The newest season of Hard Knocks, which premiered on Tuesday night time, options all 4 AFC North group. But one particular person stood out because the star of the present: Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin, the Steelers head coach who has by no means had a shedding document in his 18 seasons on the job, let the NFL Films cameras and microphones show precisely why: He has a present for referring to his gamers.
That was true in a group assembly on Thanksgiving morning, when Tomlin made sure everybody on the group had a spot to rejoice.
“Happy Thanksgiving. I’d wish to open my residence as much as anybody and everybody in right here,” Tomlin stated.
And it was true in the course of the Steelers’ win over the Bengals, when extensive receiver George Pickens was knocked down on his route on the Steelers’ first drive, main the Bengals to take an early lead on a pick-six. Pickens appeared dejected as he walked off the sphere, so Tomlin grabbed him for a one-on-one dialog that the viewers have been capable of hear.
“I would like you to stick with me. This shit isn’t going to determine the result of the sport. That’s not going to determine the result of the sport. Look at me! You alright? Alright, let’s go,” Tomlin informed Pickens, who would go on to be the Steelers’ main receiver within the sport.
And it was true in Tomlin’s interactions with linebacker Nick Herbig, whom Tomlin inspired in a group assembly in the course of the week, telling him he needed to see him power a fumble in opposition to the Bengals.
“Herbig, we gotta lay it on the bottom this week,” Tomlin informed him on the group assembly.
Sure sufficient, Herbig strip-sacked Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to arrange a Steelers landing. When Herbig received off the sphere after his massive play, Tomlin was there to guarantee him he knew he’d step up for his group.
“Let’s not act shocked. This ain’t a lightning strike, man, you’re constructed for this,” Tomlin informed Herbig.
As the Steelers clinched their victory, Tomlin celebrated together with his gamers and assistant coaches on the sideline.
“I adore it when a plan comes collectively,” Tomlin stated. “It feels good, don’t it?”
Hard Knocks needed to really feel good for Steelers followers.