With his eye infection growing stronger by the hour, NBC’s indefatigable Bob Costas finally succumbed to the creeping grossness, passing off Olympic hosting duties to Today’s Matt Lauer. And Lauer won’t just be keeping the seat warm for a few hours. According to NBC Sports, “Bob Costas says his eyes are still tearing up,” so he’ll be out of commission for at least one more night.

How did NBC viewers react to Lauer’s battlefield promotion? To the Rage-o-Meter!

Why are we angry? Lauer’s stubbly visage is not a popular look.

That beard makes Matt Lauer look like he's given up. -- patrick (@beardtalk) February 12, 2014

Or to put it another way:

Wait, is that Matt Lauer or one of those stray #Sochi2014 dogs? -- ⚓ Dave S ⚓ (@amish1979) February 12, 2014

He also does weird things with his lower body, apparently:

@irishchick @BobCostasEyes yes! It made me so uncomfortable!! Although the weird angles of Matt Lauer crossing his legs isn't much better! -- Kate (@K80_L) February 12, 2014

At least Lauer’s presence allowed some loyal viewers to appreciate the Olympics’ usual whipping boy:

Blind Bob Costas > Healthy Matt Lauer #Sochi2014 -- Say what? (@yep_overheard) February 12, 2014

Then again, maybe not:

If there's anyone I dislike more than Bob Costas.....it's Matt Lauer. #Olympics — Lindsay (@themrsLindsayB) February 12, 2014

How angry are we? Everyone on Twitter apparently blames Lauer for Ann Curry’s firing from Today. It should be noted, though, that Lauer-induced rage wasn’t universal.

Agreed - he's a pro. RT @BastardMachine: It will probably go unnoticed, but nice job by Matt Lauer filling in tonight at the #Olympics. — Susan Haley (@SusanHaley14) February 12, 2014

Hey, who asked you!

How angry should we be? Not angry in the slightest. Lauer seemed well-prepared and pronounced difficult names correctly. No complaints here, and you shouldn’t be complaining either, jerks.

Rage-o-Meter Score: We’ll turn the flame up a notch from a meager two to a warmish three. Getting a little toasty, eh, Peacock?

Previous Rage-o-Meter entries:

Monday, Feb. 10: Butchering the opening ceremony.

Tuesday, Feb. 11: NBC’s snowboarding coverage is terrible. We want more of it!

Read the rest of Slate’s coverage of the Sochi Olympics.