A full transcript from Tomlin’s press conference this morning in getting ready to take on the New York Giants Saturday.
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“We’re excited about the next phase of development for us. Just to step into a stadium Saturday night vs the Giants. That’s an exciting process in itself but to do it at Heinz Field of course is equally as exciting for us. I think it’s time for us to see some unfamiliar faces and schemes and approaches to the game of football. To see our level of understanding and our ability to play under those conditions and circumstances. Excited about that.
As usual, it’s been our practice particularly in recent years, all the healthy bodies will participate in the game. We anticipate playing our first units 10-12 snaps or so. Obviously, that’s subject to change as the game transpires in the stadium. We are capable of selecting guys within that group for extended action for exposure. We’ll make those decisions throughout today. We anticipate utilizing all the QBs at this point. Again, that may be subject to change based on how the game unfolds, time of possession, etc. But that is our intentions as we sit here today. We want to look at the young guys in the return game. We know what Antonio Brown is capable of, Emmanuel Sanders, LaRod Stephens-Howling. We want to see some of the other guys whether it’s [Kashif] Moore, [Reggie] Dunn, or any of the others. We’re going to feature those guys in the return game….Anyone who is deemed healthy will participate. We’ll make the 11th hour decisions in regards to that. We’ll continue to monitor the guys that are experiencing the bumps and bruises associated with training camp and have an eye towards inclusion with them in regards to play if at all possible. “
Matt Spaeth’s injury
“He’s being evaluated in Pittsburgh as we speak along with a couple of other guys. So I should have that information later on this afternoon. “
What he and Kevin Colbert does to assess the coaching staff and get better during the offseason
“We measure ourselves the way everyone measures themselves. By results of course. Our record being what it was we realized we need to look hard into what we do in an effort for improvement and we’ve done that. We just peel back layers. I say that simply in response to what we do but really when I think about it that’s always our approach. We always try to peel back the layers, ask the critical questions of analysis of what we do and search to do it better. The acquisition of talent is a big part of that but also the development of the talent we have is a major component of it also. That’s how we basically spend our time. “
If he tries to improve in-game management
“I just think you live in that regard. Nothing beats experience. Obvously, you put yourself in hypothetical situations but nothing reall syimulats live opportunities and actions. Hopefully I continue to get better every time I step in a stadium. “
Players that began tackling in the second half of 11 on 11 yesterday
“That was at my instruction. I wanted the second half of that drill to be tacking. That’s largely when the younger guys participate in that drill. We had just acquired a new running back that I wanted to see participate and carry the ball in live action. So about midway through the drill I stepped in and instructed the guys there was tackling. “
If players have embraced camp
“I think that they have. And forget what I think. They’ve embraced it from a performance standpoint. I’ve been satisfied in terms of the efforts in regards to that. And that speaks better than the words.”
Assessing development of Landry Jones
“He’s done some good things. But obviously, what he does in stadiums is going to be the litmus of where he is. This is a guy who threw for 16,000 yards or whatever in college. So the throwing of the football or the mechanics of the position particularly in a practice setting is not going to be foreign to him. He’s going to be able to represent himself well in structured environments. But playing the game in a stadium with a live rush and those things, I think we’re going to find out a lot about where he is after Saturday night. “
What he looks for in the rookies
“I’m just looking for a good representation not only of what they’re capable of but probably even more importantly what they know. Not only in terms of assignments but the nuances of the game. The understanding and unwritten rules of the game of football. The things they should know innately. I’m interested in the things you don’t coach are the things I’m going to value seeing from the guys I don’t have an in game experience with. “
Elaborate on unwritten rules of football
“Just certain things you don’t practice in a practice setting. You work in punt return, very rarely does the ball fall short. It’s a situation where people need to get away from the football and “Peter, Peter” is called and the urgency associated with that. That’s just the in game nuances. Maybe some people can innately get away from the ball quickly maybe some people are less aware. Those are the types of tihngs you pick up in game that you don’t pick up in practice situations, where those things are quite frankly, more scripted. “
How Ben has acted as the “old guy”
“I think there’s a difference between the guys. I think he views Bruce as a guy who’s seen a lot. A guy that’s played a lot and he views him differently than John or Landry. So I really think there’s a difference there. They’re intellectual equals in terms of experience in the discussions they have in regards to the ball. Obviously, he operates in a more mentor like capacity for the other two.”
If it’s something that he’s embraced
“It’s really something that’s inevitable. Obviously, the longer he is in football, the higher the probability his backups are going to be younger than him. [laughs]”
If he’s satisfied with the work he’s done in camp
“I’m not. I think we’re going to continually work to maximize our ability to gain information within that structure. I think that’s one thing the live tackling was about quite frankly and what it is about. I think the guys understand that and that’s one of the reasons why they embrace it. They realize it’s an opportunity to distinguish themselves. And that’s what they’re here for.
Can a job be won Week One or do you move just up and down.
“It’s part of the process. I never have a timetable, if you will, in terms of when jobs are won. I just think it’s definitive when you know. So the possibility of it is yes; the probability of it is no. We got a lot of time, obviously, to develop this football team. Not only to establish who the 53 are but the division of labor within that. “
Any decisions on how the RBs will be rotated
“No. We’ll discuss it today. Obviously, we’re going to play the ones for 10-12 snaps. Don’t be surprised if you see Le’Veon getting some snaps with those guys. I think he’s earned that. But don’t be surprised to see him play after those guys are out of the game as well. He, like a lot of the guys we need to get a lot of exposure to. And I’m sure that’s probably who you wanted to know about. “
How Dwyer and Redman have responded to Bell
“I don’t think their response is anything unusual, to be honest with you. Every year, guys come into camp, those that are returning are pitted against new guys vying for jobs. New competitors. New guys that are capable of seizing roles and competing for work. They’ve responded the way professionals should. They’re competing and it’s bringing out the best in them.”
If both kickers and punters will play
“Yes. I hadn’t discussed it with those guys yet, but it’s been my history that at least this first time out I’ll go halves with them. But I hadn’t decided who gets what. “
Shamarko Thomas getting work at nickel corner and if that’ll continue
“He’s done a nice job. Often times you can tell his growth and development simply by his willingness or ability to communicate in walkthrough type settings. The work we do in the AM. Day by day you hear him becoming more verbal in communication. A big part of that position. The hub of communication in subpackage football. He’s embracing that. We’ll continue to put it on his plate see if he can execute it in a game like setting or situation. We’ve been pleased with that. I think he just adds value to himself the more he’s capable of doing. And obviously, he has a physical skill set that’s geared towards that flexibility. But we’re not going to take it for granted.”
How Le’Veon has earned first team reps (demeanor, performance)
“Demeanor is one thing. But how he has run the ball speaks for itself. I think you guys can attest to that just based on the amount of questions I get regarding him on a day-to-day basis. So don’t be surprised I made that statement.”
If somebody can fill Will Johnson’s role
“Jamie McCoy. Has and does and will. But the vast majority of our tight ends are dual position. They’re capable of playing out of the backfield. Whether it’s Jamie McCoy or David Paulson We got enough quality depth at that position to create two back-like formations when necessary. Regardless of whether Will’s in the game or not. “
If he’s coaching differently because it’s a young team
“Yeah, you cater your message to your audience. Obviously, we got a lot of young guys. We don’t take that process for granted. We communicate the things that need to be communicated. Most importantly is the standard of expectation of what we expect from them in everything that we do.”
If he’s teaching more when on the field
“I don’t think I’m teaching any more. I’m probably changing my approach to teaching. That’s geared and catered towards the audience”
If Paulson is still a “move” TE
“Yes.”
Who Matt Spaeth’s replacement is
“Well I’m not ready to replace Spaeth yet at this point. I’m waiting to see what’s being said on his visit to the doctors in Pittsburgh. But if he’s not, David Paulson is a guy that’s capable of playing move and on the line. As is Jamie McCoy. Being backup tight ends, I think it lends itself showing their versatility and being able to do all of those things. When you think about it, all of those guys have shown the capability of that other than Matt Spaeth.”
If Paulson will play FB too
“Yes. Whether a move TE or fullback, they’re interchangeable parts. In terms of what we do formationally and assignment.”
Anything particular he likes about playing the Giants
“Not really. It’s just an opponent. And it’s an opportunity to play an unfamiliar opponent. Haven’t thought too much about the nameless, grey faces on the other side.”
If the move at tackle is permanent
“I’m not ready to say it’s permanent. I am ready to say it’s permanent for Saturday night. I do believe it has been interesting. It has produced some positive results. We’ll see what it looks like from inside the stadium and go from there.”
How the three new coaches are doing
“Those guys are doing great jobs. Coaching is a small fraternity. They’re new to us but they’re not new to me. So I can’t tell you I’m surprised by what it is they’re doing. Jack Bicknell and I have had mutual friends for a number of years. I’ve flowed his work. Danny Smith and I have been friends for a number of years . Of course, Richard Mann and I worked together in another city. So I’m pleased with their work. Not surprised. I know what they’re capable of and they’re delivering it to this point.”
Assessing Jarvis Jones play
“He’s doing some nice things. He needs to stay on the field more. But when on the field, it’s obvious he’s productive and aware, instinctual. It’s obvious he’s got talent. We took him in the first round. I’m not displeased with his progress whatsoever. Just want to keep him on the field and keep the process or improvement going.”
If Jason Worilds came out of practice healthy
“Yes.”
If Wheaton and/or Justin Brown will be used on returns
“Yes. They’re included in that young guy group.”
Punts/kickoffs/both
“Undecided. Just want to look at divvying the reps up. One thing particularly about kickoff returns and punt returns likewise you can’t anticipate how many you’re gunna get. So we need to sit down and talk about how we’re going to divvy those reps up.”
If he watched Hard Knocks this week
“I didn’t. But I hear James is entertaining. [laughs] As I’m sure he would be. To know James is to love him.”
If he ever had to tell James not to hit a WR [in reference to Harrison’s quip about hitting AJ Green]
“No.”
If he ever had to tell James not to hit a reporter.
“No. [laughs] I like that. That was awesome.”
