Tim Benz stories, Page 139
Tim Benz: We need the Steelers, NFL to stay afloat now more than ever
We see where this is going, don’t we? Chicago is issuing stay-at-home orders. Ohio is imposing tougher statewide mask mandates. Greece is in full lockdown nationwide. In the sports world, college football games all over the map are being canceled or postponed. Pitt is “pausing” its football program’s activities because...
First Call: Mike Tomlin on blocked kick issues; early Bengals trash talk; massive Steelers bet
Wednesday’s “First Call” gives us Steelers coach Mike Tomlin explaining his team’s poor blocking on place kicks on Sunday in Dallas. We also get some bad Cincinnati Bengals trash talk and even worse karma. Plus, perhaps the greatest golf shot you’ll ever see. Figure it ‘aht! The Steelers place-kick protection...
Tim Benz: Steelers should’ve played in Dallas without Vance McDonald
Going for a late fourth down during Sunday’s win in Dallas wasn’t the only questionable decision Mike Tomlin made on Sunday. Deciding to take tight end Vance McDonald on the trip is also worthy of second-guessing. Well, IF that’s who we are talking about when it comes to the mysterious...
U mad, bro? Steelers fans hate media criticism of 8-0 team, yet torn on Mike Tomlin
“U mad, bro?” Never mind. I know the answer to that question already. Everybody is mad. All the time. About everything. We just had an election. One side is angry about the result. The other side is angry the result is being disputed. Instead, let’s just talk about something that’ll...
First Call: What? ESPN writer says Ben Roethlisberger ‘hasn’t been hugely important for the Steelers’
Tuesday’s “First Call” got me a little fired up. I have issues with ESPN’s midseason NFL awards, as some Steelers were snubbed. We look at eyebrow-raising numbers about the quarterback the Steelers are facing this weekend. And equally impressive gambling notes for the upcoming game. Also, some props for the...
How a November Masters tournament will be different this week
Explain to me how all of this is going to work for the 2020 Masters. The Champions Dinner via Uber Eats? Will the green jacket still be draped on the winner’s back by last year’s champion? Or will it just be placed on a hanger? Will I be watching while...
Tim Benz: Steelers’ issues in Dallas a reality check. Not a wake-up call. Not a fluke.
Some Steelers fans may be struggling to make sense of what they just watched against the 2-7 Dallas Cowboys. A 24-19 escape in a game that should’ve been a breeze. Hey, these are covid times. Nothing really makes sense. Even the Steelers’ 8-0 start. Think about all of those great...
First Call: Cowboys complain about refs after loss to Steelers; familiar Antonio Brown moment in Tampa debut
Monday’s “First Call” gives us some grousing from the Dallas Cowboys after their loss to the Steelers. The officials made some close calls against them, and they aren’t happy about it. We also check in on the Steelers’ next opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals. We get an update on Cleveland Browns...
Madden Monday: ‘Even at 8-0, I just don’t trust the Steelers. And I certainly do not trust Mike Tomlin.’
The Steelers spent the last two weeks going on the road and beating the Tennessee Titans (5-0) and the Baltimore Ravens (5-1). They did so without playing their best football. In fact, they were pretty lousy for roughly half of both games. So, in a way, that had to make...
Tim Benz: ‘Airing of Grievances’ plenty deep despite ‘Feats of Strength’ as Steelers edge Cowboys
Not gonna lie. I loved that result from the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dallas on Sunday. It was a jagged 24-19 victory over a forlorn Dallas team that sits at 2-7. The Steelers couldn’t have looked much worse in the process. Yet, Mike Tomlin’s team won anyway to improve to 8-0....
Tim Benz: How James Conner is employing tactics to stay ‘combative’ but remain healthy
As Steelers fans read this post about running back James Conner, rest easy. I’m writing it while sitting at a large wooden table. And, yes, I am knocking on it periodically so as to deflect any jinxes about the recent good stretch of Conner’s health. Conner’s career has been one...
First Call: Is Stephon Tuitt still ‘underrated’? A few Cowboys challenges for Steelers. Alex Highsmith shines.
For Friday’s “First Call,” we see some praise for Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt. We look at a pair of Dallas Cowboys who could be a pain for the Steelers offense. A Steelers rookie who is getting some recognition. And a rare positive Pittsburgh Pirates memory. Tuitt’s time OK....
Mike McCarthy’s odd QB decision for Steelers game. And why one Cowboys analyst supports it.
