Tim Benz stories, Page 23
Madden Monday: Whether Steelers keep Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, assume they should have done the opposite
For every report that says the Pittsburgh Steelers are leaning toward bringing back Russell Wilson, there seems to be one that says they are actually more likely to keep Justin Fields. And for every rumor that says the Steelers will retain Fields, there’s one that says Wilson will be the...
Despite tough 3-game test, Duquesne looks to replicate last year’s late-season surge
Because last season for the men’s basketball team at Duquesne ended with such exhilarating high notes in March, it’s easy to forget where they were at the end of February. Exactly where they are this season. A year ago, Duquesne’s last game in February was a win over La Salle...
Tim Benz: After Alex Nedeljkovic’s meltdown, Penguins were able to ‘shush’ negative thoughtsVideo
At least for one night, the Pittsburgh Penguins got to shush all the negativity. Ironically, on Max Talbot “Shhhhh!” bobblehead doll night, the Penguins pretty much replicated the script of that memorable incident from the 2009 playoffs. On Thursday, they stormed back from the same score against the same opponent,...
First Call: Another round of Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors; Roman Wilson was ‘at no point’ NFL game ready for Steelers
Get ready for another round of Brandon Aiyuk trade drama. We give you some more texture to Roman Wilson’s lack of participation during the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers season. You’ll be introduced to a potential Steelers draft prospect with a local connection. Plus, we preview the Penguins’ busy weekend and update...
Tim Benz: Playing the WR ‘butterfly effect’ game with Omar Khan isn’t getting the answers Steelers fans want
If we are going to play the “butterfly effect” game with the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers, let’s at least talk about the right butterfly. While addressing Steelers media members Tuesday, general manager Omar Khan was asked how he evaluated the midseason trades for Mike Williams and Preston Smith and if he...
First Call: 49ers pledge Deebo Samuel trade; Max Talbot talks up ‘Shhh!’ legacy ahead of Penguins’ bobblehead nightVideo
“First Call” for Thursday looks at increased prospects of a Deebo Samuel trade. We introduce you to another running back to remember on NFL Draft weekend for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Max Talbot expands the legend of the “Shhh!” The Duquesne basketball teams pull off a mid-week sweep. And Robert Morris’...
U mad, bro?: Fans gripe over NFL player grades for Mike Tomlin; Omar Khan’s quotes; Penguins losing
In this week’s “U mad, bro,” we’ve got some people rolling their eyes at Omar Khan’s quotes about the Steelers roster. We have lots of people fed up with the Penguins. And there are a surprising amount of people agitated about the Eagles’ Tush Push. Ah! Enjoy spring training, Pirates....
Pierre McGuire on Penguins goalie Joel Blomqvist: ‘He looked really small in goal’Video
Since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Pittsburgh Penguins are 0-3 and have allowed 19 goals. Alex Nedeljkovic has given up 11, and Joel Blomqvist has yielded seven. Plus, there has been one empty netter by the New York Rangers to secure a 5-3 win on Sunday afternoon at...
First Call: Steelers to meet with Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty; former WR trade target may be off limitsVideo
In Wednesday’s “First Call,” the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet with a Heisman Trophy finalist at the NFL Scouting Combine. A former trade target of the team may be off the market. Both the Duquesne men’s and women’s basketball teams are in action Wednesday. And Alex Ovechkin has done it again....
Tim Benz: Omar Khan’s ‘4-letter word’ that puts George Pickens’ future with the Steelers in a new light
It’s amazing how one little, four-letter word can change the scope of an entire conversation. No. I’m not even talking about one of those four-letter words. The word I’m talking about is pretty basic: here. That’s it. The word “here.” When Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II was asked about...
Rivalry or not, Alex Ovechkin’s goal-record quest provides NHL interest for Pens fans
The 4 Nations Face-Off is complete. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in last place of the Metropolitan Division. So local hockey fans are going to have to get creative to sink their teeth into something with a little bit of importance surrounding the sport. Well, Alex Ovechkin … I can’t believe...
First Call: Steelers have ‘shown interest’ in Matthew Stafford; latest on Eagles’ White House visit debate
Tuesday’s “First Call” has the latest on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ alleged interest in quarterback Matthew Stafford. We get a health update on a Penn State star in advance of the NFL combine. The Cleveland Browns make a move in the secondary, and there is a new twist in the controversy...
Tim Benz: Debate over banning Eagles’ ‘Tush Push’ is stupid and needs to stop
Complaining about the Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” play is the most overwrought debate in sports and it needs to stop. That’s impossible now, though, because according to The Athletic, the Green Bay Packers have submitted a proposal to the league’s competition committee to ban the play. So, plenty more conversations...
