Tim Benz stories, Page 83
Tim Benz: Why Mike Tomlin is so enthusiastic about flexed kickoff vs. Baltimore
Of course, Mike Tomlin is going to hop on a chance to leverage an emotional advantage in his team’s favor. Especially against the Baltimore Ravens. Especially with his franchise’s playoff fate hanging by a thread. When word broke that the Steelers-Ravens game got flexed from a 1 p.m. start into...
First Call: Odds on Brian Flores getting Broncos job; T.J. and Derek Watt react to J.J.’s retirement
Wednesday’s “First Call” has the odds on Pittsburgh Steelers assistant Brian Flores landing the Denver Broncos’ head coaching job. A former Steelers rival is getting a coaching position in the college ranks. Steelers players T.J. and Derek Watt are reacting to their brother J.J.’s retirement. We also preview the Penguins’...
Tim Benz: Penguins must make most of crucial schedule grind through Winter Classic
After his team’s 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers last week, Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan downplayed a question wondering if he felt the game had some playoff vibes to it. “I don’t know that I’d go that far. I’d like to think our playoff hockey is a lot...
First Call: Steelers’ playoff chances shrink after MNF result; Ravens unclear on Lamar Jackson’s healthVideo
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ slim playoff chances were hurt during “Monday Night Football.” The Ravens aren’t tipping their hand about who will play quarterback when the Steelers visit Baltimore on Sunday night. One of the Ravens isn’t thrilled about that game being flexed. And the Penguins get ready to renew acquaintances...
Madden Monday: ‘I just don’t see the progress’ after narrow win against Raiders
It’s really not that hard to break down the Steelers-Raiders game that took place on Christmas Eve. The Las Vegas Raiders had a dominant drive to start the game. The Pittsburgh Steelers had a dominant drive to end the game. In between, the Steelers won 6-3. That’s it. That’s the...
Feats of Strength: Dormant Steelers offense delivers late; defense responds to bad start
Hey, the Steelers’ win over the Raiders in the Immaculate Reception game wasn’t exactly a thing of beauty either, was it? That game was 13-7 Steelers on Dec. 23, 1972. And they looked to be in trouble until the very end. The game between the clubs on Christmas Eve 2022...
Tim Benz: Flowers for Franco
For almost 50 years, it has been easy to link Steelers legend Franco Harris with former Pirates great Willie Stargell. During the 1970s, they were Western Pennsylvania icons who were largely responsible for turning Pittsburgh into the epicenter of the pro sports world. The prowess of their careers churned along...
Friday Football Footnotes: A Christmas shopping list for Steelers as they look to beat the RaidersVideo
It hasn’t been pretty for the Pittsburgh Steelers lately when it comes to facing the Raiders. The Black and Gold can only boast two wins since 2006 against the Silver and Black. Neither team’s record is pretty either. Both clubs are 6-8 and barely have pulses when it comes to...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans are right to be mad at Marcus Allen, and they’re letting him hear it — Mike Tomlin, Pirates too
So “U mad, bro?” is a day late. And you are mad about that. The Steelers are 6-8, and you are mad about that. Marcus Allen is drawing penalties for wandering into the other team’s huddle and you are all really mad about that. I mean, you should see all...
Pitt basketball alum Curtis Aiken recalls friendship with Franco Harris, how he’d want to be remembered
Pitt basketball alum Curtis Aiken was supposed to see his friend Franco Harris on Thursday — a day in advance of celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Steelers legend’s “Immaculate Reception.” On Tuesday, Aiken was on the phone with Harris’ wife, Dana Dokmanovich. Aiken could hear the NFL...
First Call: Steelers lose reserve LB; Ravens reclaim WR; praise for Minkah Fitzpatrick; Penguins part of Metro movement
Wednesday’s “First Call” gives us news of a Steelers departure and Ravens return. We also have some more recognition for Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. There’s movement atop the Metropolitan Division, and the Penguins are involved. Plus, it’s a busy day for college basketball at one of the local schools. Bidding...
Tim Benz: If Mike Tomlin says Steelers non-losing-season streak is ‘little, silly’ sidebar, then let’s treat it that way
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t had a losing season since 2003. After 18 consecutive years of being at least .500 or better, the team currently has a 6-8 record. So that streak will end if the team loses any of its remaining three games against the Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 24),...
