U mad, bro?: The Steelers are 8-2, but readers still have plenty of complaints

These days, I find that a lot of people are mad about the election, political appointments, inflation, taxes, border security, international conflict and a few other weighty topics.

Like how Netflix streamed the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight and why the Pittsburgh Penguins can’t hold a two-goal lead.

But my readers and listeners? Pfft! They can’t be bothered with such trivial matters. What’s of chief concern to them, you may wonder?

Obviously, it’s that the Steelers are 8-2. “And what if they only wind up 14-3??!!”

At least that’s the tone that I’m getting in this week’s “U mad, bro?”

Let’s start with this message from Rich during the Steelers-Ravens game on Sunday.

“(The) only people happy with the Steelers score are those with Boz on their fantasy team.”

And those who bet the under at 48.5, Rich.

Up next, it’s Mark. He emailed after the Steelers’ victory in that game.

“It must be excruciatingly painful for you and (Mark) Madden to write an article not ripping on Rooney, Tomlin, or Omar. I’m guessing you’ll lick their boots until the next loss?? You know how to sell clicks. Outstanding!”

Well, Mark, first of all. That’s very kind of you. Indeed, I do know what sells in this business. Thanks for the compliment. But, I mean, “outstanding?” Please! Stop. You are making me blush.

As for your other point, that’s a fun trick you pulled.

If I rip them when they lose, you accuse me of having a personal agenda against the owner, coach and general manager. If I praise them when they win, I’m “licking their boots.”

What would you say about my commentary if they tie? Let me know in advance. They’ve been known to do that in Cleveland, after all.

Chuck sent me this post on social media.

“This Thursday night game at Cleveland has ‘trap’ written all over it.”

I’m not saying you are wrong, Chuck. They are 1-4-1 in their last six games in Cleveland. For sure, the Steelers could lose.

But it’s a road, divisional game on a Thursday night. They have been far too substandard in Cleveland lately to even call it a trap, don’t you think? If it falls under that category in their own heads, then they may already be in trouble.

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Kevin dropped me a line about the Steelers’ recent success, and I get the impression he doesn’t like some of the people trying to poke holes in their 8-2 start.

”Reading on the Steelers and came across this line in an article; ‘Sportsfoliokings’ also came to a similar conclusion claiming that their model found the Steelers have more ‘unearned wins’ than any team in the NFL since 2000. As I am older and do not pay attention to these sites, I am curious how they can determine an ‘unearned win.’ I was always taught a win is a win and if you played in the game, you earned the win.”

Kevin, I don’t know what an “unearned” football win is either. But my guess is that it has something to do with Oneil Cruz playing quarterback for the other team and making multiple off-target throws.

Earlier this week, I mentioned the Steelers’ recent checkered history playing in Cleveland even though they are facing a 2-8 Browns team. Here is how Rick replied.

”Checkered History with Browns… or ANYONE 2 and 8?”

Now, now, now, Rick. Be accurate. The Cardinals and Patriots weren’t 2-8 when they beat the Steelers back-to-back last year.

They were 2-10.

Finally, Dave is dubious of the Steelers’ success.

”They are just messing with us. Get our hopes up to leave us hanging. Why? I am open to a good team winning a game or two against a good team with a last minute field goal. However, multiple games where the only points scored are field goals says the offense can’t get it done. Take special items points off and where is the Steelers offense in the scoring rankings.”

If we are disqualifying teams who have multiple, close, late wins, then eliminate the Kansas City Chiefs from consideration too, because seven of their nine wins have come by a single score. Four have been in the balance until the final play of the game.

Also, if we are bumping the Steelers out of the playoffs because of their 29 field goals, I guess Houston and Washington are out too, because they have kicked 26 and 28, respectively.

And you can split hairs all you want over how the points are scored, but if we get into point differential, the Buffalo Bills are the only team in the AFC (plus-106) with a better mark than the Steelers (plus-71).

Meanwhile, regarding your first point about the Steelers “messing with us” and building our hopes up only to disappoint us again via another inexplicable, heart-wrenching, late-season collapse and more cataclysmic playoff failure — sir, all I can say to that is …

Well, yeah. You might be right on that one. I, uh … I really can’t rule that out.