Tomlin sees improvement on offense, believes it will continue
Largely, I’ve seen improvement in all areas, whether it’s individuals or whether it’s the collective.”
Tomlin often uses his weekly press conference to publicly deliver a message to his players, and he did that when he said, “It’s our job to tune out the noise and remain committed to the path we’re on.” He wanted everyone to know — media, fans, maybe even his own players — he is committed to sticking with Mitch Trubisky as his quarterback and is not pondering any immediate change to rookie Kenny Pickett.
That message was likely delivered, as well, because the Steelers have a 1 p.m. home game against the New York Jets and the crowd could be restless after backto-back losses. They already heard chants of “Kenny, Kenny” in the previous home game against the New England Patriots.
“We’re not going to blow in the wind,” Tomlin said. “That’s the sentiment I want to relay to you guys — that the last couple games hadn’t unfolded the way we would’ve liked, but we’re in the no-blink business, particularly if we believe in what we do and the people we’re doing it with. Sometimes, you’ve just got to show steely resolve and smile in the face of adversity.”
He added, “I have to display that as a leader, and I intend to.”
After scoring just one offensive touchdown in each of their first two games, the Steelers put together backto-back 75-yard touchdown drives in the first half against the Browns. They appeared on their way to a third at the start of the second half until a penalty against tackle Chuks Okorafor wiped out a 35-yard gain to the Browns 15.
The Steelers finished with 303 yards of offense — granted, not an eye-popping total — but it was 60 more than they averaged in the first two games. Their 20 first downs in Cleveland were only nine fewer than the first two games combined.
The Steelers rushed for 104 yards, their most since last season’s Week 17 victory against the Browns. It was also the first time in their past eight games, dating to last season, that they threw for more than 200 yards (207) and rushed for more than 100 (104) in the same game.
“I’m continually encouraged, whether it’s components of (the running game), whether it’s individuals like Jaylen Warren carving out a role for himself or groups within the groups, like the emergence of the offensive line has been continually better with each and every performance,” Tomlin said. “I just think all areas are pointing to improvement. That’s why we got to keep our heads down and keep working.”
As bad as it might appear, the Steelers are 19th in the league in scoring, averaging 18 points a game. That means 41 percent of the league is scoring fewer points.
After three games, 17 teams are averaging fewer than 20 points a game. Last year, only 10 teams averaged fewer than 20 points.
Nonetheless, the Steelers rank 28th in pass offense (compared to 15th in 2021) and 23rd in rush offense (up from 29th in 2021).
“There are a lot of things we need to do better,” Tomlin said. “I know we’re hacked off we haven’t won the last two games.”
Change at nose tackle
Tomlin moved Montravius Adams to first-team nose tackle on the recent depth chart, ahead of veteran Tyson Alualu, and he didn’t hesitate with a reason.
“He’s been playing better than Tyson (Alaualu),” Tomlin said, “so we thought that was appropriate.”
Alualu, who is 35, missed all but three games last season with a torn Achilles, but the run defense hasn’t fared any better with his return.
After ranking last in the league in 2021, allowing an average of 146.1 yards per game, the Steelers rank 28th after three games, allowing 142.6 yards per game.
Familiar face returns
The Steelers have brought in their former punter, Jordan Berry, and intend to sign him to the practice squad because of a hip injury to Pressley Harvin III.
Berry spent six years with the Steelers (2015-20) before he was cut last season when Harvin was drafted. He spent the 2021 season with the Minnesota Vikings and averaged a career-high 46.5 yards but was released in August.