The Pittsburgh Steelers found a way to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime, but HOW they managed to win might be the biggest story of the game.

In Episode 34 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down a wild Steelers-Bucs matchup that featured another frustrating offensive performance through three quarters, an explosive fourth-quarter comeback, questionable late-game decisions, and special teams mistakes that nearly cost Pittsburgh the game.

With the Steelers holding the ball at the three-yard line and an opportunity to put the game away, why did they throw the football on two of three downs instead of leaning on Jaylen Warren? And what happened with the clock management and special teams execution that allowed Tampa Bay to force overtime?

We break down those critical sequences, plus:

• Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren, and DK Metcalf stepping up when the Steelers needed them most.
• Germie Bernard's impressive rookie season and why he was one of the few consistent offensive bright spots throughout the game.
• Pittsburgh's offensive inconsistency and why the Steelers keep struggling to score until the fourth quarter.
• The Steelers' bend-but-don't-break defense, which generated more pressure as the game progressed and forced critical mistakes.
• Continued special teams concerns, including penalties, missed field goals, and coverage breakdowns.
• The bigger picture: Can the Steelers keep winning games this way, or will these mistakes eventually catch up with them?

A win is a win, and the Steelers deserve credit for finding a way to get it done. But this game left us with plenty of questions about the offense, coaching decisions, and special teams.

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:10 - How the Steelers Made it Way Harder Than it Needed to Be
13:54 - Confusing Clock Management At the End of the Game
21:39 - Special Teams Gaffes that Continue to Hurt This Team'
28:13 - Positives on the Offensive Side of the Ball for Pittsburgh
34:14 - The Steelers Continue to Play Bend But Don't Break Defense
42:17 - Where the Steelers Go From Here

Another ugly loss has Pitt football facing some serious questions about the direction of its season. After falling to Boston College, where do the Panthers go from here?

In Episode 33 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Pitt's disappointing performance against Boston College and, more importantly, what comes next for Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers.

The quarterback situation remains a major concern after Corey Dailey struggled to generate consistent offense. Should Pitt stick with Dailey, turn back to Holden Geriner, or rethink its offensive approach entirely heading into the matchup with Miami?

Defensively, Pitt struggled to stop Boston College's passing attack, while injuries and costly penalties made matters worse. The Panthers surrendered 133 penalty yards, and with a difficult schedule ahead, it's becoming increasingly difficult to identify where the remaining wins will come from.

Chris also discusses the growing frustration surrounding Pat Narduzzi, why firing him now isn't the answer, and how the remainder of this season could impact his future at Pitt.

Plus, listener reactions and questions about the quarterback position, defensive struggles, coaching decisions, and what Pitt needs to do to turn things around.

Topics include:

• Pitt vs. Boston College recap and biggest takeaways
• Corey Dailey vs. Holden Geriner: Who should start against Miami?
• Why Pitt's offense continues to struggle
• Defensive breakdowns, injuries, and costly penalties
• Is Pat Narduzzi approaching the hot seat?
• Can Pitt salvage its season with the remaining schedule?
• Listener reactions to another frustrating loss

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:17 - Can Pitt's Season Be Saved?
27:02 - Breaking Down Corey Dailey's QB Performance
33:07 - Pitt's Defensive Implosion
41:54 - A Few Random Thoughts
45:03 - Listener Reaction After the Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to keep their momentum rolling against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but can they build on their recent offensive success with a depleted receiving corps?

In Episode 32 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews the Steelers' matchup with Tampa Bay and explains why Jaylen Warren needs to remain the focal point of Pittsburgh's offense after his explosive performance against the Indianapolis Colts. With Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek sidelined, can Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers find ways to keep moving the football? And what roles will DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington play?

On the defensive side, the Steelers could face rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels with Baker Mayfield dealing with an injury. Chris breaks down the challenge Daniels presents, the importance of containing running back Bucky Irving, and how Pittsburgh's defense can build on its performance against Indianapolis.

Plus, a look at the biggest injury updates, key matchups, and what the Steelers must do to come away with another win.

