Steelers Impressed With Extremely Under The Radar Player After Injury Forced Him Into The Game Versus Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers got exactly what they needed this week in a statement performance against the Baltimore Ravens, winning 27-22 and taking full control of the AFC North with four weeks left in the regular season. The Steelers made improvements from last week's abysmal collapse and put together a solid performance against the Ravens to secure the win and make their playoff push much more likely. Even with the win against the Ravens however, the Steelers can't afford to take their foot off the gas, as the Miami Dolphins come to town next week in another matchup the Steelers will have to find a way to win however they can.

Not all went well for the Steelers in other ways against the Ravens. The team dealt with injuries all throughout the particularly physical game, meaning unproven players had to take snaps in the most critical moments. One of these players was Steelers left tackle Dylan Cook, who took his first ever snaps in an NFL game against the Ravens after Steelers left tackle Andrus Peat was forced to leave the game due to a concussion. 

His performance was admirable enough to draw some attention after the game concluded, and some of that attention came from Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin when he gave his weekly press conference to the media on Tuesday. Tomlin was asked about how he felt Cook handled his first game and if he felt comfortable about giving Cook the start at tackle should it be necessary, and his answer shows how he thought Cook performed during the game.

"You're excited for a guy when he gets an opportunity to play," Tomlin said. "He certainly has worked hard and has been professional. I love his mindset when he went in, happy for him. Oftentimes, one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity, and he may get another opportunity this week, we'll see where the week leads us."

Tomlin clearly has faith in Cook's ability to start in place of Peat should the situation arise, and his limited play against the Ravens was a good start for him with regards to maintaining his spot on the active roster. Tomlin's remark also leaves the door open for Peat to return, but if he cannot clear the concussion protocol in enough time to play against the Dolphins, Cook will likely get the start and another opportunity to show his skills.

Should Cook get the start against the Dolphins, all signs would bode well that Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be protected just fine against the Dolphins' pass rush. In Cook's limited snaps against the Ravens, he showed the flashes that prompted Tomlin's comments about getting the potential start next week. Cook only took the field for 13 snaps, but in that limited amount of time, he was able to keep Rodgers clean, with Rodgers not being sacked at all against the Ravens throughout the entire game, even when Cook entered the game. 

These types of performances are the ones that the Steelers desperately need down the stretch, especially with the playoffs potentially on the horizon. Cook's performance is also part of one of the many reasons the Steelers won against the Ravens, and will need to be a crucial part of game plans going into the final weeks of the regular season.

Steelers Finally Played Aggressively And It Paid Off

The Steelers came into the game against the Ravens with the mindset of playing aggressively throughout the entire game, and it paid off incredibly well. Tomlin had preached playing aggressively after the game, and against the Dolphins, they'll need to continue this style of play. It may ultimately bode well into Cook's hands as he hopes to gain the starting role and continue his solid play.

What did you think about Tomlin's comments regarding Cook's performance and his potential to get the start against the Dolphins? Let us know in the comments below.

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