The Pittsburgh Football Podcast by Chris Gates

Today's episode is JAM PACKED, so let's get right to it.

Pitt beat Virginia Tech on Friday night, but the bigger storyline is that Mason Heintschel is out for the season with a torn ACL. Despite losing their starting quarterback, the Panthers still put up a valiant effort in Blacksburg to come out with a win. And there are tons of hot topics to debate from the game.

Was Virginia Tech's final field goal attempt actually wide, or did it go through? Did Cam Lindsey intercept that ball, or should it have gone to the receiver? Should Pitt have blitzed on fourth-and-5, and run the ball more down the stretch?

I'm diving into all of that, and a bunch more.

And at the end of the episode, we break down where Pitt goes from here with Holden Geriner taking over the starting QB job.

I hope you enjoy it, and if you have a moment please make sure you're subscribed and leave a 5-star rating and review!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
05:34 - Recapping Pitt’s win + Mason Heintschel’s injury
26:23 - Cam Lindsey’s interception was the correct call
28:58 - Was the field goal good, or no?
34:49 - Recapping the Narduzzi vs. Franklin storyline
39:24 - Pat Narduzzi’s post-game comments
44:12 - The road ahead without Mason Heintschel

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance to head into their mini-bye at 3-1 and atop the AFC North. Instead, they leave Cleveland 2-2 after a frustrating 27-24 loss to the Browns.

In Episode 25 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down an incredibly inconsistent night for Pittsburgh. The Steelers opened the game looking dominant, disappeared for much of the next two quarters, and finally came alive again late — only for the defense to surrender the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

Chris breaks down what went wrong, the Browns’ ability to pressure Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf finally stretching the field vertically, and why Pittsburgh needs to lean much more heavily on Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and a physical offensive identity.

There are also major questions defensively. The secondary struggled without Joey Porter Jr., explosive plays continue to be a problem, and Pittsburgh may eventually have to look outside the organization for help at cornerback.

Plus, what should we make of all the visible frustration on the Steelers sideline? Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy exchanged words, T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward were visibly frustrated, and the entire team appeared increasingly agitated as the night went along.

Finally, Chris looks ahead at a critical four-game stretch before the bye and explains why the Steelers still have an opportunity to turn things around — but need to start stacking wins immediately.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
05:02 - An up and down game, quarter by quarter
16:47 - The Steelers looked FRUSTRATED all game
22:41 - The Steelers offense lacks an identity
29:41 - Clear problems on defense (that are hard to fix)
34:32 - The next four games for the Steelers are MASSIVE

EMERGENCY PODCAST: Joey Porter Jr. is no longer a Pittsburgh Steeler.

The Steelers traded Porter to the Dallas Cowboys late Wednesday night, receiving a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and a second-round pick in 2028.

In this emergency episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris reacts to the stunning trade and breaks down how the relationship between Porter and the Steelers deteriorated to this point.

How much blame belongs to Joey Porter Jr. for the way he handled his contract dispute and lingering "back injury"? How much blame belongs to the Steelers for failing to reach an extension with one of their best young defensive players? And what does the return Pittsburgh received say about Porter's value around the NFL?

Chris also examines the growing questions surrounding GM Omar Khan, the Steelers' recent track record of moving on from talented players, and what losing Porter means for a secondary that already desperately needed him.

It's an emergency reaction to one of the biggest Steelers stories of the season.

Pitt is 4-0. Virginia Tech is 4-0. On Friday night in a sold-out Lane Stadium, we're finally going to learn a lot more about both teams.

In Episode 23 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt's massive ACC road matchup against Virginia Tech and breaks down the biggest storylines, matchups and questions heading into Friday night.

How will Pitt handle its first road environment of the season? 
Can Mason Heintschel deliver against a Virginia Tech defense that has generated 17 sacks through four games? 
Can Pitt's defensive front take advantage of injuries along the Hokies' offensive line? 
And how will the Panthers defend quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, tight end Luke Reynolds and a Virginia Tech offense that has found multiple ways to win?

Chris also discusses the renewed Pat Narduzzi–James Franklin storyline, Pitt's injury report, why the running game could be critical for the Panthers and what a win — or the manner in which Pitt loses — could mean for expectations the rest of the season.

