Breakfast With Benz category, Page 89
Friday Football Footnotes: Determining ‘Truth or Fiction’ in the NFL during the Steelers ‘mini-bye’ weekend
If you are like me, you had concerns regarding every aspect of the Steelers’ offense. You wondered if the run defense was really fixed. You questioned the depth of the defense beyond its three stars. And you wondered if coaching warts would be exposed in close games after losing a...
Airing of Grievances: Browns exploit Steelers’ numerous deficiencies on both sides of ball
For a while, things weren’t looking bad in Cleveland for the Steelers on “Thursday Night Football.” Mike Tomlin’s club had a 14-13 halftime lead. Both touchdowns actually came on offense. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky had a passer rating of 94.7. They were averaging 5.5 yards per rush to the tune of...
First Call: Todd Haley has a specific concern about Steelers offense; Pat Narduzzi is convinced Kenny Pickett will be ready
Thursday’s “First Call” has a different view of the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive woes from a former coordinator. Pitt’s coach thinks his former QB can get the job done as soon as he is allowed to play. Things aren’t great for the Cleveland Browns. And the New York Yankees did something...
Alan Faneca’s take on Steelers’ biggest offensive problem, Hines Ward’s Hall of Fame candidacy
When it comes to the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, Hall of Fame guard Alan Faneca is echoing the sentiments of a current offensive lineman. Center Mason Cole recently said that the Steelers’ biggest problem isn’t quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Rather, his assessment is that top-to-bottom, the unit lacks identity....
U mad, bro?: Fans tee off on Mitch Trubisky, Steelers defense, Sidney Crosby’s quote and … gremlins
In the midst of Pittsburgh Steelers season, normally I can just load up “U mad, bro?” with angry complaints about the Black and Gold, every week for 18 weeks in a row. Even when they win. Based on how the offense is looking, we may be heading down that path....
First Call: Steelers lineman draws praise; Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury reunite; new heights for Duquesne soccer
Wednesday’s “First Call” has some Pro Football Focus research into a Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman. Former Penguins teammates Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury relive old times. Plus, there were some big TV ratings for those dueling Monday night NFL games. And Duquesne has something to celebrate for one of its...
Tim Benz: Steelers fans change their tune on Mitch Trubisky with Kenny Pickett on the sideline
When it comes to the play of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky — and the analysis of it from the fanbase — I wish I had some truth serum. And a time machine. Who has one of those lying around? Because I’d love to see how many Steelers fans and...
Browns broadcaster pans team for complaining about being booed; Nick Chubb takes blame for loss
The Cleveland Browns stunningly managed to blow a 13-point lead with less than two minutes remaining against the New York Jets on Sunday. So the fans booed. No surprise there, right? But Cleveland defensive lineman Myles Garrett took exception. “These guys are still putting their (rear ends) on the line...
First Call: Former Steeler defends O-line in run game, looks at Najee Harris; Pirates brace for Yankees; Direct TV’s apology
Tuesday’s “First Call” has some strong views of the Pittsburgh Steelers run game from a former offensive lineman. The Pirates are gearing up for two games against the high-powered New York Yankees. Plus, DirecTV had to apologize to NFL fans. Also, Robert Morris hockey is celebrating another pro contract for...
Tim Benz: As Steelers offense searches for its ‘identity,’ it may not like what it finds
I’m going to have to disagree with Pittsburgh Steelers center Mason Cole. Not with the meaning of what he said. Oh, he’s 100% accurate there. I’m just going to quibble with his turn of phrase. While speaking with the media on Monday after his team’s 17-14 loss to the New...
Ben Roethlisberger wants more ‘shots down the field’ from Steelers offense, less heat from fans on Mitch Trubisky
Big Ben wants bigger plays from the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. In the latest edition of his “Footbahlin’” podcast, the team’s former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a conversation with former Steeler and NFL analyst Merril Hoge. Roethlisberger said that he’d like to see the Steelers be more aggressive on offense. “Go...
First Call: What in the world happened in the AFC North on Sunday?
For Monday’s “First Call,” we are just going to focus on one thing and that is: What in the world happened to the AFC North this weekend??!! No, the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t the only team to have a rough day in the division. The Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland...
Madden Monday: ‘Steelers offense has the stench of death. … They should fire Matt Canada’
Here is what we know about the Pittsburgh Steelers offense so far: • The run game isn’t any better than what it was a season ago. In fact, it looks worse. Najee Harris has only 72 yards over two games. • None of the receivers have really found a rhythm...
