By now, Pittsburgh Steelers fans and the media are all too familiar with head coach Mike Tomlin having a way with words. He has an uncanny ability to turn any interview into a remarkable, witty soundbite.
The renowned audacious quotes have been dubbed "Tomlinisms." Yet, even though we've come to know and love them, they manage to make us wonder: "Did he really just say that?"
Well, Tomlin did it again, and the timing couldn't be much better. He dropped another iconic one-liner during his press conference ahead of the Steelers' winner-take-all AFC North showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
Mike Tomlin delivers timely 'Tomlinism' before pivotal clash vs. Ravens
Tomlin described being part of countless high-stakes matches with a longtime rival like the one his Steelers are slated for against Baltimore as "humbling." However, this is a byproduct of Pittsburgh squandering a prime opportunity to clinch the division and playoffs in Week 17, which he was asked about.
"Man, there's a lot of things that you could get frustrated about in our business. I've learned to kind of always move forward. My windshield is much bigger than my rearview [mirror]."Mike Tomlin, Steelers' official YouTube
Yes, the Steelers are only in this position because they lost a game they probably should've won, and their backs are consequently against the wall. But the damage is done; there's no undoing their deflating 13-6 defeat at the hands of a lowly Cleveland Browns squad. Albeit borderline maddening, all Tomlin and Co. can do is focus on what's in front of them, AKA beating the Ravens.
Even after falling to the Browns, everything Pittsburgh wants to accomplish is still attainable. But time is of the essence, and Tomlin knows it. That's why he's ostensibly urging everyone to push ahead following a disappointing outcome in Cleveland, with him leading by example.
Between star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf's suspension and all-world pass rusher T.J. Watt's uncertain health status, the Steelers are already at a costly disadvantage. It's going to take an all-hands-on-deck effort to take down the Ravens without their best offensive weapon and possibly sans a one-man defensive wrecking ball.
It's never good to let emotions get the best of you, though this is a brutal moment for Pittsburgh to do so. With a trip to the postseason on the line and Tomlin's job potentially in jeopardy, he's trying to reel in his locker room and Steeler Nation.