Mike Tomlin Sends a Strong Message About the Steelers’ Offense Breakout Against the Bengals
On November 26, head coach Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers offense stopped two dubious streaks.
In Week 12, the Steelers racked up 421 yards of offense against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh had more than 400 yards of offense for the first time since Week 2 of the 2020 season.
The Steelers outgained the Bengals 421-222 thanks to their offensive outburst. It was the first time the Steelers outgained an opponent in a game during the 2023 season.
But none of this appeared to bother Tomlin.
In answer to a question regarding the team’s offense’s performance in Week 12, Tomlin merely stated the outcome.
“I’m not trying to paint with a broad brush and act like ‘Eureka,’” Tomlin told reporters after the game. “You know, we did what we needed to do today, and we’ll keep pushing.”
“I’m relieved that we won. As a result, we’ll just keep pushing.”
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Shines Against the Bengals
For the third day in a row, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett failed to throw a touchdown pass. Pittsburgh also scored 16 points against Cincinnati, falling just short of the team’s 16.6 point per game average.
The Steelers rank 28th in scoring per game this season with that average.
Pickett and the Steelers were undeniably better offensively in their first game after firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Pickett passed for 278 yards and connected with eight different receivers, a season best. Pickett spent the whole afternoon attacking the center of the field, completing 11 of his 24 throws to tight ends.
I thought we spread it around.” I thought we accomplished different things and varied things up schematically. “Launch points,” Tomlin told reporters. “I thought we attacked down the field there early when they were in split safeties, and we weren’t going to sit back and relax all day.” We completed our tasks.”
Tomlin described tight end Pat Freiermuth as “significant.” Freiermuth set a career high with 9 receptions and 120 receiving yards.
While the Bengals had two high-safeties to limit Diontae Johnson and George Pickens’ huge plays, Freiermuth was open over the middle of the field and in the flat. With 11 targets, Freiermuth led the Steelers.
Pittsburgh was rated 25th in third-down conversions (34.6%) entering Week 12. In Week 12, the Steelers were 8-for-17 on third down.
“I thought there was a lull there maybe in the second quarter where they were winning some possession downs,” Tomlin remarked in an interview. “They were really lighting us up with pressure structure.” But after we adjusted, the second half became a little more fluid.”
Tomlin, Mike The Steelers’ offense is not being graded on a curve.
For first-year offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner, leading the Steelers attack to its first 400-yard game in more than three years is an incredible accomplishment. For the first time since 2017, Steelers quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan was also calling offensive plays on November 26.
But Tomlin wasn’t happy about his 400-yard run or the brilliant game plan Faulkner and Sullivan put together in a short amount of time.
“I’m not worried under these circumstances,” Tomlin stated. “That’s our job, and they did it.”
The Steelers will still require more points in the future. However, Tomlin reiterated on November 26 what he had said earlier in the season when his team was being outgained and winning.
“Guys like myself and Kenny, we’re judged based on winning and losing,” he remarked. “We don’t run away from it; we run toward it.” Today, both he and I have won.”
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