U mad, bro?: Steelers fans shift ire from head coach to lack of a QB

Following the Steelers’ latest failed attempt to win a playoff game, most of Pittsburgh’s angst was aimed at head coach Mike Tomlin.

However, this week’s “U mad, bro?” appears to be focused on the franchise’s lack of a quarterback.

Either way, it’s just as good.

Whatever it takes. Vent. Get it out of your systems step-by-step. It’s going to be a long offseason.

Bruce is running out of the tunnel first this week. He takes aim at some of my points of criticism about Tomlin that I expressed in last week’s “U mad, bro?”

Get the guy a real QB

— Bruce (@BGCiummo) January 18, 2025

“The guy” can get himself a real QB. “The guy” didn’t have Mitch Trubisky forced on him.” “The guy” didn’t have to draft Kenny Pickett. “The guy” didn’t have to acquire Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.

“The guy” is in charge.

Also, “the guy” had “a guy” at quarterback from 2007-21. His name was Ben Roethlisberger. In only four of those seasons — and since — did “the guy” manage any playoff wins.

That’s how I responded to Bruce’s original post. Carlos saw my reply and thought it was a little extreme.

Tim, have some coffee ☕

— Carlos S (@vamos_acereros) January 18, 2025

Maybe Art Rooney II should have a cup. It might wake him up a little bit.

Make that an ☘️ coffee ☕

— Carlos S (@vamos_acereros) January 18, 2025

Now you’re talkin’.

Carol is down in the dumps about the state of the Steelers. The depths of her depression may be affecting her judgment at this point.

“Another mediocre season and end-of-year swoon and no fixes in sight. Stuck with Tomlin and his revolving door of lackey coaches until ‘Never had a Losing Season’ retires. What’s an aging fan to do? Cry or make the only suggestion I can think of that might be acceptable to our ownership and management: Talk to the Eagles and see if they’d trade Tanner McKee. He has the size. You know a Stanford-educated player has to be bright. His stats are promising. He can’t be worse than this year’s choices: Wilson and Fields.”

Actually, Carol, he could be worse. He absolutely could be worse.

I don’t think being “Stanford educated” should be data point No. 1 on the resume. I mean, should they get Davis Mills, then? Is Kevin Hogan still kicking around somewhere in the UFL?

Should I see if Trent Edwards or Steve Stenstrom want to come out of retirement?

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Rich is also grasping at straws about the Steelers QB crisis.

“Apparently, there is a betting odds list of QBs who could come to Pittsburgh and be the starter. Based on it, the Steelers should draft Tyler Warren and run the Wildcat every play next year.”

Well, I mean, it’s a better idea than Tanner McKee.

It would also satisfy offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s fantasy of getting four tight ends on the field at the same time.

Barney does not like my suggestion that the Steelers should trade George Pickens.

“Trade George for what reason? Does not make sense to me. He is going to be great as soon as the quarterback situation is settled.”

Ah, yes, “as soon as the quarterback situation is settled.” That should be a quick fix. So far, so good in that regard since Big Ben retired. Easy peasy.

Keep up, Barney. When it comes to ideas, we’re down to a third-stringer who backs up Kenny Pickett and a rookie tight end.

Also, you asked “what reasons” to trade Pickens.

What reasons? All the ones I listed in that column.

He is an immense distraction and pain in the backside — on and off the field. He acts like an entitled brat, but he hasn’t accomplished anything yet. If you pay him $30 million a year, that’s going to get even worse.

They can figure out a way to find another receiver who’ll have less than 1,000 yards and only three or four touchdowns for a lower cap hit and less of a headache.

After the Eagles won their playoff game last weekend, this guy tagged a bunch of Pittsburgh media members with a very simple message.

Defense and running the ball STILL wins championships and ALWAYS WILL!#FlyEaglesFly #Steelers @937theFan @TimBenzPGH @DVEMike

— Jake (@ScarQuip) January 19, 2025

Great. Here’s the problem. You know the Steelers aren’t any good at either of those things, just like they don’t have a quarterback. Right?

Finally, Gary sent me an email about the Pirates spelling Andrew McCutchen’s name incorrectly at PiratesFest.

Wait the Pirates spelled Andrew McCutchen’s name wrong!?????‍???? pic.twitter.com/3Bm5cwoqr3

— Bob Greenburg (@BobGreenburg) January 18, 2025

“Wouldn’t you think that they could at least spell his name correctly? What a bush league organization the Pirates are.”

Gary, Bob Nutting cut the budget again. It was either: Acquire Spencer Horwitz, or renew Grammarly for all the office computers.

Sacrifices have to be made for the good of the team.