U mad, bro?: Steelers fans pop off about Matt Canada, the Chase Claypool trade, criticism of Najee Harris
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The Steelers took a week off for their bye.
Steelers fans did not. My Twitter feed and inbox are proof of that.
At 2-6, I didn’t expect that they would. Here’s this week’s “U mad, bro?”
A guy named Tim did not appreciate us posting the comments ex-Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones made about new Steeler William Jackson III.
Pac Man Jones is a nobody.
— Tim Shay (@TimShay5) November 4, 2022
OK. But based on what it took for the Steelers to get Jackson (a 2025 conditional sixth-round draft pick), you could probably say the same thing about him.
A guy named Mitch did not like the Chase Claypool trade. I’m pretty sure it isn’t Mitch Trubisky. Pretty sure.
“You should just say what all of us feel; ‘ARE THE COACHES AND MANAGEMENT NUTS?’ Why give up on Claypool as his past and current potential is so great, and picking him in the second round of the draft was totally excellent. Let’s face it, (Mike) Tomlin has lost his football mind and Matt Canada it is obvious must go.”
Well, Mitch, I’m not going to say that because I don’t think that way.
I’m not sure what was so great about Claypool’s past. He never had a 1,000-yard season. He has just three touchdowns over the last two years. And if that potential is so great, I think it would’ve revealed itself much more than it has to this point.
Getting a second-rounder this spring for a guy who probably wouldn’t be on the roster after the 2023 season is actually a very good return. Especially since Claypool was only a second-rounder when he was drafted three years ago.
You may not be entirely wrong about Tomlin and Canada. But dealing Claypool is not evidence of those things.
Bob ripped me for being critical of Steelers running back Najee Harris this week.
“We are all disappointed with the production of the running game but to point out one player and fault him is simply what you do best! The offensive line is worthless and the play calling is atrocious! If they would pass the ball in the flat to Harris instead of the foolish jet sweeps they run 5-6 times a half, that would give him some room to run.. If we had an O line like Baltimore, He would be close to 1,000 yards now and Pickett would not be constantly picking himself off the ground…
Put the blame where it belongs because one guy should not be held accountable for a 2-6 record. You probably think that TJ Watt will take the Steelers to the playoffs. But one man coming off IR isn’t going to change things! 4-13 is the best the fans can hope for. This season is done and Tomlin should use players like Mark Robinson and others to give them NFL experience.
Your opinions should be kept to yourself Benz!”
I took your email to my editors, Bob. I asked them if I should keep my opinions to myself, as you suggest.
They replied that, since I’m employed specifically to give those opinions, I’m more than welcome to keep them to myself. But don’t be surprised if I stopped getting paid.
As a result, I plan on continuing to express them.
Also, I did not hold Harris solely accountable for the 2-6 record as you stated. I said his production was the most disappointing aspect of the team because Harris set a higher bar for himself last year. Unfortunately, he has come woefully short of reaching it in 2022.
As I mentioned in the column, those other issues (bad play calling, poor blocking) aren’t as disappointing to me because I never thought they’d be good in the first place, whereas I think Harris is a talented back who is having a below average season.
I’d encourage you to actually read what was written. Otherwise, maybe it’s you that should keep your opinions to yourself.
PS … I’m under absolutely zero belief that Watt’s return is going to get them to the playoffs. You have nothing to worry about there.
Michael wanted me to write about Pitt’s win over Syracuse.
“When Pitt lost to a bad GT team…you were there to comment. Also…couldn’t resist to mention you thought NC would cover the spread. And they did cover. Another bad loss from an average Pitt team. When that average Pitt team you seem to like to take shots at…beats an overrated Orange team…from which you graduated…crickets? Not even a mention? Allow me! Suck it Benz!!! Pitt 9-1 (in last 10) against a program that is even worse than the one you take pleasure to deride. Ha Ha!!
Sincerely,
All Pitt grads!”
Leave it to a Pitt fan to treat a win over a backup quarterback making his first college start as if it’s some sort of major accomplishment.
Leave it to a Pitt fan to score 17 (offensive) points — as a favorite — against a defense weakened by injuries and treat it like they won the Super Bowl.
I guess by Pitt’s standards, it is.
By the way, I did mention Pitt-Syracuse. On the radio. In advance. When I picked Pitt to win. As I did at BetRivers.com.
A little advice, next time try trash talking me on a day when I didn’t see a result coming and made money off of it. Also, did you just run smack about the Pitt-North Carolina game when I got it…right?
Finally, Larry is fed up with offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
“The Steelers offense has had too many 3-and-outs this season. I have a solution, and it’s a no-brainer. Punt on third down. I’m surprised Canada didn’t figure this out himself.”
I bet he has considered it, Larry. And I’m sure whatever punt he draws up would be designed to come up 3 yards short of the sticks.