Steelers News: Don’t expect any “bold predictions” from Mike Tomlin in 2019

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over. As the team disperses for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how black-and-gold fans shouldn’t be worried about hearing any “bold predictions” from Mike Tomlin in 2019, and that will probably be just fine with the vast majority of the fan base.

Let’s get to the news:

• Mike Tomlin has caught his share of heat throughout the past few years for his bold predictions. Fans shouldn’t expect much of that in 2019, and that isn’t a bad thing.

No “bold predictions” about 2019 season for Mike Tomlin

By: Josh Alper, ProFootballTalk

Tomlin said last month that any change in “chemistry or culture” won’t reveal itself until the team faces adversity. In a recent interview with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Tomlin said he’s not going to make any pronouncements about how that will play out.

“I acknowledge that there are some significant changes, but talking about it is not going to dictate the outcome,” Tomlin said. “You won’t hear a lot of bold predictions from us. That is not our style; that is not appropriate. We know that we are judged based on performance anyway.”

Should that performance fail to reach expectations, it wouldn’t reflect well on Tomlin and could impact his job security. The coach insists that’s not changing his approach in response to that state of affairs.

“I shaped my reputation in this business and this outlook in this business being singularly focused on the task at hand,” Tomlin said. “So I’d be kidding you if I told you I had a certain edge because of what happened in 2018. I just have a certain edge because I better have a certain edge.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• How will the Steelers handle the running back situation in 2019?

Asked and Answered: July 18

By: Bob Labriola, Steelers.com

TODD FURST FROM ALLENTOWN, PA: I’ve read good quotes from the Steelers top three running backs commenting on formations that have James Connor and Jaylen Samuels in the backfield together. Have any Steelers coaches commented on the running back by committee approach?

ANSWER: This seems to be an annual rite of spring, that being talk about the Steelers employing more of a two-back system in the upcoming season, and then fans getting excited about it. But what we also have come to learn is that once the season starts, the Steelers primarily revert to the procedure they’ve used since Bill Cowher was hired in 1992, that being the concept of one man being the primary ball carrier. The fact Jaylen Samuels can serve as an H-back does offer an opportunity for the Steelers to utilize formations with him lining up in the backfield, but if fans believe this is the precursor to the Steelers returning to the days of a split-backfield, a la Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, that’s not going to happen. At least not as a primary offensive formation.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The trio of additions on defense is all the rage, and rightfully so.

Three for the show

By: Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com

Jon Bostic and L.J. Fort both made starts and played significant snaps at the position in 2018 but are no longer on the roster.

Free-agent addition Mark Barron, fresh from starting Super Bowl LIII for the Rams, and No.10 overall pick Devin Bush have been brought aboard as re-enforcements.

It remains to be seen how the division of labor is ultimately sorted out.

“They haven’t really told us anything,” incumbent starter Vince Williams maintained at the outset of OTAs this spring. “However ‘Coach Butz’ decides to divvy it up, that’s how it’ll play out.”

Defensive coordinator Keith Butler revealed little as to his intentions during Mandatory Veteran minicamp, other than to acknowledge the anticipated upgrade having Barron and Bush at the Steelers’ disposal will provide in the passing game.

“It’ll help us in coverage,” Butler said. “It’ll help us in coverage quite a bit.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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