First Call: Asante Samuel Sr. gives opinions on Steelers after son signs; DK Metcalf wants rematch with Bengals’ DJ Turner
Thursday’s “First Call” has a Lamar Jackson health update from Baltimore. DK Metcalf talks about his looming matchup with Cincinnati’s DJ Turner. Asante Samuel Sr. had some interesting quotes about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense after the franchise signed his son. And Jameis Winston is replacing Russell Wilson as the quarterback...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans don’t hold back on Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers
Despair about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent 1-3 stretch knows no limits. The frustration is pulsating with our readers when it comes to Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers, the offense and even our coverage of the team. In this week’s “U mad, bro?,” fans express their displeasure with help...
First Call: Ben Roethlisberger apologizes to former teammate; Ben Cherington dismisses Paul Skenes trade talk
Ben Roethlisberger issues an apology to a former teammate. Ben Cherington addresses trade conversations about Paul Skenes. Gerrit Cole gives a health update. Plus, the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a different CBS broadcast team this week. All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.” My bad Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger began...
Tim Benz: Steelers’ use of Jaylen Warren is confusing, and Mike Tomlin’s explanations are confounding
During his Tuesday press conference, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked why Jaylen Warren doesn’t get more snaps. Particularly on third downs. “Not taking anything away from Jaylen, he plays a lot on first and second down. You’ve got to give him opportunities to catch a break. Sometimes...
Tim Benz: 1st test of Aaron Rodgers’ harmony in Pittsburgh is underway
After the Steelers plodded to a 25-10 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday night, coach Mike Tomlin was asked to assess the performance of his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. “How would you?” Tomlin replied. “Next.” OK. Not exactly Tommy Lasorda talking about Dave Kingman. But we get the point. Anyone...
First Call: N.Y. Post suggests Mike Tomlin should be on Giants’ radar; Bengals, Ravens injury news
Tuesday’s “First Call” has a connection between Mike Tomlin and the New York Giants coaching vacancy. We have injury news from the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. There are some gambling trends to track in the Steelers-Bengals game on Sunday. And we look at a busy start to the week...
Madden Monday: Steelers are ‘a bunch of bad players. They’re inconsistent. They’re poorly coached’
It’s easy for 105.9 The X’s Mark Madden to explain how the Pittsburgh Steelers regressed so dramatically Sunday night in Los Angeles, following their big win over Indianapolis last week. “I could drive a truck down Main Street, U.S.A., and come back with 11 guys who could stop that Steelers...
First Call: Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin have different takes on running more; Ravens pull within a game of Steelers
In Monday’s “First Call,” Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin are singing different tunes about the run game. Justin Fields and the Jets beat the Browns. The Ravens get another win. Russell Wilson is quarterbacking the Giants again. Plus, we have lots to discuss on the local college basketball front. Different...
Airing of Grievances: Lousy night for Aaron Rodgers, butterfingers in all 3 phases sink Steelers in L.A.
The evening started badly and just kept getting worse for the Pittsburgh Steelers on “Sunday Night Football” in Los Angeles. Prior to kickoff, NBC aired a hacky, courtroom-themed pre-game show vignette with Judge Judy. Little did I know she was a Chargers fan. Little did I know she was still...
Tim Benz: Star players help stars align in latest edition of Penguins-Capitals
Bryan Rust saved the game. The other star players saved the storyline. As of Wednesday afternoon, Thursday night’s Pittsburgh Penguins versus Capitals matchup had all the makings of a showdown jam-packed with celebration and sentiment. Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin had the potential to score his 900th goal in Pittsburgh while...
Football Footnotes: Sorting through variables to predict ‘good on good’ Steelers-Chargers matchup
A lot of Pittsburgh Steelers fans and media members looked at the team’s current three-game stretch between Cincinnati Bengals contests as a real measuring stick. Especially after that gut-punch of a loss in Cincy on “Thursday Night Football” last month. At that point, the Packers, Colts and Chargers were all...
First Call: Kendrick Green responds to Ben Roethlisberger’s jab; big early season upset for RMU hoops
In Friday’s “First Call,” Kendrick Green responds to Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast shot, the Pittsburgh Penguins look to hold onto first place in the Metropolitan Division, and we check out what is on the college football slate while Pitt is off. Robert Morris’ basketball team makes a big early season splash....
Tim Benz: Steelers’ ‘ball searchers’ defense better be on the hunt again vs. Chargers
Turnovers are fickle. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ dedication to creating them can’t be. If we’ve learned anything about the Steelers’ defense, it’s that. In their five wins this season, the Steelers have 14 takeaways. In their three losses, they have two. The Steelers have truly been feast-or-famine when it comes to...
