Steelers vs. Browns: Tomlin Tuesday

The Steelers are coming off of an exciting home win over the Oakland Raiders that unfortunately included an injury to Ben Roethlisberger. Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media in his usual Tuesday spot to hopefully bring some positive news on the injury front.

Tomlin reviewed the previous game, updated injury statuses, previewed the upcoming game and answered questions. Tomlin began the presser with a quick review of the 38-35 win over the Raiders.

"“Like I said after the game, it wasn’t a perfect performance by any stretch, but we got great contributions from a lot of people in all three phases, some positivity to build upon, and some negativity to correct. But we finished. That was important for us, collectively as a football tame, to win a tough battle. We will move forward this week, hopefully better from that experience.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin noted the positive contributions to the win on Sunday included the ability to run and throw the ball on offense which was obvious by a glance at the stat line for Antonio Brown and DeAngelo Williams. He did acknowledge that there were some missed opportunities in the form of dropped passes by wide receivers like Martavis Bryant and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

The turnover on special teams put the Steelers in a tough position late in the game but the defense was able to take the ball away at critical times as well. Also, the Steelers defense gave up 301 passing yards to Derek Carr and 139 rushing yards to the Raiders offense.

"“On defense, I thought we fell short in a few areas. I thought we needed to sure up some run gaps. From a coverage standpoint, we dropped a few things. But largely, from a positive perspective, I thought we were extremely physical. Physical up front, at linebacker and in the secondary, and I thought that physicality aided in our efforts.” – Mike Tomlin"

As far as injuries are concerned, Tomlin gave some good news about the status of Roethlisberger. He stated that Ben is continuing to be evaluated and they will leave the door “ajar” for him to potentially play on Sunday against the Browns. Certainly not what you would have expected after seeing him go down awkwardly on that left foot.

Matt Spaeth is already ruled out with inflammation in his knee and linebacker Terence Garvin is also out with a knee injury. Tomlin explained that there are some player who will miss the first part of the practice week with mild injuries.

"“We have some guys that could miss some time at the early portions of the week that could really affect their preparation, which could ultimately affect their play. Ryan Shazier has swelling on his knee. DeAngelo Williams has some inflammation in the middle of his foot. He is probably going to miss tomorrow’s work. James Harrison has a right knee swell. We are going to watch those guys and watch them closely.” – Mike Tomlin"

About facing the Cleveland Browns this week Tomlin explained that the team is preparing to face Josh McCown at quarterback, which is aligned with what Browns coach Mike Pettine said in his presser. They’ll prepare for the chance that Johnny Manziel could be their starter of McCown is out.

This is typically the spot in the presser where Tomlin describes the opposition as if the offense is the Greatest Show on Turf and the defense is the ’85 Bears. No one really wants to hear the Browns described that favorably so we can skip that part.

Sunday marked the debut for newly signed return-man Jacoby Jones but his signing didn’t immediately yield positive returns; pun intended. Tomlin was asked to discuss his special teams return blockers.

"“We’re always focused on every element of the equation. Like on offense, we talk about the protection of the football, it’s an 11-man job. The same can be said for the return game. Production on the return game is an 11-man job. The man who is returning the ball gets a lot of attention, but those who block for him are obviously a critical element of success, or lack thereof. So, the answer of your question is both. We’re excited about having Jacoby and getting the type of detail that’s going to allow him to be successful, but we’re also excited about continuing to grow with the core group of guys we have that block and open holes for him in the return game.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin was asked to describe the play last week were Mike Mitchell returned a fumble but stepped out of bounds, negating a touchdown return.

"“It was a bang-bang play. Obviously, you would like them to reestablish themselves. But, hindsight is great, it’s perfect. In those instances, I thought he worked the most exciting element of the play was the number of guys we had in the frame. I mentioned the physicality of our play, but I think the hustle was a very positive thing as well. That was a ball in the flat on third down and eight or nine, but we had six or seven guys in frame as he recovered that ball. That’s the type of defense we have to play.” – Mike Tomlin"

They asked Tomlin what he wants to see out of Landry Jones this week and his answer was simple and the same thing the rest of us want out of him.

"“I want to see him win.” – Mike Tomlin"

Bring on the Browns!

Next: DeAngelo Williams could be key

Obviously Count = 15

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

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!