Tim Benz Columns category, Page 24
Tim Benz: Kenny Pickett’s Super Bowl quotes create interesting Steelers QB hypothetical
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Kenny Pickett is at the Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles’ backup quarterback. During an interview with SteelersNow.com in New Orleans, Pickett had this to say about his experience with the Eagles so far. “Every place does it differently, but the ultimate goal is to be (at...
Jagged Penguins schedule may not be such a bad thing after all
The Pittsburgh Penguins are channeling The Beatles: “Hello, Goodbye.” After being away from Pittsburgh for 14 days and seven games, the Penguins have just gotten back to PPG Paints Arena for a pair of contests against the Nashville Predators on Saturday (a 3-0 win) and Tuesday night’s game against the...
First Call: Potential AFC destinations for Myles Garrett; reinvestigating the idea of Cooper Kupp to the Steelers
Tuesday’s “First Call” reinvestigates the idea of Cooper Kupp coming to Pittsburgh. We have some possible trade destinations for Myles Garrett. A veteran Steeler has high praise for a rookie offensive lineman. And NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell really likes flag football. Perhaps … toooooo much? Out of sight, out of...
Tim Benz: Luka Doncic trade should open eyes of Steelers management regarding George Pickens
It’s not often an NBA headline makes waves in Pittsburgh, but the trade of superstar Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package headlined by 31-year-old All-Star Anthony Davis was that far-reaching. The Mavs will also receive third-year wing Max Christie and the Lakers’...
First Call: Russell Wilson, Minkah Fitzpatrick provide Pro Bowl highlights; former Penguins yield solid trade return
Monday’s “First Call” has Pro Bowl highlights from a pair of current Steelers, while another comments on the departure of his position coach. Some former Penguins fetched an eye-catching return in a trade between two NHL Western Conference franchises. And it was a case of some good and some bad...
Madden Monday: Should the Penguins trade Rickard Rakell next?
Now that the Pittsburgh Penguins have traded Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to Vancouver, the biggest question is: Are they done? Might general manager Kyle Dubas trade Rickard Rakell while he is hot? That would make sense, given the value he could get in return. Rakell has 45 points. He...
Tim Benz: Rooting against a Chiefs 3-peat? Consider the alternatives — past, present and future
Here’s something I’ve heard more than once in Pittsburgh since the Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles was set. ”I’d like to see a three-peat someday, just not these Chiefs.” That’s a sentiment I share. Unfortunately, I also share the other half of that thought....
First Call: A college job for Kevin Colbert; ESPN update on Russell Wilson’s future with Steelers
Friday’s “First Call” shows us that former Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert is pulling a Rodney Dangerfield and going back to school. Adam Schefter updates us on the Steelers’ plans with Russell Wilson. We look at the Penguins’ next opponent. And we preview the weekend’s local college hoops and...
Tim Benz: Let’s take the Pirates’ fan satisfaction survey together — I’m sure it’ll go well
The Pittsburgh Pirates have distributed a survey to fans in hopes of evaluating their level of satisfaction with the franchise. These are the real questions with the actual multiple-choice options for responses. Let’s take the survey together, shall we? 1. Overall, what is your impression of the Pittsburgh Pirates? A)...
Football Footnotes: Some important things that Art Rooney II didn’t say about the 2025 Steelers
When Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II speaks, he’s not particularly demonstrative. He chooses his words carefully. He avoids speaking in absolutes. He just doesn’t say very much at all. Period. So, when you are looking for news nuggets, it’s what Rooney avoids talking about that makes for the most...
Tim Benz: Sidney Crosby’s heroics prevent another Penguins plunge to rock bottom — for now
Sorry, Penguins. This day was always going to come. Eventually, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season was going to have to end, and we were going to have to realize exactly how badly your season was going. Thanks for making it as glaringly obvious as possible at just the right time for...
U mad, bro?: Angry Steelers fans filling up more than just Art Rooney II’s inbox
During a press gathering on Monday, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II responded to a question about hearing from angry fans by saying, “My inbox has been pretty full.” Mine too, Art. Mine too. Let’s compare notes in this week’s “U mad, bro?” This reader, @Fansville412, shared some thoughts about...
