Mike Tomlin had previously pledged changes, and they are now being put into action—specifically, in how the Pittsburgh Steelers conduct their practice sessions.
Just two days after expressing his unwillingness to maintain the current state of affairs following a 30-6 defeat against Houston, Tomlin has announced that his players will be donning full pads for the first time in three weeks.
This change will take effect on Wednesday, marking the commencement of their on-field preparations for their upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens.
While this shift in practice attire might not fully satisfy the fans, who have been calling for more significant alterations such as changes to the offensive coordinator or the team’s personnel, it is the solution that Tomlin presented during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
Tomlin emphasized that the Steelers lacked physicality and did not demonstrate enough intensity in their 24-point loss to the Texans, which was their second defeat by a margin of at least 20 points in four games.
Tomlin stated, “The physicality component of it needs to be non-negotiable. That’s just how we function. That’s Pittsburgh Steelers football.”
The Steelers had refrained from practicing in pads in the previous two weeks, citing a short week due to a Monday night game against Cleveland and travel issues following their game in Las Vegas as contributing factors. According to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, teams are allowed to practice in pads 11 times over the first 11 weeks of the season.
Tomlin emphasized the importance of making better use of this opportunity and acknowledged the significance of the upcoming game against the Ravens, who currently lead the AFC North with a 3-1 record, one game ahead of the Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, both at 2-2.
Any potential changes in practice routines will primarily result from injuries rather than performance, according to Tomlin.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett will start against Baltimore as long as his left knee injury doesn’t hinder his practice participation. Rookie first-round pick Broderick Jones will take over at left tackle due to Dan Moore Jr.’s concussion, and rookie defensive lineman Keanu Benton could start instead of DeMarvin Leal, who is in concussion protocol.
Minor changes were reported on the NFL-mandated injury list, including Calvin Austin as a starter at one wide receiver position, Benton as a co-starter with Leal, and Desmond King as a co-starter at slot corner. King has also been officially designated as the kickoff returner.
Regarding the coaching staff, Tomlin expressed continued support for offensive coordinator Matt Canada, despite the offense’s struggles with only four touchdowns in four games. The team currently ranks 25th in points scored and 29th in total yards.
When asked if he would delegate some play-calling responsibilities on offense, Tomlin stated that it’s not under consideration at this point, but he is dissatisfied with the offense’s performance in the first month of the season.
In terms of defense, the Steelers are allowing more than 400 yards per game and rank 30th in total defense, with only three teams surrendering more rushing yards. The secondary also allowed six pass plays of at least 22 yards against Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Tomlin acknowledged that the Texans played with more intensity and expressed the need to rectify that situation.
Despite the disappointing performance of both the offense and defense in the Houston game, Tomlin affirmed that player commitment is not an issue. Therefore, the most significant change for the Steelers this week will be the adjustments made in their practice approach as they prepare to face the Ravens.
Tomlin summarized his perspective by saying, “I work with them every day. It’s my job to have a pulse of the group. In the midst of that game, I’m standing on the sidelines saying, ‘We’re practicing in pads on Wednesday.’”
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