Plus, Chris makes his Pitt–Virginia Tech prediction and takes a look around the rest of the ACC schedule.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:49 - In the News: Injury updates
12:25 - Narduzzi vs. Franklin
18:02 - Pitt's record in week day games
21:26 - A measuring stick game for both teams
25:51 - Previewing the game when VT has the ball
31:43 - Previewing the game when Pitt has the ball
42:16 - Predicting the game and a look around the ACC

The Steelers finally showed us the offense we've been waiting to see.

Pittsburgh beat the Cincinnati Bengals 30-27 to improve to 2-1, and Mike McCarthy's changes along the offensive line completely changed the complexion of the offense. Max Iheanachor and Brock Hoffman stepped into the starting lineup, Jaylen Warren exploded for 176 yards from scrimmage, Aaron Rodgers finally had time to operate from a clean pocket, and suddenly the Steelers' passing game looked functional.

So, did the Steelers just find their answer on offense?

In Episode 22 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down everything that stood out from Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati, including the revamped offensive line, Warren's huge performance, encouraging signs from DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson, Darnell Washington's emergence, the defensive struggles against Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Derrick Harmon's game-clinching strip-sack, and a massive day for Steelers special teams.

Then it's a quick turnaround to Thursday Night Football.

Chris previews Steelers-Browns in Cleveland, examining Deshaun Watson and the Browns' surprising 2-1 start, Cleveland's biggest offensive threats, its dangerous defensive front, and why the Steelers' new-look offensive line faces an immediate test.

Was Sunday's offensive explosion the beginning of something real — or just one good game?

Plus, Chris gives his Steelers-Browns prediction and shares reactions from Steelers fans after Sunday's win.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
02:59 - Changes on the Offensive Line Make a Massive Impact
09:02 - Jaylen Warren's Big Day Running the Football
11:52 - Aaron Rodgers and the Passing Game Flourish
20:30 - Defensive Struggles Against the Bengals
27:12 - Special Teams Made a Big Difference
29:24 - Previewing the Browns
37:15 - Biggest Matchup of the Game for the Steelers
40:00 - Predicting Steelers-Browns

Pitt took care of business against Bucknell with a dominant 59-0 win to improve to 4-0, but what can we actually take away from a matchup against an overmatched FCS opponent?

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down what stood out from the win, including some encouraging signs from Pitt’s passing game as the rhythm and timing started to improve. We also look at the value of getting injured players some much-needed rest, giving a huge portion of the roster meaningful snaps, and the performances of Bryce Yates, Demetrice McCray and Carson Kent as potential options for a bigger role in the passing game moving forward.

Then we turn our attention to the much bigger question: Now that Pitt is 4-0, what should the expectation be for the rest of the season?

I go game-by-game through Pitt’s remaining schedule, discuss where the biggest challenges and opportunities are, and share listener predictions for how many wins the Panthers should finish with.

Pitt has done everything it needed to do through four games. Now the schedule gets more interesting—and it’s time to figure out just how good this team might be.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:17 - Positives from Pitt’s Offense Against Bucknell
11:38 - The Benefit of Resting Injured Players
18:40 - Predicting Pitt’s Schedule After Starting 4-0

The Pittsburgh Steelers open AFC North play at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, and after an ugly offensive performance against the New England Patriots, the pressure is already building on Mike McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense.

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Steelers vs. Bengals and breaks down the biggest storylines heading into Sunday's matchup at Acrisure Stadium.

Can Pittsburgh's struggling offensive line hold up against Dexter Lawrence and Cincinnati's revamped defensive front? Will simplifying the offense help Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers finally establish an identity? Can DK Metcalf bounce back from his early-season drop issues? And how will the Steelers defense handle Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with Joey Porter Jr.'s status in doubt?

Plus, Chris looks at Cincinnati's impressive start, the Bengals' dramatically improved defense, Pittsburgh's potential path to an upset and the key matchups that could decide the Steelers' first AFC North game of the season.

Topics include:

• Mike McCarthy's plan to simplify the Steelers offense
• Pittsburgh's struggling offensive line
• DK Metcalf's drop issues
• Michael Pittman Jr.'s potential return
• The latest on Joey Porter Jr.
• Cincinnati's revamped defense
• Dexter Lawrence vs. the Steelers offensive line
• Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins vs. Pittsburgh's defense
• The Steelers' keys to victory
• Steelers-Bengals prediction

Like, subscribe and follow the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for Steelers and Pitt football coverage throughout the season.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
03:32 - In the News, Steelers Offensive Line Changes
07:36 - Aaron Rodgers' Comments on Play Calling
11:24 - DK Metcalf's Drop Issues
13:36 - Joey Porter Jr.'s Latest Update
15:33 - Previewing the Bengals
24:59 - Did Cincinnati Fix It's Defense From 2025?
25:25 - How Do the Steelers Move the Football on Offense?
26:53 - How Much Can the Steelers Pass Rush Impact This Game?
27:44 - How do the Steelers Defense Joe Burrow?
28:50 - How Ugly Can the Steelers Make This Game?
29:52 - Predictions

How much is Pitt actually spending on its football roster — and how does it compare to the rest of college football?

