Tim Benz stories, Page 180
Tim Benz: For Steelers fans, Browns hype replacing Patriots obsessionVideo
For almost two decades, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have had an unhealthy, but necessary, obsession with the New England Patriots. How could it be avoided? If you support an AFC contender, New England has always been the team standing in the way. As we’ve discussed here, however, the unfortunate truth for...
First Call: Rod Woodson is critical of Roethlisberger and Tomlin; Bill Madlock back in MLB?
In “First Call” Tuesday, Rod Woodson is critical of one of his former teams. But is it the right one? Some in the national media are ramping up the criticism of Antonio Brown. And Bill Madlock jokes about getting back into baseball. Maybe the Pirates should re-sign him and bat...
Steelers guard David DeCastro addresses offensive line stability
Tuesday’s podcast features Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl guard David DeCastro. We spoke as training camp at Saint Vincent College concluded. It’s my theory that the Steelers offensive line needs to have an even better year than it has the past four since there are so many new skill-position players in...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown’s latest grievance is his latest indictment
Remember all those gushy stories from Oakland in the weeks after the Antonio Brown trade? You know the ones. About coach Jon Gruden trying to get cell phone reception in the Red Rock Mountains to talk to Brown. He and general manager Mike Mayock sneaking away from a swanky reception...
Tim Benz: Fans should hold Pirates’ Neal Huntington to his word after this quote
After a while, it gets tuned out. When Pittsburgh Pirates management waxes optimistic about good times ahead, it turns to white noise. With only four winning seasons since 1993, you build a filter. But please jot down this pearl from general manager Neal Huntington so you can have it ready...
First Call: Antonio Brown’s agent replies to Raiders GM; a Steelers TE option?
For Monday’s “First Call,” Drew Rosenhaus plows forward on behalf of Antonio Brown. Le’Veon Bell is still on the sidelines. A tight end option for the Steelers could come from Tampa. And the Pirates’ ineptitude with runners on base is amazing. Not done yet Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus volleyed back...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden discuss Steelers’ momentum, Pirates’ moves
Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins us from Las Vegas this week for “Madden Monday.” Since he is there, one of the topics we examine is if that city is truly ready for the Antonio Brown experience after the Raiders bolt from Oakland. Then again, if any place is...
Tim Benz: Steelers may lean on the offensive line more than ever
During Pittsburgh Steelers preseason, we have spent a lot of time looking at questions about how the defense can try to create more turnovers. How the inside linebackers will be deployed. Whether the running game can become more proficient. How the passing game will morph with Antonio Brown gone. What...
Tim Benz: Steelers’ Mason Rudolph gets little support in 1st home start
Thanks for the support, fellas. In Mason Rudolph’s first start for the Steelers at Heinz Field — a 17-7 preseason victory Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs — Xavier Grimble dropped what could’ve been a first down. Donte Moncrief fumbled after a completion on the first play of a drive....
First Call: Chef reportedly sues Antonio Brown for nearly $40K in unpaid bills
I guess we now know why Antonio Brown was checking his bank account during those Oakland Raiders film sessions. He must’ve been looking for $40,000. And apparently, he couldn’t find it. According to ESPN.com, the former Steeler is accused of stiffing a personal chef at the 2018 Pro Bowl. Jeremy...
U mad, bro? Readers torn on Clint Hurdle, bash Antonio Brown, Penguins defense
In “U mad, bro?” this week, some fans attack Clint Hurdle. Others defend him. Antonio Brown is a target. So is Pirates management. And the Penguins defense doesn’t get away unscathed. Nick is fed up with the Pirates. “The Bucs will not be contenders until ownership agrees that a couple...
Steelers’ Keith Butler talks about Devin Bush’s fast start, getting ready for Chiefs
In our final “Letters from Camp” podcast at Saint Vincent College, I speak with Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler. It’s been a hard week for this coaching staff to focus on football, given the death of wide receivers coach Darryl Drake. But Butler has managed to turn his attention back...
Tim Benz: Here’s how Steelers can create more turnovers this season
The defensive backs can take as many reps on the JUGS machine as they want. They can catch balls until their hands look like Antonio Brown’s feet. We can point at Steven Nelson’s four interceptions coming to Pittsburgh from Kansas City. Everyone can keep their fingers crossed that safety Terrell...
First Call: Antonio Brown comically addresses foot issue on ‘Hard Knocks’
For those hoping that the second episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” would address Antonio Brown’s foot issue and his concern over his helmet, it did. Sort of. About six minutes into the episode, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star shows the cameras his disgusting, cryogenically burned feet. The Oakland Raiders wide...
Tim Benz, Chris Adamski discuss mood at Steelers camp, Mike Tomlin’s praise of Devin Bush
Wednesday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast comes to you from a rainy Saint Vincent College. Steelers practice was washed out halfway through the afternoon session. It was a gloomy day to go along with the dour mood on campus as the team was clearly still thinking about the passing of wide...
Tim Benz: Steelers’ Mike Tomlin compares Devin Bush to Ryan Shazier
Typically, coaches are prone to tamping down this sort of thing. However, if Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is willing to go there, don’t let me stop him. I’m willing to follow. During a news conference Tuesday, Tomlin — unprompted — offered a comparison between first-round draft choice Devin Bush and...
Tim Benz: Are Penguins or Steelers a better bet to win a title?
Here’s something I noticed while hosting Mark Madden’s show on 105.9 the X. It spawned a lot of responses on the phone lines. I keep thinking about it. So I figured it was worthy of following up. I clicked on a story about the Tampa Bay Lightning being the 2020...
Steelers LB Devin Bush draws praise from fellow 1st-rounder Devin White
In Tuesday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast, I speak with linebackers Devin White and Devin Bush. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round draft choice, White will forever be linked with Bush, the Steelers’ first-rounder. Same name. Same draft class. Same position. For the entire draft process, they were discussed as if they...
First Call: Bill Guerin close to leaving Penguins?; Alex Rodriguez’s SUV robbed
Tuesday’s “First Call” takes a look at Bill Guerin’s future, Alex Rodriguez’s stolen jewelry, a kicker who copies “Sid the Kid” and Tate Martell losing another quarterback battle. Ripple effect? How does a guy from Raleigh pulling out of a job opportunity in Minnesota impact the hockey team in Pittsburgh?...
Tim Benz: James Washington’s production for Steelers more important than title
James Washington had a very nice performance in the preseason opener against Tampa Bay. The second-year Steelers wide receiver caught four passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. He got high praise from observers locally and nationally. Now some are wondering whether he is going to supplant Donte Moncrief as...
Tim Benz: New info shows Antonio Brown’s helmet tantrum might have been unnecessary
The details surrounding Antonio Brown’s helmet holdout keep getting more amusing. According to one national report, Brown’s meltdown might have been even more needless than originally thought. Via ProFootballTalk.com: “Brown can’t use his preferred helmet — a Schutt AiR Advantage — in 2019, because that specific helmet is more than...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden sound off on Pirates, Antonio Brown
In this edition of “Madden Monday,” Mark Madden and I try to figure out what the Pirates will do in terms of cleaning out the management structure. Mark shares my skepticism that Bob Nutting will act harshly. We both expect a few minor scapegoats, and that’s it. Then we recap...
First Call: Le’Veon Bell’s laughable rap video; incredible NHL miscue
In Monday’s “First Call,” hockey hilarity. Le’Veon Bell’s new rap video is completely on brand. A massive baseball bet goes haywire. And one of the best dunks you’ll ever see. Understated and tasteful A teaser for Le’Veon Bell’s new video, “Slide,” is out. Now I know why he needed so...
Tim Benz: Raiders should already regret trading for Antonio Brown
Should any of us be surprised at the nature of the latest Antonio Brown debacle? I’m not even talking about his allegedly cryotherapy-frostbitten feet. I’m talking about him pitching a fit and reportedly staying away from the Raiders in part because he’s mad that the NFL is forcing him to...
Tim Benz: Pirates GM Neal Huntington’s ‘shelf life’ has expired
General manager Neal Huntington warned changes could be coming to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gee, Neal. Don’t threaten me with a good time. Sunday’s latest come-from-ahead defeat — an 11-9 debacle in St. Louis — was the club’s eighth straight loss. Speaking before the first pitch on his weekly 93.7 FM...
