On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to early progress from new coordinator Arthur Smith's offense in the early days of Steelers training camp. Are the positive signs legit? Or are they reminiscent of false hope from last season, when the unit struggled under Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett? How have QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields looked specifically? And what did running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, plus tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington do in the backs on backers drill that made for an encouraging first day in pads?

Our duo tackles those questions and reacts to positive signs from young offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and first-round pick Troy Fautanu, who looked good against T.J. Watt in the first day of padded practice.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline Tuesday. Specifically, he gives his thoughts on headline acquisitions Bryan De La Cruz, formerly of the Miami Marlins, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, former of the Toronto Blue Jays. Where do they fit in the Pirates' lineup and defensive alignment? How much can they help the club's frustrating offense? How much credit does GM Ben Cherington deserve for adding them in the final hour before the deadline without giving up any top prospects? And what should we make of more minor deals involving Martin Perez, Jalen Beeks, Josh Walker and more?

Jason tackles those questions, analyzes the center field situation with Michael A. Taylor getting hot at the plate and gives quick thoughts on a busy first day in pads at Steelers training camp, where Russell Wilson and George Pickens provided offensive highlights.

The Post-Gazette's Paul Zeise, Jason Mackey, Andrew Destin and Adam Bittner react live to the Pirates' moves at the MLB trade deadline. How does Bryan De La Cruz improve the club's outfield mix after he was acquired from the Miami Marlins? Where does Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Toronto Blue Jays fit in manager Derek Shelton's lineup? Will Martin Perez be missed from the rotation? Will prospects given up -- including pitcher Jun-Seok Shim, infielder Garret Forrester and outfield Charles McAdoo be missed? And what do these moves signal about GM Ben Cherington's intent to compete for the postseason with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jared Jones and Bryan Reynolds under contract for several more years? Our group tackles those questions and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldor recap the first padded practice of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. They explain why the offense got the better of the defense -- notably in the seven shots and backs on backers drills -- thanks to standout performances from RB Najee Harris and QB Justin Fields. They also offer their thoughts on Russell Wilson's first practice of training camp after his injury last week; a potential injury for rookie receiver Roman Wilson; Jaylen Warren getting the best of Patrick Queen in backs on backers; solid days for tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington; rookie LB Payton Wilson's up-and-down afternoon; and guard Mason McCormick's surprisingly strong efforts so far.

Quarterback Russell Wilson speaks with reporters Tuesday at Steelers training camp in Latrobe, following his first practice since arriving last week. He explains how the rehab from his calf injury that cost him all of last week is progressing; growing relationships with targets including Connor Heyward and Quez Watkins; his mastery of new OC Arthur Smith's offense; what he's seeing from running back Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris; and his relationship with backup QB Justin Fields.

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey reacts to the Pirates comeback victory against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, in which Michael A. Taylor's late homer ensured another strong start by Paul Skenes did not go to waste. He also talks GM Ben Cherington's remaining options before the MLB trade deadline. Will he make a move for remaining potential targets like the Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Diaz, the Miami Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz or the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward or will he stand pat? Then later, Jason analyzes Monday's trades: Pitcher Quinn Priester to the Boston Red Sox for minor league infielder Nick Yorke. And minor league pitcher Luis Peralta to the Colorado Rockies for reliever Jalen Beeks.

On their weekly Pitt football mailbag podcast, Post-Gazette insiders Christopher Carter and Stephen Thompson answer reader questions. Among them: Is coach Pat Narduzzi on the hot seat this season after a 3-9 record in 2023? Which position groups will improve the most from last season, and why is defensive line a good bet with Sean FitzSimmons, Nahki Johnson and Nick James? And on the basketball front, who will lead the Panthers in scoring this season? Return standouts like Jaland Lowe and Ishmael Leggett? Or newcomers such as Damian Dunn, Cam Corhen and Brandin Cummings?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to the first week of Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Where was Justin Fields inconsistent in taking first-team QB reps in place of the injured Russell Wilson? What does Fields need to work on to be a serious starting candidate for the team after being traded here from the Chicago Bears? And what should expectations for Wilson be in the week ahead coming off of his injury?

Our duo tackles those topics. In segment two, they analyze what standout first weeks from corners Donte Jackson and Beanie Bishop could mean for the secondary. Then in segment three, they preview the first week in pads, with a focus on offensive linemen including Broderick Jones, Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu, as well as running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.