PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Some other quick quotes and notes from the final Mike Tomlin news conference of the season.
Growth
It's the word Tomlin used when asked about his excitement for his young players.
"They're no longer speculating about what this is. They've had a lap around the track. They've been in some hot situations. They've had some positive results. They've had some negative results. They understand the totality of this in terms
of the total that it takes on them, mentally, physically, emotionally. I think all of those things that encompass the experience that is a rookie season is a good springboard to get better and to obviously do it with a quarterback, I'm really excited about that.
Rookies
Using a phrase that Tomlin didn't coin, but used often, he said he is thankful for the contributions of the rookies. He has yet to really study their individual games and set goals for next season.
"I will acknowledge, man, we've got some quality play from some young guys, which is exciting, but boy, there's a lot of meat on the bone, and we're excited about being a part of their process, too. That's another component of our business model that we don't run away from, we run to, the development of players. To be a component of their growth and development is significant for us and for them."
Maturing, not trouble
While Tomlin acknowledged a maturity in George Pickens game, he is quick to say his rookie receiver already was more mature than early reports would say about him.
"I sometimes get resistant when I get asked about his maturity and character-related things because oftentimes I believe he got mischaracterized pre-draft," Tomlin said. "So that's why I'm combative at times and defensive when it comes to him. He's a quality young man.
He is. He's professional. He's been really consistent in his work throughout.
He loves football. He likes to work. We haven't
seen a lot of things that we hear rumors about regarding in terms of him, and that's why we defend him."
Najee year
The missed time in training camp is a big reason Tomlin believes Najee Harris had such a slow start to the season. The second-year tailback would respond, obviously hampered by a Lisfranc injury, to finish over 1,000 yards for his second straight season.
"The skill relative to his position needs to be developed and honed in an effort to be game ready," Tomlin said. "He got on a moving train. That was well documented. I thought he got better with each passing day. He's a mentally tough guy. He's a competitor. So, I just thought his play got consistently better throughout, but also kind of expected it to be based on those reasonable variables and circumstances."
Cam done?
Tomlin shook off the notion of Cam Heyward saying something to the effect of 'if the team wants me back' after the game Sunday. The 33-year-old just finished another double-digit sack season and was again voted defensive captain.
"Cam is the same type of guy that will put a tape job with his last name on the front of his helmet in a training camp-like setting," Tomlin said which is something a rookie or free agent would have. "That's what makes him who he is. He takes none of this for granted, and that's just an expression of that. Just like when he puts his last name on his helmet in a training camp-like setting. He is special because he has a special approach, because he is legitimately humble and hardworking, and he takes none of this for granted, so that's probably what that was."
Boz trouble?
Only one other season, 2018, did Chris Boswell hit on a lower percentage of made field goals than this year. The eight-year veteran made 71% of his kicks.
"We acknowledge and I acknowledge that the ball didn't go through the upright at times and largely as much as we would like it to," Tomlin said.
Steak alive
Tomlin downplayed the importance of now over his 16-year career of never having a losing season. He believes it was more of a talking point with some on the team than him.
"I'm appreciative of that, the relationship that I have with them that makes it important to them," Tomlin said. "But my agenda is getting in the single-elimination tournament and pursuing the confetti game and winning it. That agenda will never change. The totality of past experiences and stuff, man, I just -- I'm a competitor. I like to compete continually. I love the challenge that this game and this job provides, so I'm wired in that way."
"I've spent little time assessing the totality of things, particularly if it doesn't light a fire under me, if I can't utilize it as fuel in an effort to be ready for the adversity that awaits. So, talking about accolades and trivial things and streaks and things of that nature, if it's not useful to me in terms of assessing our next battles, then I don't spend a lot of time thinking about it or focusing on it."
Fire lit
There were some reports in the first half of the season of Tomlin potentially being traded or maybe having a future as a television analyst. He was asked if he still has the fire and motivation heading into next season?
"More so," Tomlin said. "Increasingly so."
