‘The agenda is winning’ Tomlin wants continued growth from Steelers
PITTSBURGH – Head coach Mike Tomlin said he can point to a number of improvements made by the Steelers this season.
But Tomlin feels the Steelers can make even bigger improvements heading into the 2015 season.
“What areas can we not get better in?” Tomlin asked Tuesday. “That needs to be our mentality and hopefully it will be.”
Tomlin was happy the Steelers increased their won-loss record to 11-5 and won the AFC North title after back-to-back 8-8 seasons, but that doesn’t mean he was pleased with the end result.
The Steelers saw their season end with a 30-17 loss to Baltimore in the AFC Wildcard game Saturday at Heinz Field.
“It’s still very painful and raw for us,” said Tomlin, who has not yet completed exit interviews with players.
“Like I told them, it should be. It it’s not those feelings, then something is wrong because of what is required of us, what is needed to chase what we chase.”
Tomlin refused to comment on whether any members of his coaching staff would not return next season, and was specifically asked about the status of 78-year-old defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
“I haven’t talked to him,” said Tomlin, who noted those meetings will take place in the coming weeks.
LeBeau has indicated he would like to return, and Tomlin isn’t expected to make any changes on his coaching staff.
While the offense ranked second in the league in total yards, with a number of new players, the defense fell to 18th, down from 13th in 2013. It did, however, play better later in the season as a number of young players were moved into more prominent roles.
Tomlin, who was a defensive assistant with Tampa Bay and Minnesota before being hired by the Steelers, said he has no problem with the offense taking a more prominent role.
“I like to win,” Tomlin said. “The goal is to score one more point than your opponent. If it is low scoring, great. If it is high scoring, great. The agenda is winning.
“I like the fact that we have a good, balanced offense with a lot of weapons. That is not a negative.”
While all of the starters and key backups are under contract and expected back next season, one big issue this offseason will be working out a contract extension with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who has just one year remaining on his deal.
“We have a good quarterback. I like him. I would like to keep him,” said Tomlin.
On defense, however, a number of things could change. Outside linebacker Jason Worilds, who received the franchise tag last offseason, is set to reach free agency again. Safety Troy Polamalu, linebacker James Harrison and cornerback Ike Taylor could be released or retire.
Tomlin said he’s not going to make any rash decisions in regard bringing back or moving on without any of those players.
“What transpired this year is not going to have a bearing on how we move forward,” he said.
Tomlin was not happy with the team’s return game and the lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Steelers ranked 27th in kick return average and finished with 33 sacks, which was 26th and one fewer than they recorded in 2013.
All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown finished with a 10.6-yard average. He had a 36-yard return against Cleveland in the regular season opener and a 71-yard touchdown return against Cincinnati in the regular season finale and little in between.
Meanwhile, the Steelers used rookie Dri Archer and running back LeGarrette Blount – prior to his midseason release – before finally settling on Markus Wheaton as a kickoff returner. The team’s longest kickoff return was 41 yards by Wheaton.
Worilds and defensive lineman Cam Heyward tied for the team lead with 7.5 sacks and Tomlin praised both for their leadership and play.
Tomlin said Roethlisberger (knee), tight end Matt Spaeth (elbow) and safety Mike Mitchell (groin) could undergo minor surgeries. … Tomlin said he met Monday with general manager Kevin Colbert to begin going over the team’s salary cap status and begin draft preparations.