Mike Tomlin's Press Conference (1 Viewer)

[Godsbrother]

News from Tomlin's press conference:

Tomlin identified the importance of putting together back to back wins and to get a win on the road, something the Steelers have not et done in 2009. Then Tomlin began gushing about this week's opponent, the Detroit Lions.

INJURY NEWS:

S Troy Polamalu has been doing well, may return to practice on a limited basis with a brace as early as tomorrow. It is unclear whether or not he will play this week. He said the only factor will be the report from the medical staff and the opponent/schedule will not come into it.

S Ryan Clark and G Chris Kemoeatu were injured in the Chargers game but were able to finish. They may be limited in practice early this week but are expected to play. LB Andre Frazier injured his shoulder in the Chargers game and will be limited in practice as well. TE David johnson should be back in practice tomorrow.

RB Willie Parker will be limited and Tomlin is hopeful for his return. When asked about the division of labor between his RBs this week Tomlin said that at this point "the ball is in Rashard's hands until we get further information on the availability of Willie Parker".

He said he is not concerned about Detroit LB Larry Foote's knowledge of the Steelers defense and that Foote's ability as a football player is more likely to be a factor in the outcome of the game than any knowledge he might have. When asked why the Steelers released Foote he said for a lot of reasons but mainly the maturation of Lawrence Timmons.

That's about it...

 

[analog_hiss]

Just want to add that Tomlin appears on Sirius NFL radio a few minutes after his presser each week. Schein and Gannon just interviewed Mendenhall, and Tomlin is next.

 

[moondog]

The Steelers also cut RB Issac Redman and resigned DE Nick Eason who was cu tlast week to bring Redman up from the practice squad. Most likely try to resign Redman back to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

 

[CrossEyed]

Just my opinion, but I think Parker's injury and Mendenhall's performance Sunday night gives them the perfect reason to see what Rashard can do carrying the load for a few games. I can see Mendenhall being the workhorse against Detroit and Cleveland with Parker being used to spell him from time to time. With Parker becoming a FA after the season and their cap situation, I just can't see them bringing Willie back next year. I think you'll see Parker get his share of carries after he is fully healthy so that both backs are fresh down the stretch, but I think Sunday night marked the switch to Mendenhall becoming the primary back.

 

[saintfool]

Just my opinion, but I think Parker's injury and Mendenhall's performance Sunday night gives them the perfect reason to see what Rashard can do carrying the load for a few games. I can see Mendenhall being the workhorse against Detroit and Cleveland with Parker being used to spell him from time to time. With Parker becoming a FA after the season and their cap situation, I just can't see them bringing Willie back next year. I think you'll see Parker get his share of carries after he is fully healthy so that both backs are fresh down the stretch, but I think Sunday night marked the switch to Mendenhall becoming the primary back.

i think the proof is in the pudding. mendenhall played great against a wretched defensive team. they play two equally awful defensive teams next before getting Minnesota. mendenhall's confidence might be skyhigh after this week and he's got a chance to get momentum. parker will be fighting for his place at the table too. should be interesting.

 

[SleeperPix]

Even though Willie Parker is expected to be very limited in practice this week with turf toe, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't say that Rashard Mendenhall will start this Sunday against the Lions, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.Our View: "We haven't pondered the division of labor to this point," was his official quote. However, two days after Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards, he also added "At this point, the ball's in Rashard's hands until we get further information in regards to Willie Parker." The smart money is on Mendenhall to be the feature back, whether Parker is "healthy" or not.

 

[Godsbrother]

Just my opinion, but I think Parker's injury and Mendenhall's performance Sunday night gives them the perfect reason to see what Rashard can do carrying the load for a few games. I can see Mendenhall being the workhorse against Detroit and Cleveland with Parker being used to spell him from time to time. With Parker becoming a FA after the season and their cap situation, I just can't see them bringing Willie back next year. I think you'll see Parker get his share of carries after he is fully healthy so that both backs are fresh down the stretch, but I think Sunday night marked the switch to Mendenhall becoming the primary back.

This makes sense. It wouldn't surprise me to see Parker regain the label of starter when he returns but there is no question Mendenhall is going to be getting significant (possibly more) carries from here on out.

 

[gpthatsme]

Just want to add that Tomlin appears on Sirius NFL radio a few minutes after his presser each week. Schein and Gannon just interviewed Mendenhall, and Tomlin is next.

Anything interesting come out of these interviews? Who heard them?