PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Their odds of making the playoffs similar to hitting the lottery, but with their still being a chance defensive coordinator Teryl Austin says they are in the business of trying to win, not 'who can play on next year's varsity squad'.
"I want guys right now that can help us win a game, because our job is to win games now," Austin said. "And that's the only way I'll coach."
Sometimes you get the opportunity to do both. The Steelers will play to beat Carolina on Sunday and will play to win the remaining three games. They will also likely do so on Sunday playing some younger guys, due to injuries. Defensive lineman Chris Wormley is lost for the season with an ACL injury and linebacker Myles Jack is questionable a groin injury.
Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal will continue to get opportunities as he returns from his own injury. The third-round pick from Texas A&M played nine snaps against the Ravens after playing 41 percent against the Bills earlier this year.
"Some young guys have an opportunity to step up and really show themselves and show what kind of football players they're going to be," Austin said. "I think we'll go with some of the young guys that are inside. I mean, you have [Isaiahh] Loudermilk, you've got [DeMarvin] Leal, you've got Carlos Davis, we have some other guys who have been working on practice squad. We obviously signed another guy, Jonathan [Marshall]. So, we're going to see who gives us the best opportunity to win and right now, we'll work through that. We'll figure that out at the end of the week and see where we land on Sunday."
"I think it's going to be big for me," the second-year Loudermilk told 93.7 The Fan. "I've kind of been off-and-on throughout the year. Not getting many reps some games, getting more reps other games, inactive/active. I got to take this opportunity and make the most of it."
"I've stayed ready throughout the season. I know I'm ready to take that step. I think the coaches are confident in me to have to be out there more. I'm excited to see what I can do when I get out there."
The 6'7" near 300-pound fifth-round pick in 2021 has gained nearly a fifth of his weight since joining the Steelers. He started three games and made five tackles this season after 23 stops as a rookie.
Steelers could move special teamer Marcus Allen to help out at linebacker and use more safeties, but in facing a team that's won games recently running the ball, including a set with eight offensive linemen, beef is needed.
When the Steelers drafted linebacker Mark Robinson in the seventh round, he was immediately praised for his toughness and physicality. You heard that phrase mentioned as an area of improvement by everyone on the defensive side of the ball this week. They needed more toughness and physicality after Baltimore bullied them last Sunday. It would seem like the perfect time to let the chiseled 6', 220-pounder eat.
"He's always ready and always working," said Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. "He's been one of those guys that's a healthy inactive. Oftentimes young guys fall into that category but not due to lack of work or continually preparing themselves. We'll see how we divide the labor up."
"Being prepared for the moment, understanding what it takes to be here," Robinson said. "I tell a lot of people it's a game, but it's real. We do it for a living. It hits different. When the opportunity comes your way, we go do it. You live for it."
For weeks, really since preseason games, fans frustrations with Devin Bush have led to a groundswell of wanting to see Robinson play. You can tell he's aware of the fans support, but tries to block it out.
"Try to just be blind to it," Robinson said. "The rat poison, that's what we play for is for people to love us, but if I don't get focused and I go out there and play bad, I won't have that many fans."
Both Loudermilk and Robinson saying it's a dream to be in this position. Now with four weeks to go and planning underway for next season, even if the team doesn't say it publicly, it's up to them to take advantage of it.
