Steelers - 17, Ravens - 10
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: Just really appreciative of the effort of the men, particularly the new guys, whether it's the new Veterans that are new to us or the rookies, this is their first exposure to this series, this matchup.
You really got to kind of be a part of it to understand it and appreciate it and be ready to deliver what is required in terms of effort, in terms of fight, attention to detail, et cetera. And so those guys that are new to the Steelers, I just really appreciate it.
Obviously it was Steelers-Ravens the way it usually is in that it is a hotly contested game. In recent years it's been controlled by the defense as it was today. But can't say enough about that significant play by Miles Killebrew. You locked a kick in the National Football League, you usually win football games, and obviously that is a significant contribution. Just appreciative of the effort, it's a good to go into the bye sitting at the top of the North, particularly with all that we've been through.
Still very much a group in growth and development. There's a lot out there obviously that we didn't like. But that's life in this business, as well. Our job is to win and we got the business done today.
T.J. has a finger that's being looked at as we speak. Calvin Austin got evaluated for a concussion but got cleared and was able to return. Larry Ogunjobi got shaken up in some way but don't have a lot of information about. We'll have more information the next time we get together.
Q. Concussion possible for Calvin (inaudible).
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: That's exactly why he wasn't back there.
Q. (Inaudible) go for the home run coming out of the huddle at the end of the game or did it just develop?
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: It just developed. We knew that they had an appetite for zero coverage in those waning moments. It presented itself to us, but I don't know that that was our intentions.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: You know, George had to have a big game. These type of games, hotly contested, a lot of one-on-one matchups, we talked about it throughout the week. Oftentimes it comes down to one-on-one playmaking, particularly on the perimeter in the end when things get a little bit tight. And so it was important that we stay engaged for 60 minutes and deliver those timely plays at the end which he did.
Q. Why did you go to Porter when you did (inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: Porter has been playing increasingly more with each passing week. I've been really transparent about the inclusion of all the rookies. Oftentimes we start with a good foundational plan in terms of how they participate, and we grow from there. He's done a solid job with the work given. And today he got more. He did a nice job with the work he was given today.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: I really think that that's kind of been the difference in these games of late. We've done a good job of taking care of the ball, and we've done a good job of getting the ball. The early games have been difficult. The defense again had control of them in the recent history of the series, but within those games we've taken care of it and they haven't, and that's probably why we had success.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: You know, we had a commitment to running and throwing it and stay committed to those things throughout. And so whether one fed the other or vice versa depends on the perspective.
Q. Talk about Killibrew (inaudible)?
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: Yes, we had a block on and he delivered. Man, this guy has blocked a lot of kicks in recent years, man. He's got to be tops in the National Football League in that regard. It's been special to be a part of it.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: Loss of significant players and managing some of that. Baltimore had a full complement of players today. We had some significant guys inactive. And so I just appreciate the fight.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: I'm open to all of these guys that play well, giving them more opportunities. But playing well creates more opportunities for all parties involved.
Q. There was a slow start on defense.
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: I don't know if it was slow, you know. They got a touchdown and a field goal in the first half.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: They made a commitment throughout the week, the prep, the things that we talked about leading up to the week that we had to do better in preparation. I felt that. I felt an earnest effort in that regard. And there's football justice.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: You know, I thought everybody played with heart and fight. But it was required. Can't say enough about those guys. Rodney Williams getting an opportunity to elevate and play and almost get the touchdown there on the punt block group. Rodney is a guy that's been practicing really hard and well. And I think all they guys are really excited for him in terms of him getting an opportunity.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: It got messy with downed offensive linemen and the extras in the reporting as eligible and some of that stuff. I absorb responsibility for any messiness there.
Q. What did you tell the new Steelers you referenced to get ready?
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: You know, some of those guys have been in significant matchups before. So if you went to Alabama or Auburn, you say it's like the Iron Bowl. If you went to Bemidji State, I said it's like Bemidji versus Mankato. You know what I mean? You're just trying to capture the essence of it for the guys. Most of the guys that went to universities have been a part of some significant rivalries, so that's a frame of reference.
But make this no mistake about it, you've got to be a part of it to understand it. I guarantee you those guys have a better understanding as we sit here today than maybe they did at the front part of the week.
Q. (Inaudible)
COACH MIKE TOMLIN: Well, you know, I worked for the Vikings. I've been out in their part of the world.
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