Las Vegas Raiders Media Conference

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Coach Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers

Press Conference


Steelers - 32, Raiders - 13

MIKE TOMLIN: I think the first thing that needs to be said, taken aback by the support we got from our fans, Steeler Nation. You know, continually, man, they show up. I just thought it was awesome; the environment for a road venue was special. It was special to be a part of.

A lot of things, the splash plays, the blocked punt. Can't say enough about T.J. that hadn't already been said in terms of his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. It is special. Not surprised by it, but it's still special.

I thought penalties slowed us down some particularly early in the game, self-inflicted wounds, holding calls, things of that nature kind of stopped the fluidity in which we were moving the ball. I thought once we got over that, we were playing the style of ball we desired to play.

Just really appreciative of getting back on track and handling our business and winning because that's what this business is about.

Zach Frazier has an ankle injury. It will be evaluated. There were some guys that went out of the game but were able to return. Mika was able to go back with a shoulder. Donte Jackson was able to go back with a shoulder, to name a few. We'll keep assessing those things. I'll give you an update next time we come together on some of the medical things.

But along the medical lines, I thought it was an awesome game in that we had a lot of guys getting elevated and getting an opportunity to contribute who hadn't. And I'm just really thankful for their efforts, man, and just the collective attention to detail that allows that this happen when you've got guys that are being elevated that lack in-game experience, stuff like that, usually it's a collective in terms of communication and so forth to make sure the day comes off with fluidity.

Q. I know you're not surprised by T.J. but in a game where you're down three of your linebackers and he punches that ball out (indiscernible) and makes plays like that in those moments. He's a difference maker, obviously.

MIKE TOMLIN: Again, I don't know what way to state it other than I'm not surprised by it but it doesn't make it any less amazing. If you've been around him during the course of his career here, you just know that he's going to seize those moments. He's going to rise up and be what we need him to be in some form or fashion.

I think today was just a reflection of it. It's just another chapter in his awesome story that is his career.

Q. What was the difference in the run game? And is that as nimble as you've seen Najee?

MIKE TOMLIN: I just thought it was a collective effort, not only the bigs but the perimeter people. And obviously Naj and everyone else. But I just thought anytime you have a run output like that it's not an individual, it is a collective.

That breakout run, I think Mook (phonetic) sealed the corner and allowed them to go. When I look at it, I just felt the collective energy and effort that was necessary.

Q. How did you feel about Justin today?

MIKE TOMLIN: I thought he did a nice job, particularly making some things happen with his legs, managing the circumstances and taking care of the ball. Obviously he took a few hits, but he's a tough guy. I'm glad he's okay and we'll keep moving.

Q. After the loss last week, you mentioned getting back on track. How important is it to get a win and a decisive win like this?

MIKE TOMLIN: You know, winning is our business. Football is our game. Winning is our business. We hadn't been handling business. It was good to get back to taking care of business. This is a normal state for us. It needs to be.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
149645-2-1045 2024-10-13 23:30:00 GMT

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