Steelers vs. Bengals: Wild Card Tomlin Tuesday

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin addresses the media ahead of Saturday’s Wild Card showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Steelers lived to fight another day and their reward is a showdown in Cincinnati with the Bengals. Coach Tomlin addressed the media on Tuesday to review the previous game, update the injury statuses, preview the upcoming game and answer questions.

Tomlin started off the presser by stating how excited the team is to be in the position to play in the post season.

"“Excited to be in the playoff field. Humbled by the opportunity. Not Powerball excited like we won the lottery.” – Mike Tomlin"

First order of business was to update the status of running back DeAngelo Williams, who left Sunday’s 28-12 win over the Cleveland Browns with an injury to his right foot.

"“DeAngelo is being evaluated and getting treatment. He can be characterized as day-to-day. I don’t know what is availability will be. We’ll let his practice participation be our guide. We’ll have daily discussions and planning regarding that. It’s appropriate to build our plan around Fitz and Todman. We’ll challenge those guys to have a big week and deliver for us the way others have when injuries struck.” – Mike Tomlin"

It was reported Monday night that Williams’ MRI revealed no structural damage and Tomlin clarified that he’s actually dealing with a foot injury rather than an ankle injury as everyone assumed. The likelihood he’s ready for Saturday night, however, remains up in the air as the team won’t hit the practice field until Wednesday.

The Steelers will not bring in a veteran running back this week like they did last year when Le’Veon Bell was injured for the Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens and the team signed Ben Tate. Tomlin explained that they’ll prepare with Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman this week.

About the Bengals it’s tough to go over them in detail again when this will be the third meeting between the teams this year. The big difference will be the players involved. The Bengals will likely go with A.J. McCarron at quarterback with Andy Dalton still sidelined with an injured thumb.

Tomlin explained that from what he’s seen of the team, the approach won’t be much different in preparing for McCarron over Dalton.

"“I think the number one thing he has proven is he is capable of calling and executing their offense. I see very little schematic difference in how they are attacking people whether he is in there or Andy is in there. It’s probably a compliment not only to him and his preparation, his ability to learn and prepare on a limited number of snaps, but also to their coaching staff. They are showing a similar personality. They have some package things they do week in and week out that you have to be prepared for. It might be a little more of that in recent weeks. Largely the things they are asking A.J. to do are no different than the things they ask Andy to do.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin was asked about Ben Roethlisberger’s ball security as he’s thrown seven interceptions in the last four games of the season.

"“We have to do a better job, he has to do a better job of safe guarding the ball. We have been in some situations where guys have made some plays as well. I don’t want to take anything away from them. As we get into January football the turnover ratio is big, especially when you are playing somebody the quality of the Bengals. Whatever the issues may be, we better work to minimize them this week.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin was asked about Martavis Bryant, who was noticeably absent after a Roethlisberger interception that was intended for him in the Browns game and he explained that Bryant had a minor injury that kept him out of the remainder of the game and he looks forward to them all working towards getting back this week.

Tomlin explained the atmosphere of the team, both on offense and defense, is one where one single guy isn’t looking to take credit as long as the whole team achieves the goal.

"“I feel comfortable that we’ve got a group of guys who it doesn’t matter who makes the plays.” – Mike Tomlin"

When Tomlin was asked if he felt Ben Roethlisberger relied too heavily on receiver Antonio Brown he replied probably about the same as most of us would reply.

"“I’d be overly reliant on Antonio, wouldn’t you?” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin wouldn’t bite on questions regarding the before the game and between the whistle stuff that had both the Steelers and Bengals racking up almost $150,000 in fines from the NFL from their last game.

He explained that he wasn’t there to build or feed into a rivalry and he understands both teams are built with professional men who should not need to be reminded what is at stake this weekend. He also referred to Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict as “Burflect”, which I completely enjoy.

Next: Steelers Pre-Playoff Power Rankings

Tomlin was asked if he will continue to go for two-point conversions in the playoffs and he advised Steeler Nation to not visit the rest rooms immediately after a Steelers touchdown as his answer.

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

Obviously Count = 2 (which is impressive for the almost 30 minute presser)

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!