Steelers vs. Ravens: Tomlin Tuesday
By Kim Myers
The Steelers get back to work this week in preparation for facing the Ravens and head coach Mike Tomlin took to the podium to address the media.
Tomlin took his usual Tuesday spot to review the previous game, update injury statuses, preview the upcoming game and answer questions.
Tomlin acknowledged the Steelers faced adversity for the second week in a row and he lauded the team for not panicking in order to turn around from the first half performance against the Broncos to the second half.
The only in-game injury Tomlin reported was Mike Mitchell’s shoulder injury sustained during the 34-27 victory over the Broncos. Mitchell returned to the game but Tomlin said that they’ll monitor him throughout the practice week.
Tomlin also noted that there were several players who were fighting illnesses towards the end of last week, most likely due to this schizophrenic weather Western PA is experiencing this year. However Tomlin explained with the team being relatively healthy for this time of year he will use this week to give the veterans time to rest and get more work to the youngsters.
In facing the Baltimore Ravens the Steelers know that this is not the same team they faced in Week 4 this season. Heck, it’s not even the same Steelers team that took the field for that game. That game featured Joe Flacco against Michael Vick whereas Jimmy Clausen and/or possibly Ryan Mallet will be going up against Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers will be tasked with not letting this game be an emotional letdown after two very intense and tough victories for the past two weeks. The Steelers will definitely remember that while the Ravens are only 4-10 one of those four wins was over the Steelers in a game they surely wish they could have back.
The Ravens are a team that has been decimated by injuries as have the Steelers but with the bigger difference of coaching. This is where I think Tomlin goes very much underrated. The Steelers players have had to buy into his mentality of the “next man up” in order to be in the position they’re in after having so many injuries where with the Ravens even when Joe Flacco was still healthy the team wasn’t able to win games by filling the holes left by injured starters.
When Tomlin was asked how he went about keeping his team motivated in the face of so many injuries he maintained that it was all about getting the job done, regardless of who had to step up and do it and he delivered a pretty good Tomlinism in the process.
"“The mail needs to be delivered. So we’re focused on delivering the mail.” – Mike Tomlin"
Tomlin said they’ll need to focus on not allowing Baltimore to run the ball on them as they did in the game earlier this season.
He was asked to discuss the cornerback rotation as everyone in Pittsburgh has decided that Brandon Boykin starting is the answer to the world’s problems and Tomlin replied that they’ll continue to use the rotation they’ve been using.
"“No. We’re going to continue with the rotation that we have being going with. I wouldn’t read too much into it.” – Mike Tomlin"
When he was asked if he’ll address with his team not playing down to a sub .500 team he replied,
"“I won’t, but I’m sure you will.” – Mike Tomlin"
Overall the Steelers should know that this game is just as important as the last two they’ve had. They haven’t clinched or accomplished anything yet. There is still work to be done.
And with that, we’re on to the Ravens.
Obviously Count = 7
You can listen to Tomlin’s entire presser right here.
Here we go Steelers! Here we go!