Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Coordinator’s Comments
The Pittsburgh Steelers have clinched a playoff berth after beating the Kansas City Chiefs in week 16. At 10-5, the Steelers get to play the Cincinnati Bengals at home on Sunday Night Football for a chance to win the AFC North and receive a home playoff game. On Monday, Mike Tomlin gave his weekly press conference, in which he commented on the matchup against the Bengals, injuries, and he said obviously 11 times. NPC’s Kim Myers gave an overview of the presser in Tomlin Tuesday. On Wednesday both Dick LeBeau and Todd Haley gave quick interviews about how their unit is looking and what they expect come Sunday.
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The first question asked to Todd Haley was about facing the Bengals defense that his offense scored 41 points on three weeks ago. He said he doesn’t expect them to do a bunch different because they are a good team and that the Steelers offense will have to execute at a high level to put the ball in the end zone.
Haley was then asked about how the teams have been stopping the run game of the Steelers. The reporter suggested if the Falcons and Chiefs had been stacking the box to hold Le’Veon Bell to only 110 rushing yards in two games.
"“They are just playing their defense. It looks like guys are executing and playing at a high level. There is high energy being displayed and guys getting off their blocks and making plays.” -Haley on opposing defenses"
Haley was then asked if teams stopping the run has opened up the offense to guys like Heath Miller. Haley talked about how the Steelers offense only had six possessions in the Chiefs game. He said that normally when you only get that many possessions it’s tough to get a rhythm but he was pleased that they scored on four of those six drives. He also added that he thought his guys did a good job of using their abilities to get what they could out of those possessions.
The next topic for Haley was about the progression of the younger guys on the offense, namely Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant. Haley simply answered, “Huge”. He also added that the game is about development and evolution and if anybody steps up and makes plays to prove they shouldn’t be off the field is better for everybody.
Finally Haley was asked about the Steelers big three on offense and the success that Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Bell have had.
"“That’s good I guess (jokingly). We are striving for balance and I said a couple of weeks ago, I was apart of a Jets team that was as balanced a team I’ve ever been apart of up until this year. We had Curtis Martin, Vinny Testaverde, Keyshawn Johnson, and guys making plays in the run and the pass game. It’s been a long time since 1998, to now feel like this feels like that. So that’s a good thing because that’s what we are all hunting for.” -Haley on a balanced offense"
The first topic for Dick LeBeau was about the play of James Harrison. LeBeau started off by saying you can never have too many good players and that James is certainly one of their good players. He said they are happy to have him and that he had a pretty good game last week. LeBeau was also asked if it surprised him that Harrison is playing at such a high level.
"“No, you can go back to those games where he had back-to-back double sacks. He’s been playing solid football all along.” -LeBeau on Harrison"
Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) takes the field against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The next topic was about Lawrence Timmons getting some long overdue recognition by being selected to the Pro Bowl.
"“In my opinion, he can get out on the field with anybody in the National Football League and play well. And I think that’s what an All-Pro is and I’ve said that repeatedly. It’s very rewarding to see guys like that get recognized. Things have a way of working. He just kept hanging there and Lawrence never says anything but I know how he has to be feeling inside. He earned it. He’s a great player.” -LeBeau on Timmons"
Timmons continued to be a topic of conversation as the next question asked was if he is a perfect fit for LeBeau’s defense. LeBeau said that Timmons has done it all with the Steelers, meaning playing almost every linebacker position needed. LeBeau said he never says anything but he does whatever they ask of him.
LeBeau was then asked if this has been William Gay‘s best season. LeBeau said that Will has always been a solid, steady, producing corner and this year he has the touchdowns. He recalled the touchdown against the Browns last season and a key interception in Baltimore a few years ago. LeBeau said Gay has always had the ball skills. He said that some years the bounces go your way but he reiterated that Gay has always been a solid corner.
Vince Williams improvement was the final topic for LeBeau. The question asked was about his progression in the pass defense but LeBeau said that his whole game has improved. He said that he played a lot during his rookie season and that was a major reason for his progression. LeBeau added that he has gotten better everyday since his first day in Pittsburgh. He said that Williams is a good hard-working man, who is very smart and has a very high ceiling.
You can listen to Haley’s interview here and LeBeau’s here.