Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gets Lit Up By Reporter After Seriously Bashing The Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a slightly unusual bye week. As they started to look forward to playing against Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns for Week 6, the veteran quarterback got traded in division to the Cincinnati Bengals, who is Pittsburgh's Week 7 opponent. Either way, the Black and Gold will have to go against the 40-year-old twice in the 2025 season, but it still is a very odd situation. Either way, they have to find a way to make it work and not let him play like he did in his prime.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about that whole ordeal during his weekly press conference. He responded by lowkey roasting Browns General Manager Andrew Berry, and it didn't take long for that clip to go viral. He wasn't entirely wrong either, as what team would ship off their starter to a more-talented team within the division? In-division deals are already rare, and adding a passer into the equation makes it even more rare.
However, not everyone enjoyed Tomlin's comment. NFL reporter Josina Anderson went to X to call out Tomlin for his comments, telling him to "stay humble."
Just like the Flacco trade, this comment does not make sense. It's not like Tomlin was bragging about the Browns making a confusing move when their season seems to already be over. He's not even bragging about being 4-1. He just doesn't understand the logic of Cleveland making that move, and neither do many fans. There's confusion all over the place.
Comparing the Steelers to the 2009 Denver Broncos also makes no sense. Sure, that team had a collapse like Pittsburgh often does, but the big difference is coaching. Tomlin definitely has his flaws, but it's safe to say that no team would want to pick Josh McDaniels over him for the head coach role. They are in two completely different worlds in terms of coaching ability.
McDaniels is known for being very egotistical, which leads to him losing the locker room quickly. He seems to be fit for an offensive coordinator role, but his two stints as head coach have been absolutely disastrous. Meanwhile, Tomlin is a player's coach that does not lose the locker room, even when things are falling apart. The team comes back next year and buys in to his message.
Steelers Have Easy Explanation For Tomlin's Comments
Tomlin didn't just roast Berry and the Browns in his press conference. He ended it by roasting members of the Pittsburgh media for being more annoying than normal. Usually, he is very cheerful after a win, especially a convincing divisional win. Something likely happened before the conference started that set him off, whether it was the fact that he has a short week or the penalties still drove him insane.
There is another idea that maybe Tomlin was just too tired to put up a facade of happiness, as he was brutally honest throughout the entire press conference. Either way, something was not right with him. Still, accusing him of not being humble with his comments is still something that makes no sense. Anderson might want to rethink her words before telling the head coach to do the same.
Broderick Jones Demands More From Himself Than Fans Expect
When the Pittsburgh Steelers played the Cleveland Browns in Week 6, there were concerns about Myles Garrett wrecking the game. He’s one of the best pass rushers in the league, and he’s given the Steelers fits in the past. However, Garrett didn’t
“It was solid,” Jones said Monday via the team’s YouTube channel. “It was enough to get us out of the stadium. There’s always trials and tribulations you’ve gotta come through. I feel like I could’ve played a little bit better… Just me trying to uphold the standard for myself. I feel like I’ve gotta play at a better, more consistent level.”
Was Jones perfect against the Browns? No. He had some ugly reps where he got beaten, and those didn’t always come against Garrett. As a former first-round pick, Jones is still trying to live up to his draft pedigree.
Also, the Steelers didn’t force Jones to block Garrett one-on-one very often. They gave him help, chipping or double-teaming Garrett. The Steelers’ offensive game plan did a lot to limit him, too. They utilized a lot of quick passes and moved the pocket away from Garrett.
However, none of that means Jones is a bad player. Few offensive tackles in the league could hope to block Garrett one-on-one for an entire game. The Steelers were right to devote a lot of attention to him and give Jones help.
Despite that, Jones still might not be giving himself enough credit. Rodgers didn’t get sacked once against the Browns. Considering the level of player that Garrett is, that should earn Jones some praise. He held his own, only allowing one pressure in 31 pass blocking snaps.
Compare that to the first game of this season, where Jones got dominated. He gave up multiple sacks, often looking overwhelmed. He’s shown vast improvement since then. While he’s still rough around the edges, Jones is showing signs of growth. He’s correct that he needs to be more consistent, but Jones had a fine day in Week 6 overall. Not many offensive linemen can say that after facing Garrett.
