Tim Benz stories, Page 174
Tim Benz: Feel no shame; wallow in Antonio Brown’s self-imposed misfortune
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...
First Call: Penn State to be featured on HBO’s ’24/7′; Antonio Brown speaks
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...
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph discusses play-calling ahead of 49ers matchup
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...
Tim Benz: 49ers tight end George Kittle could crush Steelers
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...
Football Footnotes: Tom Brady rips officials in Jaguars-Titans game
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...
First Call: Gerrit Cole makes more history; Steelers fans OK about life after Ben Roethlisberger?
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...
Why 2-0 49ers might be for real as 0-2 Steelers travel to face them
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...
Tim Benz: Jets, Dolphins are historic underdogs vs. Patriots, Cowboys
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...
Tim Benz: Steelers a long way from possible repeat of 2004 magic
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...
U mad, bro? Readers enraged over Pat Narduzzi, shaky Steelers, Ray Searage
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...
Tim Benz, Kevin Gorman examine Minkah Fitzpatrick, other Steelers moves
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...
First Call: Bracing for Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown hype; Dickerson’s done; mascot battle royal?
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...
Tim Benz: You can like Minkah Fitzpatrick but not like Steelers trading for himVideo
Can you love the acquisition of the player without liking the trade that brings him to town? You applaud the player. Fill a position of need. See the long-term vision of the player’s contract. Appreciate your own club’s gusto to improve the roster at a crucial time. But you hate...
Former WPIAL great Meg Bulger reflects on WVU, shares brother Marc’s curling dreams
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...
Tim Benz: Did Antonio Brown break another NFL rule?
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...
First Call: Minkah Fitzpatrick magic; Le’Veon Bell loses after he says ‘I won’
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...
Tim Benz: No, the Steelers don’t need Colin Kaepernick
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...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown adds salt to Steelers woundsVideo
Talk about salt in the wounds. Actually, this is worse than salt in the wounds. More like lemon juice. Or vinegar. Maybe battery acid. While the Pittsburgh Steelers were losing to the Seattle Seahawks, Antonio Brown was making a positive impact in a New England Patriots’ blowout win over the...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden rip Steelers, Pat Narduzzi, awful PiratesVideo
This week’s “Madden Monday” ain’t gonna be pretty. How could it be? You saw the Steelers game, right? There’s so much to tear apart . Mark Madden and Tim Benz analyze what went wrong against the Seahawks. And there was a lot. We start with Ben Roethlisberger’s elbow injury. Mason...
First Call: Can Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi fix fallout from Penn State loss?; Le’Veon Bell faces the Browns
In Monday’s “First Call,” we try to figure out how Pat Narduzzi will scrub Pitt’s defeat against Penn State. You’ll get a look at the next opponent for the Panthers. Phil Jurkovec makes his season debut at Notre Dame. And why Steelers fans will have an interest in “Monday Night...
Tim Benz: An angry airing of grievances after Steelers’ loss to Seahawks
History wasn’t on the Steelers’ side heading into their season opener in Foxborough in Week 1. And history repeated itself with a 33-3 loss to the New England Patriots. History was on the Steelers’ side in their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. • The Steelers were...
Tim Benz: Penguins rediscovering Evgeni Malkin is bigger than replacing Phil Kessel
There were roughly six months of happy talk about how the Steelers would benefit from addition by subtraction. Subtract Antonio Brown’s shenanigans and Le’Veon Bell’s constant contract uncertainty. Benefit by getting a more harmonious locker room, fewer distractions and game plans that weren’t hindered by needing to pacify egos. Nice...
First Call: Gerrit Cole’s runaway 2019 continues; ex-Penguin Ryan Reaves injured
In Friday’s “First Call,” the “Cole Train” looks to keep rolling. Injury issues for a former Penguin. Some early MLB struggles for a WPIAL star. Meanwhile another WPIAL legend is going into the West Virginia Hall of Fame. Ten in a row? Former Pirate Gerrit Cole looks to continue his...
Steelers coordinators vent about Patriots loss, improvements needed for Seahawks
It’s our final “Breakfast With Benz” podcast before the Steelers play the Seattle Seahawks in the Heinz Field season opener. So I thought it’d be a good idea to hear from both coordinators in advance of the game. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler speaks first. He remains on edge after the...
Football Footnotes: Will Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell play this week?; Seahawks injury news
This week’s “Friday Football Footnotes” gives us an injury update on the Steelers and Seahawks. We also have updates on both Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Plus “the other Devin” is banged up. Will A.B. play? It’s the question everyone wants to be answered. Well, except maybe the Miami Dolphins....
