BREAKING NEWS: Mike Tomlin Sends Clear Message — Steelers Are Ready to Win Now!
Pittsburgh, PA — October 11, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers are done talking about potential. Head coach Mike Tomlin made it crystal clear in his press conference on Tuesday: the time for moral victories is over. The Steelers are now in "win-now" mode, and with a brutal divisional stretch ahead, they plan to return to the foundation of their franchise: physical, smashmouth football.
Coming off a well-timed bye week, Tomlin acknowledged the importance of the rest period but stressed that the real work starts now. The Steelers’ upcoming games, including back-to-back divisional matchups beginning with a road game against the Cleveland Browns, could set the tone for the rest of the season. And according to Tomlin, that tone will be set on the ground.
"We’re Going to Run the Football. A Lot."
In his Tuesday address, Tomlin emphasized the significance of divisional play, describing it as “fun and exciting” — and to the Steelers, that means pounding the football. Pittsburgh has always built its success on dominating the line of scrimmage with a powerful running attack, and they plan to return to that identity in a big way. The Steelers’ physical rushing game is essential, and they now have a key player to help ignite it: second-year tight end Darnell Washington.
Darnell Washington: The Key to Reigniting the Ground Game
The Steelers’ offense has been shaky at times this season, especially in the run game. But in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh showed signs of the old Steelers when they rushed for 131 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. What changed? Darnell Washington.
Washington’s imposing size and blocking ability have made a huge difference. Tomlin, known for his straightforward approach, made it clear that Washington is a crucial part of their offensive strategy. "You can’t play 4-3 teams with 250-pound tight ends," Tomlin said. "When you’re going against 300-pound linemen, you better have somebody out there that looks like that animal."
The Steelers’ Smashmouth Identity Is Back
Tomlin has always been about setting the tone with toughness, and with Washington's expanded role, the Steelers' offense will have the physical edge they need to thrive. The Steelers need to rely on running the football to win, especially considering their current 30th rank in rushing yards per game. With Washington leading the charge, the team is set to capitalize on his skills and create a powerful run game, even against tough defenses like the Cleveland Browns, who have the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense.
Final Thoughts: Steelers Are Ready for a Dominant Run
Tomlin’s message is clear: it’s time for the Steelers to go back to what they do best — physical, relentless, and tough football. As Darnell Washington’s role expands, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will impact Pittsburgh’s divisional stretch. The Steelers are ready for the grind, and if they can control the trenches and establish a strong run game, there’s no reason they can’t go 2-0 in these crucial games.
Bills' captain Josh Allen reacts to latest Keon Coleman disciplinary action
Starting with Monday night's game in Atlanta, the Buffalo Bills know they have to be better. They also have to be more disciplined.
In the wake of Keon Coleman sitting out the start of last week's upset loss to the New England Patriots, the receiver acknowledged his mistake an vowed to improve his focus going forward. It was the second time in two seasons Coleman has been disciplined by head coach Sean McDermott.
“It is frustrating because you know you’re better than that as a person and an individual," Coleman said this week, "and you don’t like the things that it shows."
The Bills were also sloppy on the field against the Pats, with an uncharacteristic three penalties and 11 penalties.
Team captain and star quarterback Josh Allen also realizes the Bills have to button things up. They are 4-1 and tied for the best record in the NFL, but the margin between teams is too thin to play football littered with on- and off-field mistakes.
“I think he understands," Allen said of Coleman. "I think he knows at the end of the day, this locker room, this team, you don’t ever want to let your teammates down, and I think he understands that and he doesn’t want to let us down. He’s a guy that continues to work extremely hard. It’s not going to deter (me from) going his way at all.”
