The Steelers will travel down the turnpike this weekend to battle with the Philadelphia Eagles for the throne of Pennsylvania.
Head coach Mike Tomlin took to the podium on Tuesday morning for his usual review of the previous game, update of injuries, preview of the upcoming game and answering questions. Pittsburgh has a 2-0 start for the first time since 2010; the year they went to Super Bowl XLV, by the way.
Tomlin jumped right in to remind everyone that there are no such things as style points in the NFL and while the 24-16 win over the Bengals on Sunday didn’t feature Antonio Brown thrusting in the end zone at all it still counts as a win in the record books.
Tomlin: No such thing as an ugly win but there were some ugly aspects #Steelers
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) September 20, 2016
Limiting Andy Dalton to less than 50 percent completion rate without sacking him once isn’t pretty, but it was effective.
One of the most unsung heroes of the game was punter Jordan Berry, who constantly pinned Cincinnati down to starting drives from behind their own 20 or even ten yard line. Taking advantage of that field position was key and Sammie Coates had a couple of receptions that put the Steelers in primed positions.
Coach Tomlin: 'I thought our punting was excellent.' Kudos Jordan Berry.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) September 20, 2016
The injury outlook is favorable this week for the return of receiver Markus Wheaton and center Cody Wallace. Makes you remember that the Steelers have been running with very little experienced depth on the offensive line so far with Wallace sidelined.
Steelers MIke Tomlin press conference starts.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) September 20, 2016
Says Wheaton looks ready, v optimistic. Also with backup C Cody Wallace.
Tomlin: Wheaton ready to go. Same for Cody Wallace. Not optimistic about Nix. Said he will be limited in practice Wednesday #Steelers
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) September 20, 2016
In discussing the Philadelphia Eagles Tomlin praised their lack of turnovers and time of possession. Seems like everyone is a part of the Carson Wentz fan club already as the rookie hasn’t sucked too bad in his first two games for Philly.
Steelers Tomlin says Eagles have "very tangible winning formula:" Taking care of the football, dominating time of poss.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) September 20, 2016
Tomlin went on with his usual talking up of the opponent.
In the question portion of the presser Tomlin was asked to evaluate the play so far for linebacker Jarvis Jones. Jones is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Tomlin on Jarvis Jones: He's played well for us. He's been a guy we identified as somebody who could play both sides. #Steelers
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) September 20, 2016
Tomlin also reiterated the commitment that DeAngelo Williams seems to have to keep reminding people of. As if his play over the course of the first two games somehow negates the fact that he was brought in to back up Le’Veon Bell.
Williams has been awesome and that’s what the Steelers needed him to be. They’ll also need him to back up Bell when he returns from suspension and I don’t think he’s given any indication that he’s not ok with doing that.
Tomlin on DeAngelo: He came here with one agenda... To win a world championship. pic.twitter.com/ebcoAfKW5d
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 20, 2016
Tomlin acknowledged that he’s been pleased with the secondary so far although on that question is where I caught this week’s Tomlinism. On describing the secondary he complimented their work on certain plays.
Tomlinism: They’ve been good on possession downs.
He’s been limiting his obviously use so far this season, not sure whether it is intentional or not.
Obviouslys = 4
You can listen to Tomlin’s entire presser right here.
Bring on the Eagles!
Next: Developing Sammie Coates
Here we go Steelers! Here we go!