Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Addresses Media Ahead of HOF Game

[Steeler Nation]

Tuesday afternoon, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin took to the media regarding the team’s upcoming Hall of Fame preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. He addressed the team’s progress thus far through training camp, the status of a few veterans, and faces (old and new) we’ll be seeing suit up in the black and gold come Thursday. That includes players who will be resting, giving more opportunities to see some new starters and increased playing time.

Coach Tomlin said Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Heyward, and Joe Haden are among those who won't play on Thursday night. Wasn't specific about who will play in the game.

— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) August 3, 2021

Coach Tomlin has named Mason Rudolph the starting quarterback for the Hall of Fame Game against Dallas. pic.twitter.com/1T7gU37aOU

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2021

“It’s going to be great to see some new people.” Tomlin continued. “We’re not going to be too complex in terms of some of the schematics. We just want to see who can play football.”

For those wondering about rookie first round draft pick, Najee Harris, Tomlin was clear that we’ll be seeing our fair share of the young phenom.

Coach Tomlin said Najee Harris will play in all four preseason games. He wants the rookie to understand the process of game preparation – how much he plays will be determined as they go.

— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) August 3, 2021

Tomlin also spoke on QB Dwayne Haskins and his progress, and how “he’s grown leaps and bounds.” Tomlin mentioned that Haskins will most likely end the first half, while QB Joshua Dobbs will most likely finish the game.

Seeing as how this is the HOF game, Tomlin was also asked about former Steelers head coach and HOF inductee, Bill Cowher, and if he would let the former coach call a play during the game.

“Bill can have whatever he wants. He can call half a play if he wants to.”

All jokes aside, you can tell Coach Tomlin and the Steelers are looking forward to Thursday. There’s a lot to find out, and one thing’s for sure, they’ll know a lot more about each other by Friday morning.

“We’re going to know a heck of a lot more walking out of that stadium than we will walking in. And that’s the exciting part.”

Watch the full presser here:

#LIVE: Coach Tomlin addresses the media ahead of the Hall of Fame Game against the Cowboys. https://t.co/hJuQGIRsRi

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2021

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[F83]

no not even a series for Ben

 

[Sarge]

Makes sense. Send Rudolph out there until you see what your revamped OL looks like. No sense getting Ben killed in an incredibly meaningless pre-season game.

 

[wig]

Besides, from the camp reports, Najee will probably run for 800 yards and 6 TDs in the first quarter.

 

[slashsteel]

Besides, from the camp reports, Najee will probably run for 800 yards and 6 TDs in the first quarter.

Statistically the reports have shown that Oline perhaps isn't giving him a lot of room to run. Now the O-line hasn't had all the bodies to paint an accurate picture, but that should counter any fluff jibber jabber from the media.

 

[Punxsutawney]

"Division of labor" is apparently Tomlin's new favorite phrase.