The Pittsburgh Steelers squeezed into the playoffs at the end of the 2023 season but were defeated by the Buffalo Bills in the first round, losing 31-17. It wasn't a great game for the Steelers; despite a poor start, they tried to fight back but couldn't make much headway. The Bills had momentum throughout the game, leading to another disappointing season ending for Pittsburgh.
Adrian Kraus / AP
Head Coach Mike Tomlin following the Pittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 Wild Card round.
The Steelers, a team accustomed to Super Bowl success, face high expectations. Fans are not satisfied when the team is not in championship conversations. The Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, putting pressure on Head Coach Mike Tomlin to bring the team back into Super Bowl contention in 2024.
To ensure the best chance for success this season, Tomlin is exploring all options. As the Steelers reported to camp on Wednesday, Tomlin fielded questions from the media. When asked about the decision to schedule a joint practice with the Bills, Tomlin emphasized that he is leaving no stone unturned in preparing his team.
“Particularly with the new kickoff, I am just interested in getting some work against other people," said Tomlin. "Most of the time, when you do joint practices, a lot of it is about special teams and young guys getting intense work.”
One of the key reasons Tomlin cited for scheduling the joint practice was the opportunity for extra special teams work. Joint practices offer young players a chance to participate in more intense sessions before the season starts. These practices provide numerous benefits, which many teams utilize.
Detroit News
Steelers and Lions players compete during a joint practice in 2016.
However, the Steelers haven't engaged in joint practices recently. Their last one was in 2016 when they hosted the Detroit Lions. In 2014, they held a joint practice with the Bills, so this upcoming session won't be the first between the two teams. Tomlin is enthusiastic about hosting an intense joint practice with the Bills.
"That is the spirit in which we are going into it. Obviously, we are going to get some offense versus defense and things of that nature," Tomlin stated. "But if you are really talking about what stimulated our sincere interest in doing it this year, it is just really great special teams work."
The Steelers, along with the rest of the NFL, are dedicating significant time to preparing for the new kickoff rule introduced this offseason. The NFL announced changes to how kickoffs are handled, and Tomlin plans to use the joint practice to refine the team's approach to the new rule.
During the rest of Tomlin's press conference, the Steelers received some bad news: return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson suffered a hamstring injury during offseason workouts and was placed on the non-football injury list. This injury likely means Patterson will miss the joint practice, preventing him from getting the extra work needed under the new rules. The Steelers will need to find other players to take on the return duties.
Steelers' Justin Fields Involved In Wild Rumor
There were rumors about quarterback Justin Fields potentially returning kicks, though that's unlikely. However, Steelers fans are excited about the possibility of seeing Fields in a unique role within the offense, as he is a very dangerous runner.
Emilee Chinn / Getty Images
Former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields uses his legs to try and escape defenders during a professional football game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, PA.
The joint practice will be interesting to watch, as it offers fans an inside look at how both teams are preparing for the rule change. Additionally, it will feature a reunion with former Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky and wide receiver Chase Claypool, who now play for the Bills.
#SteelerNation
