U mad, bro?: Steelers fans angry about George Pickens coverage, lack of Will Howard support

This happens every May.

We are about four months removed from the conclusion of the previous Steelers season. That’s long enough to forget how badly it ended.

We are four months removed from the start of the next Steelers season. That’s well in advance of the panic that usually precedes Week 1.

It’s an annual state of black and gold bliss. Everything is fine. All is well. We are basking in the afterglow of the draft. The Steelers can do no wrong.

The only thing that ever makes Steelers fans mad this time of year is when people like me in the media have the audacity to still point out the organization’s flaws (despite eight straight seasons without a playoff win).

And some of you really let me have it for doing exactly that in this week’s “U mad, bro?”

In the wake of the George Pickens trade, Glenn thinks my concern about the Steelers’ lack of a No. 2 wide receiver is premature.

It’s May. Games aren't being played for another 4 months. Relax.

— Glenn Irey (@IreyGlenn) May 14, 2025

Glenn, did you send me this with a straight face? Or are you being ironic?

I got dozens of tweets and emails from Steelers apologists a year ago that were identical to this one when we were talking about the absence of a No. 2 receiver in May of 2024?

I heard “Relax, it’s just May” all the way until November, yet they had traded Dionate Johnson back in March.

I’m sorry, but based on recent experience, I reserve my right to embrace my own skepticism when it comes to that hole on the roster.

Brian sent an email dismissing my column about the sudden fan support for Will Howard to be the starting quarterback before he ever throws a pass in a full practice.

”Like your stuff, but using non-scientific polls for anything is pointless. Folks like FOX like them but they are pointless.”

No one said this is a scientific study, Brian. I’m not solving a math equation, lobbying public policy about climate change, writing a grant proposal or submitting a thesis.

I’m judging fan opinion about a quarterback competition.

For some reason, “Gee Money” is also put off by the fact that I’m dubious of the idea of handing the keys to the offense to a sixth-round rookie who has yet to play in a preseason game.

You guys are hilarious! Colbert set the team back with drafting Picket; however in the 3 years Ben has left, they been to the playoffs twice. You can't replace a HOF QB in a couple of Years, ask Dallas, SF, and PATs. Howard may not be the answer, but why not give him a chance?

— Gee Money (@DorchTroy) May 13, 2025

He’ll have a chance. It’s called the preseason. But for 25% of people to suggest starting him in Week 1, automatically, without seeing him against NFL competition? Now that is “hilarious.”

I’ll give you something else that’s “hilarious.” It’s the notion that people like you advance that Kenny Pickett was a Colbert-only pick and that Mike Tomlin just had Kenny forced upon him.

As if Kevin Colbert said: “Hey, Mike! I’m dumping the crummy Pitt kid on you before I retire. Good luck. Peace out!”

Please! Get a clue.

Vince has a question about Pirates hitting coach Matt Hague

“Why is he still the hitting coach?”

The same reason Arthur Smith is the offensive coordinator with the Steelers. Because they just fired the last guy, and someone needs to have the job.

Here’s an exchange I had online shortly before the new pope was revealed.

I think I saw white smoke at accrisure stadium @TimBenzPGH!

— RB7501 (@RB75012) May 8, 2025

That was just to let us know Angus Young’s guitar solo at the end of the AC/DC concert had finally finished.

Finally, let’s wrap up by getting back to Steelers talk. Robert sent me an email with the subject heading: “George Picket.”

“He is gone. Why beat a dead horse? Find something else to write about!!!”

You’re right. I should probably turn to fresh material like the Steelers’ starting quarterback situation, the team’s failure to win a playoff game since 2016, or the Pirates’ lack of offense.

Hey! How about a column about the need for an on-campus football stadium at Pitt? That sounds like a fresh, new idea!

First of all, Robert, he only got traded last week. I don’t quite think that’s “dead horse” territory yet.

Secondly, his name is George Pickens. Not George Picket(t). Come to think of it, perhaps I didn’t write about him enough over his time here IF YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW HIS NAME!

Then again, if you mean Kenny Pickett, then, yes. If I had still been writing about trading him, then you would’ve been right. That would’ve been beating a dead horse.

A dead horse with tiny, tiny little hooves.

via GIPHY