group of four, Tomlin said all other players are in consideration to play. Should he give his new-look secondary some run together and give new faces like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay Jr. time to mesh with Joey Porter Jr.? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

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

On the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to analyze the team's situation at wide receiver and in the running game. Should fans be alarmed about Calvin Austin III's injury after he suggested there is a chance he may miss NFL Week 1 against the New York Jets? Would Gabe Davis be an adequate replacement at WR2 behind DK Metcalf, following his latest visit with the team for a physical? And where does Roman Wilson belong in the pecking order after his strong preseason? Our duo tackles those questions, then takes stock of the way Arthur Smith's offense has run the ball thus far. Did Kaleb Johnson show improvement against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Do young offensive linemen Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier need to show they can perform when they count before fans can really count on the unit? And how much of a difference with Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith make for the blocking schemes when they're in the lineup more regularly?

In this clip from the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze which Steelers have boosted their stock the most during the NFL preseason. Does Roman Wilson looked poised for regular playing time alongside DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III at wide receiver? Will Scotty Miller play an unexpectedly important role as he quickly becomes a favorite target for QB Aaron Rodgers? What will Yahya Black's role be on the defensive line? Will his snap counts be more in line with projected starters like Keeanu Benton, Cam Heyward and Derrick Harmon? Or other presumed depth options like Isaiahh Loudermilk? And has Broderick Jones shown that he's ready for the rigors at left tackle alongside young teammates like Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

In this clip from the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze which Steelers have seen their stock drop the most during the NFL preseason. Has Cory Trice Jr. run out of time to prove he can stay healthy and earn a cornerback spot behind Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr.? Is Will Howard in danger of landing on IR or even losing his roster spot amid strong outings by Skylar Thompson in the competition to back up Mason Rudolph and Aaron Rodgers? Why hasn't Robert Woods been able to hold off names like Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson in the receivers battle behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III? Is DeMarvin Leal officially a bust on the defensive line? And why has the running game been so week? Do offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier deserve the blame? Or are RBs like Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson showing shortcomings as well? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo break down the team's 17-14 preseason loss to the Buccaneers on Saturday evening at Acrisure Stadium. Despite the loss, who presented himself well for the team? Did RB Kaleb Johnson take a step forward after being challenged by coach Mike Tomlin? Does Roman Wilson have the look of a No. 2 receiver after another strong showing with Calvin Austin III out injured? And did Derrick Harmon look stronger in his second NFL action after being selected in the first round of last year's draft? Our duo answers those questions and more.

In this clip from the Friday edition 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' situation at receiver. Is Calvin Austin III's role in trouble, with Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo reporting that the receiver is set to miss the rest of te NFL preseason win an injury? Could GM Omar Khan still sign a veteran like Odell Beckham Jr., Amari Cooper or Gabe Davis? And where do Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson and Jonnu Smith fit into the conversation? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Mike Tomlin challenged the running game to be better and Kaleb Johnson in particular. Ray doesn't think Cam Heyward will get a new deal and the Steelers don't want to set a precedent that players can negotiate with more than a year left. There is pressure on quarterbacks that they need to be willing to put themselves in their own ecosystem where it revolves around them.

Mike Tomlin challenged the running game to be better and Kaleb Johnson in particular. Ray thinks advancing part of next year's roster bonus is the most likely situation. Ray doesn't think Cam Heyward will get a new deal and the Steelers don't want to set a precedent that players can negotiate with more than a year left. He doesn't see Cam Heyward sitting out a game, especially as a captain.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the Steelers' joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. The explain how key matchups including Jalen Ramsey vs. Mike Evans and Zach Frazier vs. Vita Vea provided the big highlights for the day; why this practice may be the most work Aaron Rodgers gets against another team in the NFL preseason; Kaleb Johnson's need to improve in pass protection if he hopes to challenge for playing time in the backfield with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell; Baker Mayfield's stern test for DBs including Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay Jr.; and the continued excellence of defensive rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black.

