6 players mentioned by Mike Tomlin after the Steelers 34-9 preseason loss

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished up the 2021 preseason with a record of 3-1. After their 34-9 loss to the Panthers in Carolina, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had his normal post-game press conference. Therefore, it’s time to look at the players mentioned by Coach Tomlin during his media time. Remember these are current players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Dwayne Haskins

After deciding to sit both Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph, quarterback Dwayne Haskins got to see the best the Panthers defense had to offer. Coach Tomlin was asked about his thoughts on Haskins’ performance.

“Like the rest of us I didn’t think it was enough varsity work from him. If it wasn’t the type of performance he wanted or we wanted such is life.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if it meant anything to Haskins to finish off his night with a touchdown drive.

“I’m sure it did for him. In terms of getting that taste out of his mouth, but obviously it had no consequence or bearing on the outcome of the game.”

Zach Banner

During his opening statement, Coach Tomlin said that some players such as Zach Banner and Anthony McFarland stayed behind in Pittsburgh in order to have more treatment opportunities. Coach Tomlin was asked if Banner’s treatment is an extension of what he’s dealing with.

“We are just taking care of some guys that we wanted to leave back that we thought would be better served getting some treatment at home.”

Jordan Berry & Pressley Harvin III

With the offense unable to move the ball or convert third downs effectively, it gave the Steelers’ punters an opportunity to each have four attempts. Coach Tomlin was asked about the performance of both Jordan Berry and Pressley Harvin.

“You know I think they represented themselves solidly tonight. Largely it has been a really competitive thing throughout this process. I am appreciative of their efforts. They have both been varsity.”

Christian Kuntz

Another special teams position battle was that of long snapper. Coach Tomlin was asked about the performance of Christian Kuntz who handled all the long snapping duties in the game.

“Again, I wasn’t laying direct eyes on the snapper. So, I have to look at the tape and all of that. I would be, it wouldn’t be an appropriate thing to evaluate his performance in this setting.”

Kameron Canaday

With there being a position battle, it seemed to be quite strange that only one player saw all the opportunities at long snapper. Coach Tomlin was asked if long snapper Kameron Canaday was healthy.

“No, he was sick pregame so we held him out.”

A replay of Mike Tomlin’s interview can be seen below.