Steelers' Mike Tomlin Emphasized Patrick Peterson's Secret Skillset That Was Pivotal In Week 10 Win

The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped yet another close game with a win in Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers did what they normally do and clamped down when it mattered most, with Patrick Peterson locking down slot receivers and playing effective football all game long. In his post-game press conference, Mike Tomlin was asked about his contributions throughout the game. Tomlin praised him, but he also talked about him knowing about Peterson's secret skillset throughout his career, even going back to college. Those skills don't stop at defense, however. 

In the second quarter, Peterson blocked an extra point attempt, which proved to be a major moment in the game. The game ended as a four-point win for the Steelers. If Peterson does not block that kick, the Packers would have had the chance to kick a very doable field goal inside the 30-yard line to tie the game up late in the fourth quarter. Instead, they were forced to go for the end zone, and the game ended on an interception.

Tomlin was asked about the blocked kick during his press conference. Clearly, he is very well-aware of Peterson's abilities on the field goal block team, as he went deep into his memory from when the Steelers faced Peterson back when he played for the Arizona Cardinals.

"Pat was a rookie, and he had a reputation for [blocking kicks]. We double-cadenced him and I think we got him to jump offsides. This is not a new skill that he has. We've known about it for some time. We were playing them out in Arizona; I think we got him to jump offsides as a rookie, and he and I had a little exchange, a laugh about it in-game. He's been a dynamic player in that area."

To have a reputation about blocking kicks as a rookie is something you don't ever see. With that kind of ability, it is expected that he would be aggressive off the edge, and the Steelers had to slow him down with a dummy count. You normally don't see a hard count on a field goal, but when you have someone as prolific of a blocker as Peterson, you might have to try it just to settle everything down.

Clearly, the hard count worked, as Shaun Suisham had a perfect day kicking, scoring 12 points in a 32-20 win over the Cardinals back in 2011, which was Peterson's rookie year. And now, 12 years later, Peterson is back on the field goal block team. Minkah Fitzpatrick has done well on the Steelers' field goal block team in his career, but with his injury, someone had to step up on the edge, and Peterson went back to his rookie year with a very crucial play in the 23-19 win. 

Steelers' Peterson Has Helped Team With More Than Blocking Kicks

Peterson did more than block a kick, however. He shut down the Packers' slot receivers all game long while continuing to mentor the younger defensive backs. Tomlin also spoke about that during his press conference. 

"I just love the spirit and wisdom he brings. He is always a calming voice, a steadying presence. He works really well with Joey [Porter Jr.] When I'm talking to the group and I'm looking around, he's always giving you that knowing nod. It's just good to have a veteran player that's a quality human being like him, because he is very much a component of raising some of the young ones that are contributing and contributing big."

There has been nothing but good things coming from the rookie cornerbacks about Peterson as a mentor. Joey Porter Jr. has looked like the future of the team at cornerback since he got the nod at the end of Week 5. It's great to have a coach on the field, and one that can produce on the field as well. Maybe the Steelers will hire him as an actual coach after he hangs up the cleats.

What do you think about Patrick Peterson's kick-blocking ability, as well as Mike Tomlin's comments about everything he does? Let us know in the comments.

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