Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is acutely aware of the significance of their 2-0 lead, but the Los Angeles Chargers are set to crash their home opener in Pittsburgh with the same unblemished record.
“They took the ball away. They play with a personality that I’m familiar with,” Tomlin said with clear respect on Tuesday. “I know their offensive coordinator Greg Roman. He doesn’t seem to mind that we know how he operates, which is what makes him one of the best in the business.”
As Roman collaborates with Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh to ready their dynamic quarterback Justin Herbert, Tomlin made it evident that it’s best to keep Justin Fields at the helm of Pittsburgh’s offense for now, especially with Russell Wilson unlikely to practice on Wednesday.
“As I stand here today, Russ is not expected to be a full participant in rehearsals,” Tomlin stated. “We’ll monitor him throughout the week, but we’re preparing for Justin. We’ll maintain this mindset until something changes—making assumptions is futile.”
Tomlin praised Fields for his relentless competitive drive and ability to thrive in various challenging environments.
However, when pressed on whether Fields has secured the starting job long-term once Wilson is fit, Tomlin remained resolute. “I’m focused on the next task. Until Russell reaches a state of readiness, I won’t speculate. Our current stance and rankings stand firm until Russ is good to go.”
Tomlin also lauded Wilson’s professionalism and leadership during this challenging period while commending Fields’ combativeness and readiness to fight tooth and nail on the field.
As division rivals to John Harbaugh’s Ravens, the Steelers are gearing up to face former Baltimore running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards. They’re now Roman’s ace in the hole, driving the Chargers’ running game and averaging a staggering 5.6 yards per carry, amassing 395 rushing yards through just two games.
The Chargers’ defensive setup also features a coordinator familiar to Tomlin, Jesse Minter, whose father Rick Minter worked alongside Tomlin at the University of Cincinnati.
On a promising note, Tomlin mentioned that left guard Isaac Seumalo “could be closer to returning” if he participates in practice this week after missing the first two games due to a chest injury.
Tomlin’s enthusiastic outlook charged with passion truly sets the tone for this engaging matchup, where preparedness and performance will undoubtedly collide in spectacular fashion.
