Steelers

U mad, bro?: Steelers fans grumbling about CB depth chart, Arthur Smith, QB injury coverage

Tim Benz
By Tim Benz
4 Min Read Nov. 20, 2025 | 4 weeks Ago
Go Ad-Free today

Wednesday marked the 162nd anniversary of The Gettysburg Address. And while it may feel like “four-score and seven years ago” since the Steelers last won a postseason game, it hasn’t really been that long.

Not quite, anyway.

However, eight years without a playoff victory is enough to make some people dubious, grouchy and jaded, even in the wake of a 34-12 win over a division rival.

Fortunately, “U mad, bro” provides a safe space to speak freely and express your opinions. Clearly, this is what Abraham Lincoln had in mind when he had visions about how great our country could become back in 1863.

Glad to do my part, Abe. Glad to do my part.

Here’s this week’s edition.


Tim has some thoughts on how long it took for the Steelers to come around on playing cornerback James Pierre in more situations than just special teams.

You know what’s gonna be even crazier? When they put him back on the bench for Darius Slay.

Hey! Speaking of which…


Steve isn’t happy about Darius Slay eventually going back into the starting lineup.

So Darius ‘Slow is in the starting lineup again? Can’t wait. Why (not) give his snaps to someone who has proven they deserve it?

Presumably, the person you mean is Pierre, Steve? I’m with you. Pierre always gives you just enough in small doses to make you think he can handle being a full-time starter and not just a special teams guy, but then he tends to get over-exposed.

That said, what he has done so far over the last few weeks of elevated time deserves more of a look, and I certainly wouldn’t take time away from him for Slay based on how Slay has played so far as a Steeler.

Bonjour, Pierre! Au revoir, Slay.


John isn’t a fan of Arthur Smith.

Yeah. Better soundbites.

Not a lot of World War II references and Alexander the Great imagery when ol’ Matt was in charge. It makes for better copy.

Think of us in the media, John. 


Our friend Chuck sent a message about coverage surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

If Shedeur Sanders fails, his acolytes will tell you it wasn’t his fault. They’ll find someone else to blame.”

Chuck, I hate to break it to you … they already have.

Does the name Josina Anderson mean anything to you?

I think that qualifies as an “acolyte.”


Frank gives his thoughts on James Franklin becoming the head coach of Virginia Tech, an ACC rival of Pitt.

Well…..well….well. Now that James Franklin is in the ACC, I’m guessing that playing Pitt will no longer be like playing Akron anymore to him. If I’m Narduzzi, I’m showing that quote to my players right off the bat next year.”

Sounds like a good idea to me, Frank. It’s certainly a better idea than showing them his quote before the Notre Dame game.

That aged well.


Finally, Douglas doesn’t think I’m approaching the quarterback conversation properly, considering Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury.

You sound awfully sure about the playoffs, Douglas.

You might want to worry about getting there first before saving wear and tear on Rodgers.


LISTEN: Tim Benz and Joe Rutter discuss Aaron Rodgers’ injury and the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears.

Share

Tags:

About the Writers

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.

Sports and Partner News

Push Notifications

Get news alerts first, right in your browser.

Enable Notifications

Content you may have missed

Enjoy TribLIVE, Uninterrupted.

Support our journalism and get an ad-free experience on all your devices.

  • TribLIVE AdFree Monthly

    • Unlimited ad-free articles
    • Pay just $4.99 for your first month
  • TribLIVE AdFree Annually BEST VALUE

    • Unlimited ad-free articles
    • Billed annually, $49.99 for the first year
    • Save 50% on your first year
Get Ad-Free Access Now View other subscription options