Tim Benz stories, Page 25

It was a wild scene in Washington, D.C. Western Pennsylvania was very much in the spotlight. Lots of emotional swings. Plenty of ups and downs. A big comeback. Quite a few surprises. And I’m just talking about Tuesday during Election Day. They hadn’t even gotten to the football game between...

Without a doubt, Sunday’s feature matchup during the Steelers-Commanders game is going to be how the Pittsburgh defense handles Washington rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. The first-year quarterback has a passer rating of 106.7 — the fifth-best in the NFL. His 71.5% completion percentage is third-best. That said, the Steelers have...

New Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Williams talks about his recent exposure to Acrisure Stadium. We get some background on Diontae Johnson’s trade to Baltimore from Carolina’s perspective. The Washington Commanders have a plan to counterbalance a potential influx of Steelers fans populating their stadium on Sunday. And the Penguins are running...

In terms of crafting “U mad, bro?” for this week, I’m in the wrong line of work. If I was a political reporter, I’m sure my social media mentions and emails would be overflowing with rage and anger in the wake of the election. But for the purposes of this...

There’s some residue to sort through on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster after their two trade deadline pickups. We try to find answers as to why the Packers were so willing to part ways with Preston Smith. There are injury issues to watch in Baltimore and Cincinnati. And the Ravens are...

It’s fitting that the NFL trade deadline is on Election Day. I felt the same way leaving my local polling branch as I did when I saw who the Steelers were looking at to address their need at wide receiver. Underwhelmed by the choices and unfulfilled by the process. I’ll...

At the halfway point of the NFL season, there’s a lot to like about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense. As of Monday morning, coach Mike Tomlin’s team ranked second in points allowed per game (14.6). With 15 takeaways, only the Packers (19), Vikings (17) and Lions (16) had more. The team...

Monday’s “First Call” recaps Sunday’s AFC North results as the Pittsburgh Steelers rested during their bye. The next opponent for Mike Tomlin’s team is the Washington Commanders. They continued to impress with another win. Pitt product and former Steeler James Conner had a big day for the Arizona Cardinals. Mason...

Necessity may have been the mother of invention when it comes to Mike Sullivan’s recent decision to pair Sidney Crosby on the same line with Evgeni Malkin. For the immediate future, though, it appears that mother knows best. In the three games since the Penguins (5-7-1) moved Malkin from center...

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Diontae Johnson saw only 13 snaps in his Baltimore Ravens debut and wasn’t targeted on the day. That was the plan heading into Baltimore’s Week 9 game against the Denver Broncos, a contest the Ravens (6-3) won 41-10. The Ravens coaching staff wanted to get Johnson up...

Friday’s “First Call” features former Pittsburgh Steeler Diontae Johnson speaking about his return to the AFC North. Juan Soto insists he’ll listen to free-agent offers from every Major League Baseball team. Presumably, that includes … the Pirates? The Penguins hope to finally gain traction with a second straight win Saturday....

Thursday’s “First Call” features a message from Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan to struggling goalie Tristan Jarry. Zach Frazier and Nick Herbig discuss their health. Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith tells the story of how the team decided to bring back Corliss Waitman. And there were some Pirates ties...

Here’s my personal “U mad, bro?” submission for this week: I’m mad that Nov. 1 isn’t a national holiday. Kids should get Nov. 1 off so they can stay out late and trick-or-treat under cover of darkness as all the unholy ghosts, witches and goblins intended. Halloween was not meant...

As the Duquesne men’s basketball team approached the 2024-25 season, it sold something to recruits and potential incoming transfers that you wouldn’t have assumed it had. Stability. That’s not a quality one would associate with a team that’s going through a coaching change and a quest to replace three of...

Tuesday’s “First Call” gives us the predictive powers of Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Beanie Bishop. Jeremiah Moon explains why he didn’t get flagged on Calvin Austin’s punt return. We get a look at the Penguins’ next opponent beyond the return of Marc-Andre Fleury. Plus, we have honors for both Robert Morris...