Tim Benz stories, Page 191
Tim Benz: Penguins veterans weigh in on Lightning’s quest for Red Wings’ record
The version of the Detroit Red Wings we will see Thursday night at PPG Paints Arena couldn’t hold a candle to the 1995-96 club that set the NHL wins record of 62. Although you may have thought so Tuesday night, when this year’s 32-win edition of the franchise dusted the...
First call: Penguins get no help; Bryce Harper’s dramatic return to Washington
Our “First Call” for Wednesday starts with a look at how the Penguins playoff picture was impacted by Eastern Conference results last night. Pitchers make an argument against the DH. The Bryce Harper return to Washington was great theater. And whatever happened to Zion Williamson’s exploding shoe? Not done yet...
Robert Morris coach Andy Toole handicaps Final Four
Robert Morris basketball coach Andy Toole joins us again as our bracketologist to preview the Final Four this weekend. We talk about the two stunners who made it all the way to the semi-finals: Texas Tech and Auburn. Give Toole credit. He liked Texas Tech from the start of the...
Steelers on TMZ: JuJu has no beef with Antonio Brown, Joe Haden ‘happy’ for Cleveland
ESPN and Sports Illustrated couldn’t be counted on to ask the right questions of Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Let’s see if TMZ can do any better with a pair of different Steelers. The celebrity website caught up with both Joe Haden and JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday. And for those...
Tim Benz: ‘Adapt or die’ mentality sets in for Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams
So what’s Trevor Williams going to do for an encore? Based on his first start of 2019, maybe 2018 wasn’t his “Stairway to Heaven” after all. There still may be another high to reach. Or, in Williams’ case, another low. Like the stunningly low 1.38 ERA he posted after the...
First call: WR in draft says he could replace Antonio Brown for Steelers
Tuesday’s “First Call” features a draft prospect that wants to come to Pittsburgh as a potential replacement for Antonio Brown. John Tavares scores against the Islanders. The Capitals lose. Ivan Nova shines in his Chicago debut. Bryce Harper goes back to Washington. The next A.B.? One potential NFL draft-choice wide...
Le’Veon Bell’s rap ripped Steelers. Then, an NFL star ripped him.
I’m not one who is going to offer a lot of opinions about what is good or bad when it comes to rap. If you want break down the KISS concert at PPG Paints Arena, though, I’m here for you. However, I will gladly regurgitate the opinions of others on...
Tim Benz: Early signs show Pirates coming as advertised in 2019
Before the Pirates even got to their home opener, their first three days in Cincinnati gave us a pretty good snapshot of what to expect in 2019. Sometimes the starting pitcher is going to give you six shutout innings, and you are going to win. Sometimes the starter is going...
Penguins podcast: Tim Benz, Brian Metzer talk about a critical final week
Eventually, Penguins Radio Network host Brian Metzer and I get around to talking about hockey in this Sided.co podcast. But first, our mandatory review of the KISS show at PPG Paints Arena. Then we try to figure out how — and why — the Detroit Red Wings have gotten so...
First call: Backup draft plan for Steelers; Goldschmidt brings hot start to Pittsburgh
In Monday’s “First Call,” a look at a backup plan for the Steelers if they don’t draft a “Devin.” A big bat for the Cardinals is coming into Pittsburgh hot. And the Blue Jackets may finally be putting it all together. Backup plan Apparently the Steelers have a backup in...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden discuss Penguins playoff push, Roethlisberger’s radio show, Pirates opener
In this week’s “Madden Monday,” Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins me to talk about the Penguins playoff push. How have they survived without Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? We get into Sidney Crosby’s exceptional performance of late, playing strong tactical hockey, and the perfect playoff hole to hit....
Tim Benz: Penguins can’t miss opportunity to finish strong
March came in like a lion and pretty much stayed that way for the Pittsburgh Penguins. They deserve the lamb of a schedule they got to close out the regular season here in April. Too bad they can’t take a deep breath and relax to enjoy it. The Penguins are...