In Episode 19 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris takes a deep dive into Pitt’s estimated $17–20 million roster spend and what those numbers tell us about the state of the program.

Why is Pitt spending significantly less than some of the biggest programs in college football? How does Pitt compare to its ACC competition? And does Pat Narduzzi deserve more credit for consistently developing NFL talent and winning games despite operating with fewer resources?

Chris breaks down the changing financial landscape of college football, including revenue sharing, NIL, Pitt’s new H2P NIL initiative, administrative turnover within the athletic department, and the complicated relationship between Pitt football and a fan base that has experienced decades of starts, stops and disappointment.

Most importantly: What would it take for Pitt to increase its roster investment into the $25 million range — and could a successful 2026 season provide the momentum needed to make it happen?

Plus, Chris closes the episode with a quick preview of Pitt vs. Bucknell and explains why Saturday should be less about Bucknell and more about getting Mason Heintschel and the Panthers ready for their upcoming trip to Virginia Tech.

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for year-round coverage of Pitt football and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro 
04:35 - How Much Does Pitt Spend on Football?
15:14 - 3 Reasons Why Pitt is Lacking in NIL
27:49 - How Pitt Can Increase it's Roster Spend
32:42 - Previewing the Bucknell Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked downright awful in a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots.

Two games into the season, Pittsburgh has scored just ONE offensive touchdown, and the problems are piling up. The offensive line can’t protect Aaron Rodgers or consistently open running lanes. DK Metcalf continues to struggle with drops. The passing game looks disorganized. And Mike McCarthy is already talking about simplifying the offense just two weeks into the season.

In this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down everything that went wrong in New England and why there may not be an easy fix.

We discuss the Steelers’ massive problems along the offensive line, whether rookie Max Iheanachor needs to take over at right tackle, Metcalf’s frustrating start to the season, Rodgers’ performance under constant pressure, Germie Bernard emerging as one of the few offensive bright spots, and why Pittsburgh’s defense deserves credit for keeping this game from getting even uglier.

Plus, there’s another problem flying under the radar: special teams. From coverage breakdowns to poor snaps and another missed field goal, the warning signs are starting to pile up.

Finally, I react to your Steelers-Patriots takes and look ahead to a huge AFC North matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
06:13 - Unpacking a Horrible Offensive Performance
21:32 - Steelers Defense Played Well
25:50 - Sneaky Problems on Special Teams
28:15 - Listener Reaction to the Game

Pitt is 3-0 and 1-0 in the ACC after a 27-13 win over Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium, and Thursday night's victory gave us plenty to talk about.

In Episode 17 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, I break down my biggest observations from Pitt's win, including a breakout performance from the running game, another dominant showing from the defense and some growing concerns surrounding Mason Heintschel and the passing attack.

Damon Ferguson and La'Vell Wright helped Pitt pile up nearly 250 rushing yards, while the offensive line answered some important questions and created running lanes throughout the night. Meanwhile, Pitt's defense continued its outstanding start to the season, forcing two interceptions and holding another opponent to 13 points or fewer.

But the passing game was a different story. We dig into Heintschel's 10-of-23 performance, missed opportunities in the passing game, what Syracuse may have done to make him uncomfortable and why the next few weeks could be important for both Heintschel and offensive coordinator Cade Bell.

We also discuss Pitt's penalty problems, another strong night from the special teams, the emergence of Corey Sanders' defense and why the upcoming Bucknell game could be an opportunity to get healthy and fine-tune the offense before a major road test at Virginia Tech.

Pitt is undefeated with plenty of room to improve — and that's not a bad place to be.

Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Football Podcast for Pitt and Steelers coverage throughout the season.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:55 - Heintschel Struggles But Running Game Dominates
24:58 - Defense Continues to Dominate
30:58 - Special Teams, Penalties, & Looking Ahead to Virginia Tech