Breaking News | Mike Tomlin ‘doesn’t care’ about exterior hype surrounding 2023 Steelers

Mike Tomlin supplied a basic one-liner three years in the past when he was requested concerning the Steelers enjoying three video games in a 12-day interval. Tomlin has by no means been one to make excuses, with Tomlin not permitting Pittsburgh’s COVID-impacted schedule to function a possible alternative for himself and his staff.

“We do not care,” Tomlin mentioned, unwittingly repeating a line that may go on so as to add to his checklist of well-known quips.

Tomlin mentioned principally the identical factor on Tuesday when he was requested concerning the exterior publicity about his staff forward of Pittsburgh’s season opener towards the San Francisco 49ers. The longtime Steelers coach was particularly requested how he handles any potential feedback from individuals near him which have come within the limelight.

Tomlin mentioned, “They know higher than to feed me something, as a result of I simply do not care.” “I simply respect the method, the skilled element of what we do. And I ask my individuals to simply keep targeted and ignore the surface noise. That is actually what drives our development and growth and what we do.” are irrelevant when it comes to its trajectory, and as such, I keep away from these issues, and particularly the stuff you talked about which can be near me, I do know not to enter that.’

Paradoxically, whereas optimism is excessive in Pittsburgh, the Steelers will not be producing as a lot buzz nationally. For instance, in response to Caesars Sportsbook, Pittsburgh’s projected win complete has been set at 9 video games. The Steelers are at the moment set as 2.5-point underdogs for Sunday’s residence sport towards the 49ers. he might be with out Professional bowlers George Kittel and Nick Bosa.

Nonetheless, Tomlin is aware of that exterior narratives have little or no impression on what occurs on the sphere of play. There have been years (like in 2018) when Tomlin’s staff missed the playoffs after being preseason Tremendous Bowl favorites. Conversely, there have been different years (like 2019) when Pittsburgh overachieved whereas many exterior have been already in (horrible) form.

Nevertheless, one factor even Tomlin cannot deny is the roster he, Steelers GM Umar Khan and assistant Andy Weidle put collectively through the offseason, which is at the moment inflicting optimism in Pittsburgh. By all accounts, the Steelers had a profitable offseason which included the acquisition of a number of proficient gamers through free company and through the draft. Pittsburgh notably improved its roster on the offensive line, including weapons at each the linebacker positions and the talent positions in former Professional Bowl wideout Allen Robinson and rookie tight finish Darnell Washington.

As well as, Steelers followers are wanting ahead to a giant yr from Kenny Pickett, who generated an ideal passer score whereas guiding the Steelers’ offense to 5 touchdowns in as many drives through the preseason.

Put all of it collectively, and Steelers followers are bracing themselves for an entertaining 2023 season. Nevertheless, Tomlin is concentrated on the duty at hand, and he’s getting ready on Sunday to face a 49ers staff that has appeared within the final two NFC convention title video games.

Tomlin mentioned of the 49ers, “They are a actually good and powerful group.” “And so, clearly, there’s a variety of issues that we’re targeted on as you have a look at the primary sport, the 49ers and what they have been in a position to do, however in all probability extra importantly, and it is in all probability the angle that everybody shares this time of the yr. It is extra about what we do, how we divide the labour, our preparedness, the appropriateness of our planning, the understanding that our gamers are in a position to show and the way we Let’s finish it. How conditioning turns into an element within the early going at 1 p.m. in September, the variety of snaps and the climate situations and so forth, and issues of that nature. So we all know it and perceive it. Now we have There are a lot of irons within the fireplace.

“Now we have a variety of work to do. We’re excited to do it. It is what’s occurring on a day like at this time.”