“Are you crazy, bro?” This week there are Steelers fans talking about JJ Watt and Maurkice Pouncey. Penguin fans talk about Jim Rutherford. And canceling the culture wants a piece of William Shakespeare.
Sir, what fools these mortals are.
We started with Tony. He hated “Are you crazy, man?”
“All I will say to all your advanced reviews is how about you wait for a season below -500? Or a victory for Cleveland or Cincy SB? Or the Ravens, who I suppose are far superior?
However, in the past 15 years, everyone has had several choices from the top 10 in the draft compared to what, one or two?
We always believe because year goes in and year out WE ALWAYS COMPETE !! And only another team can say that it did better. But that was two decades ago. Not five, like us. So hate us if you want. But check the stupid statistics! Since 1972 NO ONE IS BETTER !!“
So, Tony, let me see if I understand. Do Steelers really have to finish below 0.500 before I can say this is going to happen?
Now, if comparing the Steelers with the Bengals and Browns makes you feel better, go ahead. But I thought “the standard” was a little bit higher than here.
As for the Ravens being “superior” and waiting for them to win a Super Bowl, well, they won one more recently (2012) than the Steelers (2008).
As for your point about the top 10 choices, yes. The Steelers have only had one, Devin Bush (2019), since the 2004 draft. However, the Ravens also had only one – Ronnie Stanley in 2016.
I would also warn you not to boast so much about Steelers’ “five decades” of success. Perhaps you are too young to remember the 1980s? Unfortunately, I’m not. And with just three playoff wins in the past decade – and losing the playoffs four times – I wouldn’t exactly say that the past ten years have also qualified for excellence.
But, hey, what do I know? I’m just an idiot checking the statistics.
Local Hero on Twitter has some thoughts on Steelers’ newly retired Maurkice Pouncey and whether he should be in the Hall of Fame.
No rings. Without HOF.
– Local hero (@HofSpillane) February 12, 2021
So I suppose we have to get Dermontti Dawson out of the Hall of Fame too, huh? And, like, Anthony Munoz. And John Hannah. And Dan Marino. Barry Sanders. Jim Kelly …
Look, I understand. As I wrote this week, failing to win a Super Bowl (or even playing in one) undermines a Hall of Fame bid. Certainly. Especially in a market like Pittsburgh, where everyone is judged by Super Bowl victories.
But winning a ring cannot be a universal qualification for induction. Especially in the central position. That seems silly to me.
Larry emails with some anguish about all those rumors about the Steelers and JJ Watt.
“The Steelers already have a $ 5 million failure with the surname Watt. An edge rusher is well below the Steelers priority list. Releasing Ben would be like a kick in the teeth, but what is best for the Steelers’ long-term success. I would be surprised if they were better than 8-8 next year. There will be a few lean years before the next Lombardi Trophy. Mason Rudolph can succeed with a racing game.“
First of all, Larry, based on his recent Instagram post, it is clear to me that Mason Rudolph’s life is already very “successful”.
Well played, Mason.
Second, I suppose you are referring to Derek and not TJ Watt, correct? This is a little tough. Not the “fake” part. The $ 5 million. It’s more like $ 3.8 million, but I get it.
As for everything else you wrote, yes, I am with you. Sing it! If Roethlisberger played in any position other than a quarterback, he would be dismissed. And at the beginning of the season, I wonder if we are going to consider 8-8 as crooked optimism.
Russ also has some ideas about the Steelers’ possible signing of Watt.
I don’t understand this passion for JJ. He’s 31 now. He has only played 2 full seasons in the past 5 years. He played 1/2 season in 2019 with only 4 sacks. He played a full season last season with just 5 sacks. JJ Watt is getting older, passing its peak and declining. Let the Browns have it.
– g8udak8 (@ g8udak8) February 17, 2021
I agree on many points here, Russ. That said, I’m looking forward to your “Are you crazy, bro?” email about how Steelers should have signed Watt when he inevitably has two sacks and a forced fumble against Roethlisberger when the teams play for the first time during the 2021 season.
Do not worry. I assure you that I will send my own similar tweets.
Let’s squeeze a thought from Bryan about Jim Rutherford’s decision to abandon the ship in the Penguins.
“I suspect he knows that the team’s trajectory is descending. The penalties will be, at best, the average, until a complete reconstruction is carried out. With an empty closet in the smaller ones, aging superstars at the big club and a potentially gloomy future in the playoffs, I don’t blame you for leaving while the memories of your two Stanley cups are still fresh in the minds of Pittsburgh fans. I remember how quickly they turned on Craig Patrick and Ray Shero.“
Penguin fans celebrating someone after achieving Stanley Cup success, only to turn against them when times get tough and enjoy them more when they’re gone? No! That would never happen.
What is that? Oh. A hand is raised on the back. Yes, Mr. Fleury, would you like to add something to the conversation?
Finally, here’s one that drove me crazy. Apparently, 400 years after his death, we have just determined that William Shakespeare is not culturally progressive enough. Therefore, some educators are taking the responsibility to “cancel it”.
William Shakespeare abandoned by awake teachers because of ‘misogyny, racism’ https://t.co/4HbFeIm1Z5 pic.twitter.com/oCq0G7CSp5
– New York Post (@nypost) February 16, 2021
Don’t worry, Bill. “The fool thinks he is wise.” All I have to say to them is that they “talk endlessly about nothing”.
Tim Benz is an editor on the Tribune-Review team. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via Twitter. All tweets can be posted again. All emails are subject to publication, unless otherwise specified.
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Sports | Steelers / NFL | Breakfast with Benz