Breakfast With Benz category, Page 130
Madden Monday: Evgeni Malkin ‘can’t go back on the first power play’
After a week away from the “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden and I have plenty stored up to discuss surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins. Particularly the improved play of goalie Tristan Jarry since his six-goal third-period debacle against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday night. Mark was less than delicate in his...
First Call: Was ESPN analyst’s shot at Steelers offensive line fair? Alex Ovechkin injury update; Pirates host hot Royals
In our first “First Call” back from vacation, we look at a slap across the face of the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line. We have an injury update on Alexander Ovechkin as a date against the Penguins looms. Alejandro Villanueva may have competition for that potential new job he’s supposed to...
Tim Benz: On Mike Tomlin’s contract extension; Justin Layne’s arrest; solid play from Pirates, Penguins
The Steelers, Pirates and Penguins certainly don’t give you time for a break, do they? After a rare week off at “Breakfast With Benz,” there’s a lot to catch up on as we get ready for the upcoming Steelers draft week. Hopefully, you enjoyed our NFL Draft preview series while...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: With depth thinned, cornerback again among needs for Steelers
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” has spent this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts previewing next weekend’s event. We have broken down the franchise’s needs into five sections. Former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Depth of talent at inside or outside linebacker could tempt Steelers
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Stocked group of offensive linemen will test Steelers’ faith in current depth chart
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Potential Steelers replacements for Vance McDonald; wild wide receiver depth
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Steelers’ plan at QB; running back they can’t ignore in Round 1
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Steelers draft-related previews. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Monday: Quarterbacks and running backs Tuesday: Receivers and tight ends Wednesday: Offensive line Thursday: Defensive front seven Friday:...
Tim Benz: Returning Steelers should help team’s decision-making during NFL Draft
I can only imagine the emotional swirl within the wave of Steelers players who recently rejoined the team just a matter of weeks after being turned loose. I don’t have to imagine the emotions of the fan base, however. I see them on display constantly on social media and in...
First Call: Could Steelers draft the NFL Rookie of the Year? Strange night in NHL’s East Division
Friday’s “First Call” gives us a medical update on a potential Steelers first-round pick. Odds are out on who might be the NFL Rookie of the Year. We saw a strange night in the NHL’s East Division. And we look at the Pirates weekend tilt in Milwaukee. Weird night The...
First Call: Talk of Al Villanueva coming back to Steelers; Julian Edelman’s Hall of Fame debate may help Hines Ward
Thursday’s “First Call” takes a look at the Hall of Fame debate surrounding former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward and recently retired New England Patriot Julian Edelman. Another free agent Steeler may boomerang back to Pittsburgh. One former Penguin hits a milestone. Another gets a new contract. And plenty of...
U mad, bro?: Pirates fans vent; Steelers fans deflect criticism; Penguins fans reject concerns about Jeff Carter
Want a real reason to be mad, Pittsburgh sports fans? Here’s one for you. There will be no “U mad, bro?” next week. I know. I know. I can feel the anger welling up inside of you already. But it’s time for a vacation. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t...
First Call: James Conner says goodbye to Pittsburgh, addresses ATV accident; Ben Roethlisberger’s MVP odds; Flyers fading
Former Steeler and Pitt Panther James Conner says goodbye to the city of Pittsburgh. Big odds against “Big Ben” in the NFL MVP race. The Flyers continue to fail. And an ex-Pirates pitcher has a bad night. All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.” Au revoir Running back James Conner posted...
Tim Benz: Can the Penguins win the East Division? And how much would that matter?
As the Pittsburgh Penguins enjoy some rare downtime during this grueling covid-19 compressed schedule, let’s take a moment to ponder two looming questions. • Can the Penguins finish first in the NHL’s East Division? • Does it matter at all if they do? I’ll say “yes” to the first question...
