Steelers' Mike Tomlin Confident In Strategy Of Taking Risks: "That's Just How We Live"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally facing their first AFC North opponent in 2024 on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Coming off a great win against the Washington Commanders, the Steelers will look to continue their four-game winning streak against their well-known rival. Both teams have been playing great football and Sunday's game could be a glimpse into who will eventually be on top of the AFC North after the regular season. Not only will the Steelers have to contain Lamar Jackson, but Derrick Henry as well, who has had a red-hot season so far.

A big part of the Steelers' success this season has been from special teams and its ability to create opportunities. Fake punts are not something the Steelers usually attempt, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin went for one Sunday on the Steelers' own 16-yard line. It was a risky move, but with no one on James Pierre on the outside, Tomlin tried to make the Commanders pay for that by running a fake punt. Miles Killebrew threw the ball to a wide open Pierre, who would've gotten a first down, but he ended up dropping it.

Pierre revealed the team was practicing that play all last week and he had caught it each time, but couldn't get it done in the game. During Tomlin's Tuesday press conference, he was asked if the offense taking shots down the field had anything to do with the defense and special teams taking risks. Tomlin answered with a sly smile.

"No, we’re going to take risks on defense and special teams anyway," said Tomlin. "That’s just how we live."

The offense has been taking more shots down the field thanks to Russell Wilson's beautiful moon ball. This has allowed the offense to finally be productive and put points on the board. However, Tomlin isn't basing his mindset with defense and special teams on what the offense is doing. 

Tomlin and Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith have seemingly been working on the special teams throughout this offseason. Tomlin also told the media that the fake punt is a play they're comfortable running, like any pass or running play would be. 

"We don’t view it as a gadget or trick play to be quite honest with you. That discussion and that work didn’t start last week in preparation for the Commanders. It’s what we do, it’s steeped in our culture. We’ve been working that since the spring," Tomlin revealed.

The defense could also see a potential rise in how many blitzes they run against teams with Tomlin's risk culture. Jayden Daniels didn't throw or rush for a touchdown Sunday against the Steelers' defense as they played aggressive and pressured Daniels over 50% of the time. Pittsburgh's defense needs to offer the same type of pressure to Jackson as they are 4-2 against him and have picked him off seven times.

Steelers' Defense Can Dominate As Patrick Queen Seeks Revenge Game

Coming off one his best performances of the season, Patrick Queen will look to face his former team as the Steelers host the Ravens Sunday. Queen has spoken multiple times about the rivalry this season and is excited to go against them. Queen had seven tackles against the Commanders on Sunday and has recorded 62 total tackles on the season.

The Steelers are also facing their former wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who they traded to the Carolina Panthers, but Johnson ultimately ended up in Baltimore before the NFL trade deadline. Tomlin seemed not too worried about Johnson in his press conference Tuesday, but it'll remain to be seen how much he truly plays Sunday.

What do you think of Tomlin's mindset of taking risks during games? Let us know in the comments!

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