Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets: Tomlin Tuesday

The Pittsburgh Steelers are riding high on a 3-game win streak and are about to head off to New York to face the 1-8 Jets in what they hope won’t be a “trap game”. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon to review the win over Baltimore, update the injury statuses, preview the upcoming matchup, and answer questions.

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There wasn’t a whole lot not to love about the Steelers win over the Ravens on Sunday night. The crowd seemed electric before kickoff, but, as Tomlin noted, the team gave up an early score and had some difficulties getting going early on. He also noted that neither team was successful in running the ball, but that is typical of these Steelers vs. Ravens matchups.

One thing Tomlin expressed extreme displeasure for was the 108-yard kickoff return touchdown the Steelers special teams gave up to Jacoby Jones. He was particularly upset with the team “dancing” on the field to the stadium’s music before the ball was kicked.

"“We gave up a 108-yard kickoff return which was ridiculous. Guys dancing around before the ball was kicked and then get one run back on them is unacceptable. You won’t see our kickoff team dancing anymore before we kick the ball off. The music’s playing and the bottom line is we looked ill-prepared, and that’s unacceptable.” – Mike Tomlin"

The injury situation is a bit more significant, but expected I suppose for this time of the season. Troy Polamalu is already categorized as “Out” for this Sunday with a knee sprain. Ryan Shazier will also miss the Jets game due to an ankle sprain. Also joining them on the sidelines will be Shamarko Thomas, who injured the opposite hamstring from the injury he just recently came back from. At this point, Ross Ventrone is “questionable” with his own hamstring injury but I’d expect his participation to increase this week to help supplement the thin secondary.

Tomlin praised the contributions of Brice McCain and Antwon Blake in the Steelers secondary. He also praised the efforts of veteran Will Allen.

When discussing the Jets he noted that the team is last in the league in turnover ratio.

"“Most telling stat for Jets is they are last in league in turnover ratio. Their play does not reflect their record.” – Mike Tomlin"

There’s a lot to be said about the Steelers having to face back-to-back “tough” opponents in Indy and Baltimore and then making sure they don’t “play down” to the 1-8 Jets. Tomlin explained that the will rely on his veteran players to convey the message to the rest of the team how important it is to not take any opponents lightly.

"“Anybody that’s played any time in the NFL knows that when you step in the stadium, anyone can win. There are no homecoming games. There are no 1-AA opponents in the NFL.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin was asked to describe what the contributions of Ben Roethlisberger has meant to the team and if his record-breaking last two games have come as a surprise and also if the offensive strategy has changed to allow him to throw the ball more given the current hot-streak he seems to be on.

"“Really there was no change. Like I said I don’t know that our personality changed more that the quality of our execution did. I’m not discounting what he (Ben) is doing right now. What he’s doing is Ben-like. He’s capable of heating up and going through stretches like this.” – Mike Tomlin"

It seems as though the theme of this week for the Steelers is to stay disciplined and not let their guards down going into New York. Wise words considering the fact that Tomlin has led the Steelers to 9 losses against teams with sub .500 records since he took over in 2007.

His “Tomlinism” this week came when he was asked about his concerns about punter Brad Wing and his abilities on holding the snap for extra points and field goals. Wing botched the second hold of the season on Sunday night, but was able to convert it into a 2-point conversion as opposed to a failed extra point attempt. Tomlin praised Wing’s efforts of turning that botched snap into a score based on how they practice scenarios such as those during the week and that he had made “chicken salad” out of the situation. So there’s that. Botched extra point turning into a two-point conversion = chicken salad. Good to know.

Obviously Count = 25

You can listen to Tomlin’s entire presser right here.

On to the Jets!

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!