5 players mentioned by Mike Tomlin in Tuesday’s press conference

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered their first defeat of the 2020 season on Monday. For yet another week, the Steelers have to move n quickly to the next game. Of course, this means Mike Tomlin’s weekly press conference on its regularly scheduled Tuesday. While not always asked about specific players, Tomlin brought up more players in responses than ones he was specifically asked about. Interestingly enough, three of the five players are ones who did not play on Monday, and one who isn’t playing as much as some people think he should.

Maurkice Pouncey, James Conner & Vance McDonald

The Steelers’ offense has struggled over the last two games. Coach Tomlin was asked about changing their play calling, and in his response he mentioned that not having certain players available is not an excuse for a lack of results.

“Certainly. We’re open to doing anything that’s required for us to find the fluidity we once had, and that’s just a part of it. We have to maintain fluidity as players available to you change. That’s one of the things that I really have been focused on and that’s really come clear to me. We just have to become a more solid group. The quality of our performance can’t depend on the presence of a Maurkice Pouncey or a James Conner or a Vance McDonald and guys like that. We’ve lost fluidity since we missed some of those guys. To be quite honest with you, that pisses me off because we have to be the type of group that endures regardless of who is available. That’s how we construct this group not only in terms of our acquisition of players but just development of mentality and personality. We have some work ahead of us.”

Derek Watt

The Steelers spent a decent amount of money this past offseason to bring in fullback Derek Watt. Coach Tomlin was asked why Watt hasn’t been used more on offense.

“We are capable of using him, we are capable of using a lot of people. I’m less concerned about the personnel groups we choose to employee and more concerned about the results within those groups that we choose to employee.”

Coach Tomlin was asked a follow up question if he would be willing to change up the personnel grouping more to get Watt on the field.

“It depends on the matchup of the week as it relates to the people that you are preparing for, so we’ll make those considerations this week as we prepare for Buffalo. What we did last week compared to that matchup and preparation has no bearing on what it is that we do this week.”

Chris Boswell

Late in Monday’s game, the Steelers did not attempt a 46-yard field goal to take the lead in part because Chris Boswell did not play in the game due to injury. Coach Tomlin was asked about Boswell’s status moving into Week 14.

“I’m hopeful he will be available this week, we will let his participation and preparation be our guide.”

For a full recap of Mike Tomlin’s press conference, check out our podcast recap below:

Mike Tomlin’s interview can be seen here: