U mad, bro?: Loss to Chargers has Steelers fans grousing about Mike Tomlin, defensive depth, red-zone play-calling

Here is something to be thankful for, Steelers fans. Because of Thanksgiving this Thursday, you get “U mad, bro?” a day early.

You also don’t have to deal with my snark, sarcasm and general crotchety disposition to upset your stomach before your turkey dinner.

Instead, I’ll just set the table and let you feast on the cornucopia of hot takes from your Terrible Towel-waving brethren.

Nothing like the holidays to bring us all together after a tie against the Detroit Lions and roller coaster loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Don’t gorge yourself on the bounty of opinions put forth here today. After all, another course of Steelers-Bengals looms on Sunday.

I want to start with my SNR and ESPN Radio Pittsburgh colleague, Wes Uhler. He’s upset about some health problems he can’t seem to shake.

Seasonal allergies have been kicking my arse since Thursday. I’ve tried different medications, nasal sprays, etc., and nothing helps. Nose is still Niagara Falls. Happens this time every year. Send me all your witch doctor voodoo allergy tricks, please and thank you.

— Wes Uhler (@WesleyUhler) November 22, 2021

Hmm. Do you think you are allergic to fourth-down passes behind the line of scrimmage in the red zone, bad tackling and a failure to close out games with leads in the second half?

If so, you might have to ride this out through the early part of January, Wes.

Speaking of red-zone play-calling, James hated the failed fourth-and-goal play call to Pat Freiermuth in the first half of that loss to the Chargers Sunday night.

And still managed to throw short of the goal line

— James Rolley (@jrolley325) November 22, 2021

Yup, it’s something I’ve been complaining about for weeks.

I’m pretty sure Matt Canada is the only guy who could design a throw short of the stick on a fourth-down play when, technically, there are no sticks standing.

I mean when there are only two yards left on the field to go, how do you manage to complete a pass and still come closer to losing yardage than scoring? That’s almost impossible to do.

Yet the Steelers figured out a way to do it.

Then again, they tried a similar play on second-and-goal later in the game and it worked.

Tie game @pat_fry5 | : @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/UFzhKH609u

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 22, 2021

So, James, what I’m saying is, expect to see much more of it in the coming weeks.

I look forward to your contribution in next week’s “U mad, bro?” column.

Up next is a tweet from Gary about defensive coordinator Keith Butler and his “daggum” depth chart.

Some daggum players that can play defense!

— gary deitch (@inbred_ged) November 22, 2021

Exactly, Gary. I had never even heard of a few of those “daggum” players before Sunday night.

I have no problem admitting to you that before I heard their names on television, I had no idea who Daniel Archibong and Delontae Scott were.

I thought Cris Collinsworth may have had his flipchart backwards.

A guy calling himself “minkah fitzmagic” on Twitter disagreed with my assessment that Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kyzir White should’ve been flagged for a blow to the head of Steelers running back Najee Harris.

I’m a steelers fan and this is not a penalty lol

— minkah fitzmagic (@ffejlucas) November 22, 2021

I told “Fitz” that I don’t care who he roots for. I’m just worried if his eyes work.

tell me how he could’ve have stopped the momentum of his body in mid air and I’ll agree

— minkah fitzmagic (@ffejlucas) November 22, 2021

He’s not supposed to stop his body in midair. He is supposed to prevent extending his elbow into Harris’ jaw.

Come on, Fitzy. That was like Matt Cooke in cleats.

Finally, let’s end with Don. He has lots of questions.

Lots … of … questions!

“Tomlin has never had a losing season! How many trophies do you get for that? Hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016? All the scribes love the fact that he just keeps on winning! What? When was the last of Bill Cowher’s players on a Mike Tomlin team? Why is there not a QB in waiting to take over when Ben finally realizes he stinks. Who’s fault is that? What can’t three guys tackle 1 guy 10 yards from the end zone? Why can’t defensive backs cover receivers while running, looking at the QB, and seeing the ball coming instead of chasing the receiver down the field? Who drafted all of these bozos?”

I don’t know, Don. What is the meaning of life? Is there a God? Do all dogs really go to heaven?

Why do we drive on the parkway and park on a driveway? What happens if I’m driving at the speed of light and I turn on my headlights? If I need to find another word for “thesaurus,” where do I find one? Is it possible to plan to be more spontaneous?

You’ve put forth a lot to ponder, my friend. I can answer at least one of your questions, though.

“When was the last of Bill Cowher’s players on a Mike Tomlin team?”

The answer is … last Sunday in Los Angeles. It was Ben Roethlisberger. He plays quarterback. I think that kid is gonna make it someday.