Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on Tuesday during his weekly press conference. This comes following the Steelers' emotional win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 24: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to pass during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on December 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images)
Steelers Mike Tomlin Gives Props To Kenny Pickett
The Steelers took their time finding the end zone on Christmas Eve but when they did, it was enough to give them the victory they needed to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Coach Tomlin was asked about that final drive on Tuesday. The reporter referred to how Tomlin always credits 'weighty' moments and asked him what was different on that last drive.
“I don’t know about relative to the rest of the game, but when you’re in those weighty moments and you’re looking around at people, you like to feel their presence and in a lot of instances, I did. I didn’t see big eyes, I saw sure eyes. I saw guys that saw what was at stake and I saw guys that look prepared to go do it," Tomlin said.
Tomlin also added that he liked the feel of the group leading up to the play. He was also asked about his young offense and their growth. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is in his rookie year, as is Wide Receiver George Pickens and Running Back Jaylen Warren. Running Back Najee Harris and Tight End Pat Freiermuth are both in their second year. The most senior member of the active offense is Diontae Johnson who is in his fourth season.
Diontae Johnson & George Pickens / Photo Credit: Ed Thompson, Steelers Now
Tomlin indicated that their performance was key to the success they found. He credited Harris for his part in helping the passing game succeed.
“A second-year running back, that was big on the check down game on that drive," Tomlin said.
Tomlin reiterated a message he has delivered throughout the season, “we aren’t grading on a curve.” He said that he believes in the players and sees that they are growing and developing while still being good enough to win. The last question Tomlin was asked was about the young quarterback, Pickett, and where his 'moxie' comes from.
“I imagine he was born with it," Tomlin chuckled. "I know it’s not the first time I’ve seen it, I know it is not the first time people from western Pennsylvania have seen it. We saw him do it next door. I think that’s why we have such a great deal of comfort in his intangible qualities. From a draft evaluation perspective, we were in close proximity to it. When you are in close proximity to it, it becomes less intangible you can almost feel it, it is real. I don’t think any of us are surprised by it.”
Pickett’s growth this season, particularly since the bye week, has been tremendous. He continues to trend in a positive direction. Pickett shows poise, confidence and increased maturity in his decision-making skills. While the offense continues to have areas to improve, the growth is evident and comforting.
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 23: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates with Keyshon Camp #10 after a 27-17 win over the Clemson Tigers at Heinz Field on October 23, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
What did you think of the offense on that final drive? Who do you credit with the success they found? What do you think of Pickett’s progress so far? Comment below.
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