Audio from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin press conference on Tuesday October 12th, 2010. Mike Tomlin met the media on Tuesday for upcoming week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns and goes over the upcoming game, injuries and recaps the bye week and the Ravens game. Tomlin takes questions from the local media. Check out our notes and recap below as we add them. Will be updated over next hour.
[audio:https://steelersdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mike-tomlin-press-conference-oct-12-2010.mp3|titles=Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Press Conference Tuesday October 12th Week 6 Browns]
Back to business this week on the South Side. Tomlin always views the bye weeks with mixed emotions. Always good to step away in the bye week and make corrections and adjustments.
Tomlin says Browns probably have played the toughest schedule thus far in the NFL when you look at the games they have played and the teams they have played.
Tomlin praises RB Peyton Hillis and says he is rough and tumble type back that can wear you down. Also aware of Joshua Cribbs whether it be as a return man or as a wide receiver. Says he is always a thorn in the Steelers side. Says tight end Ben Watson appears to be a feature target in the offense as well.
Says rookie center Maurkice Pouncey will be introduced to more AFC North football playing against Browns NT Shaun Rogers who is a spark plug and used in sub packages and moved around.
Tomlin describes Browns secondary as something old, something new. Says Browns rookie safety TJ Ward reminds him of Ryan Clark with his style of play.
Tomlin likes the teams preparation to this point and describes them as relatively healthy right now.
Tomlin said injury wide the team is in great shape as nose tackle Chris Hoke is not limited in any form or fashion as he returns from a MCL knee injury, but Trai Essex is still hampered by ankle sprain and is still only doing individual drills at this point. Essex described as only real injury of note.
Tomlin says not concerned with who plays QB for Browns and has no idea right now who they will start. Says those are their issues. Will have to respect whoever it is under center.
Tomlin says weather is an element when facing Joshua Cribbs in the return game and how they approach him. Does not blame last year on whether, but how Browns outplayed them.
Tomlin says not decided on #2 QB at this point or who will return punts or kicks this week as well. Tomlin said rookie Emmanuel Sanders is a candidate to do both.
Expects to see Cribbs in the Wildcat. Needs to fix how they handled him last year. Says Hillis is a feature ball carrier and Cribbs is multi-dimensional. He expects to see both in the backfield.
Tomlin says Browns did good getting hats on hats when referencing how well they ran the football on Ravens. Says the Browns line has played together a bit on the left side. Says Jerome Harrison is the lighting so to speak and Hillis is the thunder.
No secret to playing good defense if guys are in right places and making timely plays and hustle says Tomlin. Says Browns not out of place on defense. Says Browns are better than their record.
Expects Ben Roethlisberger to get a warm fan reception on Sunday at Heinz Field. Says it looks like Ben is well rested and had a good week off practice since being back. Thinks he will get back on the bike quickly.
Tomlin wouldn\’t say if offense will be introduced in pre-game intros. But the defense was introduced in first two home games.
Tomlin does not care if players are Tweeting or Facebooking, but just does not want them talking business.
The role of tight end Heath Miller will not really change with the return of Ben, they will try to continue to feature him with more success says Tomlin.
