Steelers vs. Broncos: Divisional Playoff Tomlin Tuesday
By Kim Myers
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had a lot to address to recap the Wild Card win over the Bengals and look forward to the Denver Broncos.
The Steelers have their biggest names on the injury report and Tomlin took to the podium on Tuesday to address the media to review the previous game, update injury statuses, preview the upcoming game and answer questions.
Tomlin started the presser by praising the performance of Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman by stepping in for the injured DeAngelo Williams in the Wild Card game against the Bengals. He also praised the work of the young linebackers of Bud Dupree, Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones, who he said all “played like first-rounders.”
Tomlin also took the time to praise the work of kicker Chris Boswell, who was 4-of-4 for field goals, including the game-winner. He pointed out that kicks aren’t automatic, noting the missed kick that ended the Minnesota Vikings season on Sunday.
As far as the injuries go the news wasn’t all that helpful or uplifting, but that was expected at this point in the week. Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a shoulder injury and Antonio Brown is in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
"“Ben has a chance. We’ll manage him day-to-day. He’s probably be a partial participant (Wednesday) and get his run-game readiness, and we’ll increase his activity as the week goes. We’ll deal with him in an appropriate manner and let the quality of his performance be our guide in terms of his availability. Antonio Brown is in the concussion protocol. I don’t have anything more to update you, other than the fact that we respect the protocol, we’re going to adhere to it and follow it to the letter. He’s going to participate fully in it, and we’ll see where it leads us. We’re hopeful, but we’re always hopeful. We’ll do what’s right when it’s all said and done.” – Mike Tomlin"
Other injures stemming from Saturday’s 18-16 win over Cincinnati include linebacker Vince Williams, fullback Will Johnson and safety Robert Golden.
"“Vince Williams is managing a hamstring that’s probably going to limit him at the early portions of the week, as is Will Johnson. We expect those guys to be available to us. Robert Golden is managing a shoulder injury. We expect him to be available to us, even though he may be limited during the early part of our preparation. All of those guys are capable of taking a step back.” – Mike Tomlin"
Running back DeAngelo Williams continues to be out with a foot injury he suffered in the regular-season finale against the Browns.
"“DeAngelo Williams is still on the outside looking in. I will leave the door ajar for him. He is a savvy veteran player. If he perks up at the end of the week I have no issue in terms of giving him an opportunity to assist us in our efforts. As we sit here today, it’s just that. I am leaving the door ajar for him. We will see where the week of rehabilitation and so forth takes us with him.” – Mike Tomlin"
To preview the Denver Broncos you can imagine if Mike Tomlin can talk up teams like the Browns twice a year like they’re actually a formidable opponent he described the Broncos accurately as the league’s No. 1 defense as well as an offense led by Peyton Manning.
The Steelers defeated a Brock Osweiler-led Broncos team in Week 15 34-27 in Heinz Field. This time the Steelers will have to travel to take on the Broncos with Manning at the helm.
Tomlin wasn’t having it with any questions regarding the Bengals game in terms of the chippiness, Joey Porter going on the field or any of that. He “respectfully declined” to address anything and delivered a zing to the Bengals at the same time.
"“This is what I’m going to do about all of that, so we can move on. Cincinnati is afforded the opportunity to sit around days after the game and rehash what happened. We’re not afforded that opportunity. We’re moving on. We have to.” – Mike Tomlin"
Tomlin was asked more in depth about Roethlisberger’s shoulder and his availability for this week and decided to leave the medical questions up to the professionals. Since Roethlisberger definitely is one of those guys who will always try to get back on the field Tomlin was asked if he can go on Ben’s word alone if he’s ready to play or not.
"“Ben’s answer (to questions about his health and ability to help the team) is just a part of the equation. That’s what medical experts are there for. I’m no medical expert. I think it all starts with their expertise and their opinion, because I’m not a doctor and Ben’s not a doctor, and we both respect that.” – Mike Tomlin"
Tomlin seemed a scooch cranky as reporters threw question after question at him over roster moves and potential strategy against the Broncos. I understand his resistance to address the Bengals game when it comes to the fact that they have quite a task ahead of them with the Broncos.
Next: Can Landry Jones get it done?
If Tomlin got into it and addressed everything the press wanted him to talk about with the Bengals game they would absolutely run with it and go into the locker room Wednesday morning and ask the players nonstop to rehash what happened last week. The best thing for this team to do is to not look back.
On that note let’s bring on the Broncos!
You can listen to Tomlin’s entire presser right here.
Obviously Count = 15
Here we go Steelers! Here we go!