Steelers News: Tuitt, Miller, Gilbert
By Kim Myers
The Steelers returned to Pittsburgh with a victory over the Bengals in hand that keeps them in range for a playoff spot.
While the team breaks down their film and shifts their focus towards the Denver Broncos we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Tuesday, Dec. 15th.
Do it Tuitt
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Steelers defensive end
made his first career interception on Sunday when he picked off
on a second-and-goal from the Steelers’ 4-yard line on the Bengals’ first drive of the game.
, Tuitt knew to be in that spot because he’d seen that exact play in practice.
"“I saw the play many times throughout the week in practice. The way I reacted is the way I reacted from how we did in practice.” – Stephon Tuitt"
Tuitt had an open shot at Dalton on the play but in hindsight when it looked like he seemed to hesitate it could be because he was anticipating the pass and knew he’d be in the position to pick it off which would be more beneficial than a sack.
Heeeeeaaaaaath!
With all the offensive weapons at Ben Roethlisberger’s disposal tight end Heath Miller has to be like the fifth option for each play. However, clearly Roethlisberger and Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley realized that against the Bengals, in order for the field to open up for Antonio Brown late in the game they’d have to go to Heath Miller a lot early in the game.
That plan worked out as Miller had 10 receptions for 66 yards and caught every last ball that was targeted to him according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Miller is clearly Roethlisberger’s trusty side-kick, the one he’s most comfortable passing to, especially when a play breaks down. Also they know how much it benefits a receiver like Antonio Brown to have Miller draw coverage.
All I want for Christmas is you
Steelers tackle Marcus Gilbert was feeling froggy early Monday morning upon returning to the Steel City high on the victory over the Bengals on Sunday. Josh Alper of PFT reports how Gilbert joked on Twitter that he’d definitely look forward to facing the Bengals again, especially the playoffs where the Bengals haven’t won a game since before the first Gulf War.
In a since-deleted tweet Gilbert wrote:
"All I want for Christmas is the Bengals. Would love to see them in the playoffs where they choke. The talking is done between the lines.” – Marcus Gilbert"
I love a rivalry as much as the next fan but Gilbert was smart to just delete that tweet. No reason to get hung up on this team at this point while there is still so much more to be done. The Steelers need to shift their focus away from the Bengals and onto the Broncos if they even want a chance at facing Cincy again.