Tim Benz Columns category, Page 126
Tim Benz: Replacing Bryan Rust a challenge for Penguins
Before we start talking about how to best replace Penguins forward Bryan Rust while he is injured, it’s best to establish what has been lost. “Rusty brings a lot,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s a good penalty killer. He brings so much speed and puck pursuit to the lines...
Tim Benz: Ties with owner, Cam Newton could make Antonio Brown a fit with Panthers
Perhaps those fretting about an underwhelming trade market for Antonio Brown have worried prematurely. In recent days, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said he has heard from at least three teams who have expressed an interest in Brown. Both NFL.com and Sports Illustrated advanced the Raiders as a good...
Tim Benz: Penguins better heed Jim Rutherford’s wake-up call
In a best-case scenario, the Penguins will make a nice playoff run with newly acquired Erik Gudbranson and Chris Wideman in the press box as scratches. They aren’t all that good. Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford gave away two players who aren’t all that good to get them: Tanner Pearson...
Tim Benz: Steelers brass hated the word circus. What do they think of rebuild?
For two guys who didn’t want to admit the Steelers were a “circus,” they sure are doing a lot to tear down the big top. Team president Art Rooney II bristled at references to the Black and Gold being a “circus” after a chaotic 2018 came to a disappointing close....
Tim Benz: What Steelers fans should like, hate, ignore about Kevin Colbert’s comments
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert covered a lot of ground Wednesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side. Not as much ground as was covered by Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown during their years in Black and Gold. But a lot nonetheless. It appears neither will be covering...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown getting his way doesn’t mean Steelers lose
Now that “Mr. Big Chest” has spoken, the path for the Pittsburgh Steelers appears to be clear. Antonio Brown posted a photo of himself with team owner Art Rooney II on social media Tuesday. Had a great meeting with Mr.Rooney today we discussed a lot of things and we cleared...
Tim Benz: Did the Patriots create a trade destination for Antonio Brown?
Buy into this one if you want. I’m all for taking a leap. If you don’t, though, I don’t blame you. Let me lay it out, and you make up your own mind. If one national report is right, the New England Patriots — of all teams — may have...
Tim Benz: Penguins need consistency — and a sweep — this weekend
Is a sweep against the Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers too much to ask of the homestanding Pittsburgh Penguins this weekend? After all, they will have played four games this week. They have tricky back-to-back weekend afternoon starts. Also, Calgary comes in Saturday with one of the highest...
Tim Benz, Jonathan Bombulie discuss how Penguins have succeeded in recent victories
Jonathan Bombulie, the Trib’s Penguins beat writer, joined me at PPG Paints Arena after the Penguins’ 3-1 win over Edmonton Wednesday night. It’s our weekly Sided.co hockey podcast. We break down the latest victory for Sidney Crosby and the Penguins over Connor McDavid and the Oilers. LISTEN: Tim Benz, Jonathan...
U mad, bro? Readers pop off on Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Connor McDavid, MLB proposals
“U mad, bro?” this week brings heavy criticism against Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell again. Dare I say too much? Connor McDavid takes some heat, too. People don’t seem to like MLB’s proposed three-batter-per-pitcher mandate. But they are warming up to the Unabomber. Seems right to me. Ron had this...
Tim Benz: Teddy Blueger should be a constant, not a question for Penguins
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan made many eye-opening moves heading into the Flyers game on Monday night. • He reconfigured the power-play units. • Nick Bjugstad was placed on Evgeni Malkin’s right wing. • Patric Hornqvist became a fourth-liner. • Teddy Blueger got scratched. Each of those moves drew varying reactions...
First call: Antonio Brown asks fans where he should play next
In “First Call” Thursday, Antonio Brown wants to make business boom elsewhere. The Broncos almost went in a different direction before acquiring Joe Flacco. And the NHL’s Eastern Conference is a jumbled mess. ••• Open for business Antonio Brown wants business to boom in a city near you! Unless you...
