Tim Benz stories, Page 103
A 6-pack of NCAA Tournament questions to crack open with Mike DeCourcy
Whenever March rolls around I love talking about college basketball with Mike DeCourcy. An alum of Elizabeth Forward, Point Park and The Pittsburgh Press, DeCourcy now covers the sport for Sporting News, Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network. Assuming a few six-packs will be consumed around our region during...
First Call: Mike Tomlin praises specific Steelers draft prospect; advice for JuJu; Jaromir Jagr’s video for Alex Ovechkin
In Thursday’s “First Call,” it’s clear that Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has eyes for at least one Georgia Bulldog in the draft. Josh Allen is giving an emphatic thumbs up to Mitch Trubisky. JuJu Smith-Schuster is getting some advice about how to angle his free agency. Jaromir Jagr congratulates...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans lob barbs back and forth over the Mitch Trubisky signing — and my opinions on it
I know, Steelers fans. You now love Mitch Trubisky. The very thought of him replacing Ben Roethlisberger would’ve turned your stomach two years ago. But it’s easy to pretend you never thought that way now. In fact, let’s just say it. Getting Trubisky will work out better for the Pittsburgh...
Tim Benz: If NFL teams have concerns over public relations fallout from acquiring Deshaun Watson, they aren’t showing any
The Steelers surfaced as a rumored trade destination for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson last week. A frequent and immediate response from many who cover the team or root for it was that the franchise couldn’t make such a deal “because it would be a public relations nightmare.” The Steelers...
First Call: Eagles may be out on Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster; Browns may be out on Baker Mayfield; tough night in the Metro
In “First Call” for Wednesday, Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is still looking for work. And he may not find it anywhere else in the state of Pennsylvania. Baker Mayfield is acting like a quarterback who knows he may be traded, even if the Cleveland Browns don’t get Deshaun Watson....
Former Steelers, Bears QB says Mitch Trubisky was ‘being vilified as the problem maker’ in Chicago
Former Steeler Jim Miller knows about quarterbacking in both Pittsburgh and Chicago. He knows what a cluttered QB room is like, having been in that situation with Neil O’Donnell, Kordell Stewart and Mike Tomczak. And he knows the game of new Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky pretty well, too. Miller is...
First Call: Andrew McCutchen heading back to Pirates’ division; ex-Steeler Le’Veon Bell says Antonio Brown ‘misunderstood’
Tuesday’s “First Call” tells us where former Pirates star Andrew McCutchen will play baseball next season. Le’Veon Bell still has fond things to say about Mike Tomlin and Antonio Brown. The Bengals have bolstered their offensive line. And James Conner appears to have found a long-term home. Familiar surroundings Andrew...
Obstacles for Penguins continue as opponents remain challenging out west
The Penguins managed to get four of a possible six points during their tough three-game homestand that featured games against the Atlantic Division-leading Florida Panthers, the Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina Hurricanes, and the currently playoff bound Las Vegas Golden Knights. The Pens beat Vegas 5-2 and the Hurricanes 4-2, after losing...
Tim Benz: Remember recent history when it comes to the Steelers signing Mitch Trubisky
Here’s a little historical reference before dissecting the Steelers’ decision to sign quarterback Mitch Trubisky. On March 4, 2021, the Steelers reworked Ben Roethlisberger’s contract for one final season in the fall. On March 18, Trubisky signed a contract to be the Buffalo Bills backup quarterback after getting no offers...
Tim Benz: Penguins-Hurricanes regular season battles did little to reveal clues for a potential playoff showdown
Often after Penguins games, head coach Mike Sullivan seems to draw a pretty thick line between the process and the result. The Penguins may win a game but not necessarily play well en route to victory. Under those circumstances, Sullivan has a hard time hiding his agitation. After other games,...
First Call: Steelers still in mix for JuJu Smith-Schuster; Browns pushing for Deshaun Watson; Bryan Reynolds trade talk
Monday’s “First Call” has some possible destinations for Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. If quarterback Deshaun Watson doesn’t come to Pittsburgh, he may wind up elsewhere in the AFC North. An ex-Penguins star is part of a milestone. Former Penn State basketball coach Pat Chambers has a new job. Plus,...
Madden Monday: What Tom Brady’s return means for the Steelers
Tom Brady spent the better part of two decades dominating Sundays in the NFL. Now he just dominated Selection Sunday, too. Yup. The future Hall of Fame quarterback managed to steal the spotlight from college basketball on the sport’s biggest day of the year. Within an hour of the bracket-reveal...
