Mike Prisuta’s Sports Section
A weekly look at the games people are playing and the people who are playing them.
Shazier, Steelers Return to Cincinnati Still Seeking a Happy Ending
Sunday's return to Paul Brown Stadium will be the Steelers' first trip back since last December when linebacker Ryan Shazier went down and stayed down. But this time he’ll be back on the sideline with his team, and most significantly he’ll be back on his feet.
Pens Want to Send Early Message, More Will be Necessary
The Pens open the season against three teams that have a legitimate shot at hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup nine months from now.
What's It Like at the Mecca of College Football?
On his way to cover the Steelers, PM sports columnist Mike Prisuta took a detour to witness what many believe is the best college football experience in the country.
Can Brown Rebound? Steelers Had Better Hope So
Antonio Brown's tweets, threats and tantrums wouldn’t seem to matter nearly as much if he'd caught more than 18 passes for a relatively measly 160 yards through the first two games.
Chiefs are a Better Barometer for Steelers than Browns
There is evidence to suggest Pittsburgh can be better against Kansas City.
Bell Bails Out for Now But Divorce with Steelers Not Final
By missing practice again on the first day of in-earnest preparation for Sunday’s regular-season opener at Cleveland, the Steelers running back officially put himself before the team in the eyes of his teammates.
Narduzzi says “See You in Charlotte” – Can Pitt Deliver?
On the eve of his fourth season as the Panthers' head coach, Pat Narduzzi has yet to reach the promised land. It didn’t happen for him at Michigan State initially, either. But when it eventually happened, it was real and it was spectacular.
Perspective Not a Prerequisite for Passionate NFL Fans
Whether in Pittsburgh, Green Bay or anywhere else, most passionate football fans will tolerate almost anything, except of course, losing.
In Ben They Trust
Going into his 15th professional season, Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger remains the key to a successful season.
Steelers’ Saint Vincent Saga Even More Inspiring This Summer
Ryan Shazier's battle back from a paralyzing injury last season and his subsequent rehabilitation from spinal stabilization surgery is a more compelling saga than the Steelers’ quest to reach Super Bowl LIII.
Suddenly, It's a Whole New Ballgame for Pirates
The non-waiver trade deadline came and went on Tuesday and when the dust had settled, the Pirates were a legitimate contender. They had bought, not sold players and they had positioned themselves to compete, not play out the string in 2018.
Brown’s Helicopter Ride a Sign of the Times for Steelers
Antonio Brown's drop-from-the-sky arrival at training camp didn't exactly set an all-business tone coming off a disappointing end to the 2017 season.
Pirates Are Still a Long Way From a Hollywood Ending
Despite an 8-1 winning streak going into the All-Star break, the Bucs are in desperate need of a sequel, not only to win back some credibility with fans, but also to convince their owner not to sell off more pieces of the team.
Compelling World Cup Worth a Periodic Embrace
The competition is as fierce as the fans are passionate and both can be appreciated without a firm grasp of the details.
Pirates Can Be Show Stoppers if They Follow Brault's Lead
A Broadway musical about the life and times of the Pittsburgh Pirates? The idea might not be as farfetched as you think.
Olczyk Embraces Awareness, Understanding to Fight Cancer
Olczyk found out last August, in the wake of a six-hour surgery that removed 14 inches of his colon and “a tumor the size of my fist,” the severity of what he was suddenly confronting.
The Inspiring Power of Shazier’s Hope
Ryan Shazier appeared at the Steelers’ South Side facility today to confirm that he has no intention of leaving the game behind.
Oh Say Can You See Why the NFL Doesn’t Get It?
The issue of players kneeling during the national anthem is front and center again due to the NFL’s zest to please everyone, including any and all potential paying customers.
Here We Go? Steelers Have More Than a New England Issue This Time
At this time last year the Steelers perceived themselves, and rightfully so, as a team that was a mere win over the Patriots away from returning to the Super Bowl. This year, the focus is elsewhere.
Surprising Pirates Proving to be an Acquired Taste This Season
For the time being, at least, fans continue to send owner Bob Nutting a message wrapped in apathy.
Penguins’ Epitaph: So Close and Yet So Far Away
To win the Stanley Cup Championship you have to be good, but you also have to be lucky. The Penguins weren’t enough of either this time.
Resilient Caps an Unfamiliar Postseason Foe for Pens
This time, the Capitals aren’t in the process of blowing it. This time, they’re on the verge of taking control.
Avalanche of Info. Shouldn’t Confuse Steelers’ Draft Aspirations
The Steelers could choose a Hercules, a bouncer or a guy with a big butt that he can “anchor,” but can any of them catch a javelin?
Patriot Games Can’t Diminish Harrison’s Place in Steelers History
James Harrison intimidated opposing players in a way not seen since the days of Jack Lambert and Mean Joe Greene.
Penguins Seeking 3-Peat With The Swagger of a Champion
The power play, star power and goaltending are among the primary weapons the Penguins have at their disposal in their quest for another championship. But so, too, is an unshakable belief they can hoist Lord Stanley's Cup three times in a row.
En Route to Becoming Pitt’s Basketball Savior, Capel Learned the Hard Way
Jeff Capel brings more than an impressive resume to the Pitt Panthers.
Remembering Namath, and to Protect the Plate, on the Occasion of Mom’s Passing
Mike Prisuta reflects on life lessons (and sports instruction) received from his late mother, Margaret Prisuta.
Embracing March Madness: The Only Constant is the Drama
Pittsburgh is blessed this week to host Duke and Mike Krzyzewski, Villanova and Jay Wright, and Oklahoma and freshman sensation Trae Young, among others, at PPG Paints Arena.
Stakes Raised in Steelers' Looming Breakup with Le'Veon
Bell’s special, but he’s not unique. The Steelers will need to identify his replacement sooner or later, perhaps even sooner rather than later.
Hunwick’s The Question, Letang’s The Answer for Penguins
The pressure is seemingly on Matt Hunwick to elevate his game, but it’s actually much more essential that Kris Letang gets it together.
Trade Now, Sign Later Approach Could Work Again for Penguins
With the NHL trade deadline looming, the Penguins are increasingly employing more forward-thinking approaches to the acquisition of future stars.
The Quest is No Less Recognizable Even if Team USA Is Not
They’re still playing hockey at the Winter Olympics, but without NHL players. Which means the guys doing the playing are relative nobodies. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Steelers Headed in Wrong Direction on The Stairway to Seven
A year ago at this juncture, the Steelers could legitimately perceive the Patriots as the only team standing between them and yet another championship. Now, a lot more more than just one team is in the way.
Hating the Patriots at Both Ends of Pennsylvania
Eagles fans will be disappointed if the Patriots prevail on Super Bowl Sunday –– Steelers fans could be devastated.
Guilty as Charged as a Nutting Enabler
If you're looking for someone to blame for the current state of the Pirates, start by looking at the mirror.
Steelers' No. 1 Problem Makes Others Pale in Comparison
Until they solve it, the Steelers are more of a Fantasy League team than they are a Super Bowl team.
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
