Tim Benz stories, Page 171

Logical Pittsburgh Steelers fans were expecting a step back in 2019. All the way back to 0-3? No. Not that far back. In Cincinnati, this isn’t a surprise. The Bengals are 0-3 as well. So that lays the foundation for a made-for-TV, primetime, 0-6 matchup for “Monday Night Football” next...

Mondays are hard enough as it is. They are even harder when you live in a city where your football team stinks. And make no mistake, the Pittsburgh Steelers stink right now. They have fallen to 0-3 after a 24-20 loss in San Francisco Sunday. Mark Madden and I analyze...

In “First Call” this Monday, the next opponent for the Steelers is struggling badly, too. Le’Veon Bell is mad about Jets “haters.” Pitt alumnus LeSean “Shady” McCoy leads Chiefs. Bummed-out Bell Criticism of the Jets is getting noticed by Le’Veon Bell. That 30-14 loss to the Patriots dropped the club...

The longer the Pittsburgh Steelers’ losing streak continues, the easier it is to come up with our weekly “Airing of Grievances.” Boy, it really has become weekly, hasn’t it? We are long overdue for a “Feats of Strength” post. Maybe that will happen next Tuesday after a Monday night game...

This was too easy. I almost feel guilty about playing the “I told you so” card. Almost. Gonna leave this here for a while @TribSports @TribLIVE— Tim Benz (@TimBenzPGH) September 20, 2019 Yeah, predicting Antonio Brown’s self-created demise in New England wasn’t exactly a stroke of genius. Especially based...

In this week’s final “First Call,” the Penn State “24/7” details are emerging. A remarkable college football trick play. An NFL head coach bails on a news conference. Injuries are mounting in Cleveland. And Antonio Brown finally speaks. But not for long. Happy Valley `Hard Knocks` It’s true. There will...

We take a quick tour around the Steelers locker room before they leave for San Francisco. Hear from Mason Rudolph as he gets ready to make his first start in place of Ben Roethlisberger Sunday afternoon. Some of his comments are interesting, particularly when I asked him about changing plays...

George Kittle must be good. His numbers are off to a slow start in 2019. Yet everybody I’ve talked to says he’s playing better than ever. Over the last eight games of 2018, the San Francisco 49ers tight end averaged 99 yards per game. So far in 2019, he’s only...

During Thursday night’s Jacksonville Jaguars-Tennessee Titans game, there were so many penalties that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady tweeted that he was turning off his television. I’m turning off this game I can’t watch these ridiculous penalties anymore #TENvsJAC— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) September 20, 2019 Too many penalties. Just...

In Thursday’s “First Call,” the Browns are banged up. Gerrit Cole reaches a rare pitching milestone. Some Steelers fans don’t understand the loss of Ben Roethlisberger. Cole keeps counting As things keep getting worse in Pittsburgh, Gerrit Cole keeps getting better in Houston. The former Pirates starter got his 300th...

The Steelers started against the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks with Tom Brady and Russell Wilson at quarterback. The San Francisco 49ers started their season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals with Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton at quarterback. Maybe it shouldn’t surprise us that San...

Searching for a sure thing in your NFL survivor pool? This week, it should be smooth sailing, especially if you haven’t used the New England Patriots yet. And if you have, this could be a wise week to burn the Dallas Cowboys. Because this Sunday, the Patriots and Cowboys are...

The comparisons are obvious. The team was coming off a non-playoff season. The veteran starter hurt his elbow in a Week 2 loss. The reigns were handed over to a first-time starter many thought could be the franchise heir apparent. Things felt bleak. Feels familiar, right? It’s 2004 all over...

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-2. The starting quarterback is out for the year. The Pirates have become a civic humiliation. Pitt’s head coach pulled a legendarily stupid decision. So, you tell me. You think there might be some material for “U mad, bro?” this week? Let’s come in hot! This...

It’s our weekly “Breakfast With Benz” podcast from the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side. Mike Tomlin held his weekly press conference Tuesday afternoon, and I’m not sure how many of his pressers had so much to talk about. Ben Roethlisberger’s season-ending injury. Mason Rudolph’s first start. The...

Wednesday’s “First Call” features a Steelers fan nightmare, a magical Major League Baseball moment, two stunning NFL gambling lines, and bad news for a former Pirate. I’m not ready for this The slow burn on this topic will start to simmer over the next 48 hours or so. Former Steelers...

Former WPIAL basketball star Meg Bulger enjoyed a Hall of Fame induction over the weekend. Again. This time in Morgantown, W.Va. The West Virginia Athletics Hall of Fame opened its doors to Bulger , where she joins her brother Marc (football) and sister Kate (basketball), who are also members. Bulger...

Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Antonio Brown may have broken another rule. How come you didn’t stop me? The volatile former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver doesn’t like to be told what kind of helmets or cleats to wear, when to show up for work, when he should pay...

In Tuesday’s “First Call,” a reason to embrace Minkah Fitzpatrick already. Le’Veon Bell looks depressed. Jalen Ramsey wants out of Jacksonville. Love him already Do you like the Pittsburgh Steelers trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick? Eh, I don’t really understand it. Why make a move to win now in a season...

Before you ask, the answer is “no.” The Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn’t sign Colin Kaepernick now that Ben Roethlisberger is out for the year. What’s that? Oh. We already asked? Ben Roethlisberger is out for the season. Inevitably, Colin Kaepernick's name will come up. Should the #Steelers consider signing him as...