The Steelers (7-0) should blow out the Dallas Cowboys (2-6) on Sunday. The Cowboys certainly are no longer “America’s Team.” Unless we are talking about America in 2020. The America that’s been addled by a pandemic, engulfed in social upheaval, ravaged by wildfires, divided by political discord, and immersed in...
First Call: Mike Tomlin’s odds to win NFL Coach of the Year. Antonio Brown’s first Tampa practice and interview clips.
Thursday’s “First Call” goes to Tampa Bay for Antonio Brown’s first practice and first interview as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. One Watt seems unhappy, while another is getting praised for his play. And Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is your new favorite for NFL Coach of the Year. Antonio Brown...
Keith Dambrot discusses Duquesne’s trip into Louisville’s mini-bubble event, LeBron James’ fourth title
On Nov. 5, 2019, the Duquesne Dukes were opening their season with a 94-67 win over Princeton. This year, they are just beginning to figure out their schedule. Hey, at least there is a schedule and there are games to play. That’s a start. With the way things have been...
U mad, bro? Steelers fans think we’re too optimistic, too pessimistic. And they’re mad at John Harbaugh.
For some Steelers fans, being 7-0 and beating the Baltimore Ravens is cause for celebration. For others, it is a certain sign of impending doom. That’s how we start this week’s “U mad, bro?” Then we hear from other Steelers fans who don’t want any criticism of the team at...
First Call: Bruce Arians forecasts Antonio Brown’s role; Avery Williamson already gets Pittsburgh
Our Wednesday “First Call” proves new Steelers linebacker Avery Williamson already has a good sense of Pittsburgh. We’ve got an update on the covid-19 situation from Baltimore. And a look at the looming Tampa Bay debut of Antonio Brown. Small steps for Mr. Big Chest? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have...
Tim Benz: Expanded NFL playoff contingency plan is a bad idea, and not just for Steelers
As the Steelers sit at 7-0, the NFL is considering an expansion of the playoff field from seven teams to eight per conference. For this incredibly strange season only. That means if the Steelers earn the only playoff bye in the AFC, there may not even be a bye to...
Avery Williamson’s role with Steelers should change by Ravens rematch
I believe Mike Tomlin when he says new linebacker Avery Williamson was acquired from the New York Jets to be a complementary part of the inside linebacker rotation. For now. Maybe the next three weeks or so? But by Thanksgiving night, I’ll bet a drumstick Williamson is getting the majority...
First Call: Dallas QB update for Steelers game Sunday; Antonio Brown’s legal team in full gear
Tuesday’s “First Call” features a look at this week’s Cowboys quarterback situation as the Steelers prepare for a trip to Dallas. The Ravens made history during their loss to the Steelers Sunday. John Harbaugh is defending his team’s coronavirus practices. And Antonio Brown’s legal team is working overtime in advance...
Once a possibility to replace Ryan Shazier, can Avery Williamson replicate Devin Bush on Steelers defense?
After Pro Bowl inside linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a career-ending spinal injury in December 2017, the Steelers scurried to find a free agent replacement for him in the 2018 offseason. They tried to fill the void with veteran journeyman Jon Bostic, special teamers such as Tyler Matakevich and L.J. Fort,...
Tim Benz: 2020 Steelers look to improve on old history by erasing recent memories
The nicest compliment any modern Steelers team can receive is a comparison to the sainted teams of the 1970s. Around these parts, that’s like telling a basketball player that he shoots like Larry Bird. Or a singer that he sounds like Pavarotti. So when the 2020 Steelers beat the Baltimore...
First Call: Avery Williamson humorously posts about trade to Steelers; Ravens WR pouts after loss
In Monday’s “First Call” Avery Williamson posts about his looming trade to the Steelers. The statistics suggest the Steelers’ 7-0 start means “can’t miss” for the playoffs. Le’Veon Bell had a rough day against his former team. And a pouting Raven on social media. Rekindled? Since taking over for Devin...
Madden Monday: Ravens ‘should be displeased by how stupid they played’ vs. Steelers
This week’s Madden Monday podcast poses an in-depth question about the Steelers victory in Baltimore. What was the bigger reason for the 28-24 outcome? Did the Steelers steal it? Or did the Ravens give it away? I gave you my thoughts after the win in Maryland. TribLive columnist and 105.9...
Tim Benz: Feats of Strength/Airing of Grievances as Steelers stay unbeaten in Baltimore
The calendar flipped to November, and the Pittsburgh Steelers flipped the script on last week’s game in defeating the Baltimore Ravens, 28-24, on Sunday. Last Sunday in Tennessee, the Steelers managed to hold off a surging Titans comeback in the second half after going into the locker room up 24-7....
