Breakfast With Benz category, Page 128
First Call: Brian Burke says Evgeni Malkin ‘cleared medically’ for trip; oddsmakers have Najee Harris on board for Steelers
If you believe the NFL Network reports, most people around the NFL think the Pittsburgh Steelers will select Alabama running back Najee Harris in the first round of the NFL Draft. And the oddsmakers think he’ll still be on the board to make that happen. One report says the Steelers...
Penguins face crucial 2-game set in Washington, depending on how you define ‘crucial’
The Penguins are in Washington Thursday and Saturday for a crucial two-game series against the Washington Capitals. Well, that depends on how “crucial” we should consider winning the East Division. What might be more important is who finishes fourth rather than first. That probably sounds entirely backward to you but...
Tim Benz: Forget anti-running back bias, Steelers should take Najee Harris or Travis Etienne if they are available
Let’s not overthink the Pittsburgh Steelers draft situation. I know the NFL analytics world — and many draft analysts — frown on the notion of drafting a first-round running back. Almost as much as they turn their noses up at the prospect of paying top dollar for one in free...
First Call: A team that may draft Najee Harris before Steelers pick; Alex Ovechkin sidelined; Josh Bell struggles
Wednesday’s “First Call” clues us in on a team that may steal Najee Harris in the first round of the NFL Draft before the Pittsburgh Steelers get a chance to pick him. Steelers Hall of Famer Alan Faneca throws his support behind a potential top-5 draft choice for a very...
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....
Penguins’ success in face of adversity deserves praise. But should we change playoff expectations?
I write this column not so much as an opinion piece on the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s more of a cathartic cry for help. A plea to Pens fans to help me surf through my complex, layered emotions as the 2021 regular season draws to a close. Because if you were...
First Call: Even if Devin Bush gets healthy, Steelers still may look to draft another Ryan Shazier; appreciating Tyson Alualu’s return
In Tuesday’s “First Call,” we go heavy on the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL Draft. Monday marked a happy anniversary in that regard. We look at why inside linebacker continues to make sense as a potential first-round option for the club and how Tyson Alualu bailed out the team by...
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....
Unfiltered: Tim Benz and Mark Madden discuss Penguins, Pirates, Steelers and NFL DraftVideo
Refreshed and refocused after a week off, Tim Benz and Mark Madden return for this week’s edition of “Unfiltered” on TribLive’s Facebook page to talk about how the Penguins are playing, what the Steelers might do in the NFL Draft, the Pirates at .500, and more. Benz went to Hawaii...
Madden Monday: Evgeni Malkin ‘can’t go back on the first power play’
After a week away from the “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden and I have plenty stored up to discuss surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins. Particularly the improved play of goalie Tristan Jarry since his six-goal third-period debacle against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday night. Mark was less than delicate in his...
First Call: Was ESPN analyst’s shot at Steelers offensive line fair? Alex Ovechkin injury update; Pirates host hot Royals
In our first “First Call” back from vacation, we look at a slap across the face of the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line. We have an injury update on Alexander Ovechkin as a date against the Penguins looms. Alejandro Villanueva may have competition for that potential new job he’s supposed to...
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”)...
Tim Benz, Matt Williamson’s NFL Draft preview: Steelers’ plan at QB; running back they can’t ignore in Round 1
In advance of the NFL Draft (April 29-May 1), “Breakfast With Benz” is spending this week publishing daily Steelers draft-related previews. We are breaking down the franchise’s needs into five different sections. Monday: Quarterbacks and running backs Tuesday: Receivers and tight ends Wednesday: Offensive line Thursday: Defensive front seven Friday:...
Tim Benz: Returning Steelers should help team’s decision-making during NFL Draft
I can only imagine the emotional swirl within the wave of Steelers players who recently rejoined the team just a matter of weeks after being turned loose. I don’t have to imagine the emotions of the fan base, however. I see them on display constantly on social media and in...
First Call: Could Steelers draft the NFL Rookie of the Year? Strange night in NHL’s East Division
Friday’s “First Call” gives us a medical update on a potential Steelers first-round pick. Odds are out on who might be the NFL Rookie of the Year. We saw a strange night in the NHL’s East Division. And we look at the Pirates weekend tilt in Milwaukee. Weird night The...
First Call: Talk of Al Villanueva coming back to Steelers; Julian Edelman’s Hall of Fame debate may help Hines Ward
Thursday’s “First Call” takes a look at the Hall of Fame debate surrounding former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward and recently retired New England Patriot Julian Edelman. Another free agent Steeler may boomerang back to Pittsburgh. One former Penguin hits a milestone. Another gets a new contract. And plenty of...
U mad, bro?: Pirates fans vent; Steelers fans deflect criticism; Penguins fans reject concerns about Jeff Carter
Want a real reason to be mad, Pittsburgh sports fans? Here’s one for you. There will be no “U mad, bro?” next week. I know. I know. I can feel the anger welling up inside of you already. But it’s time for a vacation. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t...
First Call: James Conner says goodbye to Pittsburgh, addresses ATV accident; Ben Roethlisberger’s MVP odds; Flyers fading
Former Steeler and Pitt Panther James Conner says goodbye to the city of Pittsburgh. Big odds against “Big Ben” in the NFL MVP race. The Flyers continue to fail. And an ex-Pirates pitcher has a bad night. All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.” Au revoir Running back James Conner posted...
Tim Benz: Can the Penguins win the East Division? And how much would that matter?
As the Pittsburgh Penguins enjoy some rare downtime during this grueling covid-19 compressed schedule, let’s take a moment to ponder two looming questions. • Can the Penguins finish first in the NHL’s East Division? • Does it matter at all if they do? I’ll say “yes” to the first question...
First Call: New injury for James Conner; milestone for Jordan Staal; P.K. Subban’s ugly injury versus Penguins
Tuesday’s “First Call” reveals yet another injury for Pittsburgh Steelers free agent James Conner. This one happened off the field. Former Penguin Jordan Staal reaches a milestone. A Steelers draft prospect has some advice for whatever team chooses him. And you absolutely have to see the injury P.K. Subban suffered...