Tim Benz: Steelers better remember recent history against Raiders as they celebrate fabled pastVideo
Fortunately, the NFL scheduling format allowed for the Pittsburgh Steelers to host the Las Vegas Raiders this year. It’s also fortunate that the NFL schedule makers placed the Raiders in Pittsburgh during Christmas week to reprise the matchup that led to the Immaculate Reception 50 years ago. Fortunate from a...
First Call: Minkah Fitzpatrick tops AFC free safety voting; Ravens deal with more injuries; Pens-Rangers renew rivalryVideo
Tuesday’s “First Call” tells us which Pittsburgh Steeler is tops among his peers in Pro Bowl votes. Meanwhile, a few Ravens are dealing with bumps and bruises on the defensive side of the ball. On the hockey front, the Penguins finally get a crack at avenging last year’s playoff loss...
Madden Monday: Steelers ‘would’ve been smarter to play Mitch Trubisky all season’
Back when “the standard” really was “the standard” for the Pittsburgh Steelers, no one would be hunting for a silver lining at 6-8 and last place in the AFC North. But standards surrounding the Steelers have slipped dramatically over the past six years since their last playoff win, so we...
First Call: T.J. Watt’s milestone; J.J. Watt’s big day; Raiders set to face Steelers after unreal win over Patriots
Monday’s “First Call” shows us why the Las Vegas Raiders will be heading into Pittsburgh on cloud nine. Two of the Watt brothers — T.J. and J.J. — have something to brag about coming off of Sunday’s NFL action. James Conner keeps a streak going in Arizona. And ex-Steeler JuJu...
Feats of Strength: Steelers win run game battle, 3rd downs, red zone en route to victory over Carolina
Congratulations to the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers. They are the undisputed champions of the NFC South. That’s right, thanks to their 24-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers Sunday, the Steelers swept all four of their scheduled games against NFC South opponents. Maybe Art Rooney II can petition the NFL for his...
Feats of Strength: Steelers win run game battle, 3rd downs, red zone en route to victory over Carolina
Congratulations to the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers. They are the undisputed champions of the NFC South. That’s right, thanks to their 24-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers Sunday, the Steelers swept all four of their scheduled games against NFC South opponents after also beating New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Atlanta earlier...
First Call: Panthers may have healthy receiving weapon vs. Steelers; Ravens QB update
Friday’s “First Call” has a health update on an important target for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense to watch on Sunday in Carolina. We also get the latest on the Ravens’ quarterback situation in advance of their big AFC North showdown in Cleveland. We preview weekend action for both the Duquesne...
Friday Football Footnotes: Steelers’ run defense better improve — or it’ll be eaten up by Panthers’ ‘Arby’s package’
For the Pittsburgh Steelers rush defense, a season of perceived progress has recently reverted to the trashy results Pittsburgh fans witnessed throughout 2021. A year so bad for the defensive unit that it finished last in the NFL against the run at 146.1 yards per game. As recently as their...
U mad, bro?: Mike Tomlin, defensive coaches, punter and even long-retired Steelers get blistered this week
This week’s “U mad, bro?” comes on the heels of a season-defining loss by the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Baltimore Ravens. So I figured the blame was going to be spread throughout the entire organization. You all lived up to my lofty expectations. Doug is fed up with Steelers coach...
First Call: Steelers reportedly bringing back a familiar face; Alex Ovechkin scores 800th; RMU hockey return date known
Wednesday’s “First Call” features a familiar face potentially rejoining the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. Alex Ovechkin hits a major milestone. And Duquesne’s basketball team wants to find its early season form. Plus, Robert Morris University formalizes another step toward its re-entry to the college hockey world. Help up front The Steelers...
Mike Tomlin, Gene Steratore weigh in on legality of play that injured Steelers QB Kenny Pickett
Once it was clear that Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was injured during a sack from Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith on Sunday afternoon, the inevitable Twitter-victimizing began. “Why wasn’t that a penalty? Aren’t they supposed to be protecting the quarterbacks? I’ve seen hits less forceful than that get flags! He’s just...
Tim Benz: Get used to backup QB conundrum — Steelers will face it in depth this offseason
With the injury status of Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett up in the air, a conversation happening this week is also bound to be had frequently this offseason. Who is the best option to backup Kenny Pickett? As I feared last offseason, the Steelers coaching staff and front office...
First Call: Steelers need to fix run defense before facing Panthers; ex-Pens help Wild win; Robert Morris hockey eyes return to ice
In Tuesday’s “First Call,” the Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a Carolina Panthers team that has a very specific playoff path. And they are looking to get there by staying on the ground. Carolina may also have dodged an injury concern at wide receiver. A pair of former Penguins helped...
