U mad, bro?: Steelers fans grumbling about CB depth chart, Arthur Smith, QB injury coverage

Wednesday marked the 162nd anniversary of The Gettysburg Address. And while it may feel like “four-score and seven years ago” since the Steelers last won a postseason game, it hasn’t really been that long.

Not quite, anyway.

However, eight years without a playoff victory is enough to make some people dubious, grouchy and jaded, even in the wake of a 34-12 win over a division rival.

Fortunately, “U mad, bro” provides a safe space to speak freely and express your opinions. Clearly, this is what Abraham Lincoln had in mind when he had visions about how great our country could become back in 1863.

Glad to do my part, Abe. Glad to do my part.

Here’s this week’s edition.

Tim has some thoughts on how long it took for the Steelers to come around on playing cornerback James Pierre in more situations than just special teams.

Crazy they cut the guy this year and he looks, far and away, like their best DB

— Tim (@TimboSlice910) November 16, 2025

You know what’s gonna be even crazier? When they put him back on the bench for Darius Slay.

Hey! Speaking of which…

Steve isn’t happy about Darius Slay eventually going back into the starting lineup.

”So Darius ‘Slow’ is in the starting lineup again? Can’t wait. Why (not) give his snaps to someone who has proven they deserve it?”

Presumably, the person you mean is Pierre, Steve? I’m with you. Pierre always gives you just enough in small doses to make you think he can handle being a full-time starter and not just a special teams guy, but then he tends to get over-exposed.

That said, what he has done so far over the last few weeks of elevated time deserves more of a look, and I certainly wouldn’t take time away from him for Slay based on how Slay has played so far as a Steeler.

Bonjour, Pierre! Au revoir, Slay.

John isn’t a fan of Arthur Smith.

@TimBenzPGH I'm so tired of watching this boring predictable offense every week… is there much a difference between Canada and Smith?

— John T. Kutil (@jkutil88) November 16, 2025

Yeah. Better soundbites.

Not a lot of World War II references and Alexander the Great imagery when ol’ Matt was in charge. It makes for better copy.

Think of us in the media, John. 

Our friend Chuck sent a message about coverage surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

“If Shedeur Sanders fails, his acolytes will tell you it wasn’t his fault. They’ll find someone else to blame.”

Chuck, I hate to break it to you … they already have.

Does the name Josina Anderson mean anything to you?

Let's be clear: This is not an intentional Shedeur Sanders "debut" coached-up with any 1st-team reps all season from Kevin Stefanski.

Sanders is playing by default only, due to a Dillon Gabriel concussion! https://t.co/e6kLuUZYid

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 17, 2025

Here’s a look at this no-first-team reps 25y chunk completion by Shedeur Sanders. #Browns pic.twitter.com/CESBbg1HvV

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 17, 2025

Here was the against-all-odds 3/10 completion by Shedeur Sanders under 2 min. #Browns pic.twitter.com/fFBRusa8Em

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 17, 2025

I think that qualifies as an “acolyte.”

Frank gives his thoughts on James Franklin becoming the head coach of Virginia Tech, an ACC rival of Pitt.

”Well…..well….well. Now that James Franklin is in the ACC, I’m guessing that playing Pitt will no longer be like playing Akron anymore to him. If I’m Narduzzi, I’m showing that quote to my players right off the bat next year.”

Sounds like a good idea to me, Frank. It’s certainly a better idea than showing them his quote before the Notre Dame game.

Q: "Do you feel like the Notre Dame game is a must-win?"

Pitt's Pat Narduzzi: "Absolutely not. It is not an ACC game… I'd gladly get beat 103 or 110 to 10…They could put 100 up on us as long as we win the next two after that."

Interesting stance for a head coach to take. pic.twitter.com/CDSKfp5xNQ

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) November 10, 2025

That aged well.

Finally, Douglas doesn’t think I’m approaching the quarterback conversation properly, considering Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury.

Need more dynamic thinking here.

Team will need both for the playoffs.
Why risk further damage/potentially less capable play. Why not get Mason more Reps, get a peak on how viable mason is as starter for 2026?

Only thing that can go wrong is Mason proves better than Rodgers.

— Douglas Berry ???????? (@DBAkron) November 19, 2025

You sound awfully sure about the playoffs, Douglas.

You might want to worry about getting there first before saving wear and tear on Rodgers.

LISTEN: Tim Benz and Joe Rutter discuss Aaron Rodgers’ injury and the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears.