Tim Benz stories, Page 195
Tim Benz, Mark Madden discuss Penguins’ outdoor loss, Le’Veon Bell
In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins me to discuss the Penguins, Le’Veon Bell’s free agency and the Robert Kraft scandal. Specifically, we examine the comparisons between Bell and Todd Gurley. Is that a good thing or a bad thing for Bell these days?...
First call: Crowded playoff picture puts more pressure on Penguins
In “First Call” Friday, we look at the jam-packed NHL Eastern Conference. The NBA may lower its age restriction. And Pitt hoops needs some time to recover. It`s getting dicey With their 4-0 loss at home to San Jose, the Penguins failed to pick up any points Thursday. Carolina had...
Tim Benz, Jonathan Bombulie discuss what to watch for in Penguins-Flyers outdoor game
Tribune-Review Penguins beat writer Jonathan Bombulie is in Philadelphia for the Penguins-Flyers Stadium Series game Saturday. He joins me for Friday’s Sided.co podcast. Is Evgeni Malkin going to have to fight after his recent stick-swinging incident against the Flyers? What’s the backup plan for the weather if it turns bad?...
Football footnotes: Jets reportedly concerned about Le’Veon Bell’s weight
In this edition of “Friday Football Footnotes,” the Jets are worried that Le’Veon Bell is too heavy and that Antonio Brown may want too much money in a new contract. Also, a Troy Polamalu flashback. And the latest reason why Deion Sanders is a jackwagon. Is that Le`Veon Bell or...
Tim Benz: Steelers brass hated the word circus. What do they think of rebuild?
For two guys who didn’t want to admit the Steelers were a “circus,” they sure are doing a lot to tear down the big top. Team president Art Rooney II bristled at references to the Black and Gold being a “circus” after a chaotic 2018 came to a disappointing close....
Tim Benz, Joe Rutter break down Steelers’ decision not to tag Le’Veon Bell
Tribune Review Steelers beat writer Joe Rutter joins me for our Thursday Sided.co podcast. Joe was at Kevin Colbert’s press conference Wednesday. We talk about his decision to let Le’Veon Bell hit the free agent market. Why did he give up the transition tag option? Also, we get into Colbert’s...
U mad, bro? Jim Rutherford, Steelers fans among those angry with ‘media’
“U mad, bro?” this week features a celebrity Penguins appearance. Multiple attacks on the media. And the usual amount of people bashing Antonio Brown and Mike Tomlin. We start with a celebrity entry from Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford! He is blaming the media for fan perception of defenseman Jack...
Tim Benz: What Steelers fans should like, hate, ignore about Kevin Colbert’s comments
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert covered a lot of ground Wednesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side. Not as much ground as was covered by Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown during their years in Black and Gold. But a lot nonetheless. It appears neither will be covering...
First call: Raiders player ramps up Antonio Brown recruiting effort
In “First Call” Thursday, details on Josh Harrison’s new deal in Detroit. The Penguins won’t have to deal with a Flyers pest on Saturday. And the Raiders’ recruitment of Antonio Brown is underway. Raider recruiting The Raiders’ recruiting of Antonio Brown has begun. We told you that the Raiders may...
Puddy from ‘Seinfeld’ makes special appearance at Penguins-Devils game
It was “90s Night” in New Jersey for the Penguins-Devils game Wednesday. The Pens won 4-3. But the Devils had their fun before the game. Because the team’s number one fictional fan was on hand: Puddy from “Seinfeld.” Yes, actor Patrick Warburton was in attendance to reprise his role for...
First call: John Tortorella gives too much info on Artemi Panarin’s stomach issues
In Wednesday’s “First Call,” John Tortorella clears up some messy speculation about one of his players. Trevor Lawrence is a little too physical during an intramural game. Dirk Nowitzki gets deep on the topic of “heightism.” We get the point, coach Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella is nothing if...
Can the Steelers fix Chris Boswell? Will they keep Jordan Berry?
All of the Steelers Killer B’s were a mess at one point or another last year. Bell never played. Brown went AWOL. Ben threw a lot of picks. And Boz missed too many kicks. Heck, even Jordan Berry struggled punting at times. But he seemed to get back on track...