First Call: New injury for James Conner; milestone for Jordan Staal; P.K. Subban’s ugly injury versus Penguins
Tuesday’s “First Call” reveals yet another injury for Pittsburgh Steelers free agent James Conner. This one happened off the field. Former Penguin Jordan Staal reaches a milestone. A Steelers draft prospect has some advice for whatever team chooses him. And you absolutely have to see the injury P.K. Subban suffered...
Tim Benz: Let’s meet in the middle on this Penguins trade for Jeff Carter
Over the last 30 years, the Pittsburgh Penguins have cobbled together a long history of in-season “swing from the heels” trades. Some with markedly better results than others. Pre-deadline acquisitions of Larry Murphy, Peter Taglianetti, Scott Young, Ulf Samuelsson, Grant Jennings and Ron Francis in 1991. Kjell Samuelsson and Ken...
Unfiltered: Tim Benz and Mark Madden discuss what getting Jeff Carter means for PenguinsVideo
Tim Benz and Mark Madden return for this week’s edition of “Unfiltered” on TribLive’s Facebook page to talk about the Pittsburgh Penguins acquiring forward Jeff Carter and how he will fit in with the team. The guys also talk about the Steelers and the upcoming NFL draft, the Pirates’ recent...
Madden Monday: Will Jeff Carter be another Patrick Marleau? And what does the trade says about Evgeni Malkin’s injury?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are acquiring veteran forward Jeff Carter from the Los Angeles Kings ahead of Monday’s trade deadline. As our Seth Rorabaugh reports, the deal is in exchange for conditional draft picks and partial retention of Carter’s salary-cap hit. Which is sizable. The 36-year-old is still owed a prorated...
First Call: A response to JuJu Smith-Schuster’s interview with Michael Irvin; Marc-Andre Fleury climbs up wins chart
In Monday’s “First Call,” I fire off a delayed salvo about JuJu Smith-Schuster’s interview with Michael Irvin. A look back at some Troy Polamalu highlights. Former Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury keeps moving up the all-time wins chart. NHL trades are already paying off in the East Division. And you need...
Tim Benz: Kevin McClatchy, former players reflect on PNC Park on the 20th anniversary of its debut
It had been a long time since something went right for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In fact, pretty much everything since the end of the eighth inning in Atlanta on Oct. 14, 1992 had been downhill. They lost their last shot at making the World Series. Their MVP went to San...
Tim Benz: As schedule eases, Penguins can’t afford a slump with points on the table
The Pittsburgh Penguins have nothing to worry about. This is just a little slump with about one-third of the season left. They’ve been playing so well, for so long now, that they are bound to pull out of it. I mean, good teams like this don’t fall in the tank...
First Call: Will Ben Roethlisberger stay with Steelers through 2022? A potential landing spot for James Conner
It’s an all-NFL “First Call” for Thursday morning with lots of Pittsburgh Steelers tidbits. At least one reporter thinks Ben Roethlisberger will be back with the Steelers after 2021 ends. A familiar foe from the AFC North is looking for work. And one outlet thinks it has found a landing...
20 years after PNC Park opener, Pittsburgh’s Sean Casey reflects on hitting 1st homer (and his quest for the ball)
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2021 home opener is Thursday afternoon at PNC Park. They host the Chicago Cubs at 1:35 p.m. The first regular-season game ever played at PNC Park — an 8-2 Pirates loss to the Cincinnati Reds — was April 9, 2001. That means the 20th anniversary of the...
Tim Benz: Duquesne football embraces restructured spring season, hosts NEC championship game
This time of year in Pittsburgh sports, normally the only postseason action taking place is the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Penguins. We aren’t usually thinking about postseason for football. Especially on the college level. Frankly, we are often just wrapping our brains around the concept...
U mad, bro?: Steelers, Pirates fans can’t decide if they are madder at teams or media for criticizing them
Steelers fans are mad at the team. Pirates fans are mad at the team. Steelers fans are mad at me for being mad at the team. Pirates fans are mad at me for being mad at the team. And everybody is mad at Skip Bayless. So, you know, a fairly...
