Steelers Season Wrap Up: Tomlin Tuesday

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin took to the microphone on Tuesday afternoon to put a bow on the 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers season. He went over possible offseason surgeries and summarized his thoughts on the season that was.

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Tomlin had the final team meeting with the group on Monday and told the players it’s ok to still be upset about the loss and it’s a normal feeling the team should be going through at this moment. His tone was primarily reflective and summarizing and he wasn’t looking too far in the future just yet.

"“We met as a football team Monday. It’s still very painful and raw for us, and as I told the team, it should be. If there aren’t those feelings, then something is wrong because of what’s required of us, to chase what we chase, the amount of energy and focus, what you give yourself to pursue what we pursue. When the journey comes to an end, there should be elation or bitter disappointment. We don’t run away from that. I embrace that. It’s just part of being who we are in this profession.” – Mike Tomlin"

Mike Tomlin expressed his gratitude to his players and coaches for their efforts throughout the 2014 season. It was a roller coaster at times and to be able to hang on and finish with eleven victories and secure the title in arguably the most competitive division in the league this year was quite a feat.

"“More than anything, I’m just thankful for the efforts of the men – players and coaches. It wasn’t an easy journey, it never is and I wasn’t expecting it to be. But a lot of it was enjoyable. Often, it’s not what you do; it’s who you’re doing it with.” – Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin expressed appreciation for the close-knit group of players and coaches that made up the 2014 Steelers.

"“We had a selfless group. We had a legitimately close group. We had men, both players and coaches, who put the agenda of the group in front of their own agendas, and that’s mandatory if you’re to have any chance of being what it is you desire to be. We didn’t work against ourselves. A lot of times we created our own adversity, but that’s a learning process in itself. Hopefully there will be less of that as we move forward.” – Mike Tomlin"

In review of the last game played, a 30-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Tomlin kept it pretty simple and short. He explained that the Ravens made the plays the Steelers just didn’t make. The Steelers also struggled with their red zone offense as well. Another thing the Steelers struggled with, that hadn’t come up since the beginning of the season, was penalties.

"“We’ve learned a lot about penalties and how they affect the outcomes of football games.” – Mike Tomlin"

During the early part of the season the Steelers employed off-duty officials for their weekly practices to help players understand and minimize their tendencies to draw flags, and for the most part, it worked as the season went on.

On the injury front, Mike Mitchell admitted to playing the season with a groin injury and might be headed to offseason surgery. Tomlin also noted that Ben Roethlisberger could be headed for a knee scope and Matt Spaeth could be heading towards offseason surgery as well.

On the subject of Mike Mitchell, Tomlin explained that the arrow is pointed up with him and he was encouraged by his improvement as the season went on.

"“I liked his performance over the course of the season. Big picture-wise he is arrow pointed up in terms of his performance. As he gets up to speed on what we do here and how he fits in it. I think as the season wore on he got better, in particularly over the course of the last month. I was excited about the trajectory of his performance and I am moving forward.”- Mike Tomlin"

Tomlin reminded reporters when it comes to the discussion of the futures of any players or coaches; he intends to have those conversations with the men themselves before making them public. He will be having exit interviews with the players and coaching staff the remainder of this week and into next.

He did, however, say that GM Kevin Colbert wastes no time in wanting to talk salary cap issues. He admits he hasn’t spoken to defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau about his future with the team.

On looking forward he did agree that it would be a fair statement to say that cornerback is the greatest need for the team, he also didn’t want to eliminate any other units to add or retain players for improvement.

"“We’re not going to neglect any element of our team as we try to build it as strong as it can be for 2015.” – Mike Tomlin"

When it came to being asked about the likelihood of signing Ben Roethlisberger to an extension soon he kept it short and sweet.

"“We’ve got a good quarterback. I like him. I’d like to keep him.” – Mike Tomlin"

There will sure to be things to come in the next few days as the Steelers put a bow on the 2014 season.

Obviously count = 12

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

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!

Next: Steelers 2014 Season: Success or Failure?

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