Patriots 21, Steelers 18
MIKE TOMLIN: A lot to work on, but in terms of how the game unfolded, the significant difference is they got 7 points off their turnover on the short field; we got zero off of ours.
So that's the difference in the game. Usually it is the turnover component and your ability to support each other on the other side of it or inability, and that was the difference in the game in terms of outcome.
So that's disappointing.
From a health standpoint, Alex Highsmith wasn't able to return. A neck injury of some description. I'll have more information for you obviously next time we come together.
Compliment those guys. They made the necessary plays; we didn't. Thought we fought in the second half, but to come up short on the turnover in terms of the points is the difference in the game.
Questions.
Q. What went into the fourth and two call and was that the primary call?
MIKE TOMLIN: It was. We were down there. We play to win. We wanted to be aggressive. We just didn't get it done.
Q. What did you see on the punt there at the end when they called on Christian?
MIKE TOMLIN: I was given on explanation. I don't know that I agree with it, but I was given an explanation.
Q. What led to the issues stopping Zappe in the first half?
MIKE TOMLIN: You know, they did a nice job early on in the game. We got out-leveraged some, you know, so you got give them credit.
Q. What did you see out of Mitch tonight?
MIKE TOMLIN: I thought he got better as the game went on. Obviously wasn't the type of start we needed. They were really good on possession down. They're collective, the things they threw at him and us.
But I thought he improved as the game went on.
Q. Mike, back to back games where the opposing tight end has a big game. What's been the challenge defending the tight edged the last couple weeks?
MIKE TOMLIN: You know, we're minus some of our people in there and just trying to find the correct mix. And we've played some good tight ends, so that's kind of been a component of it as well.
Q. With back-to-back losses against these teams, where do you guys go from here?
MIKE TOMLIN: We get ready for our next opportunity next week. It's what we always do.
Obviously this stings, but we'll be back.
Q. At any point did you consider putting Mason in the game?
MIKE TOMLIN: I didn't.
Q. What gives you the confidence that you guys can be back after two losses?
MIKE TOMLIN: Because this is what we do. This is who we are.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports