Mike Tomlin: It's good to learn lessons as you win
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A win out west.
The Pittsburgh Steelers come into their Week 8 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars off a 24-17 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
HONORING THE PAST
Mike Tomlin began his weekly press conference by paying tribute to some players who will be inducted into the Steelers' Hall of Honor this Sunday, including Gerry "Moon" Mullins and Ray Mansfield, both of whom won Super Bowls with the team during its historic 1970s run.
"Moon Mullins and Ray Mansfield are Steeler legends."
Additionally, more recent Steelers, such as defensive lineman Aaron Smith and linebacker James Harrison, will be enshrined. Tomlin is "really excited to bring those guys into their rightful place" this weekend.
Are there qualities that current superstar T.J. Watt and James Harrison share as outside linebackers?
"It'd be easier to talk about their differences," Tomlin said with a chuckle. They are "similar in approach in terms of commitment."
"If you know either guy, from what they're willing to do in preparation to tee up a performance, it is unique. You don't get unique results by doing regular processes."
Tomlin praised Watt and Harrison's commitment to the preparation of their bodies throughout the year as to why they are special players.
Onto the recap of Pittsburgh's game against the Rams, Tomlin sang the praises of his squad for a hard-fought win on the West Coast.
"I was just really appreciative of the fight of the guys," Tomlin said. "As the game wore on, I thought we settled into the type of game that we desire. We won possession downs on both sides of the ball."
Penalties against the Steelers became a talking point after the game. Coach Tomlin was quick to address these issues with his team and what needs to improve in future games.
"Oftentimes, it's our job to feel the tenor of an [officiating] crew and adjust our behavior accordingly," Tomlin said. "That crew had a certain tenor, and we didn't adjust to it, and as professionals, that's our job. Sometimes, certain crews are more tolerant regarding certain things than others."
"I didn't do a good enough job," Tomlin said, "as a leader, making sure that we adjusted."
Pittsburgh's starting linebacker, Cole Holcomb, suffered an ankle injury in-game and will be monitored throughout practice this week to determine his availability.
Speaking on the offense and quarterback Kenny Pickett's slow starts in the first half of games compared to the third and fourth quarters, Tomlin praised Pickett's ability to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.
"We're gonna continually work for more fluid and productive starts. There's a component of it that's not new, and it's his ability to rise up in moments. We valued that in the draft process."
Left tackle Dan Moore "was really solid," Tomlin said. "Not only his play but his demeanor. He brings a grown man approach to it."
What is Pittsburgh's identity through seven weeks of this season? Can that be quantified?
"I think in 2023, when you're talking about team identity, you're talking more intangible-quality things. Grit, mindset, the approach in which you take the circumstances."
SURVEYING THE OPPOSITION
"They're a group that's a winner of four straight."
Starting with the defense, the Steeler offensive line will have to focus on "managing their bigs," as in Jacksonville's defensive line players.
"The edge guys really capture your attention. Josh Allen and Walker, as a tandem, wreak a lot of havoc."
Jacksonville operates as a 3-4 defense but has large outside linebackers that can almost change the appearance of the defensive front into a 4-3.
Speaking of linebackers, Tomlin heaped praise on Jacksonville's linebacking corps.
"They've invested a lot in free agency and the draft, and we've seen some formidable linebacker tandems. Volume tackling, blitzing, coverage, splash playmaking, you name it, 23 (Foyesade Oluokun) and 33 (Devin Lloyd) kind of provides it for this group," Tomlin added.
Switching over to the offensive side of the ball, things don't get much easier for the Steelers.
"It's about those two guys in the backfield that have kind of been together for a long time," Tomlin said, speaking of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne, both of whom played college football at Clemson University.
Lawrence has mobility at the quarterback position and has an NFL-caliber arm, Tomlin said. Etienne is an elusive, speedy back who complements Lawrence well.
"I see a guy that has first-overall type talent. He can make any throw on the field, both from an arm strength and touch perspective. He has unique mobility in terms of his athleticism, and I think that talent set makes him an extreme challenge."
Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram provide Lawrence and the offense with several lethal receiving threats that can spread defenses.
"They're a group that's really intentional about being aggressive from a gadget perspective, whether it's offense, double passes, reverses, or the special teams."
Kick-off between the Steelers and Jaguars is set for 1 p.m. Sunday. The game can be seen locally on KDKA-TV.