Mike Tomlin: Steelers Must Be Better Week Two Against Ravens
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin singled out three players for their performance during week one and also said they must be better in week two if they want to win at Baltimore Thursday night.
Tomlin said corner William Gay, receiver Markus Wheaton and punter Brad Wing stood out against Cleveland and said of his first-year punter, "We're talking about a young guy in his first game, holding a game-winner and doing a nice job in some difficult punting situations."
Gay is in his eighth season, all but one with the Steelers. The 29-year-old isn't listed as a starter, but Tomlin says he is, "The nickel corner is a starter in today's NFL with the multiple receiver sets. We view William Gay as a starter, that's why we introduce him with the starters at the beginning over every game."
Tomlin said they had communication breakdowns on defense in the second half which led to a number of their issues as the Browns scored 24 consecutive points to tie the game.
"A lot of it is schematic and some of it is communication and a lot of it is technique," Tomlin explained. " When you have the type of day they had in the second half, it's never one thing, it's usually some things."
Tomlin still believes in his defense, "We've had some good days, obviously yesterday was not one. We're not going to let yesterday (Sunday) define us. I appreciate the thoughts and concerns, we're simply going to roll our sleeves up and prepare for the next opportunity and hope for a better result."
Tailback LeVeon Bell had 88 yards receiving on 6 catches and ran for 109 yards and a 38 yard touchdown. Tomlin said they expected to see Bell do these types of things when they drafted him in the second round.
"That was an element of his game that was attractive to us. LeVeon thinks he can do anything on a football field. I agree with him."
As for injuries, Tomlin listed Dri Archer (ankle sprain) and Shamarko Thomas (ankle/Achilles) as questionable for Sunday along with Lance Moore, Martavis Bryant and Bryce McCain.
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