Mike Tomlin Uses Famous 1-Liner to Explain Steelers Defensive Turnaround in Week 9
Head coach Mike Tomlin could have pumped his chest a bit after Week 9. Tomlin has preached his team getting back to its turnover culture after each of its last two losses. Behind six takeaways Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers upset the Indianapolis Colts 27-20.
But instead of vindication, Tomlin seemed to express a ho-hum attitude after Sunday’s win. When asked to explain how his defense turned things around so quickly after two straight terrible performances, Tomlin suggested that’s how it goes playing in the NFL.
The head coach used one of his more famous 1-liners to convey that message.
“It’s a fine line between drinking wine and squashing grapes in this business,” said Tomlin.
“It’s nothing dramatic; it’s really not. And that’s why we respect it so much. A couple plays here and there, it might have been different last week … That’s football at this level.
“It’s a limited number of plays or sequences that can really change the trajectory of an outcome. We’re still the same group that stunk it up last week. That’s football.”
Steelers Create QB Pressure, Splash Plays Come on Defense
There’s a lot of truth to Tomlin’s point. The Steelers didn’t have any takeaways in their previous three games. But there were a couple occasions where they could have forced a turnover. Had that happened, the outcomes in Week 7 or 8 could have been different.
On Sunday, the Steelers capitalized on those opportunities, registering six takeaways for the first time since 2010. Thanks to those takeaways, Tomlin’s defense really looked nothing like the unit the past two weeks.
The Steelers can credit their splash plays to the team’s pass rush.
In the previous two games, the team had just two sacks. Against the Colts, the Steelers had five sacks, two of which led to two of the team’s six takeaways.
The most important takeaway of the afternoon came from the Steelers old warhorse — T.J. Watt. The five-time All-Pro beat the Colts right tackle off the edge for a sack fumble early with the team trailing early in the second quarter. Watt also recovered the loose ball.
The play ended a promising Colts drive. The Steelers also scored a touchdown off the takeaway.
“It was everything,” Tomlin said of Watt’s defensive play. “We were running on the beach offensively. We needed a short field. Like all great players do, he provided it when we needed it most.”
Steelers Upset Colts Behind Six Takeaways
Watt finished with three total tackles, including a tackle for loss to go with the sack fumble and recovery. Alex Highsmith registered two sacks and three tackles for loss.
Defensive lineman Keeanu Benton and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. also had sacks. Porter recorded his first interception of the season as well.
Other Steelers defenders also had strong performances. Linebacker Payton Wilson was everywhere. He had 14 total tackles, two pass defenses and an interception. One of Wilson’s tipped passes led to another interception.
Pittsburgh tallied 24 of its 27 points off takeaways in the victory.
“It was complimentary football,” Tomlin said. “But that’s what happens when you take the ball away from people, man. It feeds itself.
“That’s probably one of the more disappointing things about the stretch that we were one. We weren’t taking the ball away. That’s a lifeblood for us, not only as a defense but as a football team. It’s a catalyst for how we engineer victory.”
J.J. McCarthy: The Rookie Ready to Lead the Vikings to Glory
In a season full of highs and lows, one player is stepping into the spotlight with the potential to reshape the Minnesota Vikings’ future. J.J. McCarthy, the talented rookie quarterback, is primed and ready to lead the Vikings to greatness. With a fierce determination and a mindset that defies his inexperience, McCarthy isn’t waiting for the veteran status he’s still technically earning—he’s already acting like a leader.
For many rookies, the transition to the NFL is a journey filled with growth, learning, and adapting. However, McCarthy has shown early on that he’s not here to just “get by.” He’s here to dominate. “When you step into the spotlight, it’s not just about playing the game,” says Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. “It’s about becoming the person your teammates believe in. J.J. McCarthy is ready for this. He doesn’t see himself as a rookie, and neither should we.”
Hockenson’s words ring with a truth that the Vikings locker room has embraced. There’s something undeniably special about McCarthy’s approach to the game. He’s not shy about taking charge, not afraid to make the tough throws or take the heat in critical moments. While many of his peers might still be feeling their way through their first seasons, McCarthy has already shown the poise of a seasoned veteran.
This mentality is exactly what the Vikings need as they navigate their playoff hopes. The franchise has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but with McCarthy under center, there is a renewed sense of hope and excitement. His arm strength, quick decision-making, and ability to read defenses have earned him the trust of his teammates. But it’s his leadership off the field—his confidence, work ethic, and humility—that is proving to be his most valuable asset.
For McCarthy, the transition to starting quarterback has been swift, but he’s handled it with remarkable ease. Rather than being weighed down by the pressure of his rookie status, he’s embraced the opportunity. “It’s time for him to lead us to greatness,” Hockenson continues. “If he embraces this moment, the sky’s the limit.” The confidence in McCarthy from his teammates is palpable, and it speaks volumes about his potential to be a game-changer in Minnesota for years to come.
McCarthy’s growth and leadership are becoming evident as the season progresses. His understanding of the game, both mentally and physically, has allowed him to become a key part of the Vikings’ offensive success. While there are still hurdles to overcome, including the inevitable mistakes that come with being a rookie, McCarthy’s ability to stay composed under pressure makes him a unique talent.
As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on McCarthy. Will he continue to rise to the occasion? Will he fulfill the lofty expectations set for him by his teammates and coaches? There’s no doubt that the rookie quarterback is determined to show the world what he’s capable of—and with each game, he’s proving that he’s more than ready to lead the Minnesota Vikings to glory.
