With this victory, Pittsburgh improved their record to 7-6, regaining control of their own destiny with only four games remaining. Ultimately, the season may still be decided by a rematch against the Ravens in Week 18 for the AFC North championship, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t looking ahead.
In fact, after the Steelers’ win in Baltimore, reporters caught the coach sending a message to quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the way back to the locker room.
“Monday night home game,” Tomlin reminded Rodgers, as seen in a video by Steelers reporter Brendan Howe.
The Steelers will host the Miami Dolphins in “Monday Night Football” in Week 15.
Mike Tomlin focuses on the Dolphins game after the resounding victory.
In the post-game press conference, Tomlin praised the entire team’s efforts.
“A great win for the whole team. I really appreciate the effort of the lads in the locker room. It was a classic Steelers vs. Ravens game,” Tomlin told reporters after the game. “…A big win for us, obviously in a high-pressure environment, and we’re going to keep going.”
That win was even more impressive considering the Steelers suffered a series of injuries during the game, in addition to pre-game issues.
Three players — Darnell Washington, Malik Harrison, and Andrus Peat — suffered concussions, and Keenau Benton sustained an ankle injury. However, the key word for the day for Tomlin was “fierce.”
“I think we maintained a fierce attitude throughout the day.
I think that’s how we woke up this morning,” he said. “That’s what’s necessary when you’re playing these guys on their home court… I think that’s how we need to play. We need to be aggressive.”
The Steelers and coach Tomlin silenced any doubts for at least a week.
There may also be further motivation.
The past week hasn’t been easy for Pittsburgh. The Steelers were underdogs heading to Baltimore and didn’t inspire much confidence after their terrible home loss to Buffalo in Week 13. Questions about Tomlin’s position revolved around this, and Rodgers certainly responded with his own outstanding performance (23/34 passes, 284 yards, one touchdown).
“(Winning) means you guys (the media) will probably be quiet this week,” Rodgers snapped in the post-game press conference.
While the Steelers certainly felt good after beating their opponents on the road, they couldn’t afford to be complacent.
According to ESPN.com, their playoff chances have increased by 36%, to 68.6% after this win. That could change quickly with just one slip-up on Monday night.
“The Steelers also have a much easier schedule than the Ravens, who will have three of their last four games on the road,” wrote ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, adding, “Perhaps the fans chanting ‘Fire Tomlin’ will leave their coach on for next week’s home game against the Dolphins.”
The Steelers are favored by 3.5 points over Miami in their final game of Week 15, with the Dolphins also clinging to their own playoff hopes. The Dolphins need a miracle to make the playoffs, but they almost certainly need to win all of their remaining games and will likely be well-prepared for the clash at Acrisure Stadium.
