The 2024 postseason is rolling into Wild Card Weekend. The next week of preparation for the Steelers is underway following their Saturday night loss to the Bengals. With the typical Tomlin Tuesday moved up to Monday as they prepare to face the Ravens in Baltimore on Saturday night, head coach Mike Tomlin took to the podium to address in the media for our beloved Tomlin Tuesday yet on a Monday. With plenty of questions asked by those in attendance, it is once again time for a players mentioned article. Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Justin Fields

Coach Tomlin was asked about how he evaluates the quarterback position going into the playoffs and is there a consideration of using Justin Fields more.

“I’m certainly open to utilizing Justin [Fields]. He has an awesome skill set. We’ve done some of that in the past. We’ve done less of it in recent weeks. He experienced an injury, so a couple of weeks back, that slowed some of that, but certainly in an effort to win this game, I am open to any combination or combinations of the division of labor in an effort to do so, and so I’m certainly open to that as we develop plans this week.”

Mike Williams

Coach Tomlin was asked about Mike Williams’ usage in the playoffs.

“Certainly. And for us, it’s not just about Mike[Williams], it’s the play making. As I mentioned after the game, we didn’t make enough routine plays in play. And for us to be the type of unit that we desire to be and the team that we desire to be, you’ve got to make routine plays. Oftentimes, routine plays produce additional plays that could be spectacular, and so converting routine third downs, being on schedule, things of that nature allow us to possess the ball, to produce more opportunities for guys like Mike, who obviously has big play capabilities.”

DeShon Elliott

Coach Tomlin was asked where they need to get better at stopping the tight ends. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned DeShon Elliott.

“I think for us, it’s about getting a conglomeration of people who do a good job communicating for us. And I think the overall trajectory of that has been on the upswing ever since we got DeShon Elliott back in the lineup, and I expect that to continue.”

Cory Trice Jr.

Coach Tomlin was asked about his evaluation of Cory Trice Jr.’s play on Saturday.

“I thought largely he did some nice things, man. Cory [Trice Jr.] is a hard-working guy. He doesn’t have a lot of experience. It was really good experience for him, and it’s reasonable to expect him to build upon that.”

Cam Heyward

Coach Tomlin was asked if he sees Cameron Heyward working with an increased sense of urgency.

“You know, I think I’d be misleading you if I talked about an increased sense of urgency as it pertains to Cam. Cam has been urgent since the day we drafted him, and I think that’s why he’s had the career that he’s had. It’s no secret, in terms of producing a unique career, you need to have a unique approach, not only in terms of your talent, but what you’re willing to do. And I think he’s certainly reflective of that.”

George Pickens

Coach Tomlin was asked about if time off has had an impact on George Pickens and on how they go about getting him back to where he needs to be.

“I think certainly based on output, you could say that. And so, I’m looking forward to him bouncing back and looking forward to us bouncing back with this next outing.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about seeing George Pickens work through a few dropped passes.

“No, you don’t. But he did, and so he has to own it, but he wasn’t alone. As I mentioned, after the game, we had several people that had very makeable plays. Routine, if you will, like plays. And if you’re going to be good– not only great –but good, you’ve got to make routine plays routinely.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about the broadcast footage that showed George Pickens getting into an altercation with fans from the sideline near the end of the game.

“I have no idea what you’re referring to, so that’s news to me. So, I’d be speculating if I commented on it in any way.”

Russell Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked about how he evaluates Russell Wilson’s play over the last month.

“I think it’s reflective of all of our performances over the last month. It’s been spotty at best. But again, during that time period, we’ve been 0-4, and so that’s not an earth-shattering statement.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about what Russell Wilson has shown in the last four weeks that tells he’s capable of providing a spark for the playoffs.

“His approach to business day to day, first and foremost, certainly.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about how much Russell Wilson’s intangibles come into play this week.

“I certainly believe that it will, but it’s not something that that I hang my hat on, or expect him [Russell Wilson] to. It’s just a
component of his story, just like it’s a component of Cam Heyward’s story, or anybody else that’s been doing it at a high level
for a long time.”

Mike Tomlin’s entire press conference can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our Wild Card game against the Ravens. @PNCBank

📺: #PITvsBAL 1/11 at 8 PM ET on @NFLonPrime https://t.co/wMCufp3qVc

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 6, 2025