PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Often fans wonder what players think of play calls that seem certain to fail. Such was the case of the Steelers toss sweep on fourth down against the Chiefs on Sunday.
"That's above my pay grade," said guard Trai Turner about why they ran that play. "Don't know."
Najee Harris refused to answer the question after the game when it was posed to him if Melvin Ingram knew what was coming. It's understandable, what does any player have to gain by questioning the offensive coordinator publicly.
Turner said if he had the answer for fixing the slow starts, he would tell us.
"It's one of those things you have to keep pushing," Turner said. "Sometimes it blows and sometimes it goes. It's one of those things where we have to keep on pushing and keeping on rolling no matter what is in front of us or what we are facing."
That's actually one of the more amazing analogies I've ever heard. Bottom line for Turner, no matter how bad its been at times over the last month plus. They still have a chance at the post-season.
"We have two opportunities to go out there and get two wins," Turner said. "No matter what happens after that, you want to end the season on as high a note as you can. To go out there and play as hard as you can, get two wins. We owe that to ourselves. Whatever tricks, let's pull it out."
Coaching Change
Turner said he and the rest of the offensive line found out about offensive line coach Adrian Klemm getting a job at Oregon and then leaving, the same way we all did. However, he wasn't bothered by it, rather just equated it to part of the business of football.
"I'm just happy for him," Turner said. "Whatever the decision or however the decision was made, just happy for Coach Klemm. I appreciate the energy that he poured into the room, into the guys. I know he's going to do good things where he is going. Now it's time to focus on who we have in the room and what Coach C-Mo has to offer to the room."
The eight-year veteran seemed legitimately excited about what acting head offensive line coach and recent assistant Chris Morgan could add.
"I know a lot about Coach C-Mo," Turner said. "I got to play against him a few times. I like the way that he coaches. I love the energy he brings. I'm excited to get to work with him full-time. It's not like he's a new face or a fresh face. I already have a good rapport."
1st year with Ben
It's the first and likely only year for Turner with Ben Roethlisberger. It's expected it's Ben's final season and Turner only signed for one season with the Steelers, neither may be with the team next year.
"I've just been able to appreciate his knowledge and it's not even so much about football," Turner said. "It's just the knowledge that you gain for being and living in a certain spotlight for so long. Just how to handle yourself when certain things come up. How to hold yourself accountable."
"Something else that I learned about him is that he feels like he is a dapper guy. He got us some suits and sportscoats and shoes and tie for Christmas. I want to put that out there."
Roethlisberger gifted the offensive line each a custom sportscoat, suit, shirt, tie and shoes. Turner at times questioned Ben's own style, but not his time together.
"It's been a pleasure playing with him," Turner said. "To see how he comes to work and prepares. Seeing what he does to get his body going at the age that he is. Just how he's been able to do it at a high level for so long."
"I just embrace the opportunity when he throws a dime and we get a W, just celebrate with him."