Tim Benz: Penguins’ dud of a return from break is a (not so) sobering reality check for fans
The Pittsburgh Penguins returned from the 4 Nations Face-Off this weekend and lost two home games. They fell 8-3 to Washington on Saturday and 5-3 to the New York Rangers on Sunday. The Pens are in last place of the Metropolitan Division with 57 points. The Buffalo Sabres (51 points)...
Madden Monday: NHL already seeing residue of ‘Faustian bargain’ with international play
Hockey’s 4 Nations Face Off was a big success. Now, what can the NHL do for an encore? In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of TribLive and 105.9 The X says, so far, with its own product, things aren’t going great for the league. “Even the fast teams...
First Call: Plaxico Burress sells Super Bowl ring for big money; Penguins prospect loses fight badlyVideo
In Monday’s “First Call,” a former Pittsburgh Steeler had to sell his Super Bowl ring, but the price may have been worth it. Alex Ovechkin bounced back after a quiet game against the Penguins. An ex-Steelers defensive back is hanging up his cleats. And a Penguins farmhand may want to...
For Team USA, let this one sink in before moving on to the Olympics
Every now and then, you can read a quote from an athlete, and it can be 100% true but still be wrong. After Team USA lost the 4 Nations Face-Off final to Canada, 3-2, in overtime Thursday, forward Dylan Larkin was asked about America’s chances to grab gold in 2026...
First Call: Steelers ‘very much interested’ in Nick Chubb; update on Justin Fields’ future; Super Bowl X Steeler dies
Friday’s “First Call” remembers a former Steeler from the 1970s. There’s some belief that the Steelers may want Nick Chubb. Speculation continues about Justin Fields’ status in Pittsburgh. Plus, we set the table for the upcoming weekend of action in college hockey and college basketball. Missing Mike A member of...
Tim Benz: Between ‘Arnold,’ ‘Loretta,’ ‘Sam’ and ‘Michael, Michael’ is what made Mike Lange a legend
Hockey on the radio can have a hypnotic effect. When there are extended stretches without goals, big hits, acrobatic saves or penalties, you can get lulled into a passive serenity by swooshing skates, clacking sticks and the low murmur of a crowd. That’s where Pittsburgh Penguins play-by-play voice Mike Lange...
U mad, bro?: Early Pirates injuries, constant Steelers QB confusion have Pittsburgh fans grumbling
Some quarterbacks just aren’t going to come to Pittsburgh. Other quarterbacks may never leave. And certain Pirates may take a little longer to put on the uniform than we all hoped. All these topics have our readers simmering in this week’s “U mad, bro?” Someone calling themselves “Pirate Crusher” (so...
Pitt’s late push to stack wins can’t be derailed against struggling Syracuse
When ESPN Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi posted his latest round of NCAA Tournament projections Monday afternoon, Pitt wasn’t among the last group of teams in the dance. They weren’t in the group of the “first four” teams out of it. They weren’t in the next group of four out, either....
Tim Benz: If Steelers keep Russell Wilson, here’s how they will optimistically spin it
Whether it’s been through columns I’ve posted at “Breakfast With Benz,” our podcasts or when I’ve been on the radio in recent months, you’ve heard me mention the “Snow Globe Theory” regarding the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers. The theory is that if I shook up the season’s 18 results and just...
First Call: Trevor Lawrence would’ve been against a trade to Pittsburgh; Tee Higgins contract updateVideo
Tuesday’s “First Call” has Trevor Lawrence’s reaction to the trade rumors about the Pittsburgh Steelers checking in on his status in Jacksonville. We also have an update on the contract situation of a Steelers AFC North rival. Plus, Sidney Crosby leads a list of current and former Penguins who played...
Madden Monday: Fights to start Team USA-Canada game ‘devalued’ the momentVideo
A lot of people went crazy about the Team USA hockey win over Canada on Saturday, in large part because of the three fights in 9 seconds to open the game. USA vs. Canada started off in MADNESS ????????: ABC/ESPN+/Disney+ pic.twitter.com/BrWlXzMb7J— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2025 For his part, though,...
Tim Benz: A lesson to be learned by the Steelers from all the ‘SNL 50’ hoopla
Amid all of the hoopla for this weekend’s 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” I watched the four-part docuseries on Peacock called “SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night.” I really enjoyed it. I thought it was better than any individual SNL episode I’ve seen in recent years. All four parts were...
