PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – What does Mike Tomlin mean about ‘back in the lab’? Why more Jaylen Warren and less Pat Freiermuth? Tomlin was also asked about Diontae Johnson as part of Tomlin Notes before the Kansas City game on Christmas.
Back to the lab
You’ll hear Mike Tomlin describe issues with his team and how they have to ‘go back to the lab’. He said it after the game on Saturday about fixing their defensive issues. Tomlin mentioned it again on Sunday and then explained.
“You don’t necessarily need pads on to improve tackling and work at it,” Tomlin said. “You work on the approach. You work on the positioning. You work on awareness of others, gap responsibility. When I say back to the lab, it’s all encompassing on fundamental things that may not be tackling directly, but tee up tackling.”
More Jaylen
The last couple of weeks running back Jaylen Warren has had a greater snap count than Najee Harris and it hasn’t manifested itself into more carries. Against the Ravens it did with Warren 12 attempts for 48 yards and Harris nine for 42 yards.
“It probably was just the flow of the game,” Tomlin said. “We had every intention of being inclusive and utilizing all of our backs. Not only yesterday, but because we are on a short turnaround and have another game coming. We wanted to use all three guys. Jaylen got a lot more of the others because of game circumstances when he was in and the general flow of the game.”
More Pat
Coming in with touchdowns in three consecutive games, tight end Pat Freiermuth got only three targets against the Ravens on Sunday. He finished with three receptions for 16 yards.
“He’s a capable guy, but we spread the ball around,” Tomlin said. “Oftentimes where we throw the ball or how we distribute the ball is dictated by some of the skills of others.”
Tomlin added stats don’t oftentimes tell the story of his inclusion or his importance in doing other tasks in a game. Freiermuth was targeted six times against the Eagles, seven against Cincinnati.
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Russ bounce back
After the game Saturday, quarterback Russell Wilson said to put the loss on him for his pair of turnovers that led to 14 Ravens points.
“I expect him to respond,” Tomlin said of Wilson. “He’s been doing this a long time. He’s tough on himself because he has a desire to be great. He wants to lead us to victory and he owns that.”
Chiefs style points
Kansas City has only lost once, November 17 at the Bills 30-21. They are 14-1, but not as decisive as you might expect. The Chiefs have won 11 of those games by one score.
“I guess I don't know how dominant they need to be,” Tomlin said. “I mean, they're 14-1. This is the ultimate parity league. Oftentimes, these games come down to one score, and the good teams find a way to get out of stadiums, and they usually find a way to get out of stadiums with great consistency, and they've done that.”
Diontae return?
Speculated by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport soon after he release by the Ravens, would the Steelers have interest in bringing back receiver Diontae Johnson.
“I have nothing to add about somebody who is not on our football team right now,” Tomlin said.
In five seasons with the Steelers, Johnson had 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns.