Tim Benz Columns category, Page 101
Tim Benz: No Penguins panic yet, but reasons to grouse
I suppose if you predict a series to go seven games, the team you predict to win is going to have to lose three times. I said the Pittsburgh Penguins would beat the New York Islanders in seven games in their opening-round playoff series. So, at 2-2 after four games,...
First Call: Injury preventing Antonio Brown from finalizing Tampa contract; trio of dominance from ex-Pirates pitchers
Thursday’s “First Call” features a snag in Antonio Brown’s contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We celebrate a happy anniversary with Evgeni Malkin. You can already bet on who may be next year’s Trevor Lawrence in the NFL Draft. And a trio of former Pirates dusted their competition. A.B.’s knee...
Tim Benz: Evgeni Malkin’s health, Islanders goaltending just scratch the surface for Game 3 topics
Many thoughts are sticking with me from Game 2 of the Pittsburgh Penguins East Division playoff series against the New York Islanders. I’m wondering how much of that result will carry over to Game 3 on Thursday night after the Penguins evened the series at a game apiece with a...
Tim Benz: Tristan Jarry’s bounce-back win wasn’t the only important Penguins rebound in Game 2
The turnaround performance by Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry wasn’t the only bounce-back storyline between Game 1 and Game 2 of the East Division first-round series. Let’s talk about Jeff Carter’s, too. I won’t put Carter’s rebound effort during the Penguins’ 2-1 win over the New York Islanders Tuesday in the...
Tim Benz: Islanders goal-scorers were on point while Penguins’ Tristan Jarry was off the mark
When New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz casually described the Pittsburgh Penguins goaltending as “inexperienced” in the week leading to the playoffs, it was an easy critique to dismiss. While Trotz was accurate — given the combined one playoff appearance between Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith — the easy response...
Robert Morris women’s lacrosse team looks for huge upset at Notre Dame in NCAA Tournament debut
According to Robert Morris women’s lacrosse coach Katrina Silva, you can’t see Notre Dame’s “Touchdown Jesus” from Arlotta Family Lacrosse Stadium. And she’s glad. “I don’t think they need any more luck,” Silva insisted during Friday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast. Based on how the Fighting Irish handled Silva’s Robert Morris...
First Call: Steelers assign rookie jersey numbers; more spice for Tom Brady’s return game in New England
Friday’s “First Call” tells you what number to order for your favorite Steelers rookie jersey. JuJu Smith-Schuster reveals his list of circled games for 2021. Jameson Taillon gets touched up by an ex-Pirates teammate. And even more spice has been added to Tom Brady’s return to Foxborough. Got the digits?...
Tim Benz: This version of Penguins may have changed more than Islanders expect
Interesting comments about the Penguins from New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz didn’t stop with his noteworthy quote regarding their inexperience in net. During his postgame remarks Monday night after his team lost to the Boston Bruins in its final regular-season game, Trotz was asked what might be different about...
Tim Benz: Penguins must parlay surprising regular season into extended playoff run
The 2021 Pittsburgh Penguins have significantly exceeded expectations. A lot of people — both inside of Pittsburgh and beyond — saw this season as a potential fallback year for the Pens. In a best-case scenario, many thought they’d claw their way into the playoffs as the fourth team from a...
Madden Monday: Biggest reason to restrain your optimism about Penguins before playoffs start
The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched the NHL’s East Division. The regular season has been better than any Penguins fan ever had a right to expect. But what does any of it mean if the franchise fails to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs for a third straight year?...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans are fired up about Steelers draft. ‘More linemen! Why take a running back? And … a punter?’
The NFL Draft has Pittsburgh Steelers fans in a tizzy. Why did the team take a running back in the first round? Should they have taken more linemen earlier in the draft? Was their judgment clouded by some Steelers who stayed in free agency? And, good God, what was with...
Tim Benz: One thing is clear for 2021 Steelers: T.J. Watt is never allowed to get hurt
With the NFL Draft in the books and the first wave of free agency completed, one thing has become abundantly clear for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. T.J. Watt is not allowed to get hurt. Ever. Not a pulled calf. Not a jammed finger. Not a bee sting. Not a hangnail....
Tim Benz: A history lesson for those doubting the Steelers’ 2021 draft class
In Monday’s “First Call,” I pointed out that ESPN’s Mel Kiper gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a C+ for their 2021 draft class. Based on the visceral reaction I saw to that story in my email inbox and on my Twitter feed, the good folks of “Stiller Nation” have a —...
Tim Benz: After Najee Harris, Steelers’ draft choices are more about future than present
I’m a fan of the new Pittsburgh Steelers draft class, even if I’m a bit confused by it. Because what I like about it in 2021, I’ll love about it in 2022. Which is good. Drafts are about building a foundation for the future. The problem is that the franchise...
Tim Benz: Steelers addressed many needs in the NFL Draft. Here are some that remain
Annually, this is my favorite Pittsburgh Steelers column to write. It’s my favorite column because, based on your responses, it’s your least favorite column to read. But the numbers tell me you always end up reading it anyway. After all, following the NFL Draft each year, every team’s fan base...
Tim Benz: What’s not to like about Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth pick, other than he’s not a lineman?
I can hear the calls from the capacity crowd of Steelers fans at Heinz Field already. Well, assuming capacity crowds are allowed back in the fall. “MUUUUUUTH!” Eh, who am I kidding? They’ll still be yelling, “HEEEAAATTTH!” I’ve got little to complain about when it comes to Steelers second-round draft...
Tim Benz: Steelers got the best player at their biggest position of need. That’s enough ‘value’ for me.
During Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers got the player most analysts feel is the best player at their biggest position of need. All the way down at pick No. 24. It was a good night. Let’s not “yeah, but” ourselves to death on this one....
Tim Benz: Surfing through NFL Draft medical info may be even more important for Steelers than many other teams
In advance of the NFL Draft, Alabama center Landon Dickerson has been called “almost the perfect Steeler.” Anyone who has tracked the draft knows what that “almost” surrounding him is. It’s not his talent. Or athleticism. Or pedigree. Or attitude. Or leadership. Or the obvious fit he’d be at pick...
U mad, bro?: Some readers are mad about Mike Tomlin’s contract extension; others are angry at criticism of it
Thursday will feature Penguins/Capitals and Round 1 of the NFL Draft. So we’re posting “U mad, bro?” a day early. Also, coming off a vacation week when Mike Tomlin got a contract extension on the heels of another late-season collapse, we’ve got … hmm … a few comments stored up....
Tim Benz: Best case yet for Kevin Colbert to draft a RB in 1st round … from Colbert himself
In most years, it’s a futile effort to attempt reading the tea leaves during the Pittsburgh Steelers pre-draft press conference with general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin. I’m not conspiratorial enough to think those two use that opportunity to intentionally float out misinformation. OK, maybe on occasion....
Tim Benz: On Mike Tomlin’s contract extension; Justin Layne’s arrest; solid play from Pirates, Penguins
The Steelers, Pirates and Penguins certainly don’t give you time for a break, do they? After a rare week off at “Breakfast With Benz,” there’s a lot to catch up on as we get ready for the upcoming Steelers draft week. Hopefully, you enjoyed our NFL Draft preview series while...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: With depth thinned, cornerback again among needs for Steelers
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” has spent this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts previewing next weekend’s event. We have broken down the franchise’s needs into five sections. Former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Depth of talent at inside or outside linebacker could tempt Steelers
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Stocked group of offensive linemen will test Steelers’ faith in current depth chart
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Potential Steelers replacements for Vance McDonald; wild wide receiver depth
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Pittsburgh Steelers previews and podcasts. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Each day, former college and NFL scout Matt Williamson (Steelers radio contributor/“Peacock and Williamson NFL Show”)...