Tim Benz: Right call if Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger ditches radio show
I’ve avoided this column for a while. Because no matter how fair I try to be, my opinions are going to be viewed with a jaundiced eye. Understandably. But now, national reports have attempted to lend some news value to the story. Based on how national opinions and stories have...
First call: Steelers’ Haden defends Tomlin; ‘Baby Shark’ walk-up song leads to homer
Friday’s “First Call” features Steelers players defending the team. The Dodgers’ mammoth opening day at the plate. And one baseball player is using the song “Baby Shark” as his walk-up song. And it works. Haden has Tomlin’s back In response to the wave of criticism against the Steelers this offseason,...
Penguins podcast: Previewing Predators and a look at playoff prospects
Penguins beat writer Jonathan Bombulie joins me on our Sided.co podcast. We preview the Penguins’ game Friday against Nashville. We also talk about the injuries to Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin, the roster decisions that will follow their return and some NHL rules debates that may be similar to those...
Football footnotes: Rating NFL rules voting on the ‘Riveron Scale’
For this edition of “Friday Football Footnotes,” I thought we should take a look at all the NFL rule changes — and failed changes — this week at the owners meetings. Let’s figure out which ones the league got right and which ones the league botched. We will do so...
Tim Benz: Even Penguins might not have known what they got in Jared McCann
If you weren’t aware of what the Penguins were getting from the Panthers when they acquired Jared McCann as part of the Derick Brassard trade, don’t worry. It appears they may not have been fully aware, either. Obviously, Jim Rutherford had at least a hope that McCann could be productive....
First call: Landry Jones reunites with Antonio Brown; LeSean McCoy not done in Buffalo
In “First Call” Wednesday, you’ll never figure out where Landry Jones signed. There’s still hope for “Shady” in Buffalo. Making sense of a busy night in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. This should be good Guess where Landry Jones is going. I mean, it’s not the Raiders, right? Well, of course,...
Robert Morris Andy Toole handicaps Sweet 16, talks 2019 matchup vs. Pitt
Robert Morris basketball coach Andy Toole joins us once again for our “Breakfast With Benz” podcast. He is our unofficial bracketologist for the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Both of our Final Fours are still intact after the first weekend. But this is where it gets dicey. RMU coach Andy Toole handicaps...
U mad, bro? Raiders fans clap back, Steelers accused of racial bias
In “U Mad, Bro?” this week, suggestions of racism are levied against the Steelers. Charges of whining are wielded by Raiders fans. And I was sent the best email I have ever read. Let’s start with this jackwagon. For the record, he didn’t send this tweet to me directly, but...
Tim Benz: Who looks good and bad in released Antonio Brown trade conversation
I have no idea why Antonio Brown would send out the audio that he allegedly did from his trade conversations with Drew Rosenhaus. He sounds moronic in the process and makes some other parties look bad. Oh, well. He apparently put it online anyway. If you haven’t heard it yet,...
First call: Antonio Brown lashes out again; a star wants fighting in football
In Tuesday’s “First Call,” we look at Antonio Brown’s latest shot at the Steelers from Oakland. Eminem thinks he has the answer for football. Tonight could prove to be pivotal in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. This won’t end You didn’t think that Antonio Brown would stop taking shots at the...
Tim Benz: Proposed NFL overtime changes are unnecessary
One of the big debates at the NFL owners meetings is what to do with the league’s overtime procedure. The Chiefs advanced a rule change proposal for overtime. Let’s not kid ourselves. The Chiefs did this because they lost in overtime of the AFC title game thanks to Tom Brady...
Teddy Blueger emerges, Justin Schultz shines for Penguins
Penguins Radio Network host Brian Metzer joins me for his weekly hockey podcast. We recap Monday’s 5-2 win over the Rangers. I brag about my wonderous predictive powers regarding the rise of Teddy Blueger. We also celebrate Justin Schultz finally getting into the goal column again. Plus, we plow into...
Tim Benz: Steelers suddenly supporting Big Ben. What took so long?
It’s the media — and social media — circle of life. Become famous and popular, get torn down. Get abused online for a few months. Become a sympathetic figure. Get built back up again. Maybe Ben Roethlisberger is now in that final stage. After months of being the target of...
