What are the most annoying narratives from Steelers fans?

I have long believed that the Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most passionate fan bases, being that they have arguably the largest fan base in the NFL.

As is such with every fan base, Steelers Nation has a certain little sector that must to subscribe to a random narrative week-to-week. They simply cannot live without finding a scapegoat, or entertaining themselves with ridiculous notions regarding coaches or player personnel.

There are several reasons narratives which rear their ugly heads, especially in the middle of a losing streak like the Steelers experienced earlier this season.

Do people need someone to blame to feel better in their venting?

Maybe.

Do they need to throw out sweeping generalizations to cope with losses?

Maybe.

Do they need blurt out random football speak after scoping out a Madden playbook?

Maybe.

To ring in this holiday season, may I present some of the most annoying narratives from Steelers fans…

Moving Ryan Shazier to safety

LOL!!! This one has been around since Shazier was drafted. I can only laugh, and I mean really laugh when I see people toss this one out there.

Shazier is a rising star at middle linebacker and has appeared to shake the injury bug that plagued him early on in his career. He was drafted for his blazing speed, and to be able to make plays sideline-to-sideline.

Shazier has proved he can make every play on the field, and from any linebacker spot.

To suggest moving him to a position he has never played in his life, and taking him out of a position where he can make more plays, is absolutely asinine.

Sure, his injuries early on were frustrating, but a position switch rarely happens, and certainly will never happen with a linebacker of Shazier’s caliber.

What’s next? Martavis Bryant to cornerback in 2017?

Get a grip!

Arguing between a 3-4 and a 4-3

This one is simple… almost too easy to explain… which makes it more annoying when fans argue over which “base defense” is better.

First off, nobody on social media knows more than a coaching staff about their own personnel, so when people pretend they are professional scouts regarding “who fits better where”, it’s comical.

Secondly, and more importantly, defenses are now in sub-packages 75% of the time or more.

Translation?

It doesn’t matter if Pittsburgh plays a 3-4 or a 4-3 20% of the time. What’s more important is who fits in the nickel and dime packages.

Why this debate continues to be around amazes me.

Fire Mike Tomlin

Simply not going to happen; for a few reasons.

Tomlin, although he has his shortcomings at times, is largely successful compared to his peers.

He has never had a losing season.

In 2015, he coached the Steelers to the playoffs with half the team injured, and they came within a fumble of the AFC title game.

I’m not saying losses aren’t frustrating, especially to teams they “should beat.” But the simple fact is, the Steelers pride themselves on stability. They don’t succumb to knee-jerk reactions, and have only had three coaches since the merger.

To think this will change overnight is crazy. A coaching carousel is never the way to go.

If you find yourself continually being mad at Tomlin, just remember Bill Cowherand even the great Chuck Noll, had several tough seasons too.

If you’re going to be irrational, at least do it fairly!


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