Pro wrestling Hall of Famer Jake ‘the Snake' Roberts joined the show. Jake told the guys what he loves most about coming back to Pittsburgh – he will be in town Saturday night for the Riverhounds game. He said Jim Duggan and The Undertaker are two guys he usually he road to different towns with. Jake told an infamous Haku story, where he bit a guy's nose off. Jake said he got into the snake gimmick because he was a big fan of Ken Stabler. Oddly enough, Roberts is terrified of snakes. Jake was part of the iconic Austin 3:16 promo, losing to Steve Austin in the King of the Ring final in 1996. He had an insane Andre the Giant story, where the big man drank 2 cases of beer in a 2-hour car ride. Jake said he hated the Steelers in the 1970's and Lynn Swann was his least favorite. The guys asked Jake to reflect on the life and career of Hulk Hogan. Jake shared a story that he was in a program with Hogan, but the fans started turning on the Hulkster, so the idea got squashed. Roberts said he had a knack for putting promos together and told us his strategy of putting some notes down. Jake talked about his famous DDT finishing move and how it has become more of a transition move in today's wrestling. Jake told the guys a few of his favorite guys to work with. What was the worst injury Jake suffered in the ring? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray gave his takeaways from the joint practice today with the Buccaneers. How much pad crunching did we get? Ray said Vita Vea and Zach Frazier was a fun matchup. There was a near skirmish on a punt. Which team got the most out of this? The guys asked Ray about what we should expect to see from Kaleb Johnson in the second preseason game after an underwhelming first game. Where are things at with the Cam Heyward negotiations? Has Cam tarnished his legacy? Will the Steelers add a WR before we reach Week 1? Ray said there is an argument to be made that Chris Boswell is as impactful as Heyward. Total Request Thursday.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray gave his takeaways from the joint practice today with the Buccaneers. How much pad crunching did we get? Ray said Vita Vea and Zach Frazier was a fun matchup. There was a near skirmish on a punt. Which team got the most out of this? The guys asked Ray about what we should expect to see from Kaleb Johnson in the second preseason game after an underwhelming first game. Where are things at with the Cam Heyward negotiations? Has Cam tarnished his legacy? Will the Steelers add a WR before we reach Week 1? Ray said there is an argument to be made that Chris Boswell is as impactful as Heyward.

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest reports involving Cam Heyward's contract dispute with the Steelers. Also, what's all the buzz about the team's defense?

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder how much of a hit Cam Heyward's reputation is going to take the longer he decides to hold in with the Steelers. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. August 13, 2025, 8:00 Hour

On the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette sports columnist welcomes insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to Cam Heyward's comments about his contract dispute with the Steelers. Did Heyward have valid critiques of dealing with GM Omar Khan's front office, a year after signing a contract extension? Why don't his comments seem to have helped his favorability among fans? And will he find a resolution that prevents him from missing regular season games? Later, the guys analyze the preseason victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars and what it tells us about the offense. Specifically, they discuss how valuable Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu can be if they're both healthy and playing well at tackle this season; the encouraging contributions of receivers including Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller; and the importance of quick throws from QBs Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and, eventually, Aaron Rodgers. They also give their thoughts on the overall roster depth and small offseason improvements that may have been overshadowed by big moves for Rodgers, Jonnu Smith, DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo discuss burning topics heading into the final week of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Is depth at receiver still a concern behind DK Metcalf? Or have Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller done enough in the eyes of GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin to resist a free agent signing or trade involving veterans such a Amari Cooper or Allen Lazard? And where does the injured Calvin Austin III fit into that conversation? Then later, the guys ponder which depth corners are best positioned to make the 53-man roster behind Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey. Will Brandin Echols or Beanie Bishop ultimately get the nod as DC Teryl Austin begins the process of paring down his roster in the coming weeks? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Ray Fittipaldo joins to give his perspective on Cam's situation, the fan reaction to it, who he's going to be watching in the preseason opener, Will Howard's injury outlook, Roman Wilson's opportunity, the battle at safety. We give numbers both for and against Cam in this argument. A couple of more callers give their perspective. one saying it's a bit embarrassing of a look for Cam. Cam Heyward for Terry McLaurin? That's probably not happening. A caller thinks this could be a scary precedent that will recur every year. The court of public opinion is clearly against Cam. 

Ray Fittipaldo joins to give his perspective on Cam's situation, the fan reaction to it, who he's going to be watching in the preseason opener, Will Howard's injury outlook, Roman Wilson's opportunity, the battle at safety. We give numbers both for and against Cam in this argument. A couple of more callers give their perspective. one saying it's a bit embarrassing of a look for Cam.

Cam Heyward wants a raise, and he's clearly underpaid right now. So which side are we taking? How about with Boswell? Where do the Pirates and Skenes go next? Jason was the subject of a debate between Poni and Donny on if 93.7 the Fan could beat the Pony League World Series teams. A caller says Cam is destroying the chemistry. Another suggests player incentive bonuses could've solved this. Fans generally seem to think Cam is in the wrong. Ray Fittipaldo joins to give his perspective on Cam's situation, the fan reaction to it, who he's going to be watching in the preseason opener, Will Howard's injury outlook, Roman Wilson's opportunity, the battle at safety. We give numbers both for and against Cam in this argument. A couple of more callers give their perspective. one saying it's a bit embarrassing of a look for Cam. Cam Heyward for Terry McLaurin? That's probably not happening. A caller thinks this could be a scary precedent that will recur every year. The court of public opinion is clearly against Cam. Jeff Hathhorn is in studio to give his thoughts on Heyward and Boswell and if he thinks it'll be resolved, Jeff gives the biggest stories he'll be following in the preseason game, the new look offense, Aaron Rodgers seems like a real person, and Juan Thornhill's comments. KeBryan Hayes got a nice ovation last night in his return. Jason clarifies Zangrilli's comments about Skenes and contract negotiations. The best pitch the team can make to Skenes is to start winning. Bob Walk joins to discuss Skenes and his changeup usage, what failed to click with KeBryan Hayes, the importance of Henry Davis's development, Cruz's development in center. Why is Bubba Chandler still in Triple A? Joe Starkey sent pictures of raisins this morning in a group chat. Jason lists his top 5 players to watch for the Steelers preseason opener - Sawyer, Kaleb Johnson, Roman Wilson, Black/Harmon, Thornhill/Clark. Jason highlights what annoys him the most about modern sports.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said Cam Heyward had been present for the early stages of camp and nobody thought to ask about him working to the side because vets of his status get treated a little bit differently. Ray thinks both sides of the equation have an argument. Ray told us Chris Boswell has spent more time at the local Latrobe golf courses than on the practice field, but it doesn't change the fact that he is among the best in the game. Ray said this could get uncomfortable, but at the end of the day, they will be on the field. The Steelers signed Andrus Peat today, who could be an insurance policy for Broderick Jones. Ray said Yahya Black is the player he's most excited to watch on Saturday night.

