Steelers ‘surprised’ by key call
the field of play there would be a 10-second runoff,” Tomlin said. “They’d spot the ball, wind the clock and we would be faced with a running clock in that circumstance …
“So obviously, 10-second runoff, running clock — that’s the scenario that maintained most of our attention in terms of what could happen as they came out of review. What did happen when they came out of review obviously was the least of the scenarios from my expectation.”
The Steelers, then, were caught somewhat by surprise when Riveron ruled the pass incomplete and the ball was placed at the 10 with 28 seconds to go. Instead of having two plays called, the Steelers called one, and when Ben Roethlisberger’s pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey produced only 3 yards and he stayed in bounds with no timeouts left, it led to all the confusion on the next play. Roethlisberger said he wanted to spike the ball and then went to the line expecting to do that. Instead, Tomlin ordered a pass play on thirddown.
“Man, I find comfort in the fact that 7’s my quarterback,” Tomlin said. “If everybody on the field is uncomfortable, then that’s advantage Pittsburgh Steelers. And that’s whywe chose not to spike that ball.
“We wanted to try to win that game in regulation. There were extra seconds there that I wanted to take advantage of, that’s why we instructed him not to spike it. If given an opportunity to do that again, I’d do it again. We’ve made a lot of hay in those circumstances over the years when everyone’s a little bituncomfortable.”
Rule change coming?
The “catch rule” that plagued James Sunday and has prompted confusion and controversy over a number of years throughout the NFL could be in for an overhaul.
Tomlin, a member of the NFL’s competition committee that recommends rules changes, said Tuesday the committee will take a serious lookat it after the season.
“I think that we all can acknowledge that all of this needs to be revisited,” Tomlin said.“It’s not just that play.
“We’re having similar discussions week-in and weekout, so as a member of the committee I acknowledge that we have our work cut out for usin the offseason regarding a numberof those things.”
Houston coach Bill O’Brien,whose team plays the Steelers on Christmas Day, wouldlike to see a change.
“I think there are a few rules that need to be looked at, but I would definitely say that is one of them. ‘Surviving the ground’ is only applicable in theNFL.
“I mean in college, high school, pee-wee football, I thinkit’s a different rule.
“I realize we have a higher standard in the NFL, but I think when you’re in the heat of the moment and the way the game is played, guys are trying to make plays. And I do think we need to discuss the rule.”