Mike Prisuta’s Sports Section
A weekly look at the games people are playing and the people who are playing them.
Steelers’ Revelation: A North Shore Metamorphosis
Less than a year ago even the players were throwing up their arms in utter despair. Now, an AFC North Division championship, if not more, appears well within their reach.
Steelers’ Moves Are Less Than a Makeover, but Still Worth Making
They should be better for having added Mike Williams and Preston Smith via trade. But getting Cam Sutton back from suspension might really alter the equation.
Pens Can’t Get in the Fast Lane from Memory Lane
Celebrating their storied history is appropriate. But when it’s all they’ve got the road ahead looks even more daunting.
The Steelers Are Suddenly Giddy at the Possibilities
Their quarterback has changed and so has their potential. And if Russell Wilson can keep delivering as anticipated, it’ll be a whole new ballgame.
Hail to Pitt? Panthers Show They Can Win With Defense Too
The Panthers have gone from three wins to intriguing faster than you can say ‘Eli Holstein.’ But it’s not just a quarterback that’s making college football fun again on the North Shore.
The Pens’ Potential Success Is in the Eye of the Beholder
There’s a different approach this season, and it’s one that needed to be embraced. It won’t be popular but it might serve the franchise well in the long run.
Tomlin Fans the Flames of QB Speculation
That’s not a path he normally chooses to take. But these are unusual times for Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and the Steelers.
Steelers’ Scenario Is What Might Have Been for Kenny Pickett
Dan Moore Jr. opted for a different response to adversity and he still has his job. But now he’s blocking for Justin Fields.
Turning the Page Is Essential for the Penguins
Everyone’s anticipating a competitive training camp for a change. But unless it leads to actual change, the season ahead is destined to deliver more of the same.
Pirates GM Cherington Makes Curious Call on Manager Shelton
The season has imploded but the organization is apparently resisting the urge to start over, again. One reason why might be that there’s no need to this time.
Steelers’ Caveat: Remember, It’s September
The first game that counts is obviously a much-anticipated event. Just don’t read too much into it as a barometer of what’s in store for the season ahead.
Pirates’ Collapse at Least Cuts to the Chase
The season teased long enough to inspire dreams of October. But it’s imploded into another nightmare that’s more on who they are than what they’re spending.
No Reason for Steelers to Panic … Yet
As last season reminded us, there’s no guarantee what we see in the preseason will translate into the regular season. But that doesn’t mean it won’t.
Much to Unpack in the Wake of Steelers’ Summer Vacation
They haven’t yet shown us who they are. But they’ve delivered glimpses of who they might be individually and collectively.
Steelers’ Summer Tradition Alive and Well at Saint Vincent College
The veterans appreciate it and the newcomers almost can’t believe it. But the connection that’s annually forged at training camp is as heartfelt as it is difficult to explain.
Understanding When to Get Fighting Mad Is an Important Part of the Steelers’ Summer Plan
They can’t brawl every day, as they did in a high-profile, all-inclusive scuffle on Wednesday. But there’s a mentality, a camaraderie and a competitiveness that are fostered by such things, and that matters.
Here We Go, Steelers, Here We Go Again
Our annual obsession with training camp is about to commence. And while the particulars are destined to be overblown, there’s a method to the madness that matters.
Skenes’ Star Keeps Shining Light on Pirates’ Potential
They need to add offense to maximize the opportunity at hand. But even if they don’t, and their history says they won’t, the postseason may yet be within reach.
Change of Direction Evident, Encouraging for Penguins
They know they have to develop their next wave sooner rather than later. Development camp was an example of how hard they’re working to make it happen.
Difficult Decisions Loom for Pens’ Dubas, Including One in Particular
Seeking a quick fix in free agency wasn’t an option this time. But trading Sidney Crosby might be if the Pens are to contend again sooner rather than later.
Talk Is Cheap for a Pirates Organization That's Too Often Been the Same
Bob Nutting may be saying the right things. But until Ben Cherington does the right thing the Bucs are in danger of wasting the type of opportunity that doesn’t come around very often.
Skenes Raising the Roof Along with Pirates’ Expectations
It’s sensory overload whenever the Buccos’ latest pitching phenom takes the mound. Such is the extent to which the franchise’s latest savior has already delivered.
Tension and Contention Accompany Tomlin Extension
The Steelers have been making changes at a furious rate for some time now. But changing head coaches clearly isn’t on team president Art Rooney II’s agenda.
NHL Playoffs Betray Penguins’ Plight
It’s clear the teams that are still playing are doing so for a reason. And it’s just as clear what the Pens lack and how far away they are from a championship.
It’s More Like Wilson Then Fields for the Steelers
The team has a chance to get what they want from both of their new quarterbacks, provided Russell Wilson and Justin Fields hold up their end.
An Irrational Response to Steelers’ Schedule, Just Because
The annual math projections in May are pointless, given the inherent volatility of an NFL season. But where’s the fun in acknowledging any of that?
Pirates Can Begin to Dream Again Thanks to Skenes
Their latest savior can’t and won’t solve all of the Bucs’ problems. But the long-awaited promotion of last season’s first-overall pick has nonetheless changed the game.
Steelers Just Getting Started in Adhering to Their ‘Urgency’ Edict
They appear to have won free agency and the draft. But team president Art Rooney II and head coach Mike Tomlin know that’s a long way from winning the Super Bowl.
Steelers Should Get What They Need, But Not Get Greedy
There’s a chance they can drastically improve the offensive line, and thus the offense, in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. But their focus should be on a center — first and foremost.
‘What Might Have Been’ Trumps ‘Almost’ After Pens Come Up Short
They played some inspiring hockey down the stretch. But it was too little, too late to make the playoffs, and that’s on them. Again.
Pirates’ Prognosis Lacks Certainty but Not Potential
There are questions, as there always are. But the Bucs might have the right answers this time, which could make for a compelling summer.
Dambrot’s Spectacular Swan Song Potentially Game-Changing for Duquesne
The Dukes’ NCAA Tournament run was as heartwarming as it was historic. But it also established what’s possible again on The Bluff.
From March Madness to March Sadness
Pitt’s NCAA Tournament exclusion was unfortunate. But the Panthers’ subsequent decision to forgo the NIT was a disappointing mistake.
Penguins Need to Acknowledge Their Problems Before Solving Them
Mike Sullivan deserves scrutiny but apparently won’t get it from Kyle Dubas. The latter is potentially a bigger issue amid the team’s late-season collapse.
Robert Morris’ Hockey Saga Already Had a Happy Ending
The men’s and women’s programs were taken away and then reinstated. The men’s team has made the most of the re-boot with a playoff victory to remember.
Retiring No. 68 Is Appropriate Closure for Jaromir Jagr, Penguins
He wasn’t a Penguin for life, but he was the second-best Penguin ever to lace up a pair of skates. And it’s about time his Penguins career is celebrated.
About This Blog
Mike Prisuta is a veteran of Pittsburgh sports reporting since 1985.
Mike can be heard Monday through Friday talking sports with Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show.
His favorite sport is whatever’s in season.
Follow him on Twitter @DVEMike
