Is Steelers' Mike Tomlin closer to hot seat or validation in NFL playoffs? Russell Wilson's future?

North Shore Drive podcast - Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo consider what's at stake for the team -- win or lose -- in its NFL playoffs matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

Is Mike Tomlin closer to the hot seat if he loses? Or validation if he wins in the eyes of GM Omar Khan and owner Art Rooney II? What about coordinators Teryl Austin and Arthur Smith? Does the front office led by Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl have a higher opinion of this season than fans, upset with a long playoff win drought? Or could there still be changes to the coaching staff if the team falls short?

In the second segment, Adam and Ray discuss the future of the the roster's core and how much hingers on a win vs. as loss. Are T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward assured of returning next season? Or would there be reason to doubt they could ever deliver in the postseason with another loss? What impact will the game have on extension talks with players including George Pickens? Could Pat Freiermuth or Alex Highsmith be on the trade block despite recent extensions of their own? And how important is it to see young players like Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton step up on the big stage?

Then in the third segment, our duo wades into QB talk. Does Russell Wilson's future in Pittsburgh hinge on this game? How much of an impact could it have on his contract demands in NFL free agency? Will Justin Fields get a second look as the potential starter? And what are the chances outside options like the Jets' Aaron Rodgers could be considered?