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap practice at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They break down the latest Will Howard injury news, which is that the rookie QB is expected to miss the entire NFL preseason with a broken hand, opening up reps for names like Mason Rudolph and Skyler Thompson. They also analyze the punting battle between Cameron Johnston and Corliss Waitman. And react to QB Aaron Rodgers' comments indicating that he does not expect to play in the preseason opener this weekend. Is coach Mike Tomlin making the right move to protect his QB? Or should Rodgers see some action as he looks to build chemistry with weapons like DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth. Our guys tackle those questions and more.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson address many of the Steelers' current injuries. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. August 6, 2025, 8:00 Hour

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk to Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about the injury rookie QB Will Howard suffered at training camp. With him missing the pre-season, what will that do for his progression? Also, Ray discusses whether or not Aaron Rodgers should start in pre-season games.

Mark keeps talking about the Buccos, Ray Fittipaldo joins to talk Steelers. Ask Mark Anything! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark keeps talking about the Buccos, Ray Fittipaldo joins to talk Steelers. Ask Mark Anything!

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey and insider Ray Fittipaldo react to the first full week of Steelers training camp. Why does coach Mike Tomlin seem more upbeat that usual? And what does it signal for his plans as he welcomes new veterans including Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith and DK Metcalf to his lineup this coming season? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders some positional flexibility. How much could we see TE Darnell Washington lining up at tackles after he dominated backs-on-backers drills over the weekend? Could he apply pressure to names like Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? And could Mark Robinson make the team at fullback with the linebacker room loaded with talent including Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Carson Bruener?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo break down Tuesday's training camp practice, which, for the first time since they arrived in Latrobe, was dominated by the offense. Is this a sign of things to come from Aaron Rodgers and his unit after performing well during the "seven shots" drill? What does it mean for the wide receiver corps that Rodgers formed a connection with Roman Wilson, who had his best practice of training camp Tuesday? And why is Chris picking Yahya Black as a player to watch on the defensive line alongside Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon? Plus they give an update on rookie QB Will Howard, who left practice with a hand injury.

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.

Ray Fittipaldo and Mark Kaboly released their projections, with a few differences. The Steelers outside linebackers are the strongest position on the team. We are very concerned about the offensive line, especially the depth.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Would you rather the Steelers go 5-12 or 10-7 and win a playoff game? The Steelers are going to be aggressive moving up for a quarterback, but would be easier with 5 wins. Who will make the Steelers 53-man roster? Ray Fittipaldo and Mark Kaboly released their projections, with a few differences.

Happy Monday! Rothman returns from Canton, and he about destroys the gong with all of his stories. Bruce Feldman released his annual Freaks List, and a couple Buckeyes are on it. Bruce also joins the program. We play Party Like a Rothstar. The first coaches poll drops mid-show. Dez Bryant and Jerry Jones are turning on each other. Jake Burns of Browns Film Breakdown joins the show to discuss Browns Training Camp. Jeremiah Smith can't go to Target. Sean Payton says the Broncos have what it takes to win the Super Bowl this year, so who are some dark horses that we're buying into? Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins the show with an update on Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard from Steelers Training Camp. And we play Tell the Truth.

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

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

Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap practice at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They detail spirited exchanges between CB Jalen Ramsey and WR Calvin Austin III; TE Jonnu Smith and S Juan Thornhill; and WR DK Metcalf and S Chuck Clark. Does it reflect a new competitive spirit among both receivers and defensive backs? Then they give an update on QB Aaron Rodgers. Have Metcalf and TE Pat Freiermuth emerged as his favorite targets? Why hasn't he been finding Roman Wilson much in the first week of practice, despite a nice play Thursday? Then they look ahead to the Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Stadium. Will we see offensive and defensive linemen clashing? Including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu on the offensive side, and Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon on the defensive side? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo preview the first padded practice of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Why will all eyes be on Broderick Jones, Kaleb Johnson and Derrick Harmon? Are they prepared to live up to lofty expectations? What will we see from names like Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen in the infamous backs-on-backers drill? Are they the best duo of cover linebackers in the NFL? And what's the plan at kick returner now that Cordarrelle Patterson has been released? Who might join Calvin Austin III in a coveted special teams role for coach Mike Tomlin? Our duo tackles those questions and more.