First Call: Pete Carroll on idea of Russell Wilson in Vegas; ex-Pats WR unloads on predictable Steelers’ defense
Thursday’s “First Call” looks at some quotes from Pete Carroll about the notion of reuniting with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson in Las Vegas. Also, Ben Roethlisberger has thoughts on the rookie season of Washington’s Jayden Daniels and the size of the Steelers coaching staff. Plus, a former Steelers rival...
Tim Benz: When Art Rooney II says ‘actions speak louder than words,’ he better consider his brother Jim’s words
A noteworthy statement that Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II made in his annual year-end meeting with the media was a quick retort to a question about recent comments made by his brother. Last week, Jim Rooney was on a podcast with former NFL player Ross Tucker. Jim is promoting...
Tim Benz: Forget Mike Tomlin ‘living in his fears,’ it’s Art Rooney II we should be talking about
One of Mike Tomlin’s favorite catchphrases is, “We don’t live in our fears.” The Pittsburgh Steelers coach says it all the time when he feels like using some old-fashioned football coach machismo to justify a roll of the dice on a fourth down play call, a long field goal attempt,...
First Call: Art Rooney II comments on Bears’ interest in Mike Tomlin, updates status of Steelers coordinators
Tuesday’s “First Call” has Art Rooney II’s version of events regarding the Chicago Bears’ inquiry about Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s availability. We also have a late Pro Bowl invitation for a Steelers offensive lineman and an update on the status of both coordinators. Plus, Robert Morris tries to play...
Tim Benz: Debunking the theory that Pittsburgh couldn’t handle a Steelers’ losing season
A common refrain from defenders of head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers franchise is that Pittsburgh should be more grateful for the team’s current situation. I frequently hear that Pittsburgh fans and media members couldn’t handle a four- or five-win season if that’s what it took for the Steelers...
Madden Monday: AFC and NFC title games show how much of a ‘fraud’ the Steelers have become
In Sunday’s NFC Championship game, the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Washington Commanders, 55-23. In the AFC Championship, the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills stood at the 50-yard line and exchanged haymakers for three hours before the Chiefs emerged with a 32-29 victory. That’s 139 total points in the two...
First Call: Russell Wilson to Vegas may be discussed; Steelers speaking with Missouri QBVideo
Monday’s “First Call” has a potential free-agent destination for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. Former Steeler Antwaan Randel El is reportedly getting a new coaching job. A college quarterback is drawing the Steelers’ attention. Marc-Andre Fleury is honored yet again. And if the Penguins can’t beat Monday night’s opponent, they...
Duquesne’s coach, players see no need for Dayton loss to start any trends
After Duquesne’s 82-62 loss to Dayton on Tuesday night, coach Dru Joyce III was asked if he was going to have his players study the tape or if he was going to just “burn” it. “You can burn it. You can take a look at it. We’ll see,” Joyce said....
First Call: James Harrison doubts Mike Tomlin’s ‘standard’ message; ex-Steeler up for Lions’ defensive job
James Harrison has a pointed critique of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Another former Steelers linebacker is in the hunt for a significant coaching promotion. The Penguins try to get right in Seattle on Saturday. On the college hoops scene, Pitt, Duquesne and Robert Morris all play conference games this...
Football Footnotes: Round 4 of Mahomes vs. Allen conjures memories of Bradshaw vs. Stabler
The Steelers and Raiders haven’t faced each other in the playoffs since 1983-84. But with the Buffalo Bills preparing to lock horns with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, the glory days of Black and Gold versus Silver and Black are coming back to mind....
Tim Benz: Jim Rooney’s explanation for playoff slump a sobering reality check of Steelers’ lowered standards
Jim Rooney is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II. He recently wrote a book about their father, the late Dan Rooney, who also served as the Steelers president and owner of the franchise. As part of a media tour for the book, “A Different Way to Win,”...
First Call: Todd Haley may be in line for another NFL gig; Steelers executive misses out on Raiders job
A former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator may find his way back into the NFL. A Steelers front office member is staying put despite an interview with another team. It’s already NFL mock draft season. And we preview the Penguins’ next stop out west. All that and more is in “First...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans shift ire from head coach to lack of a QB
Following the Steelers’ latest failed attempt to win a playoff game, most of Pittsburgh’s angst was aimed at head coach Mike Tomlin. However, this week’s “U mad, bro?” appears to be focused on the franchise’s lack of a quarterback. Either way, it’s just as good. Whatever it takes. Vent. Get...
