U mad, bro?: Steelers fans have their say on Chase Claypool trade, Najee Harris, criticism of Mike Tomlin
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The Pittsburgh Steelers got blown out again. They made a trade. Despite being 2-6, head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t making changes to his staff, and the former No. 1 pick running back is struggling and carping about the blocking.
So, yeah, I had plenty of material at my disposal for “U mad, bro?” this week.
In fact, I’m getting to the point where I wish I was scrounging to find some.
Sadly, I don’t think that’s gonna happen for a while.
I made a wise crack in a recent post about the Penguins blowing a lead after playing “Renegade” over the Jumbotron speakers at PPG Paints Arena.
You know, kinda like how the Steelers seem to do a lot these days at Acrisure Stadium.
Scott would like to add his two cents.
Renegade is overplayed
— Scott (@Scott49810695) November 2, 2022
Sadly, Scott, so is a lot of the Steelers defensive depth chart.
MagicCynic122 doesn’t want to talk about the Steelers losing anymore.
“The Steelers (stink), Tim. I think that’s been established without letting it swirl around the mental bowl each day, all day.”
You’re right. Let’s not talk about them anymore.
So, what do you think the Pirates should do this offseason?
That better?
Steve isn’t wild about the Steelers trade of Chase Claypool.
“Claypool for a 2nd round pick? With most teams it wouldn’t sound bad, but we’re trusting the Steelers talent evaluation department of Tomlin, his yes men, and a cap specialist GM to select anyone with that pick to make the trade worthwhile. With their draft butchery, they coulda, shoulda traded for a proven commodity instead, not another spin at the roulette wheel.”
OK, who is that “proven commodity,” exactly? Tell me who the player is, his age, what position he plays, what his contractual situation is, and if the trading team had a need at wide receiver.
Then I’ll tell you if that was a better option than a second-round pick.
More sports
• First Call: Chase Claypool ‘didn’t have the full opportunity to show what I could do this year’; Ron Rivera on William Jackson III
• Mike Tomlin says Steelers made the Chase Claypool trade because of the compensation
• Mark Madden: Can Mike Tomlin look past meaningless games now to prioritize Steelers’ future?
Douglas thinks I don’t criticize Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin enough.
“Is there a rule at the Trib barring you from criticizing Tomlin? Appears you are quite comfortable with personally attacking Canada as if the Steelers problems are limited to the offensive side of the ball. Everyone expects Canada soon to be gone so I assume you are planning your next target. (of course, not Tomlin).
“15 years is enough time for Tomlin to show us what he has. His results beyond the Cowher team Super Bowl victory in year one speaks volumes. But let’s be careful not to speak such truths.”
You’re right, Douglas. I’ve never once criticized Tomlin. Well, except once or twice, here and there.
Now, those links span quite a few years. But if you need a larger sample size, let me know. I’ve got a few more.
I recently posted some quotes from Najee Harris, complaining about not being able to “make his own hole” when it’s not there from the offensive line. This fan doesn’t want to hear it.
Jaylen Warren doesn't have those troubles!
— 5 Cups (@KJBo106) October 31, 2022
I like Jaylen Warren too. Good kid. Nice story. Pretty decent running back. Good find by the Steelers.
But he is also catching screen passes and running draws on second-and-18 down three scores. Let’s not get crazy.
For instance, in Philly last weekend, Warren had 50 yards on six carries against the Eagles, plus three catches for 25 yards. But before we anoint him as the next Le’Veon Bell — or at least Najee Harris’ replacement — let’s look at how some those yards were gathered.
• Warren got 12 yards on a second-and-13 carry.
• He racked up a 10-yard reception on a third-and-19, leading to a punt.
• The Steelers surprised the Eagles with a second-and-16 Warren carry that went for 19 while they were down 35-13 in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Warren had a first-and-10 carry at the start of the fourth quarter and was tackled by Javon Hargrave for a one-yard gain. Later in the quarter, he tried a first-and-10 rush, then a second-and-7 reception with 5:13 left and he got a total of just three yards.
Warren is very useful. He appears to be a good second back. He makes the most of the chances he gets. He eats up the yards he should get and doesn’t dance.
So let’s praise him for succeeding on that level before we assume that output would translate to a back who is going to get 100 yards per game, getting more than four yards per carry, against stacked boxes when the other team is expecting a run when it is 7-7 in the second quarter.
Finally Bill B. didn’t like Mark Madden’s recent “Madden Monday” commentary about Kenny Pickett.
“He never plaid the game. He (was) in concussion treatment. Why print his (garbage)??? The receivers do not know their routes! Period.”
No. Mark never “plaid” the game. You are right about that. So I guess that makes him unfit to point out two touchdowns against eight interceptions isn’t a great start for Pickett.
I’ve also never known Mark to wear plaid.
Hawaiian prints, yes. Plaid, no.