Tomlin Tuesday - 12/8/20

By: Michael Stiffler, @Stiffeezy_ on Twitter

SteelerNation.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally tasted defeat at the hands of the Washington Football Team. They will have little time to reflect as they will travel to Buffalo for a Sunday night matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills come in winning 5 of their last 6, with the lone loss coming at the hands of a hail mary pass. The Steelers will need to be at their best if they want to hold onto the lead of the AFC.

Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin opened his press conference saying he lives by a coaching creed, "If you can't get a yard, you don't deserve to win," describing it as the "nuts and bolts" of football. Tomlin voiced his displeasures with the offense, specifically the goal line opportunities and several shortage yardage scenarios that were "catastrophic". When asked about the offensive play calling being changed to help the offense be more fluid, Tomlin said "certainly" later expressing it "pisses me off" how fixed they have become. With drops being a glaring blemish on the offense, Tomlin said, "They can catch the ball or get replaced by those who can catch it." He also pointed to the negatives defensively, stating they need to be better on 3rd down and they failed to register a turnover when they averaged two per game this year. In terms of player health for this week, Joe Haden (concussion) will be in concussion protocol and that will determine his availability this week. Robert Spillane (knee) according to reports he will miss some time but not the season, even though Tomlin said he is being evaluated further. Steven Nelson (knee) has an opportunity to play this week, along with Maurkice Pouncey and James Conner who are coming off of the COVID-19 list. When asked about kicker Chris Boswell (hip), he said he is hopeful he will return this week.

Tomlin described the Bills quarterback Josh Allen as a big time challenge this week with his arm talent and ability to extend plays and run the ball. Allen's main target, Stefon Diggs, was described as a high volume, down the field guy who the Steelers will need to keep an eye on. Tre'Davious White was the one defender Tomlin went into detail about. White has had back-to-back games with an interception, while also having three in the past four games. White's name should be very familiar to Steelers fans as he grabbed two interceptions in last season's 17-10 victory in Pittsburgh.

Watch the full press conference below.

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