First Call: Steelers slated to work out CB Asante Samuel Jr.; Alex Ovechkin scores No. 900Video
Thursday’s “First Call” tells us that the Pittsburgh Steelers are working out an interesting free agent cornerback. There is a notable nugget about this week’s officiating crew for Steelers-Chargers. Los Angeles has another injury to track. This one is on special teams. And Alex Ovechkin gets goal No. 900 before...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans irate over lack of trade acquisitions, Joey Porter Jr.’s penalties
The Steelers stopped a losing streak last week and beat a team that came to Pittsburgh with the best record in the NFL. You didn’t think that would stop the irresistible force that is “U mad, bro?” did you? This week’s edition includes a quiet trade deadline, continued excuse-making for...
Pirates legend Steve Blass stirs colorful comps to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s World Series heroics
Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Steve Blass vividly recalls the efficiency with which he commanded his nine-pitch bottom of the ninth inning in Game 7 of the 1971 World Series in Baltimore. “It’s not hard to throw strikes when you’re (urinating) your pants,” Blass said. “I’m glad we had the gray...
First Call: Steelers reportedly outbid for Jakobi Meyers; Chargers get offensive line help
We’re getting details on what it would’ve cost the Steelers to land a pair of wide receivers before Tuesday’s trade deadline. The Los Angeles Chargers helped themselves in advance of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, and a pair of local college hockey players are getting some well-deserved recognition. All that...
Tim Benz: Reasons the ‘all-in’ Steelers stayed out of NFL trades — none of which I like
The allegedly “all-in” Pittsburgh Steelers stayed out of NFL trade deadline moves. Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline came and went. The Steelers did nothing. How come? Well, there are a few explanations — none of which I really like. • It’s possible the Steelers feel that their 27-20 upset of the...
First Call: Steelers release Beanie Bishop; Minkah Fitzpatrick trade rumors; Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing still possible
It’s time to say goodbye to Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop. We’re still awaiting Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s arrival. The Chargers and Packers suffer blows to their rosters. And could a pair of former defensive backs with the Steelers both be heading elsewhere? All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.” Bye, Bye Beanie...
Tim Benz: If the Dodgers really killed baseball, it’s nice that many people watched the funeral
If the Los Angeles Dodgers “ruined baseball” by winning the World Series, a heck of a lot of people witnessed them do it. Despite the alleged demise of the entire sport by way of L.A.’s appearance in — and eventually claiming of — the 2025 World Series, their Game 7...
First Call: Jerome Bettis’ Hall of Fame campaign for 3 former Steelers; Joe Alt injured for Chargers
Monday’s “First Call” features Jerome Bettis’ Hall of Fame endorsements for some retired Pittsburgh Steelers. The Los Angeles Chargers have to navigate around a crucial injury against the Steelers on Sunday night. Local college basketball teams are getting underway Monday and Tuesday. The Penguins are in Toronto to conclude their road...
Madden Monday: Steelers’ upset of Colts ‘goes a long way to them convincing themselves’
The ripple effect from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts (7-2) goes beyond the standings. That’s the view of 105.9 The X’s Mark Madden during this week’s TribLive “Madden Monday” podcast. Sure. There’s the practical angle of the Steelers (5-3) maintaining a two-game lead on the Baltimore...
Feats of Strength: T.J. Watt’s huge play, timely touchdowns fuel Steelers upset of Colts
As Halloween weekend ended, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones turned into a pumpkin. And the Steelers’ defense took all of his candy. In a stunning turn of events — based on recent performances — the leaky Steelers defense contained the Colts’ top-ranked offense and sent the team with the best record...
For Duquesne’s Dru Joyce III, ‘patience’ is becoming a coaching virtue
Duquesne basketball coach Dru Joyce III had one clear roster-building agenda this offseason. Get bigger. Based on the responses he is getting from people who know his program, mission accomplished. “Anyone who has walked in our gym has said to me, ‘Coach, you have some different size this year.’ That...
First Call: George Pickens addresses contract status in Dallas; ex-Steelers, Colts coach thinks Indy ‘could put up 40 points’
Friday’s “First Call” has an update on contract talks surrounding George Pickens in Dallas. One analyst with Pittsburgh and Indianapolis ties sees little hope for the Steelers’ defense Sunday. We also have odds on all the local college football games, the upcoming local college hockey schedule, and a preview of...
