Tim Benz stories, Page 127
First Call: Super Bowl odds after Steelers draft Najee Harris; Tom Wilson is at it again
Oddsmakers don’t seem impressed with the Steelers drafting Najee Harris. Tom Wilson is up to his old tricks. And a pair of happy goaltending debuts with Pittsburgh ties. All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.” Did Najee move the number? BetOnline.ag released its Super Bowl odds after the NFL Draft. How...
How a 2nd-day pick could influence the entire Steelers draft
It would be a real stretch to say that third-round draft choice Kendrick Green is the most important member of the 2021 Steelers class. Yeah, I might pull a muscle extending myself to make that argument. Unless a team takes a starting quarterback somewhere on Day 2, the first-round pick...
Tim Benz: A history lesson for those doubting the Steelers’ 2021 draft class
In Monday’s “First Call,” I pointed out that ESPN’s Mel Kiper gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a C+ for their 2021 draft class. Based on the visceral reaction I saw to that story in my email inbox and on my Twitter feed, the good folks of “Stiller Nation” have a —...
First Call: ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. gives Steelers lowest NFL draft grade; Kendrick Green’s focus already on starting center job
Monday’s “First Call” has a negative review of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ performance during NFL Draft weekend. One Steelers pick already has big goals. The Penguins have a chance to pour some salt in the wounds of a hated rival. And we check in on an ex-Pirate as the Bucs get...
Tim Benz: After Najee Harris, Steelers’ draft choices are more about future than present
I’m a fan of the new Pittsburgh Steelers draft class, even if I’m a bit confused by it. Because what I like about it in 2021, I’ll love about it in 2022. Which is good. Drafts are about building a foundation for the future. The problem is that the franchise...
Madden Monday: Ben Roethlisberger ‘just needs to play quarterback and shut up’
One interesting angle to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ draft is what will happen at center. The Steelers drafted Kendrick Green out of Illinois in the third round. He’s a converted guard. But the Steelers think he has a high upside. It’s just unclear if he is ready enough to be an...
Tim Benz: Steelers addressed many needs in the NFL Draft. Here are some that remain
Annually, this is my favorite Pittsburgh Steelers column to write. It’s my favorite column because, based on your responses, it’s your least favorite column to read. But the numbers tell me you always end up reading it anyway. After all, following the NFL Draft each year, every team’s fan base...
Tim Benz: What’s not to like about Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth pick, other than he’s not a lineman?
I can hear the calls from the capacity crowd of Steelers fans at Heinz Field already. Well, assuming capacity crowds are allowed back in the fall. “MUUUUUUTH!” Eh, who am I kidding? They’ll still be yelling, “HEEEAAATTTH!” I’ve got little to complain about when it comes to Steelers second-round draft...
How long can the Pirates sustain their competitive start? Here are 3 angles to consider
I can’t think of any Pirates fan — or Pittsburgh media member (this one included) — who thought this edition of the team could be at .500 by the end of April. For a team expected to lose at least 100 games, going 12-12 to begin 2021 is applause-worthy for...
Tim Benz: Steelers got the best player at their biggest position of need. That’s enough ‘value’ for me.
During Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers got the player most analysts feel is the best player at their biggest position of need. All the way down at pick No. 24. It was a good night. Let’s not “yeah, but” ourselves to death on this one....
First Call: Ex-NFL star heard ‘rumblings’ of Steelers’ interest in Aaron Rodgers; Devils mock Flyers elimination
The Pittsburgh Steelers were dragged into the pre-draft Aaron Rodgers drama in Green Bay. Guess who did the dragging! It was a fun night for Penguins fans on multiple levels. The Pirates are getting their first look at the St. Louis Cardinals. And an interesting story from the Duquesne basketball...
First Call: Brian Burke says Evgeni Malkin ‘cleared medically’ for trip; oddsmakers have Najee Harris on board for Steelers
If you believe the NFL Network reports, most people around the NFL think the Pittsburgh Steelers will select Alabama running back Najee Harris in the first round of the NFL Draft. And the oddsmakers think he’ll still be on the board to make that happen. One report says the Steelers...
