PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – While it was a win and there were some positives, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin saw a lot that needed cleaned up as the preseason ended with a 19-10 win over Carolina.
“I thought we were highly penalized (13 for 108 yards),” Tomlin said. “We turned the ball over early. The tackling was shaky at best at times. I think they had 100 yards rushing at the half and I think that was indicative of how poor the tackling was at times. We got some things to work on.”
Tomlin pointed out they are not a finished product and now have a couple of weeks before the opener September 7 in New Jersey.
“I’m looking for this group to take advantage of this block of time between now and the opener,” Tomlin said. “We just got to have urgency every day in the work we prescribe for ourselves. That’s a challenge. It’s a challenge for everyone to continue to be a group on the rise day-in and day-out although the preseason games are over.”
Unlikely to be on the roster when the cuts come on Tuesday, Tomlin also praised and was really happy for rookie kicker Ben Sauls. The Pitt all-conference performer was 4-4 on field goals including a 49 and 50-yarder.
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First team
It was the first time the Steelers starting secondary were on the field together, Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter played the first series. There was an unsportsmanlike penalty by Ramsey along with three tackles. Carolina’s back-ups were able to drive for a field goal.
“They wanted some more but really it was about the process,” Tomlin said. “Take them through the pregame warmups, get them in the huddle a little bit. Get them exposed to how we communicate and let them feel that from an in-helmet perspective. Less about the plays, especially for the more experienced ones.”
Injuries
Along with Derrick Harmon suffering a knee sprain, Tomlin said receiver Brandon Johnson, who was praised by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith this week and started the game Thursday, is dealing with a foot injury.