U mad, bro?: A Steeler is mad at someone on ESPN; readers are mad at Tim Benz

In this week’s “U mad, bro?” post, it’s Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey who is mad. And you don’t want to see Maurkice Pouncey when he is mad.

Actually, come to think of it, I do want to see Pouncey when he’s mad. On the field. Against the Cincinnati Bengals Monday night. Then against the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns, too.

In fact, I’d like to see him get as mad as possible.

We get an online example of Pouncey’s flaring nostrils this week, plus Steelers fans who are upset about the team’s recent two-game losing streak …

… and my coverage of it.

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey isn’t happy with ESPN analyst Anthony “Booger” McFarland. The former “Monday Night Football” commentator ripped the Steelers offensive line for being “soft” this week.

The Steelers have been struggling lately and @ESPNBooger says its because their o-line is "soft". pic.twitter.com/4I9yDc4nIx

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 15, 2020

That angered Pouncey.

Last night on ESPN Booger McFarland called the #Steelers offensive line “soft.”

Maurkice Pouncey didn’t like that, I guess. pic.twitter.com/vFDcBrwssE

— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) December 15, 2020

I’d be careful about making that reference, Maurkice. Keep in mind, McFarland was replaced on “MNF” largely because of his reputation for overstating the obvious.

And it’s obvious to anyone watching that the Steelers offensive line isn’t as physical as it used to be.

How obvious? Well, even Mike Tomlin called out his team’s lack of physicality in Buffalo Sunday night. During Tuesday’s press conference, Tomlin said that problem was evident against the Bills, not just along the offensive line, but everywhere.

“They were the more physical football team,” Tomlin said of the 26-15 defeat. “It can be highlighted in terms of their front and our inability to run the ball. But just in general, I thought in all elements of play, they were the more physical group.

“For us, regardless of circumstance, we don’t want to make that common.”

Unfortunately, it is becoming so common, even Booger can figure it out.

It appears Fred has seen enough of Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. He emailed me a trade idea to get Big Ben’s successor.

“What do you think about trading JuJu (Smith-Schuster) to the Jets for the first-round pick to get (Clemson quarterback Trevor) Lawrence?”

Aside from Smith-Schuster’s impending free agency and the fact that the trade deadline came and went back in November, I think it is a great idea.

Why hasn’t Kevin Colbert considered this?

There is the small matter of assuming that the Jets would be dumb enough to trade the first overall pick straight up for merely one above-average wide receiver that they could sign for free on the open market.

But we are talking about the Jets, so you never know.

What do you think? Should the Steelers throw in a sweetener of some sort? Maybe a mid-round pick in 2022? Or would that be too rich for your blood, Fred?

While we’re at it, maybe Jim Rutherford can call the Colorado Avalanche to see if they’ll send Nathan MacKinnon to the Penguins for Jared McCann.

Obviously, Andrew is fatigued watching the Steelers offense fail to pick up first downs.

Do Steelers lead the league in punting?

— Andrew S (@pgh6rings) December 14, 2020

Pfft! Come on, Andrew. With the Jets in the NFL, there is no way the Steelers lead the league in punts. I mean, New York has 65 of them!

The Steelers are way off that pace in … uh … well … second place. With 62 punts.

Right. Anyway, moving on …

Nick is mad at the sports media for ripping the Steelers these last two weeks after building them up so much over the first 11 games .

“The media is ridiculous. Three weeks ago you guys were all wondering how they could go unbeaten. Now they (stink) and will lose out.

Obviously the injury situation is catastrophic, but that doesn’t mean they can’t beat anyone. You guys have Cleveland marked as a sure loss, after they literally crushed the Browns. I am not ready to give it up at 11-2. I suppose we’ll need some luck as far as some practice squad guys stepping up on defense or the offensive line, but really it’s not over.”

Yes, Nick, counting on “luck” from the practice squad going into two crucial December games — and the playoffs — is always a good way to turn things around.

But, to your first point, absolutely! You nailed it.

That’s precisely what we are doing in the media. Prior to that debacle in the “Covid Bowl” versus the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers were favored to win every game remaining on their schedule.

Now, based on how they lost to Washington and Buffalo and barely won against Baltimore’s backups, opinions have changed. Especially since the Colts and Browns have a combined record of 18-8.

So what would you prefer we do in the media? Ignore what the results tell us, just in the name of staying “consistent”? Or should we let new information influence our predictions?

I’m gonna go with the latter. They’ll beat the Bengals Monday and then maybe split against the Colts and Browns.

At best.

Finally, “Mr M” hasn’t liked some of my recent critical commentary of the Steelers.

Go hibernate clown...go

— Mr M (@Egrojhp) December 15, 2020

OK, “Mr M,” I’ll go hibernate. Before I climb into my hole to do that, though, I’d like to offer one prediction. Just like Punxsutawney Phil.

At least four more weeks of bad offense!

Well, maybe three. Starting after the Bengals game.