By Brandon J. Wallace
SteelerNation.com
After capturing their first regular season win in 2019, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin took to his weekly press conference on Tuesday addressing the media regarding Monday Night Football, the current state of the team, and the upcoming battle against the division rival Baltimore Ravens.
"It was really good to get a win. It's also good to get back to work."
That was some of Tomlin's opening remarks as he explained how important it was beating the winless Cincinnati Bengals.
"A lot of good quality efforts from a lot of people. Particularly the running backs."
Pittsburgh's 27-3 victory was due in large part to the contributions of James Conner and Jaylen Samuels. They combined for two touchdowns, 68 yards rushing, and 140 yards receiving. Tomlin expressed how he wanted to involve some more of the team's "seasoned" guys to take the pressure off of new starting quarterback, Mason Rudolph.
Tomlin went on to give updates on the current injuries.
"These guys may be limited [in practice] some this week [referring to James Conner (ankle) and DE Cam Heyward (hamstring)] .. Guys that are hopeful [LB Vince Williams, TE Vance McDonald, LB Anthony Chickillo], less so with Rosie Nix."
Tomlin also stated his acknowledgement and admitted that although the wildcat offense that worked so well against the Bengals was somewhat "gimmicky," it was effective enough for a win. That was the most important thing. He alluded to the possibility of the game plan most likely being completely different next Sunday.
"We're just in a fragile state right now and we need to do whatever we need to do to win football games."
In regards to some of the newest additions to the team including rookie running back, Benny Snell Jr., cornerback, Steven Nelson, and wide receiver, Donte Moncrief, Tomlin expressed that he's comfortable with where they're at.
"He's doing great. I like his professionalism. I like his attention to detail." [ in regards to Nelson playing off the ball and adjusting to the Steelers defensive scheme].
"He's working extremely hard in practice .. I like his attitude and we'll see if the opportunity presents itself." [ on Moncrief regaining more reps on the field].
"I really like what's going on with Benny, especially in the special teams phase. .. He's a football player first."
All in all, Tomlin seemed to be in a very positive, but "business as usual," type of mood (per usual). The focus seems to already be shifted to Sunday as the Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens (2-2) at 1:00pm EST.
If you'd like to watch the full presser, see below:
#LIVE: Coach Tomlin addresses the media prior to our game against the Ravens. https://t.co/AjpGF5Y57m
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 1, 2019
Is Tomlin still on the hot seat? How will this new look offense fare next week against the Ravens!? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
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