U mad, bro?: Pittsburgh fans fire barbs at Steelers' mediocrity, Penguins' stagnation, Pirates' frugality

Next week, we are on vacation here at “Breakfast With Benz.” Not just a long holiday weekend, or a couple of half days in a row to run errands, spruce up the backyard and drink beer on the porch.

No, my friends. I’m talking about full-on, all-out, actually leaving the mighty Confluence of the Three Rivers for a beach destination, a boat, and some drinks with umbrellas in them.

via GIPHY

So let’s get all of your rage out now, because it’s going to have to simmer for a while with no “U mad, bro?” next Thursday.

Based on the interactions I got from you this week, the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates are all taking it on the chin these days.

Let’s start with Adam. He doesn’t seem to think I should be so excited about Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes making the All-Star Game.

Let's all be honest with ourselves here. He's going to look great in a Yankee uniform some day.

— Adam Hribal (@AdamHribal) July 8, 2024

Pfft! C’mon, Adam. Skenes isn’t going to leave the Pirates to go to the Yankees …

… He’ll go to the Dodgers instead.

I mean, he’s a California guy. He’s dating the S.I. Swimsuit model girlfriend.

Livvy Dunne, LSU gymnast, NCAA's highest-earning female athlete, social media sensation, and our newest SI Swim '23 model is officially joining the pages of this year's issue! Livvy is an absolute inspiration for other female athletes around the world and we couldn't be more… pic.twitter.com/rxcaOH2Yp3

— Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) April 27, 2023

Don’t you think L.A. has a little bit more to offer? Jared Jones will probably head out there with him.

Plus, I think he’ll look great in Dodger Blue.

Up next is an email from a guy who wants to remain anonymous. His subject heading simply reads “Mediocre Mike.”

”Tim, why hasn’t this nickname ever been applied to Tomlin? You could be the first. It could also be used for Sullivan in the future.”

Forget “in the future.” Based on the fact that there have been no playoff series wins for the Pens since 2018, it could definitely be applied to Sullivan right now.

And as far as no one “ever” using that phrase to describe Tomlin? Eh, I don’t think I’d be the first.

I have not seen a trademark from anyone yet. But, after seven consecutive years without a playoff victory, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen, heard, and maybe even said it myself a few times already.

Here is a frustrated message about the Penguins from a guy named YB.

”Going into the season with the same coach playing the same system with the same players. Kevin Hayes wasn’t the missing piece to the puzzle last year. Why haven’t there been bigger changes?”

Firing Sullivan and bringing in a new system would’ve made total sense to me, YB. But as far as big changes on that roster, it’s tough to make big changes when you have big salaries and big no-movement clauses.

“Wrangler2021” has some thoughts on the Pirates’ inability to win three games in a row since early May.

”I’m done with this (crap). They refuse to trade young pitching for better younger contract controlled players and this manager needs to go!! He’s a serious problem.”

Hmm. I’d argue the owner and the general manager are bigger problems. But, true, Derek Shelton hasn’t exactly proven to be a “Mr. Fix It” over his first five seasons, has he?

Here’s one from Steve B. about Mike Tomlin getting a contract extension this offseason.

”Marvin Lewis must look at Tomlin’s situation and think he got run out of town way too early by comparison. Take it all in though. You’ll never see another coach get to keep his job for 20+ years for any professional sports team again. Tomlin will be the last. The national media will praise this as well and I’m sure Art Rooney is more proud of that than any other team accomplishment (including Super Bowls) that he has been a part of since 2007.”

It’s hard for me to disagree with any of that, Steve.

Although, I will say, if getting the NFL Draft in 2026 is what was needed to finally accelerate that mess of an airport renovation we’ve got going on right now, then that accomplishment, to me, will be an even greater one from Rooney II than overseeing the 2008 Super Bowl team.

Speaking of that topic, I had this exchange with KDKA radio’s Larry Richert and someone else on social media.

You can check out anytime you like but you will never leave

— . (@csnyder128) July 10, 2024

At this point, it might be quicker to actually drive to the Hotel California than to fly there from Pittsburgh International.

Finally, let’s end with Keith. He is second-guessing this year’s NFL draft based on the Cam Sutton eight-game suspension.

”Hi Tom. 2024 draft shouldn’t the Steelers have taken the 1st CB versus the 6th Tackle? Cam Sutton for ½ season and castaway Donte Jackson are not the solution for CB to compliment Joey Porter Jr.”

Keith, my name is actua … never mind.

At the time, I was on board with the selection of Troy Fautanu from an extremely deep class of tackles, instead of taking one of the corners.

But, looking back on it, if they are just going to start Dan Moore Jr. again anyway, maybe they should’ve waited on getting another tackle until next year and taken a cornerback in the first round this season since none had gone off the board by pick 20.

Especially since they didn’t address defensive back at all until Round 6 with Ryan Watts out of Texas.

So, yes, I see your point.

Sincerely, your friend,

Tom Benz