Mike Tomlin Answers Fan Questions, Addresses Running Backs

[Steeler Nation]

By: Jessica Costello SteelerNation.com Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers‘ head coach, Mike Tomlin*answered questions from fans during the fan phone call through Steelers Nation Unite. Tomlin answered numerous questions, while one fan sparked interesting answers from Tomlin. Tomlin was asked about the running back position and what approach the team would take during the 2020 season. […]

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[Litos]

sounds like the top 3 are set in stone, samuels, edmunds and whyte will have to fight it for the 4th roster spot

 

[slashsteel]

I think he needs to go away from his nature and keep these RBs rotated in, probably the wise thing to do when you have an often injured starter.

 

[Muddler]

No question Tomlin/Colbert like big, physical bell cow type backs: Bell, Connor, Snell, even Edmunds. However, it also seems that lately they have recognized that they need to add some speed to the group to provide the "splash" plays that Tomlin craves. They started to move that way last year by picking up Whyte when he was available and made significant strides in that direction by selecting McFarland in the draft. Agree with Litos that based on that interview excerpt it looks unsurprisingly likely that Connor, Snell, McFarland and Watt are automatics for rostering while the others are on the bubble and likely ST candidates if anything. I think Edmunds is toast and Samuels may be fighting for his NFL life this year while Whyte has a shot as a returner.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I think he needs to go away from his nature and keep these RBs rotated in, probably the wise thing to do when you have a often injured starter.

I agree slash but also see Coach Tomlin maybe to set in his ways. He ran the wheels of BELL as well. Just because the featured RB is churning out big yards and you have a comfortable lead doesn't mean keep chugging him, that is WHEN YOU NEED to rely on that 2nd RB to lighten and save the featured RB for later use. Maybe Coach Tomlin will reconize this aspect of the game this year and we actually have a healthy backfield late into the season / play offs.


EDIT: Just wanted to take a moment to thank Jessica for the article and interview find. Well written Jesica, thank you




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