Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts: Tomlin Tuesday

The Pittsburgh Steelers begin their short week to face off against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday fresh off of their Monday Night Football win over the Houston Texans. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was in his usual Tuesday spot to review the previous game, update injury statuses, preview the upcoming matchup and answer questions.

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Tomlin began by reviewing Monday night’s win over the Texans by saying that it was a good team win by all three phases.

"“It was a great game…loved the atmosphere at Heinz Field and our fans were great.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin also mentioned the performance wasn’t perfect, obviously, but there were some things the team can build on and need to go into this short week with the Colts coming to town with the same intensity as they prepared this past week.

"“We better prepare for this upcoming game with an edge.” – Mike Tomlin"

On the injury front, there is mostly good news. Marcus Gilbert suffered a concussion in the game and will have to go through the NFL’s mandatory protocol for concussions in order to return to action. Mike Tomlin said that he doesn’t anticipate anyone else missing time this week due to anything sustained Monday night. He did say that Mike Adams did an “admirable” job filling in for Gilbert. He also noted that there are some players that could be looking at a return to action this week. Shamarko Thomas and Ryan Shazier were limited last week in practice but held out of Monday night’s game. Tomlin said that both are close to returning and their participation in practice this week will dictate things like whether players like Ross Ventrone, who’s been making some solid special teams plays, will get more opportunities to dress.

Tomlin did not mention whether or not Steve McLendon will be returning, and he wasn’t questioned on him either so he’s definitely a name to keep a look out for when practice begins this week. I don’t think anyone would argue that the team can use more Daniel McCullers over Cam Thomas, so hopefully a return of Steve McLendon wouldn’t limit more opportunities for McCullers.

As far as the Indianapolis Colts go, the Steelers have their work cut out for them this week preparing on a short week to go up against a team that is on a five-game winning streak.

"“Big challenge because of the short week and the opponent. They’re a rock solid group from top to bottom and winners of five straight.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin also acknowledged the challenges the Steelers will face when going up against the Colts’ defense, and provided a Tomlinism while he was at it. In response to the defense racking up 21 sacks over the first seven games he said that the Colts defense was playing “with their ears pinned back.”

Tomlin responded to questions on who called the trick play where Antonio Brown threw a touchdown pass to Lance Moore and explained that he’ll take responsibility for all play calls. He wouldn’t go any further and said that what goes on with the team on the sidelines wasn’t pertinent to be discussed. When he was asked what was the idea behind it, since they’ve had so much trouble in the red zone, he responded quite frankly.

"“The idea was to score.” – Mike Tomlin"

In my opinion, there is an enormous amount of time spent dissecting the Steelers play calling and deciphering who called what for the purpose of laying blame or praise anywhere. Tomlin is absolutely right, as the head coach he has the ultimate responsibility for all the plays called so there is already a ridiculous amount of energy wasted to figure out who calls what plays. I get that the team has struggled in the red zone so it’s worth figuring out what the problems were with the plays and personnel but that doesn’t mean that when one play works, you find out who specifically called it so you can give them and only them credit for it or the other way around when it doesn’t work. The entire team is out there executing or not executing those plays so the entire team is entirely on Tomlin.

On Antonio Brown’s touchdown that was called out Tomlin said he didn’t think that there was enough evidence to overturn the ruling on the field, which was a touchdown. Typically, that’s what’s supposed to happen, if there isn’t indisputable evidence to overturn, the ruling on the field should stand and that’s what everyone was expecting to happen with that play but, that’s what you get sometimes in the NFL.

In response to the kick return game Tomlin acknowledged that it’s been a weakness for the team.

"“It hasn’t been great. We have to get better at it.” – Mike Tomlin"

The team didn’t get the ball past the 20 yard line in the return game on Monday night.

It was a relatively quick presser as compared to his previous ones. You can listen to his entire press conference right here.

Obviously count = 20

Onto the Colts!

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!

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