Tim Benz: ‘Airing of Grievances’ as Steelers struggle in all phases against Patriots
NFL coaches love to talk about “all three phases” of their team. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is no exception. Although Tomlin probably didn’t want to talk about them much Sunday evening. Because even though his team’s 17-14 loss to New England was a close game, all three phases got...
First Call: Ex-Steelers praise team to new OLB; former Penguin perfects unique MLB first pitch
Friday’s “First Call” introduces you to the Pittsburgh Steelers new outside linebacker. We check in on Pirates starter Mitch Keller, who looks to stay on a hot streak. A former Penguin “throws” out one of the most unique MLB first pitches you are ever going to see. And a reader...
Friday Football Footnotes: Photo of Ja’Marr Chase, Minkah Fitzpatrick during Steelers win goes viral; ex-Pitt Panther rips Bill Belichick
This week’s edition of “Friday Football Footnotes” has a viral moment from last week’s Steelers-Bengals game. A former Pitt Panther tears into Bill Belichick. Aaron Rodgers looks to keep his run of dominance going against the Chicago Bears. And Duquesne may not be the huge underdog you’re expecting them to...
Malik Reed appears to be top choice to replace T.J. Watt, but Steelers may have other options
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is now officially on injured reserve. So he is out of action for at least the next four weeks. How do they get around the problem at left outside linebacker? Well, we know recently acquired former Denver Broncos linebacker Malik Reed is the first option....
Growing up in New England during Super Bowl years, Pat Freiermuth adjusts Steelers-Patriots rivalry perspective
Whenever Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth catches a pass Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, expect the now familiar “Muuuuth” chants to be even louder than normal. Well, that’s if the 50 to 60 friends and family showing up to watch him play this week are actually going to be rooting...
First Call: Huge TV ratings for Steelers game; Pittsburgh names to bet on for Dallas QB spot; Marian Hossa’s honor vs. Pens
Thursday’s “First Call” has some gaudy television ratings numbers for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2022 season opener. Bill Belichick gives some thoughts on the Steelers without T.J. Watt. A few Pittsburgh names are being tied to the Dallas Cowboys’ QB vacancy. And the Penguins are going to be sucked into some...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans are wound up about T.J. Watt’s injury, Mitch Trubisky’s 1st game, Pittsburgh sports media
The Pittsburgh Steelers lost T.J. Watt on Sunday. The offense doesn’t look great. And the media is working against them. Now, to be clear, the Steelers did win their first game against the Bengals, 23-20. But, c’mon! Who am I kidding? You didn’t come here for pesky details like that....
‘I have a feeling what he was feeling’: Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz on watching Bengals backup
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t going to feel sorry for the Cincinnati Bengals just because of how their game turned out Sunday. “Lost your long snapper mid-game, huh? Yeah. That stinks. Tough luck. Been there. Done that. Too bad.” Remember when James Harrison had to replace an injured Greg Warren in...
First Call: Joey Porter’s new coaching job; a former Steelers linebacker questions 6-week return for T.J. Watt
Wednesday’s “First Call” brings word of a new coaching job for a popular former Steeler. Arthur Moats is less than optimistic about an effective return for T.J. Watt in six weeks or less. A Pittsburgh Mauler wants in on the Dallas Cowboys QB vacancy. Plus, we zip around the baseball...
Tim Benz: Malik Reed’s immediate promotion from ‘welcomed addition’ to ‘scrutinized replacement’ for T.J. Watt
If you are looking to blame someone for the pectoral muscle injury suffered by T.J. Watt, blame me. I jinxed it. I accidentally thought it into existence. I saw former Steeler Tyrone Carter at practice last week. He came back for a visit before the club’s opener in Cincinnati. Carter...
CBS rules analyst says 2 crucial plays from Steelers-Bengals carry important NFL officiating lessons
According to one former NFL referee, two important officiating lessons could be learned from key moments during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 23-20 overtime win Sunday in Cincinnati. During his weekly WDVE radio hit Tuesday morning, retired NFL referee turned CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore (Washington, Pa.) said one controversial call may...
First Call: Patriots QB updates status for Steelers game; Pitt alum looks to solve Cincy’s long-snapper issue
Tuesday’s “First Call” has an update on the Patriots quarterback as he gets ready to face the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. A Pitt product may be the answer to Cincinnati’s long-snapper problem. The Baltimore Ravens are already dealing with injury issues. And three former Penguins have new places to skate. Jones-ing...
