Patriots (current thoughts)

I have allowed some of the negativity to wash over me after the Steelers’ loss on TNF (Dec 7). I have listened to some of my daily/weekly podcasts. I have reviewed some articles that (mostly) report the facts. I have read the expected analysis from those that are “trusted” in the community (Steelers analysts). It is was it is. It is exactly as expected and usual for the Steeler Nation. One podcast in particular that I am very fond of on the Steel Curtain Network said that this week reminded him of a song by Aerosmith with the lyrics “Same old story, same old song and dance…” I like this reference, but not in reference to the Steelers, but in reference to the Steelers fanbase, analysts, reactions, X feed, and national media. The narrative of the Steelers, both winning and losing (and particularly when they lose) is the same. The same “culprits” are pointed at post game. The same criticisms and critiques are there. The same “low hanging fruit” is picked by content creators, ESPN, NFL network etc. Currently, the blame is pointed at the head coach, the offense, the play calling, the “effort,” the organization, and the owners. This blame is pointed and thrown out of anger, malice, disappointment, and embarrassment. The truth is, none of it matters. No fan, “analyst,” blogger parading as a beat writer, internet and twitter troll posing as journalist, pundit, or podcast host has any power, true knowledge, or legitimate “beef” with the Steelers. The beef is faux. For most of us, waking up today sucked; however, wake up we did. And most of us will go to work, interact with our families and friends, put gas in our cars, plug in our electric cars, make dinner for our kids, exercise, and all the other things we do, day in and day out. The Steelers losing last night does not change that I had to go see patients as a doctor today. None of my patients brought the game up, because them losing doesn’t truly “matter.” Yes, I am sad they lost. I am frustrated that they lost. Nevertheless, I am hopeful and excited about the next time I get to watch them play. I am excited to root for Jacksonville, New York, Cincinnati this weekend to put the Steeles back in the “playoff 7.” I am excited for the team to fix mistakes and get better. Dwelling on the negativity and acting as if their decisions, planning, play calling, personnel adjustments, or film study is impacted by my frustration and sadness is pointless and useless; because they do not.

I will quickly try to provide some perspective on a few of the more prominent current thoughts:

1. Tomlin should be fired and he is “owned” by Belicheck.

   1. Belichick is 7-3 against John Harbaugh

   2. Belichick is 6-3 against Any Reid

   3. I will provide a longer list and record of all current coaches in the NFL against “the hoodie.”

   4. Firing Tomlin for having his team, minus its franchise QB, minus its 2 starting ILB, minus his all pro safety for 4 games, minus his all pro DL for 6 games at 7-6 and in the playoff hunt is absurd.

   5. Belichick owns everyone, not just Tomlin.

2. The QB stinks.

   1. When comparing ANY QB to the future hall of fame QB Ben Roethlisberger is folly. Our fanbase perspective is misguided. Big Ben was a generational QB and talent. One of him doesn’t just show up in the draft each year someone needs a QB. I will be doing a deep dive on optimism about Kenny Pickett later this week along with notes/further breakdown under “Extended Analysis.”

3. The Message is stale.

   1. A recent poll just asked what coach NFL players would want to play for and the overwhelming results were that players WANT to play for Mike Tomlin. The players in the locker room and across the league WANT to play for Mike Tomlin.

   2. The social media and news media landscape making this claim are ignorant. Ignorant to what NFL players want, need, and succeed under.

There are many more current “complaints” in the fanbase. For one minute I ask you to forget that the Steelers lost to 2-10 teams. Remind yourself that the Steelers lost to NFL teams. They have also beat NFL teams this season and have a winning record. They are still very much in a position to make the playoffs with wins. You as a Steeler fan have a choice:

1. You can remain angry. Throw a fit. Threaten the players on social media. Soak up Mark Madden and DK Pittsburgh sports garbage. Tweet “fire tomlin.” Give up.

2. You can believe in them. Believe in your team. Hope they take the next 9 days to improve and beat Indianapolis next Saturday. Root for them.

This choice is all you can control.

The Steelers are my team. They are my team that I root for with my dad. I choose option 2.