Tim Benz: Should we buy Brian Burke’s hard sell about the idea of a quiet trade deadline for the Penguins?
Penguins president of hockey operations Brian Burke is doing a really hard sell on not buying at the trade deadline. So much, in fact, that every time he addresses the topic, I now find myself more convinced that the Pens are going 180 degrees the other way toward being the...
First Call: Steelers linked to high-profile free agent linebacker, cornerback; Penguins may get a break vs. Las Vegas
Friday’s “First Call” connects the Steelers to a pair of defensive standouts once free agency starts next week. Meanwhile, a Pitt product may be “Plan B” in case the Steelers can’t keep a current starter. It looks like the Penguins will face a backup goalie in their next game. And...
Tim Benz: Tying Deshaun Watson to Steelers feels like QB’s camp trying to speak a hope into existence
Former NFL quarterback Shaun King explained his tweet from Wednesday that suggested if Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson receives a favorable outcome in his legal battle Friday, he’d likely be heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hearing if things go well friday Deshaun Watson to the steelers is happening soon after......
First Call: 6 teams high on Steelers’ receiver; Giants like Mitch Trubisky; Brian Burke challenges Kasperi Kapanen
Thursday’s “First Call” sees heavy interest in a quarterback the Pittsburgh Steelers might want to sign and a wide receiver they may want to keep. Brian Burke refuses to mince words about a struggling Penguins forward. The Washington Capitals lose, but still gain ground on the Penguins. And a blossoming...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans dig at Aaron Rodgers coverage, defend Najee Harris, pile on Russian hockey talk
I’m so upset that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t joining the Steelers. If he did, this weekly column could’ve written itself for his entire career in Pittsburgh. But we aren’t going to be all quarterbacks, all the time. Our readers are upset about other things, too. Much like...
Tim Benz: Accelerated development of Mounir Hima a bright spot for Duquesne in 2022
Duquesne center Mounir Hima didn’t play any basketball as a child. Growing up in Tillaberi, Niger, soccer was his sport. “Me playing basketball is a destiny. I never thought about basketball,” Hima said Monday. “Basketball where I came from wasn’t a priority sport. You don’t even have a lot of...
Mitch Trubisky discusses prospect of playing with Steelers: ‘I think of a legendary franchise’
Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers are “out” on Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers (if they were ever “in” to begin with), it’s time for Pittsburgh to recalibrate expectations on what will happen with the franchise’s quarterback position in 2022. The fanbase can start working itself into a lather over Malik...
First Call: Aaron Rodgers says contract isn’t signed yet; Phil Kessel’s unique way to keep his consecutive games streak alive
Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers are out of the picture, the Aaron Rodgers saga isn’t officially wrapped up yet in Green Bay. A former Penn State Nittany Lion is getting a second straight franchise tag. There was a ton of NHL action in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday aside from...
First Call: Mike Florio advances Steelers-Aaron Rodgers connection further; potential cost for top NFL free agent center
Tuesday’s “First Call” follows up on the Steelers’ alleged connection to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There’s more news about an offensive lineman the Steelers may want in free agency. Some AFC North standout players got franchise tags. And a repeat personal honor for a Duquesne basketball player. How much to...
Penguins will be challenged to maximize points in trio of upcoming home games
The Penguins just got done with a tough two-game road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes. Now they’ve got to turn around and host a three-game homestand which isn’t exactly going to be a walk in the park either. Taking home three of a possible four points...
Tim Benz: Let’s stop the blame shifting when it comes to Calvin Ridley’s gambling suspension
Long ago, the National Football League surpassed Major League Baseball as America’s favorite pastime. In part that’s true because another favorite American pastime is gambling on America’s favorite pastime. Unfortunately, if you are a player in the NFL, you aren’t allowed to gamble on the NFL. That’s what Atlanta Falcons...
Madden Monday: ‘The Penguins are a better franchise than the Steelers now. In terms of the way they are run, they are No. 1.’
When it comes to the NHL’s looming trade deadline (March 21), the Penguins find themselves in a familiar position. Do they trade this summer’s first-round draft choice in order to acquire a top-flight player to help this year’s team? Since 2013, the Penguins have only drafted in the first round...
First Call: Steelers, AFC North foes reportedly eyeing same free agent; latest news on Aaron Rodgers saga
Monday’s “First Call” gives us a battle for a free agent offensive lineman that may include the Steelers and two other AFC North rivals. We have the latest on Aaron Rodgers’ situation and Saquon Barkley’s status. Plus, a busy night of results atop the NHL’s Eastern Conference. Center of attention...
