As I was putting “U mad, bro?” together on Valentine’s Day, I sure could feel the love from my readers.
Near as I can tell, you think I’m too hard on the Steelers and too judgmental about the Arthur Smith hire, I pick on Tom Brady too much and I don’t pick on Tom Brady enough.
All I can say is, I love you guys, too. Here is this week’s “U mad, bro?” It’s my valentine to all of you.
Let’s start with John. He’s not wild about my Steelers coverage.
“I used to agree with about 60% of your opinions. But it’s close to zero on the Steelers. Seems like the media couldn’t run Tomlin out of town, but you keep writing negative comments. Look up the poll amongst current players on which coach they would love to play for??? I think the Rooney’s get it right more often than not.”
The Rooneys get it right more often than not? John, the franchise has failed to win a playoff game 11 of the last 13 years and seven years in a row. There is zero evidence over the last decade to support that statement.
In terms of player poll results about who they want to play for, who cares? Bill Belichick wasn’t easy to play for. Neither was Chuck Noll. They combined for 10 Super Bowl rings. Being easy to play for doesn’t equate to championships.
But more importantly, John, 60% of the time, I’m right every time.
Jock has a more specific complaint about Steelers media coverage. His is about commentary surrounding new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“Tim - The guy has a boring name, but we ought to be glad the Steelers don’t give a (darn) about what the fans and media think. Listening to the fans and media is the road to perdition.”
I don’t think it’s the boring name that people are worried about, Jock. I think it’s more about boring pass concepts that led to just 18.9 points per game this year and the 31st-ranked pass offense last year (158 yards per game).
I mean, Matt Canada had kind of a unique name and we still blamed him for everything. Blame Canada!
Speaking of names, in the movie “Road to Perdition,” Tom Hanks’ character is named “Michael Sullivan” and the last name of Paul Newman’s character is “Rooney.”
“There’s only one guarantee: none of us will see heaven.”
Or, at this rate, none of us will see another Super Bowl or Stanley Cup.
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Kevin didn’t like some of the “informed speculation” from the national media this week about the Steelers quarterback situation.
“Rudolph looking for a fresh start” and “Tanehill to the Steelers’ may be two of the laziest opinions in the history of sports journalism.
But it’s what we’ve come to expect these days.— Kevin (@kc4tweets) February 11, 2024
Indeed, Kevin. Here’s the problem. They also might both end up being true.
Robert wants to add his two cents on the recent debates about Patrick Mahomes potentially surpassing Tom Brady. He doesn’t think Mahomes’ footwork should be part of the equation.
“You pointing out that Mahomes had great runs at the end of the Super Bowl as a sign of QB greatness is neglecting the cheapness of it all. QBs being able to run down the field knowing they will not be hit is a travesty to the game. And why does it always happen at critical times at the end of games. Because it is almost like cheating. The defense does not have enough men on the field to account for the QB. It is one of a growing number of reasons I hate NFL football. It is not a simple brutal man’s game any more. It’s an elitist game of convoluted rules and bordering on pathetic.”
Robert, while I agree that the quarterbacks are overprotected in the NFL these days, this email sounds like it has been sent by a guy whose favorite team has a starting quarterback that averaged 1.3 yards per rush this year.
A QB who has a nasty habit of trying to escape from the pocket by spinning left into the oncoming rush all the time.
Know any team that has a QB who does that?
Douglas also has thoughts on the Brady-Mahomes comps.
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“Perhaps Brady is the GOAT. But Brady is also the ultimate cheater. The Barry Bonds of the NFL. The only difference is the NFL turned a blind eye to Brady’s PED use.”
Wait!? What!? Tom Brady tested positive for PEDs? I never knew that. That’s not on his Wiki page. I did a Google search and couldn’t find anyth…..oh. Oh.
I see what you did there.
Finally, I get the impression Jerry is on the other side of the fence when it comes to this debate.
“You’re a stupid (expletive). You say (Mahomes) over Brady? He lost to Brady. You are what Trump talks about with that fake news (expletive). (Expletive), please. You must have been dropped on your (expletive) head as a baby. Guys like you make me sick, stop with the insults to the best ever. Talk to me when (Mahomes) has 7, till then shut the (expletive) up.”
Always great to hear from a Patriots fan! The Boston accent is actually oozing through the email itself.
Now, I’m not sure which Mahomes-Brady story you are referencing, dear sir. But if you are talking about the one I wrote for Tuesday, then I literally said in the column that while I felt Mahomes was off to a more impressive start than Brady through age 28, that he wouldn’t end up with seven rings like Brady did. And I pointed out that Brady beat him twice in the postseason.
Or, if you are replying to the “Madden Monday” post from Monday morning about Mahomes being better, that’s something Mark Madden said. Not me.
If that’s the case, then you (expletive) emailed the wrong(expletive) guy.
So have another Dunkin’ iced and chill, pal. How do you like them … donuts?
I’m so sorry.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.