The 2024 regular season is rolling into Week 16. The next week of preparation for the Steelers is underway following an embarrassing loss in Philadelphia as they prepare to head to Baltimore on a short week with a chance to capture the AFC North title. With the typical Tomlin Tuesday moved up to Monday as they prepare to face the Ravens, 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.

Connor Heyward

Coach Tomlin was asked if he was satisfied with the explanation of the play involving Connor Heyward and the Eagles Jalen Carter.

“I was not.”

Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, & James Pierre

Coach Tomlin was asked about how they might look in the secondary if Donte Jackson were to miss time and if Cory Trice could get into the mix.

“We’ve got a lot of capable players in that space. We’ve been really comfortable with it. We’ve been blessed with some depth there. And so if people are unavailable, I am completely comfortable with those that get an opportunity to play, whether it’s James Pierre, whether it’s Cory Trice[Jr.]. When called upon, both guys have delivered and delivered to a satisfactory level, and I’m confident in terms of how they practice and approach their business, and so I don’t know that that’s a big issue for us.”

T.J. Watt

Coach Tomlin was asked if there was any discussion to maybe take out some guys that they might need down the road after T.J. Watt was hurt late in the game.

“No.”

In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked why not.

“Because we play and play to win.”

Alex Highsmith, Preston Smith, & Nick Herbig

Coach Tomlin was asked about, after not having Alex Highsmith during the last Ravens’ matchup as well as Preston Smith being new and Nick Herbig just coming back from injury, the importance of the outside linebackers group when facing a player like Lamar Jackson.

“You know, not only the outside linebackers, but all the rushmen are a significant component when you face quarterback mobility, and particularly Lamar Jackson. You know, the addition of Preston [Smith] has been significant for us. He’s a veteran. He knows what to do. He’s highly skilled. He’s done a nice job of fitting in. We’ve gotten quality production from the edge people, regardless of who’s in the game, and I expect that to continue. But I’m also optimistic about the availability of T.J. [Watt]based on what I’ve seen today.”

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

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our Week 16 game against the Ravens. @PNCBank

📺: #PITvsBAL 12/21 at 4:30 PM ET on FOX https://t.co/r4YvyYTnM1

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 16, 2024