Steelers vs. Falcons: Tomlin Tuesday

The Pittsburgh Steelers are fresh off of an AFC North road victory and have put themselves into a position to win out and win the division. Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin took to the podium for his usual Tuesday presser to go over the previous game, update the injury statuses, preview the upcoming game and answer questions.

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He obviously had mostly positive things to say about the Steelers 42-21 victory, particularly the offensive performance.

"“We had a balanced offense. We were able to run it. We were able to throw it. We maintained possession of the football. We didn’t turn the football over, and that’s the critical ingredient for us to be successful.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin did mention the big plays the Steelers defense has been giving up on an unfortunately regular basis and said it’s something they’ll continue to address and work on minimizing each week.

"“Obviously we gave up two big plays and that continues to be something that’s a thorn in our side.” – Mike Tomlin"

No one has been ruled “out” of the Falcons game yet as Tomlin explained the injury situation to be a wait-and-see approach to guys like James Harrison, who is nursing a knee injury, Ike Taylor, who left the game with a shoulder and forearm injury, and Marcus Gilbert, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury. He also noted that the returns of Jarvis Jones and Steve McLendon had no adverse effects on their previous injuries.

When approaching the game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Steelers are faced yet again with a sub .500 team, and a NFC South team, where they’ve struggled to beat opponents this season. Tomlin explained that the Steelers are approaching the game with the mentality that they’re facing a division leading team.

"“They’re a 5-8 team but they do lead their division. They’re producing turnovers in bunches. The turnover game is going to be big in this football game.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin also lauded the work of Falcons players like Kroy Biermann on the defense and Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Roddy White on the offense. Tomlin also pretty much alluded to the fact that the team is going to consciously stay away from kicking to Devin Hester.

Tomlin was asked about the team’s propensity to give up big plays. The Steelers defense has given up 15 pass plays of at least 40 yards or more so far this season. Last week they were burned on an 81-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green. They’ve given up big plays to the likes of Kenny Stills and Nate Washington this season as well.

"“We shouldn’t be surprised that these guys are capable of getting deep but we have to do our jobs to minimize them.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin would not commit to saying if Ike Taylor would start if he was healthy this weekend. He explained that Taylor was tasked with the assignment of covering Green due to the fact that he was most familiar with Green. Taylor clearly failed at the assignment and was taken out of the game for his “injury.” I would be inclined to think that Taylor stays on the sidelines unless absolutely necessary on Sunday.

Coach Tomlin took the time to credit rookie Stephon Tuitt with his contributions for his first career NFL start.

"“I thought he was a positive contributor to our efforts. We had a recent misfortune in terms of Brett Keisel’s injury and that provided an opportunity for an expanded role and increased contribution for guys such as Tuitt. He took advantage of it and was a positive contributor to our effort. We expect that and he expects that.” – Mike Tomlin"

Naturally, Tomlin gave plenty of credit to the “big three” of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell but also made sure to praise the offensive line for their work on Sunday for a performance that didn’t let Ben get sacked and gave Bell a 7.1 yards per carry average.

"“Those guys, physically and mentally, are in the primes of their careers. A lot of three, four, five-year guys who have grown and grown up together. We expect those guys to be key components of our attack offensively, and key components of our football team in terms of being reasons why we’re successful. They embrace that. Guys like Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro are some of the best at what they do, and we expect good, consistent, above the line performance from them and that group.” – Mike Tomlin"

From here on out Tomlin explained that the goals are simple, protect the football and win situational football.

"“Our goal in every game is to win situational football and protect the football. If we do that, the scoreboard will be our story-teller.” – Mike Tomlin"

Obviously Count = 18

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

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!

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