U mad, bro?: Steelers fans push back at WR concerns; Pirates fans fume; Penguins fans not thrilled with Mike Sullivan

I’ve had a bit of a modified work week. I’ve been doing a lot of radio. I’ve been researching a project for TribLive. I took a day off to see one of my favorite bands, Dirty Honey, at the Roxian on Tuesday. I’m going to a wedding in Cleveland on Friday.

Please, save your Deshaun Watson jokes.

But one thing we try to never modify is “U mad, bro?” every Thursday.

This week, you sound off about the Pirates’ hitters and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. You have suggestions for the Steelers-Chiefs Christmas Day game, and you push back against my concerns about the Steelers wide receiver position.

So, in the words of Dirty Honey, “Fire Away!”

Barry emailed me about the Pirates.

“The Pirates batting averages are lousy. Why don’t they bring up some of the guys from Indianapolis who are hitting with high averages? They couldn’t do worse than what is here.”

You’re right on one point, Barry. I’d rather see Jake Lamb in the lineup instead of Rowdy Tellez, and I’d like to give Ji Hwan Bae another chance in the Major Leagues.

However, I do disagree about one thing you said. After watching the Pirates for 49 years, I can assure you, they can always figure out a way to “do worse.”

Bill is also venting about the Buccos.

“I know I should be writing about the seven future Hall of Famers the Steelers just drafted, but my focus right now is on our Sad Sack, Snake Bitten Pirates. I’m glad they didn’t back the Brinks truck up for Bednar like they did for Keller, and Chapman should be gone before the trade deadline.”

First of all, Bill, let’s not exaggerate about the Steelers’ seven Hall of Fame draft choices.

It’s probably only six. I’m gonna say Ryan Watts is borderline for Canton, maybe a 50-50 coin flip.

But, to your point about the Pirates, yes, the whole bullpen has been a disappointment, not just the closers. That said, I’m sure trading Chapman will happen eventually.

Also, you used the phrase “snake bitten” to describe the Pirates. They are the only franchise in the world so sickly that if a snake really did bite one of the Pirates, I’d be more worried about what the snake might catch from him, than what he could do to the player.

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Steve emails about the Chiefs and Steelers playing each other on Christmas.

“Maybe we can have a Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce, ‘It’s Cold Outside’ duet?”

Sorry, Steve. I doubt that Travis would be able to remember the words. Also, I don’t think that Taylor will be singing it because Wokesters deemed that song politically incorrect a few years ago.

Although not as politically incorrect as what I’m sure Kelce and Patrick Mahomes will do to the Steelers defense.

This guy has an opinion on the alleged power struggle between Penguins coach Mike Sullivan and general manager Kyle Dubas.

I'm confident that they can hire another coach to lead them to half a decade without a playoff win.

— xoundmind (@xoundmind) May 2, 2024

I would think so too. Then again, another organization in town has yet to apply the same thinking after an even longer time for a different coach named “Mike.”

Bob claims I was wrong for saying that the Steelers should’ve pulled the trigger on San Francisco’s alleged trade demand for Brandon Aiyuk, if it was really similar to the Eagles-Titans A.J. Brown deal.

Thankful that you're a journalist and not the Steelers GM... OT is a premium position, WR is too but feel like it's much easier to find the WRs.

Steelers ended up with an elite OT prospect on the cheap, instead of a really good not great WR at a premium price. That's a W.

— Bob Backus (@PghChalkTalk) May 9, 2024

Well, the last two guys that have been GM of the Steelers have combined for 11 seasons without a playoff win over the last 13 tries. So maybe you shouldn’t be too “thankful” about them lately.

Also, if it’s so easy to find wide receivers, how come they only have one good one, a rookie, and a bunch of No. 4s?

Rob says I’m worrying about the wide receiver position too early.

Didn’t realize there was a game tomorrow.

— Rob Sprance (@RobSprance) May 9, 2024

But, if there was, I’m sure you’d come up with a reason why the receiver depth is just fine as is.

“They won’t run many three-receiver sets under Arthur Smith! Pat Freiermuth is basically the second WR anyway! Roman Wilson is the next Hines Ward, n’at! Van Jefferson is better than people think! Calvin Austin III is going to bust ‘aht!”

I’m hearing all of them already.

Finally, Rick closes with one more thought on the receiver conversation.

pic.twitter.com/vx51ANXXvL

— RICKY (@rnoltyjr) May 9, 2024

I kinda think we’ve all been doing that for the past seven years, don’t you think, Rick? The last time the Steelers won a playoff game, Yoda was still fighting the Clone Wars.