Topics include:

• Why Jaylen Warren should be the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's offense
• How the Steelers can overcome injuries at wide receiver
• Aaron Rodgers and the importance of the tight ends
• Jalon Daniels, Bucky Irving, and Tampa Bay's offensive threats
• Steelers defensive injuries and key matchups
• Keys to victory and a game prediction

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
05:03 - What’s In the News? Steelers Injury Updates
13:35 - Jalon Daniels Expected to Start for Tampa Bay
14:38 - Previewing the Game: When the Bucs Have the Ball
23:44 - Previewing the Game: When the Steelers Have the Ball
30:10 - Game Plan and Predictions

Pitt football is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to North Carolina, but major questions remain at quarterback heading into Saturday's matchup against Boston College.

On this episode of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt vs. Boston College, starting with the biggest question facing the Panthers: Can Holden Geriner bounce back, and how short should his leash be if the offense struggles again?

Then, we break down both sides of the matchup:

1. Pitt's Quarterback Situation: Why Geriner deserves another opportunity, what needs to improve, and when Pat Narduzzi might need to consider a change.

2. When Boston College Has the Ball: A closer look at dual-threat quarterback Mason McKenzie, what makes him dangerous, and whether Pitt's defense can continue its history of limiting mobile quarterbacks.

3. When Pitt Has the Ball: What Boston College does well defensively, how the Eagles have kept games competitive, and what Pitt needs to do to establish its offense and avoid costly turnovers.

Keys to the Game & Prediction: The biggest factors that will determine whether Pitt gets back on track against Boston College.

Can the Panthers respond after their first loss, or will their quarterback struggles continue?

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
05:00 - In The News: Pitt's QB Situation
18:26 - Previewing The Game: When BC Has the Football
28:11 - Previewing The Game: When Pitt Has the Football
35:09 - Predictions and Previewing Other ACC Games

Jaylen Warren put on a show as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-22, and his performance might have been the biggest reason Pittsburgh's offense found so much success.

In Episode 30 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Warren's explosive plays, his efficiency as both a runner and receiver, and how his versatility opened things up for the rest of the Steelers offense.

On defense, Pittsburgh did an impressive job containing Jonathan Taylor and forcing the Colts to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. But while the defense did enough to secure the victory, questions remain about the Steelers' pass coverage.

Chris also discusses ongoing concerns with Pittsburgh's special teams units, both in coverage and in the return game, before briefly looking ahead to the Steelers' upcoming matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Topics include:

• Jaylen Warren's outstanding performance against Indianapolis
• How Warren makes the entire Steelers offense more dangerous
• Pittsburgh's success containing Jonathan Taylor
• The Steelers' bend-but-don't-break defensive performance
• Continued concerns with pass defense and special teams
• A quick look ahead to Steelers vs. Buccaneers

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:19 - Jaylen Warren's Dominant Day
15:14 - Other Offensive Players Who Impressed vs. Colts
20:20 - An Up and Down Defensive Performance
26:17 - The Impact of Patrick Graham Moving to the Sideline
29:42 - Special Teams Continues to Struggle
33:06 - Wrapping Up and Previewing Week 6

Pitt Football has a quarterback problem, and Saturday's loss to North Carolina made that painfully clear.

In Episode 29 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris breaks down Pitt's loss to UNC, Holden Geriner's struggles in his first start replacing Mason Heintschel, and the coaching decisions that helped shape the outcome.

Was offensive coordinator Kade Bell's game plan really the problem? Pitt found early success with a quick passing attack and running game, but North Carolina adjusted, forcing Geriner to make more difficult throws and decisions. Despite Bell scheming receivers open, Geriner struggled to find them, and his accuracy deteriorated as the game progressed.

We also examine Pat Narduzzi's decision to go for it on fourth down instead of taking a field goal, questionable short-yardage play calls, Ja'Kyrian Turner's injury, and why Pitt's defense once again did enough to win.

