Steelers vs. Chiefs: Tomlin Tuesday

The Steelers are heading into their final home stand of the season with the hopes of a playoff berth, particularly after securing a victory this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin took to the podium for his usual Tuesday presser to review the previous win over the Atlanta Falcons, update the injury statuses, preview the upcoming game and answer questions.

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Tomlin began the press conference to acknowledge the presence of Steeler Nation that was clearly a force inside the Georgia Dome. He noted that the team felt supported by fans down in Atlanta from the hotel to inside the dome.

While the Steelers did settle for early field goals again and Le’Veon Bell was limited to 47 rushing yards, Tomlin still had positives to gain from the win from the offensive side of the ball.

"“I thought we moved the ball effectively and efficiently. We’ve got to run it better. We’d like to run it better. We did run the ball effectively situationally in spite of our overall struggles.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin noted the third down conversions and touchdowns Bell gained allowed the play-action pass that ultimately set up the ability to convert the final third down to secure the victory.

While the Steelers have had their noted troubles in the red zone this season, they’ll have their work cut out for them this Sunday with the Chiefs, who rank No. 1 in the NFL in red zone defense.

Tomlin updated the injury statuses, and luckily the Steelers are mostly healthy going into the playoff push. Tight end Matt Spaeth hyperextended his elbow in the Falcons game and will be watched and wear a brace this week in practice. Safety Mike Mitchell strained his groin during the game but was able to return to action. He will be monitored this week in practice as well. Some players can be available to return this week including James Harrison, Marcus Gilbert and Ike Taylor.

As the Steelers look towards the Kansas City Chiefs, a team who is also looking to secure a playoff spot, Tomlin reminds that the Steelers have faced playoff-contending teams four weeks straight since returning from their bye week. He explained that he’s not looking into playoff scenarios or what might happen down the line.

"“We don’t need to look outside our stadium. Our challenges are inside our stadium. For the fourth straight week we are facing a team vying in the playoff hunt. This is a big game for us. This is a big game for them. We’re going to prepare with that in mind.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin explained the challenges the Steelers face this week going up against the Kansas City Chiefs defense, calling their pass rushing group “elite.”

"“Considering what’s going on at right tackle, we’ve had Mike Adams in there, we’ve got Marcus Gilbert coming back, and we’ve got a lot of concerns with blocking those guys.” – Mike Tomlin"

He also acknowledged how the Chiefs’ offense will pose a threat.

"“Jamaal Charles is a dangerous man in the backfield. We’ve got to work to minimize his efforts in the backfield.” – Mike Tomlin"

When answering questions, Tomlin was asked about his opinion on the controversial roughing the passer call that went against LB Jason Worilds in the Falcons game. Tomlin didn’t take the bait to voice complaints about the league or questionable calls and explained that he’s too concerned with the Chiefs to even look for a possible letter from the league office, citing the call was incorrect. He said that he hadn’t received any such letter yet but that he wasn’t looking for one either.

"“Those calls are being made every weekend in every stadium in today’s NFL. You can waste a lot of time crying about it. I want to play within the rules; our group wants to play within the rules because when we do it increases our chances of winning. When we wear negativity and not move past plays like that it hampers our effort so that’s all you’re ever going to get from me regardless of my opinion regarding those plays.” – Mike Tomlin"

When Tomlin was asked about what mindset the team is in going into the final two games knowing that they control their own playoff destiny, so to speak, Tomlin put it very plainly.

"“We’ve been in control of our own destiny the whole way.” – Mike Tomlin"

Obviously Count = 13

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

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!