Penguins face crucial 2-game set in Washington, depending on how you define ‘crucial’
The Penguins are in Washington Thursday and Saturday for a crucial two-game series against the Washington Capitals. Well, that depends on how “crucial” we should consider winning the East Division. What might be more important is who finishes fourth rather than first. That probably sounds entirely backward to you but...
Tim Benz: Forget anti-running back bias, Steelers should take Najee Harris or Travis Etienne if they are available
Let’s not overthink the Pittsburgh Steelers draft situation. I know the NFL analytics world — and many draft analysts — frown on the notion of drafting a first-round running back. Almost as much as they turn their noses up at the prospect of paying top dollar for one in free...
First Call: A team that may draft Najee Harris before Steelers pick; Alex Ovechkin sidelined; Josh Bell struggles
Wednesday’s “First Call” clues us in on a team that may steal Najee Harris in the first round of the NFL Draft before the Pittsburgh Steelers get a chance to pick him. Steelers Hall of Famer Alan Faneca throws his support behind a potential top-5 draft choice for a very...
Tim Benz: Surfing through NFL Draft medical info may be even more important for Steelers than many other teams
In advance of the NFL Draft, Alabama center Landon Dickerson has been called “almost the perfect Steeler.” Anyone who has tracked the draft knows what that “almost” surrounding him is. It’s not his talent. Or athleticism. Or pedigree. Or attitude. Or leadership. Or the obvious fit he’d be at pick...
U mad, bro?: Some readers are mad about Mike Tomlin’s contract extension; others are angry at criticism of it
Thursday will feature Penguins/Capitals and Round 1 of the NFL Draft. So we’re posting “U mad, bro?” a day early. Also, coming off a vacation week when Mike Tomlin got a contract extension on the heels of another late-season collapse, we’ve got … hmm … a few comments stored up....
Penguins’ success in face of adversity deserves praise. But should we change playoff expectations?
I write this column not so much as an opinion piece on the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s more of a cathartic cry for help. A plea to Pens fans to help me surf through my complex, layered emotions as the 2021 regular season draws to a close. Because if you were...
First Call: Even if Devin Bush gets healthy, Steelers still may look to draft another Ryan Shazier; appreciating Tyson Alualu’s return
In Tuesday’s “First Call,” we go heavy on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL Draft. Monday marked a happy anniversary in that regard. We look at why inside linebacker continues to make sense as a potential first-round option for the club and how Tyson Alualu bailed out the team by...
Tim Benz: Best case yet for Kevin Colbert to draft a RB in 1st round … from Colbert himself
In most years, it’s a futile effort to attempt reading the tea leaves during the Pittsburgh Steelers pre-draft press conference with general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin. I’m not conspiratorial enough to think those two use that opportunity to intentionally float out misinformation. OK, maybe on occasion....
Madden Monday: Evgeni Malkin ‘can’t go back on the first power play’
After a week away from the “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden and I have plenty stored up to discuss surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins. Particularly the improved play of goalie Tristan Jarry since his six-goal third-period debacle against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday night. Mark was less than delicate in his...
First Call: Was ESPN analyst’s shot at Steelers offensive line fair? Alex Ovechkin injury update; Pirates host hot Royals
In our first “First Call” back from vacation, we look at a slap across the face of the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line. We have an injury update on Alexander Ovechkin as a date against the Penguins looms. Alejandro Villanueva may have competition for that potential new job he’s supposed to...
Tim Benz: On Mike Tomlin’s contract extension; Justin Layne’s arrest; solid play from Pirates, Penguins
The Steelers, Pirates and Penguins certainly don’t give you time for a break, do they? After a rare week off at “Breakfast With Benz,” there’s a lot to catch up on as we get ready for the upcoming Steelers draft week. Hopefully, you enjoyed our NFL Draft preview series while...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: With depth thinned, cornerback again among needs for Steelers
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” has spent this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts previewing next weekend’s event. We have broken down the franchise’s needs into five sections. Former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Depth of talent at inside or outside linebacker could tempt Steelers
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...
