Audio from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin press conference on Tuesday October 26th, 2010. Tomlin met the media on Tuesday for upcoming week 8 game against the New Orleans Saints and goes over the upcoming game, injuries to Aaron Smith, Flozell Adams, LaMarr Woodley and Brett Keisel and recaps the Dolphins 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.
[flv:http://prod.video.steelers.clubs.nfl.com/PIT/video/news_conference/102610_tomlin_presser2.flv 550 345]
[audio:https://steelersdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/mike-tomlin-press-conference-oct-26-2010.mp3|titles=Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Press Conference Tuesday October 26th Week 8 Saints]Tomlin opened with saying that challenge is what they seek. He said they embrace these challenges, but the attitude is not going to get done what they need to get done.
Tomlin went on to praise the Saints offense especially how well Saints quarterback Drew Brees spreads the ball around to all players on the field. Tomlin said, “You have to defend all the eligible\’s.”
Tomlin described the Saints defense as a fundamental sound and opportunistic group led by Gregg Williams the defensive coordinator.
Injury wise Tomlin said right tackle Flozell Adams (ankle) is looking good and will be limited early in the week but should be ready. Right defensive end Brett Kiesel (hamstring) and left outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) will be limited early on in the week and he hopes they will be ready to play on Sunday. Left defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) will be out for a significant amount of time after having surgery on Monday for partially torn triceps. He will not be placed on IR and the team will wait out the injury. As far as a replacement, Tomlin said they will add a lineman and it will likely be in-house. Mentioned Steve McLendon and also says that Chris Hoke has shown in the past that he has capable of playing end as well. Tomlin would not give a “best-case scenario” for Smith’s potential return from his injury. Tomlin said right guard Trai Essex (ankle) was close to playing this week and they took a cautious approach with him. Might be ready this Sunday and would not say if he or Doug Legursky would start. Tomlin said Lawrence Timmons would slide outside if Woodley is down and play Larry Foote inside. They also could mix in rookie Jason Worilds outside in passing situations. Tomlin said Worilds made the play on Sunday when they needed it and he needs to continue to play winning football.
Tomlin says he is not concerned with stats on pass defense, cares more about points allowed and redzone defense. Says that is what gets wins. Tomlin pointed out that there has been a de-emphasis on the whistle for a while concerning play in Miami. Concerned how it relates to player safety. Goes on to say he is not concerned about what Ray Anderson play evaluation of linebacker James Harrison.
On the 4th down at the end Tomlin said he never considered going for it at the goal line as he was more concerned about putting points on the board and taking the lead. Was comfortable turning the game over to his defense as Miami was also out of timeouts.
Tomlin said in hind sight he would have given kicker Jeff Reed an opportunity to try a long field goal at the end of the first half.
Tomlin said he has indeed seen improvement from defensive end Ziggy Hood and notes he is going to have an opportunity this week to improve on his play. Says he has not missed a practice in regards to the ankle injury report floating around.
