Mark Madden’s Hot Take: Bucco Fever is boiling again, and it’s an odd disease
It was a great day at the ballpark for the Pirates’ home opener Friday. I didn’t go. I’m getting prepared for that area being under martial law — worse yet, Roger Goodell’s iron fist — when the NFL Draft comes April 23-25. I can’t wait to stay away. Or till...
Tim Benz, Mike DeCourcy give 4 key storylines for this week’s Final FourVideo
Throughout the NCAA Tournament, Mike DeCourcy (Sporting News/Fox/Big Ten Network) and I have been breaking down the NCAA men’s basketball brackets region by region. Now we are down to the Final Four this Saturday in Indianapolis. Illinois plays UConn at 6:09 pm Saturday. Arizona and Michigan square off at 8:54...
Tim Benz: Now that Konnor Griffin is up, tomorrow needs to be todayVideo
In the 34 years since the Pittsburgh Pirates were eliminated from the 1992 National League Championship Series, the list of things that this franchise does better than other MLB clubs is very short. In fact, the list might simply be one entry: selling the future. Whatever semblance of a fan...
Mark Madden: The Pirates made a bold move with Konnor Griffin, but it can’t stop there
I never thought the Pittsburgh Pirates would sign Konnor Griffin long-term. I never thought the overlap of having both Griffin and Paul Skenes would be as lengthy as it now could be. Might be three years beyond this one. I never thought the Pirates would suddenly show legit ambition concerning anything...
First Call: Ex-Steeler says Mike Tomlin ‘created dysfunction;’ Charlie Batch won’t waver on Aaron Rodgers
Friday’s “First Call” has an interesting critique of Mike Tomlin from a former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker. Charlie Batch is sticking by his story as to what is going on with Aaron Rodgers. An ex-Steelers safety is heading to a division rival. We examine a busy night in the NHL’s Eastern...
First Call: Source refutes Denver’s rumored interest in Aaron Rodgers; Pirates, Konnor Griffin reportedly ‘deep into negotiations’Video
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ AFC rivals may have an interest in Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers may have an interest in a gigantic offensive tackle in the draft. And the Pirates may have an interest in giving $100 million to a 19-year-old. Also, we should all be interested in the...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans doubting QB and WR, while Pirates fans already angry with Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz got off to a bad start, but he’s playing better. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver group was in tatters, but it’s getting better. The Steelers’ quarterback situation is — well — that’s going to stay the same forever, I guess. But why focus on the hope for improvement...
Mark Madden: These Penguins might be flawed, but they have heart and guts
Refreshing Pittsburgh Penguins notes: Love is in the air, and so is playoff hockey! Don’t you just love spring? • Ditch the disclaimer: Erik Karlsson is the Penguins’ MVP, and that includes Sidney Crosby. Karlsson put the team on his back in March, shepherding the Penguins to an 8-6-3 record...
Tim Benz: Penguins carry momentum from explosive win in New York to douse Detroit
Some in hockey feel that the concept of momentum is overrated. Maybe even nonexistent, or made up. They believe everything in sports is a singular moment. Any play or game that happens is the result of its own series of circumstances and is not related at all to anything that...
First Call: Steelers interviewing another QB, still looking at corners; NFL might add more Thanksgiving-week footballVideo
In Wednesday’s “First Call,” the Pittsburgh Steelers are interviewing another quarterback while scouting some Tennessee cornerbacks. Two former Steelers are in the mix to join the Detroit Lions. Get ready for some Thanksgiving Eve Football. And the Penguins have a perfect night in the playoff race. QB comin’ The Steelers...
First Call: If Steelers pass on Kirk Cousins, at least 1 team wants him; latest on George Pickens; Penguins’ next huge gameVideo
Tuesday’s “First Call” has a possible destination for Kirk Cousins — if it isn’t Pittsburgh. The Dallas Cowboys are dealing with George Pickens’ contract uncertainty. The Penguins are looking to build off of Monday’s exhilarating win over the New York Islanders. Some big-name Pittsburgh figures are involved in the NFL’s...
Tim Benz: Mike McCarthy appears to have right blueprint for Steelers’ receiver rebuild
I didn’t agree with the premise of the question, but I did agree with how Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy answered it. On Monday’s “Pat McAfee Show,” McCarthy was asked what it is going to be like to have “two No. 1” wide receivers on the 2026 roster next season,...
Mark Madden: Tiger Woods’ latest crash exposes America’s double standard
The current Tiger Woods situation has turned America into a sociological experiment. Woods got popped for his second DUI. Rolled his car. Could have killed somebody. It’s his fourth major car accident. Yet a vast fraction of the population passionately leaps to his defense. “He has a problem.” “Show some...