First call: Different take on Evgeni Malkin’s stick-swing, crazy night in college hoops
In Wednesday’s “First Call,” a different view of the Evgeni Malkin stick-swing. A major Canadian university hockey brawl. A completely bonkers night in college hoops. _______ A little support At least one national voice is raising a point about Evgeni Malkin’s suspension. And it’s a good one. First off, here...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown misses one important detail from his goodbye tweet
Tuesday was the ultimate Antonio Brown day. Shortly before news broke from ESPN that the disgruntled Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver had formally requested a trade, Brown sent this tweet, bidding a fond farewell to Pittsburgh. Thank you SteelerNation for a big 9 years...time to move on and forward..........✌? #NewDemands pic.twitter.com/fbIoFNdqK4—...
Tim Benz: 5 scripts for James Harrison’s big-screen acting debut
James Harrison was on the TV show “S.W.A.T.” recently. Now, the former Steelers linebacker is considering a post-football film career. According to ESPN.com, Harrison may be angling to be the next Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. “The Rock” made a successful transition from football, to pro wrestling, to acting. According to...
Tim Benz, Mark Spector discuss Penguins, Oilers matchup; Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby comparisons
Tonight at PPG Paints Arena, it’s the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Edmonton Oilers. Faceoff is at 8 p.m. It’s Sidney Crosby vs. Connor McDavid. Sportsnet.ca columnist Mark Spector joins me on the Sided.co podcast to talk about the matchup. • Why has Edmonton struggled so much this year? • Where...
First call: Max Talbot has a birthday, Madison Bumgarner doesn’t like ‘openers’
In Tuesday’s “First Call,” we celebrate a birthday for Max Talbot. We start looking at the Penguins versus Oilers matchup. Madison Bumgarner takes a stand. _______ Seems right On a night where the Penguins won in Philadelphia, it’s only fitting that Max Talbot was celebrating a birthday. Talbot is playing...
Tim Benz: Personal memories of Three Rivers Stadium from yesterday’s implosion anniversary
Monday marked the 18th anniversary of the Three Rivers Stadium implosion. You gotta love the classic Pittsburghese from the guy in the background: “There’s the clahd a’ smoke!” Having lived most of my adolescent life in Connecticut — in a Pittsburgh-sports-fan household — I had to rely on seeing the...
Tim Benz: Cleveland’s Kareem Hunt signing proves trade market exists for Antonio Brown
The KDKA “Sports Showdown” on Sunday featured quite a debate regarding the notion of the Pittsburgh Steelers trading receiver Antonio Brown. I pointed out that Martavis Bryant, a troubled receiver with a record of suspension, commanded a third-round pick in return during draft weekend last year. Therefore, I believe a...
Tim Benz, Brian Metzer talk Penguins victory over Flyers
Penguins Radio Network host Brian Metzer joins me to recap the Penguins 4-1 win in Philadelphia. We start off talking about Matt Murray’s career-high 50 saves, including the lucky break he got on that one puck that bounced out of his glove. Plus, did Carter Hart live up to his...
First call: Antonio Brown glams it up at the Grammys, James Neal loses some teeth
In today’s “First Call,” Antonio Brown was at the Grammy’s. The Penguins got some help. James Neal lost some chiclets. We have your AAF team to support. ______ Photogenic Imagine. You are the guy with the face tattoos. And you are the one in the photo op who people look...
Tim Benz: Poor Le’Veon Bell is feeling underappreciated
Le’Veon Bell sent out this tweet last week. it’s just a great feeling when you’re appreciated...isn’t it? ?— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) February 8, 2019 It’s not the first time Bell has whined about feeling underappreciated. The guy makes a good point. I mean, a contract that would’ve paid him $45...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden discuss Penguins
In this week’s Madden Monday, Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins me to talk about the recent woes of the Pens. Among the topics there: shorthanded goals allowed, goaltending, scoring, injuries, and the lack of a midseason hot streak. Aside from that they are fine. Then we get the...
Burt’s boys look to make the Dukes women better
Duquesne women’s coach Dan Burt wasn’t happy with how one of his players performed in a defensive drill. The player’s hand didn’t come up to deny a jump shot, as she was cheating to take away the drive. Burt hollered at a scout team player simulating UMass’ offense. “If she...
First Call: The latest in Steelers fashion, Patrick Mahomes hoops it up
In Friday’s “First Call,” I’ll help your Black and Gold wardrobe. Pat Mahomes got in trouble for his basketball video. And the Penguins have a tough task as they try to get back on track. _________ Fine fashion You may have seen the Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown “Dumb and...
