Tim Benz stories, Page 40
If Steelers offer only picks and no players to 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk, ‘the deal is dead’
According to some reports out of Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon, a long-discussed trade that would send San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Steelers was practically a done deal. John Lund of KNBR in San Francisco says that’s not the case, because the Steelers are only offering draft...
Tim Benz: Make the Brandon Aiyuk decision about Brandon Aiyuk, not Van Jefferson
Here’s a friendly exchange I overheard between a fan and a media member during Tuesday’s Steelers training camp practice. I didn’t want to jump into someone else’s conversation. But I will in my own column. Fan: “When are the Steelers going to get Brandon Aiyuk?” Reporter: “I don’t know. But...
Tim Benz: Few debatable points from the Steelers’ initial 2024 depth chart
The Pittsburgh Steelers released their first depth chart of 2024 on Tuesday. Very few spots were surprising. But there is still plenty to discuss. Quarterback Much to the dismay of many national media outlets who are trying to invent a quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh for the sake of content, Russell...
First Call: Christian McCaffrey’s ‘former teammate’ slip about Brandon Aiyuk; former Steeler DL has new AFC homeVideo
Pittsburgh Steelers fans may want to take note of something Christian McCaffrey said about 49ers teammate Brandon Aiyuk. Fantasy football players may want to take note of some injury news for McCaffrey. Plus, there is some clarity about the passing of former Steeler Jacoby Jones. And Ex-Steeler Jonathan Marshall has...
First Call: Steelers to see 1st-team offense from Texans Friday; Pirates get stiff test in series opener vs. Padres
The Steelers will get a strong challenge at Acrisure Stadium in Friday’s preseason opener, and the Pirates will get one on the mound Tuesday night. Also, a Steelers division rival is dealing with an injury issue along the defensive front, and a former Steeler loses out on a shot to...
Pirates’ Colin Holderman on ‘weird’ struggles: ‘I haven’t had this happen to me in my career’
Not only are things going badly for Pirates relief pitcher Colin Holderman, he’s also not completely sure what’s going on, or how to fix it. As recently as June 29, Holderman was 3-1 with a 1.21 ERA. After being tagged with a blown save and a loss while giving up...
Tim Benz: If Brandon Aiyuk really wants to become a Steeler, now is the time to play that card
If San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk really wants to play for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s got the rarest of opportunities to do so. Right now. Aiyuk is in the unique position of essentially being a free agent while under contract with his original team. Normally, the...
First Call: Steelers working out a WR; No. 3 QB pushing Kenny Pickett in Philly; Brandon Aiyuk trade talk in Cleveland, New EnglandVideo
Monday’s “First Call” takes a look at a wide receiver the Pittsburgh Steelers are checking out. A few teams may be in a better position for a Brandon Aiyuk trade than the Steelers are at this point. We examine Kenny Pickett’s progress (or lack thereof) in Philadelphia. And Gerrit Cole...
Madden Monday: Expect a Sidney Crosby contract soon — but if it doesn’t happen this week ‘we can start wondering’
Many National Hockey League observers assume that Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will sign his contract extension this week. After all, the notoriously superstitious No. 87 has his 37th birthday coming up on Aug. 7 (8/7). During this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLive...
Tim Benz: Paul Skenes had ‘one of those days’ … as did many other Pirates in a costly loss to Arizona
Paul Skenes’ latest outing was his least impressive since his Major League debut against the Chicago Cubs on May 11. That day, the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie sensation yielded three earned runs in four innings while allowing six hits, a hit batter and two walks. On Sunday against Arizona, Skenes struggled...
Some things you’ll notice from the Steelers at the ‘Friday Night Lights’ practice
The “Friday Night Lights” practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium is always a good time for fans to get an early glimpse of the Steelers in advance of the club’s preseason games. It all starts at 7 p.m. For those who are attending but haven’t been to training camp practices yet,...
Tim Benz: Yes, Oneil Cruz’s errors are a problem. Want a bigger one? Move him to a new position in August
Oneil Cruz’s horror show in Houston this week has resulted in a wave of Pirates fans and some in the media calling for him to be moved away from the shortstop position. Is it time to have a discussion on making Oneil Cruz a 1st baseman due to the crazy...
First Call: Ex-Steelers WR finds familiar home; good start for Pirates’ Nick Yorke; potential Steelers WR trade target update
Friday’s “First Call” has a new home for a recently released Pittsburgh Steelers receiver. Another Steelers trade target at the position may be staying put. A new Pirate is off to a strong start in the minor leagues. And the Pirates are getting set for a crucial six-game stretch against...
