Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets: Coordinator’s Comments
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a three game winning streak and are tied for first place in the AFC North with the Cleveland Browns. For the first time in three weeks the Steelers will play on the road in New Jersey to take on the 1-8 New York Jets. On Tuesday Mike Tomlin gave his weekly press conference, in which he commented on the matchup with the Ravens, injuries, and he said obviously 25 times. NPC’s Kim Myers gave an overview of the presser in Tomlin Tuesday. On Thursday both Dick LeBeau and Todd Haley gave quick interviews about how their unit is looking and what they expect come Sunday.
After scoring 124 points over the past three weeks, Todd Haley faced numerous questions about how the Steelers offense has been so good and whether or not there is a potential to be even better. The first question asked to Haley focused on his play calling and if he feels like he can dial-up anything he wants. Haley jokingly said he feels a lot smarter. He then added that it’s about execution and when Ben Roethlisberger is playing at a high level, along with the wide receivers, offensive line, and running backs it means that good results will happen. He also credited confidence as a reason for the recent success.
Haley was then asked about Martavis Bryant, who since he was inserted in the lineup the Steelers have been averaging 40 points per game. Haley said that Bryant has been a factor in that and whenever his number has been called he has made plays. He also credited the entire wide receiving corps saying that something good is happening at that position.
Haley was asked about Rex Ryan’s defense compared to other defenses they have already faced this year.
"“There are a lot of similarities. You see a lot of carryover, especially from Baltimore, where there is still a lot of similarities you see from when he was there or in Indianapolis, where you see character traits that are similar. You see coaches that have been together and have similar coaching philosophies. His defenses are always unique. He is always going to have something different for you. It’s never going to be easy. There is always going to be a lot of preparation involved because there is going to be a number of different personnel groups and looks that you are going to see.” -Haley on Rex."
Finally Haley was asked whether the offense has only scratched the surface. Haley said that while the offense has done some great things in recent weeks but they have left some plays out on the field. He mentioned the fact that the Steelers did not run the ball well last week and that they started slowly. Haley did say that the past few weeks should give the offense confidence and if they keep working hard more good performances should follow.
With Troy Polamalu missing his first game since 2012, Dick LeBeau was asked about Will Allen replacing him on Sunday.
"Will has played a lot of good football for us in the past and we’re very confident that he’ll do a good job for us. We’ll miss Troy. He’s a great player but throughout the league and every city they’re going to have games where they will have to go without some of their people and we’re just without Troy this week.” -LeBeau"
LeBeau also added that you cannot have enough good football players on the roster because eventually players like Will Allen will be called upon to play a significant number of snaps at some point during the season. He said that Will Allen has done a good job everywhere he’s been because his a pro.
The next topic was James Harrison, which immediately brought a smile to LeBeau’s face. He said that James never ceases to amaze him and he has played great football. LeBeau said that with Harrison contributing to the pass rush, that it feels like old times.
The Jets have the third ranked rushing game based on yards per game. LeBeau said that they have three excellent running backs and with their quarterbacks having the ability to run the ball which makes them hard to stop. He added that the Steelers defense has to play well to contain them.
Finally LeBeau was asked about facing Michael Vick. LeBeau mentioned that while Vick may not be as fast as he once was he is still “pretty damn fast.” LeBeau said that he still as the arm to flick a ball 45 yards downfield and put it wherever he wants to. He also mentioned that both he and Geno Smith are great scramblers that can lead to extra downs. LeBeau then said that the Jets have tremendous skill players around the quarterbacks and had it not been for the Jets terrible turnover margin (-15, last in the NFL) that they Jets would not only have a better record than 1-8 but they would actually have a winning record. He said the Steelers would have to play well to win.
You can listen to both Haley’s and LeBeau’s interviews right here.