Audio from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin press conference on Tuesday November 9th, 2010. Tomlin met the media on Tuesday for upcoming week 10 game against the New England Patriots and goes over the upcoming Sunday night game. Tomlin takes questions from the local media and goes over the injuries. Check out our notes and recap below as we add them. Will be updated over next hour.
[audio:https://steelersdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mike-tomlin-press-conference-nov-9-2010-full.mp3|titles=Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Press Conference Tuesday November 9th Week 10 Patriots]Good to go on the road in the AFC North and get a far from perfect victory starts Tomlin.
Injury wise, special teamer Will Allen (concussion) getting tested as are running backs Isaac Redman (concussion) and Mewelde Moore (concussion). All three players will go through the appropriate post-concussion tests this week. Right defensive end Brett Keisel (hamstring) never could get it going last night and will try again next week. Left guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee sprain) might be limited but hopes to be ready. Tight end Heath Miller (knee fluid) same situation. Center Maurkice Pouncey (tibula bruise) and Max Starks (stinger) sounds like they can be ready as well. No update really on DE Aaron Smith. He is doing what the doctor suggest.
If Moore or Redman can’t play, Jonathan Dwyer might be an option, but it is still too early to call that.
Tomlin says they need to prepare smart with the injured players, but the standard is the standard.
Patriots QB Tom Brady can really spread the ball around says Tomlin and can work exclusively out of a no huddle offense.
Calls Pats receiver Wes Welker best in the business inside. William Gay will have his hands full with him on possession downs says Tomlin.
Says Pats have unique tight end situation led by Aaron Hernandez who is playing beyond his year. Steelers saw him up close at his Florida pro day and admired his skill set.
Calls running back Danny Woodhead the duel threat guy that has taken over the role of the injured Kevin Faulk.
Calls Pats defensively very young unit says Tomlin. Says Pats move Vince Wilfork around to tackle and end and praises there linebacking core that also includes Florida players. Tomlin is also impressed with the Patriots safety play.
Tomlin says it is great to be back at home in front of Steeler Nation.
Also impressed with Bill Belichick coached teams and their situational football.
Tomlin thought the turnover last night was big that gave the Bengals a short field.
Tomlin will not likely change philosophy of dressing only 7 offensive linemen. Depends on injuries of course and where he needs to insulate himself.
Not going to beat Patriots playing like that in the 4th quarter Tomlin said.
Tomlin said thought it would be easier to take Chad Ochocinco out of the game last night because he was the single receiver side guy. Tomlin said the Bengals moved Terrel Owens around more than what they expected.
Calls the in-game the injuries the biggest obstacle. Not really getting injured players ready for the next week. Focusing on the players that are healthy.
Overall Tomlin was happy with the defensive pressure for much of the game last night, but gave Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer a lot of praise for making quick decisions in getting rid of the football and dictating the up tempo.
Tomlin says Ziggy Hood and Nick Eason played well. Calls it an 11 man job shutting down the run.
Finishing halfs and end of games is critical.
General school of thought to run the ball like they tried to do late to run time off the clock. Stands by 3rd down run to Rashard Mendenhall says Doug Legursky was cut through to make a play.
Tomlin praises Arnaz Battle, William Gay, Emmanuel Sanders, Jason Worilds and quite a few others as far as special teams play goes.