Tim Benz: Nick Herbig gets tips from James Harrison; Jeremiah Moon opens eyes as Steelers hope to boost OLB depth
Outside linebacker Nick Herbig already spent much of his first year as a Pittsburgh Steeler trying to absorb whatever tactics he could from All-Pro starter T.J. Watt. This year at training camp, he’s also getting tips from another former Steelers Pro Bowler: James Harrison. The 2008 Defensive Player of the...
First Call: Arthur Maulet jabs back at Patrick Queen; Steelers Hall of Fame projections for the next decade
Thursday’s “First Call” features a former Pittsburgh Steeler in Baltimore firing back at a current Steeler who used to be a Raven. We also get some speculation on Steelers Hall of Fame candidates and some national reaction to the Pirates’ trade deadline tactics. Plus, a former Penguins fan favorite has...
U mad, bro?: I’m too hard on Mike Tomlin, too soft on Ben Cherington, too excited about Pirates
After a week off from “U mad, bro,” my emails and social media messages were overflowing. Here is what I learned after sifting through them. I’m too hard on Mike Tomlin. I’m not hard enough on Ben Cherington, but I’m too optimistic about the Pirates. I’m too nice to Kenny...
In the ultimate case of ‘careful what you wish for,’ the NFLPA looks at limiting locker room access
According to a recent story in The Washington Post, the NFL Players Association wants to restrict locker room media access. In advancing the story, ProFootballTalk.com suggested this might be something the players ask for as part of the negotiating process when the league starts to make a strong push for...
Tim Benz: If we’re grading the Pirates at the trade deadline, give Ben Cherington a solid B-plus
Newly acquired Pittsburgh Pirate Isiah Kiner-Falefa explained his family ties to former Bucs legend Ralph Kiner back in 2022. “It’s from my mom’s side,” Kiner-Falefa told NJ.com when he was a member of the New York Yankees. “Fourth cousin. I have all the paperwork. I tell people, but I’m brown...
First Call: Updates on Roman Wilson’s injury; an ex-Steelers linebacker signs with the Ravens
We have an injury update on Pittsburgh Steelers rookie receiver Roman Wilson. A former Steeler has joined the Baltimore Ravens. Another NFL receiver is getting paid. A Staal brother is retiring from the NHL. And an ex-Pirate is coming back to PNC Park this weekend in the other team’s uniform....
First Call: Steelers reportedly cut a DB; Falcons sign James Washington; a take on new Pirate Nick Yorke
Tuesday’s “First Call” has some Pittsburgh Steelers roster news. The team’s first opponent just signed a former Steelers pass catcher. One of Brandon Aiyuk’s teammates is holding out hope for a contract resolution with the 49ers in San Francisco. We also have an interesting scouting report on a specific attribute...
New Steelers DBs figuring out their own depth chart while challenging revamped WRs
When it came to evaluating the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers’ secondary heading into training camp, here is what was known: • Minkah Fitzpatrick is a three-time All-Pro at one safety spot. They are fine there. • Damontae Kazee is back. When he’s not hurt or suspended, he’s a capable veteran at...
Tim Benz: Pirates’ comeback in Paul Skenes’ latest outing should slap Ben Cherington right in the face
Through his first 11 starts as a Pittsburgh Pirate, a lot went right for rookie right-hander Paul Skenes. He was 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA and was named as the National League starter for the All-Star Game. For a while on Monday night, though, Skenes looked like he was about...
Impressions after 1 week of Steelers training camp: New DBs impress early; Justin Fields, WRs as advertisedVideo
A week of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is in the books. When the team reports back to the practice fields Tuesday at Saint Vincent College, the pads are supposed to go on and intensity will ramp up. Here are some observations from the first week of practice as the team...
Madden Monday: George Pickens ‘knows he is all the Steelers have at WR … and it ain’t good that he knows that’
At Pittsburgh Steelers training camp over the weekend, wide receiver George Pickens tried to downplay his verbal dust-up with new position coach Zach Azzanni on Wednesday. During the first full practice, Pickens missed a block that blew up a run play, and Azzanni got on him about it. “I welcome...
First Call: Respect between T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett; Kenny Pickett’s praise from Philly; eventful day for Chase Claypool
Monday’s “First Call” features some mutual respect between Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. Kenny Pickett appears to be working out well in Philadelphia so far. Chase Claypool had an eventful day in Buffalo Bills camp. We will also preview Paul Skenes’ latest start in Houston. Props from Cleveland Fans of...