Some leaning toward Antonio Brown going to Oakland Raiders
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about the prospect of Antonio Brown going to San Francisco. Former Redskins general manager Charley Casserly seems to think we were close but are looking at the wrong team in the Bay Area. My thoughts on Antonio Brown @steelers and would I trade...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown getting his way doesn’t mean Steelers lose
Now that “Mr. Big Chest” has spoken, the path for the Pittsburgh Steelers appears to be clear. Antonio Brown posted a photo of himself with team owner Art Rooney II on social media Tuesday. Had a great meeting with Mr.Rooney today we discussed a lot of things and we cleared...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown discusses leaving NFL in mid-workout monologue
If you feel as though the entire Antonio Brown saga is nothing more than a never-ending run on an elliptical … well … welcome to the world’s greatest visual aid. Brown streamed a video of himself doing cardio while answering messages from fans. Here are some of the highlights along...
Tim Benz: Did the Patriots create a trade destination for Antonio Brown?
Buy into this one if you want. I’m all for taking a leap. If you don’t, though, I don’t blame you. Let me lay it out, and you make up your own mind. If one national report is right, the New England Patriots — of all teams — may have...
Tim Benz: Players say Penguins must ‘Embrace the Race’ to playoffs
So much for that sweep. In advance of this weekend’s back-to-back home games for the Penguins, I wrote that skating away with two victories was important for the organization. I wanted to see this 2018-19 Pens club — renowned for its sputtering inconsistency — to get on a roll akin...
Tim Benz, Brian Metzer talk about Penguins’ line changes, playoff chances
It’s our weekly Sided.co hockey podcast with Brian Metzer of the Penguins Radio Network. Check him out on the broadcast tonight as he hosts in-game and post game of Penguins versus Devils. We discuss the logic behind some of Mike Sullivan’s line changes, the return of Justin Schultz, the playoff...
First call: Antonio Brown dons fur coat at NBA All-Star Game
In Monday’s “First Call,” Antonio Brown as a pancake. Sick NBA All-Star Game dunk. Stunning college hoops point total. Leader for “Hard Knocks?” Can’t wear it just once Well, it was cold and damp in Charlotte on Sunday. So Antonio Brown busted out the fur coat again for his appearance...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden talk Penguins roller coaster, Steelers’ meeting with Antonio Brown
It’s our weekly Madden Monday podcast with Mark Madden of 105.9 the X. We break down the Penguins’ victory over the Rangers. Their up and down season so far. Kris Letang’s highlights. Goaltending. Line combinations. LISTEN: Tim Benz, Mark Madden talk Penguins roller coaster, Steelers` meeting with Antonio Brown When...
Tim Benz: Art Rooney II should forget about ‘smoothing things over’ with Antonio Brown
The first time I heard about Steelers owner Art Rooney II desiring a meeting in Florida with Antonio Brown, it was during a sports radio top-of-the-hour update. It included the phrase, “in hopes of smoothing things over with his star wide receiver.” On TV and radio talk shows, social media...
Tim Benz: Zach Aston-Reese looks like best fit on Evgeni Malkin’s left wing
After the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the New York Rangers on Sunday afternoon, Zach Aston-Reese made a prediction. “When NHL Network is playing its top 100 goals of the season, I’ll be on it for sure,” Aston-Reese declared. He’s right. He will be. I mean, he’s not the one who scored...
First call: Possible Odell Beckham Jr. trade could impact Antonio Brown market
In “First Call” Friday, a coach calls his own team “a dumpster fire.” Will OBJ impact A.B.? And Marc-Andre Fleury sharpens his goal-scoring touch. ••• OBJ impacting A.B. Some are wondering if the Antonio Brown trade market may be impacted by a deal surrounding another outspoken wide receiver. It’s Odell...
Breaking down the fantasy impact of an Antonio Brown trade
Antonio Brown posted on Instagram that he is open for business. Great. He isn’t allowed to conduct that business. But from a fantasy sports standpoint, if Brown is on the move, what would be the most impactful landing spot? I ask Jeff Erickson of Rotowire about that in our weekly...
Is there logic to speculation about Le’Veon Bell going to Ravens?
Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network is the latest football analyst to opine that Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell may go to the Baltimore Ravens. This conversation was touched off when Bell publicly flirted with Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson on social media in the wake of a previous NFL Network...

