U mad, bro?: Fans are either mad at the Steelers or mad at people critical of the Steelers. Pick a side

The Pittsburgh Penguins have lost five of six and are living off of loser points like the raccoons who dig through my garbage can on trash night.

Actually, let’s be honest. This year, for the Penguins, every night is trash night.

As a result, I’ve gotten quite a few angry correspondences from Pens fans this week.

OK, just know this. I see you. I hear you. I acknowledge you.

But not right now.

We’ve got about four months to kick around the Penguins’ failings before their season dies. Currently, the Steelers are in the midst of a four-game collapse heading into the playoffs.

So, please, pardon me if “U mad, bro?” is a little preoccupied this week.

We start with an email from George in Jeanette. He is dubious of the Steelers’ playoff trip to Baltimore.

It’s in all caps, so you know he’s mad.

”QUINT HAD BETTER ODDS AGAINST JAWS. AND THE RAVENS WILL DO TO THE STEELERS EXACTLY WHAT THE SHARK DID TO QUINT.”

Steelers go in the water. Derrick Henry goes in the water.

”Farewell and adieu to you fair Spanish Ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain.

For we’ve received orders to sail for old Baltimore

And so nevermore shall we see you again.”

I think the Steelers defense is gonna need a bigger boat.

Shawn passed along his thoughts on Steelers’ future.

Steelers next 4 seasons
10-7 lose in wild card round
10-7 lose in wild card round
10-7 lose in wild card round
10-7 lose in wild card round

— Sean S (@manunitedpit) January 5, 2025

In all honesty, to me, that looks wildly optimistic.

Paul is mad about George Pickens’ drops versus the Bengals.

Who let Limas Sweed on the field?

— Paul (@PBauer13) January 5, 2025

Don’t insult Limas that way. Limas Sweed blocked somebody after his drops.

Here is an email from Roger.

”The Steelers 2024-2025. Another head-case receiver. The Denver version of Russell Wilson. Coaching that would pull down a high school team. Complacent ownership. And the predictable December collapse. Thanks for another season of raising our hopes before Lucy pulls the football away once again.”

At least if Lucy pulls the football away, that will stop Arthur Smith from calling that God-forsaken toss play they can’t seem to get away from trying.

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This guy thinks I was too hard on the Steelers’ defense in my weekly “Airing of Grievances” postgame column when I mentioned how poorly that unit played in the first quarter against Cincinnati.

Games are 4 quarters. 19 points, sacks, fumbles, batted balls, 314 yards of offense, an INT. You’d take that against every team in the league. Or you can look at 1 quarter to fit a narrative.

— Dave (@PTDukie33) January 5, 2025

What “narrative?” Joe Burrow completed his first 12 passes. The Bengals’ offense had the ball for over 11 minutes in the first quarter. It was 10-0 in the first quarter.

I said the defense had an awful start, then it got better as the game went on. I ran a quote from Cameron Heyward expressing the same opinion.

How is that a “narrative.” To me, that just sounds like the truth.

Finally, we end with Elliott. He is trying to shame Pittsburgh media members who are being hard on the Steelers.

As the #Steelers media ???? on the 2024 team, remember what their expectations were before the season@TheSteelersWire 7-10@bepryor O/U 8.5 wins@DKPghSports 9-8@Steelersdepot 10-7@CBSSports 6-11@MarkMaddenX 8-9@TimBenzPGH 9-8@TheAthleticPGH 7.6 wins@usatodaysports 8-9 pic.twitter.com/lPC2u5lYgD

— ???? Elliott Finebloom (@efinebloom) January 5, 2025

Yup, Elliott. I had ’em 9-8. They are 10-7. I guess I was wayyyyyy off, huh?

By the way, I added in my preseason prediction that I was leaning 10-7 with them making the playoffs until Wilson and the offensive linemen began the season injured. That’s when I walked it back.

But you got me. My prediction missed by … one whole game. Sick burn, dude. Glad you kept those “receipts.”

For the record, if surpassing 9-8 is what we are considering worthy of gloating, then I can’t put into words how low the standards of acceptance have plunged in the Steelers’ fanbase.

Seriously. Go root for the Jets or something.