First Call: Tensions rise between NFL and its officials; Flyers surging; Andrew McCutchen’s start with TexasVideo
Monday’s “First Call” has an update on increasing contract tensions between the NFL and its officials. Things are really getting muddy in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. The Pittsburgh Pirates are set for their second series of the season. Andrew McCutchen seems to be enjoying his time in Texas, and a...
Madden Monday: ‘It is just absurd that we’re still waiting for an answer’ to the Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers situation
Last week, former Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch suggested that the hold-up surrounding Aaron Rodgers re-signing in Pittsburgh may be about his salary, more so than his desire to continue playing. “This decision is coming down to money,” Batch said on “The Snap Count” podcast with fellow ex-Steeler Trai Essex. “The...
Mark Madden’s Hot Take: Shortstop, 1st base, 3rd base, DH? How can the Pirates fix Oneil Cruz?
This space previously mooted the possibility of trading Oneil Cruz after his “Yakety Sax”-style meltdown when the Pittsburgh Pirates opened their season Thursday at New York. But the Pirates seem unlikely to do that. His raw talent is undeniable. Cruz is affordable at $3.3 million and, if he keeps disappointing,...
Tim Benz: Penguins need a few more exclamation point wins before putting a period at the end of their playoff drought
A common writing tip is to avoid using the exclamation point too much. You know, save it for truly exclamatory moments. If you use it all the time, how can anyone tell which statements are really standing out? That goes for any type of writing: news, sports, advertising, books, fiction,...
Beyond the Bylines: Pirates’ Opening Day dud, Penguins thriller, Aaron Rodgers intrigue, Bill Murray moviesVideo
In this week’s “Beyond the Bylines,” Tim Benz and Joe Starkey debate the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season-opening loss to the Mets. They also dive into the Sweet 16, the Penguins’ crucial victory in Ottawa, and they kick around the theory that Aaron Rodgers’ latest contract delay may be about money. Tim...
Mark Madden: All the tools, but no toolbox; Pirates’ biggest problem might be Oneil Cruz
The Pirates should trade Oneil Cruz. There must be some MLB team still impressed by his amazing athleticism and willing to ignore that he’s 27 and hasn’t yet learned how to play baseball. Beyond occasional flashes, Cruz is useless. Cruz is a .233 lifetime hitter, a tragic .172 against left-handed...
First Call: Ex-NFL QB recalls odd draft interview with former Steelers staff; Pens get mixed results in playoff chaseVideo
Friday’s “First Call” has an odd story about an old pre-draft interview involving the Pittsburgh Steelers. A former Steeler has landed a new gig in an NFC secondary. The Penguins got some good — and some bad — results from Metropolitan Division outcomes Thursday night. And there were lots of...
Tim Benz: Pirates start 2026 by living up, and down, to many preseason expectations
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2026 season opener against the New York Mets went from “That couldn’t have started better” to “That couldn’t have started worse.” Real quick. It ended poorly, too, with an 11-7 defeat. Game No. 1 of 162 also crystallized a lot of the reasons to feel better about...
First Call: Ex-Steelers QB says Aaron Rodgers delay may be about money; Pens need to rebound in Ottawa
Thursday’s “First Call” has an interesting angle on the Aaron Rodgers watch from a former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. A high-profile receiving target at Ohio State floats a theory about Will Howard. We preview the Penguins’ game in Canada on Thursday night. And Robert Morris’ top scorer is entering the transfer...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans loathe the idea of signing Kirk Cousins if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return
It’s clear that most Pittsburgh Steelers fans despise the notion of potentially waiting all the way through the draft for Aaron Rodgers to sign. The only idea the Steelers fans seem to hate more? Signing any of the other available veteran quarterbacks. Ick! What a list. I was reminded of...
Sweet 16/Elite 8 breakdown: Could we see an all-Pittsburgh coaching matchup in the Elite 8?
One week into March Madness, and there isn’t as much chaos within people’s brackets as we normally see. The transfer portal, NIL and sprawling power conferences have a lot to do with that. The two biggest surprises still alive are an SEC school in 11th-seeded Texas and a Big Ten...
Mark Madden: Is it still hating if it happens? Expect 77 wins for these Pirates
I’m often accused of hating the Pittsburgh Pirates. Not true. I’m just a beacon of harsh truth. The Pirates were my first big sports love. I have 41 sets of ticket stubs from the 1971 world championship season to prove it. That includes Game 4 of the World Series at...