Finally, we look ahead to Boston College and the biggest question facing Pitt Football: Can the coaching staff adjust the offense to help Geriner succeed, or is it time to consider Corey Dailey at quarterback? Narduzzi has publicly backed Geriner, but does that mean the quarterback competition is closed?

Topics covered:

• Holden Geriner's performance against North Carolina
• Kade Bell's offensive game plan and play calling
• Pitt's controversial fourth-down decisions
• Another strong performance from Pitt's defense
• Corey Dailey and Pitt's quarterback options
• What needs to change before Pitt faces Boston College

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:34 - Pitt's Defense Was Outstanding vs. UNC
12:25 - Breaking Down Pitt's Offensive Struggles
22:57 - Should Pitt Have Run the Ball More?
28:58 - Who Should Start at QB vs. Boston College?
38:15 - Is Pitt's Backup QB Position a Problem?
42:28 - Listener Reaction From The Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to bounce back against the Indianapolis Colts, but with rain in the forecast and major questions surrounding Pittsburgh's offensive line and defense, this could be a battle decided in the trenches.

In Episode 28 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Sunday's Steelers-Colts matchup, breaking down what Pittsburgh needs to do on both sides of the football.

When Indianapolis has the ball, can the Steelers slow down Jonathan Taylor and force Daniel Jones into mistakes? And how will Pittsburgh's defense respond with Derrick Harmon on injured reserve, Joey Porter Jr. gone, and injuries creating uncertainty in the secondary?

When the Steelers have the ball, the focus turns to establishing a physical, run-first identity. With Aaron Rodgers taking more sacks than any quarterback in the NFL, can Pittsburgh protect him against a Colts defensive front featuring DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu?

Plus, Chris discusses the biggest Steelers headlines from the week, including:

• Mike McCarthy's controversial comments about needing to "clean our house" and why they were blown out of proportion.
• The signings of cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith.
• Derrick Harmon's injury and its impact on Pittsburgh's defensive front.
• The latest injury concerns heading into Sunday's matchup.
• Why the weather could make running the football and winning at the line of scrimmage more important than ever.

Can the Steelers get back above .500 and start establishing the physical identity they've been missing?

All that and more in Episode 28 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast!

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
04:59 - Steelers Have Signed 2 New Cornerbacks
11:02 - The Impact of Derrick Harmon’s Injury
12:26 - Mike McCarthy’a “Clean Our House” Comments
15:00 - When the Colts Have the Ball
20:55 - When the Steelers Have the Ball
27:51 - A Crucial 4-Game Stretch for the Steelers

Pitt is 5-0, ranked No. 25 in the country and preparing to host North Carolina — but the outlook for the rest of the season changed dramatically when Mason Heintschel went down with a season-ending injury at Virginia Tech.

Now, fifth-year senior Holden Geriner takes over at quarterback.

In Episode 27 of the Pittsburgh Football Podcast, Chris previews Pitt vs. North Carolina and breaks down what we actually know about Geriner, from his recruiting pedigree and arm talent to the limited but encouraging opportunities he's had in Pitt's offense.

We also take a closer look at Bill Belichick's North Carolina team, Billy Edwards Jr. and the Tar Heels' offense, where Pitt should have advantages on Saturday, and why establishing the run could be critical to helping Geriner settle into his new role.

Finally, we zoom out and look at the rest of Pitt's schedule. Losing Heintschel unquestionably changes this team — but does it really need to change the expectations for a 5-0 Pitt team that has found multiple ways to win?

Pitt's season has changed. It doesn't mean it's over.

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My interview with the Tar Pit podcast » https://www.youtube.com/live/x-WCPIYXZR4?si=P9ZEbNMAU6Uv1XCS

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Intro
02:57 - Holden Geriner Names Pitt Starting QB
06:29 - Other Personnel Updates
09:04 - UNC News & Notes
15:53 - When UNC Has the Ball...
23:06 - When Pitt Has the Ball...
33:36 - Who is Holden Geriner?
40:49 - Expectations in the Wake of Mason Heintschel's Season Ending Injury