The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a must win situation this week playing in Cincinnati. At 7-5 the Steelers cannot afford another loss on their schedule, especially against a division rival that controls their own fate to winning the AFC North. On Tuesday Mike Tomlin gave his weekly press conference, in which he commented on the loss to the Saints, the matchup against the Bengals, injuries, and he said obviously 26 times. NPC’s Kim Myers gave an overview of the presser in Tomlin Tuesday. On Thursday both Dick LeBeau and Todd Haley gave quick interviews about how their unit is looking and what they expect come Sunday.
Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau was asked numerous questions about some of the Steelers younger talent, that is either expected back from injury or expected to step up due to injuries. First up was Jarvis Jones, who LeBeau said that it’s up to Coach Tomlin to activate him, but LeBeau also added that there’s a good chance of that happening. James Harrison being listed as doubtful with a knee injury may improve Jones’ odds of playing. LeBeau was then asked what kind of improvement Jones had made before his injury. LeBeau said that he is an improving football player. He said that since last year to the start of this year, before his injury, he was playing pretty good football. He thinks Jones might be a little rusty after missing so much time but he said he’s a developing player.
With Brett Keisel being out for the year, Stephon Tuitt is expected to take a larger role on the defensive line. LeBeau said that Tuitt is a developing player with a solid future. He added that he will get more snaps for sure and he thinks that Tuitt will do well.
Next up was Ryan Shazier, who has played in only five games this season. Shazier is listed as probable with an ankle injury, but LeBeau said that if he has a hat on Sunday, he will play. LeBeau was than asked what kind of impact he may have.
"“I think you have to be patient with all first-year players. It’s too bad that some of our younger players miss quite a few snaps in the case of Ryan and Jarvis. We think a lot of both of them. They’ve missed what they’ve missed and there’s not much anybody can do about that.” -LeBeau on Shazier and Jones"
The next topic of conversation was the Bengals offense. LeBeau complimented Andy Dalton by saying he’s very quick with the ball and he’s very accurate. LeBeau also said that the bad plays don’t seem to bother him and he is a confident quarterback, who has been a playoff-caliber QB for several years now. He also added that the Bengals have a good offense.
LeBeau was asked then about what kind of challenge it is to stop A.J. Green.
"“Every challenge that you can mention. He’s got everything. He’s got size, speed, savvy, quickness for a big man, quick to speed, and quick to cut. What are you looking for in a wide receiver? He’s got it. He’s a great player.” -LeBeau on Green"
The final question for LeBeau was about all of the teams moving parts on defense and if that’s been a challenge for LeBeau.
"“It’s no different from any NFL season. You have changes in your lineup. You’re going to have some guys in and out. It’s business as usual I would say. I wish we would have won a few more games, but we’re in the hunt, and we have to play good here in these last four.” – LeBeau"
The first topic for Todd Haley was about Martavis Bryant, who has only three receptions over the past two games. Haley commented on whether defenses have begun to defend him differently.
"“I think they are much more aware of him now after seeing him make a few plays. We knew it would get more difficult. He had two hands on a football in the game last week that we felt like he had to make the play for us. They are aware of him. He is not under the radar any longer. That’s the way it is. Things get tougher and you have to continue to elevate your level of play, which he is working hard at. We are excited about the direction he is going.” – Haley on Bryant."
Haley was then asked how critical it will be to get big plays from Bryant and Markus Wheaton over the next four weeks. Haley said that it’s very important and it will only get more critical in the coming weeks. He said that Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown will continue to have the bulls-eye on them so guys like Lance Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey will need to produce when their number is called.
With Ben Roethlisberger saying earlier this week that he is not playing as well as he can, Haley commented by saying that all of the focus goes to the quarterback because he touches the ball every play but when evaluating the quarterback position, you need to look at the group. He again mentioned Bryant’s drop again but he finished with saying Ben is an elite quarterback and he knows that Ben expects elite play out of himself down the stretch.
The final topic for Haley was about Le’Veon Bell and his workload this season and if Haley has a top number of plays in mind for him.
"“We don’t put a ceiling on him at all. He is a workhorse type of back. He seems to thrive the more he touches it. The Tennessee game is an example of that. He got stronger as the game went on. He was out here on Wednesday this week after 80-plus plays and a lot of touches last Sunday. And he looked no worse for the wear. He is a young guy that seems to thrive on getting touches. Like I said a couple of weeks ago, we have to ride him.” -Haley on Bell"
You can listen to both Haley’s and LeBeau’s interviews here.