Tim Benz stories

Turnovers are fickle. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ dedication to creating them can’t be. If we’ve learned anything about the Steelers’ defense, it’s that. In their five wins this season, the Steelers have 14 takeaways. In their three losses, they have two. The Steelers have truly been feast-or-famine when it comes to...

The Steelers stopped a losing streak last week and beat a team that came to Pittsburgh with the best record in the NFL. You didn’t think that would stop the irresistible force that is “U mad, bro?” did you? This week’s edition includes a quiet trade deadline, continued excuse-making for...

Former Pirates pitcher Steve Blass vividly recalls the efficiency with which he commanded his nine-pitch bottom of the ninth inning in Game 7 of the 1971 World Series in Baltimore. “It’s not hard to throw strikes when you’re (urinating) your pants,” Blass said. “I’m glad we had the gray road...

We’re getting details on what it would’ve cost the Steelers to land a pair of wide receivers before Tuesday’s trade deadline. The Los Angeles Chargers helped themselves in advance of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, and a pair of local college hockey players are getting some well-deserved recognition. All that...

The allegedly “all-in” Pittsburgh Steelers stayed out of NFL trade deadline moves. Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline came and went. The Steelers did nothing. How come? Well, there are a few explanations — none of which I really like. • It’s possible the Steelers feel that their 27-20 upset of the...

It’s time to say goodbye to Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop. We’re still awaiting Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s arrival. The Chargers and Packers suffer blows to their rosters. And could a pair of former defensive backs with the Steelers both be heading elsewhere? All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.” Bye, Bye Beanie...

If the Los Angeles Dodgers “ruined baseball” by winning the World Series, a heck of a lot of people witnessed them do it. Despite the alleged demise of the entire sport by way of L.A.’s appearance in — and eventually claiming of — the 2025 World Series, their Game 7...

Monday’s “First Call” features Jerome Bettis’ Hall of Fame endorsements for some retired Pittsburgh Steelers. The Los Angeles Chargers have to navigate around a crucial injury against the Steelers on Sunday night. Local college basketball teams are getting underway Monday and Tuesday. The Penguins are in Toronto to conclude their road...

The ripple effect from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts (7-2) goes beyond the standings. That’s the view of 105.9 The X’s Mark Madden during this week’s TribLive “Madden Monday” podcast. Sure. There’s the practical angle of the Steelers (5-3) maintaining a two-game lead on the Baltimore...

As Halloween weekend ended, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones turned into a pumpkin. And the Steelers’ defense took all of his candy. In a stunning turn of events — based on recent performances — the leaky Steelers defense contained the Colts’ top-ranked offense and sent the team with the best record...

Duquesne basketball coach Dru Joyce III had one clear roster-building agenda this offseason. Get bigger. Based on the responses he is getting from people who know his program, mission accomplished. “Anyone who has walked in our gym has said to me, ‘Coach, you have some different size this year.’ That...

Friday’s “First Call” has an update on contract talks surrounding George Pickens in Dallas. One analyst with Pittsburgh and Indianapolis ties sees little hope for the Steelers’ defense Sunday. We also have odds on all the local college football games, the upcoming local college hockey schedule, and a preview of...

The Indianapolis Colts are one of the feel-good stories of the year. Based on how their offense is humming and how badly the Steelers’ defense is performing, I’m expecting most of Indiana to be feeling pretty good by about 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The Colts visit Acrisure Stadium to play...

During their 35-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers Sunday, the Steelers had five offensive possessions in the first half. Four of them resulted in trips that penetrated at least the Green Bay 40-yard line. Yet only one touchdown was on the board by halftime, resulting in a 16-7 advantage...

Thursday’s “First Call” reveals why Aaron Rodgers is throwing his support behind Pitt. J.J. Watt explains why the “vibes” might not be great for his brother’s defense in Pittsburgh. Logan Cooley discusses his new contract in Utah. And we look at some quirks for the Penguins’ next opponent Thursday night....

In a “U mad, bro” post two years ago, I mentioned things that used to make me mad at Halloween. Licorice Good & Plenty came up. There was one house in the neighborhood that used to leave out assorted Good & Plenty mini boxes with a sign that said “Happy...

Between the second and third periods of Tuesday night’s hockey game in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Penguins radio color commentator Phil Bourque was waxing nostalgic about the days of yore for Pens-Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Bourque noticed too many empty seats for his liking at Tuesday’s game. He missed being in...

The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to patch holes in their secondary. A former coach here is not pleased with how many fans sold their tickets to Green Bay fans over the weekend. We share some gambling trends in advance of Steelers-Colts on Sunday. Plus, there are some awards for Robert...

During his weekly press conference Tuesday afternoon, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t directly asked if he had any plans to fire defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. However, he was asked if absorbing sole play-calling duties from Austin is something he has considered. “No,” Tomlin replied. “That’s not on the...

If reports from ESPN are accurate, the Pittsburgh Steelers will soon sign wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Good. Any form of depth will help that position. They are seven games into the 2025 NFL season, and Steelers wide receivers not named DK Metcalf have combined for 25 catches. Valdes-Scantling has a...

In Tuesday’s “First Call,” we hear from former Pittsburgh Steelers who are fed up with the franchise’s poor defensive effort. We remember the role of George Atkinson in the Steelers-Raiders rivalry. It’s time for chapter 1 of Penguins-Flyers for 2025-26. And Game 3 of the World Series was one for...

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth isn’t the least bit surprised at the success Indianapolis Colts rookie Tyler Warren is having in his first NFL season at the position. “They do a good job of setting him up on play action. Getting him out to the flat, getting him in...

After another poor defensive performance against the Green Bay Packers during a 35-25 loss Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is now giving up 386 yards per game. That ranks 30th in the NFL. In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLive says there...

Monday’s “First Call” has some details about a rumored trade target for the Pittsburgh Steelers. We recap the AFC North’s scattered day. The Steelers have a massive test coming up next week. There are more details about the dismissal of an assistant coach the Penguins interviewed during the offseason. And...