The Steelers are going into the bye weekend at 3-1 and in first place atop the AFC North.

Nothing to complain about, right?

Ha! That’s a good one!

via GIPHY

So long as Mike Tomlin is managing the clock and the Pirates are playing baseball, that’s never going to be the case.

Here’s a “U mad, bro?” entry for the first Thursday in October.

Tim wants more Roman Wilson in the Steelers’ offense.

@TimBenzPGH @MarkMaddenX can either of you explain to me how Mike Tomlin can trust Roman Wilson to catch an onside kick, but not trust him to run a route and catch a pass? Why is this guy in the dog house, or rather, what seems to be the outhouse? #Steelers

— tim flannery (@TimboSlice910) October 1, 2025

Actually, Tim, I think the greater question is that — with so little depth at receiver — why can’t Roman Wilson do much of anything to be trusted with that responsibility?

If those expanded duties don’t come while Calvin Austin is on the shelf, I’m wondering if they ever will.

This email about the Pirates comes from “dbernk.”

”The announcements that nothing will change with the Pirates because everything is going ‘so well’ likely will have one significant result: Paul Skenes’ agent is going to make it clear that Mr Skenes will not spend the next few years toiling for this loser team. They’re going to start ramping up the pressure to get him traded at the end of next season.”

I don’t think Skenes or his agent will have to apply any pressure at all. I’m guessing that whatever his arbitration award is for 2027 will do that on its own.

This guy replied to a few compliments that I paid to the Steelers’ defensive front.

Watching players adjust and grow is truly satisfying, isn't it? Go Steelers. ????

— FSOnet (@FSOsports) September 28, 2025

Agreed. Maybe someday we can say the same thing about the coach’s in-game strategic decision-making.

Someday.

Related:

• First Call: Steelers game in Ireland posts huge TV ratings; John Harbaugh fuzzy on Lamar Jackson's status • Tim Benz: For Pirates fans, the MLB playoffs are a bittersweet reminder of what the sport can be — and what their team is not • Tim Benz: With 13 games to go for the Steelers, we should still ask 'how' while counting 'how many'

Speaking of which, Ryan wasn’t wild about the fourth-down play call in the Vikings’ red zone late in the game last week.

I like the idea of going for it, but why the run play? Just odd in my opinion

— Ryan Lipner (@RyanLipner) September 28, 2025

That was Mike Tomlin splitting the difference and trying to look like a daredevil while at the same time “living in his fears.” His biggest desire was to maintain the field position advantage, not add another touchdown on the board.

So if that’s the case, just kick the field goal.

Instead, he was desperately afraid of a sack or throwing a pick in the end zone, and having the ball come out to the 20-yard line. So, ostensibly, the run play was either a touchdown or the equivalent of a 2-yard pooch punt.

Based on his reaction on the sideline after Kenneth Gainwell was stopped on the 1-yard line, he was plenty happy with that second outcome.

Rich is tired of the same old, same old from Tomlin and Penn State coach James Franklin.

@TimBenzPGH Tomlin in the playoffs and Franklin in top 10 games, nothing changes SMH.

— Rich (@rxn128) September 28, 2025

Rich, you forgot the Pirates being under .500 and Pat Narduzzi blowing games that Pitt shouldn’t lose.

Finally, based on his response to my recent column about the Steelers nearly frittering away their victory over Minnesota, Al sure sounds like a big-time “a win is a win is a win is a win” guy.

”Hi Tim,

I enjoy reading your insights into Pittsburgh sports.

I agree that the Steelers Defense is playing with fire by allowing as many yards as they are, it will catch up to them. But 2 sports cliches or “mantras” come to mind.

1 - As Al Davis used to say “Just Win Baby.”

2 - The only stat that counts is the one on the scoreboard.”

Al, you’re clearly a good guy. So, first of all, sincerely, I appreciate you reading. Thank you.

But:

1) If “the only stat that counts is the one on the scoreboard,” then why bother reading for any “insights” in the first place?

The “insights” are the nuances beyond the final score. If the final score is the only thing that matters, you don’t need me, and you don’t need a conversation about the Steelers’ odds, long-range probabilities, standing within the AFC over the next 13 weeks, etc.

You just need to check NFL.com three hours after their scheduled kickoff for the final score. That’s a service that website can provide. TribLive can as well.

We’d love to keep you as a valued reader if that’s all you are looking for. However, I prefer a more in-depth conversation from time to time. So, for the next 13 weeks, I may venture beyond reprinting the final line score. My guess is my bosses want it that way.

2) Using Al Davis as a muse to make a point that props up the Steelers makes me queasy.

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