PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Part of the Tomlin notes from Tuesday's news conference was the head coach getting asked about his placekicker.
Wright stays
Despite missing a 39 and a 48-yard field goal Sunday against New Orleans, Mike Tomlin confirmed Matthew Wright will remain the team's kicker. The Steelers head coach said, without elaborating, it was a team effort as to why there were a couple of misses.
"Our operations have to improve, our protections have to improve and he as a kicker has to improve," Tomlin said. "We will go to work this week."
Wright made three of four kicks filling in for an injury in Kansas City this season including making a 59-yarder.
In 2021, he made 21 of 24 field goals (a perfect 14-14 inside of 40 yards) with a 56-yarder.
Chris Boswell is on Injured Reserve with a right groin injury and has to wait at least three more weeks before returning.
Meeting changes
A number of stories on 93.7thefan.com about the changes in team meetings recently including clearing the air and having players understand what all are doing in those sessions.
"We are continually turning the stones over in an effort to change the outcome of games," Tomlin said. "I've been repeatedly acknowledging that as I come in here on Tuesday. I'm open to change. I'm open to doing whatever is required for us to get better, in all areas-division of labor, schematics."
"Those have been the ongoing discussions and so it shouldn't be surprising that someone acknowledges that we are going things differently. We have to. We haven't won enough games. We better keep turning the stones over until we find the rhythm we desire."
LB gone
Brought it off waivers from the Jets to be a developmental outside linebacker, then suffering an undisclosed injury right before the start of the season, Hamilcar Rashed was released from the practice squad on Tuesday. The 6'4", 24-year-old played in one NFL game, with the Jets last year, making one tackle.
'Significant dude' TJ
Tomlin said he's been around some good defenses in 'his adulthood'. He's been around a few 'significant dudes', some 'Defensive Player of the Year-type guys'. TJ Watt is obviously in that class.
"There is an intangible quality to players like him," Tomlin said. "They bring more than their presence and their playmaking. They instill confidence in those around them. That is a very real thing. You can't necessarily measure it, but has someone who has been in this business. I acknowledge it is real."
