PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There is a strategical part of Mike Tomlin's news conference. I've known coaches who have assistants break down what is said at opposing coach's news conferences to try to gain an advantage. As Tomlin said a few times Tuesday it wouldn't behoove him to tell the Rams his strategy.
He's not saying if a healthy Dan Moore or Broderick Jones is starting at left tackle. Tomlin said 'it's a big if' that Moore would be healthy enough to play on Sunday. After the Monday practice this week, Moore said he while he did go through every period, he was limited in workouts. Moore says he would be able to play on Sunday. A player saying that and him being cleared, can be two different things.
"We got some work ahead of us," Tomlin said. "He'll be given an opportunity to show his progress over the course of the week. We will make that decision at the appropriate time. It doesn't behoove us to make hypothetical statements at the early portions of the week. He looked pretty good yesterday. We'll see where the week leads us."
Tomlin is known for his loyalty and is loved by many of his current and former players for it. He says he approaches a situation like that, a starter losing his job after an injury, on a case-by-case basis. He said he wants to be fair to everyone and each situation is unique.
He said Jones has learned well during his first season, same for Joey Porter, Junior. Tomlin said Porter's increased snap load in the second half against Baltimore was more about that situation, not that because he played a lot of the second half in the last game he'll be named the starter. Just a few days ago Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Porter is not ready to start yet.
There are several variables at play here according to Tomlin, it's not just how well Jones and Porter are playing, but it's about the players in front of them and how this decision would affect the team at large-noting that it's often the case in team sports.
"Things and decisions don't happen in a vacuum," Tomlin said. "You can be somewhat pleased with the progress of a player in terms of the direction they are moving, but the opportunity has to be there. We challenge all of these guys to not be patient. This is not a patient persons business. It doesn't behoove them to be patient. We ask them to work while they wait for their opportunity and then put their readiness on display."
"We'll wait for continued opportunities and increased opportunities for them and check their progress as we move forward."
In other words, he wants to see how practice plays out. What the best matchup is for this week, for instance does Patrick Peterson's history against Matt Stafford give him a starting edge over Porter this week. Then there is the point where he doesn't want the Rams to prepare for a couple of rookie starters all week. Whether you think that's a factor or not, it is for coaches.
Broderick Jones and Joey Porter, Junior will be every week starters for this team eventually. Whether Jones' streak hits two or Porter gets his first, we may not know until Sunday afternoon.
