T.J. Watt, Mike Tomlin left in awe of Trenton Thompson's performance in Steelers' win vs. Bengals
Trenton Thompson made the most out of his golden opportunity in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ road matchup against the Cleveland Browns. With Minkah Fitzpatrick ruled out for the game due to a hamstring injury, Thompson ended up featuring in 77 percent of snaps on defense, and he tallied six total tackles. He also allowed a 77.9 […]
Trenton Thompson made the most out of his golden opportunity in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ road matchup against the Cleveland Browns. With Minkah Fitzpatrick ruled out for the game due to a hamstring injury, Thompson ended up featuring in 77 percent of snaps on defense, and he tallied six total tackles. He also allowed a 77.9 passer rating in coverage.
Thompson wound up putting together an encore performance against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thompson earned a start in the secondary for the first time this season, and he caused havoc all over the field. He recorded five tackles and one interception in the divisional contest.
Thompson’s interception against the Bengals was the first of his career. Bengals quarterback Jake Browning attempted to connect with Ja’Marr Chase in the red zone, but the second-year defensive back had other plans in mind.
Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt is not surprised at all by Thompson’s promising play as of late.
"Trent’s been balling," Watt said during his postgame press conference. "He really has. No one’s surprised by his success. He had a phenomenal preseason. A guy that’s come in, he’s not doing a whole lot of talking, he’s trying to learn as much as possible, and he’s performing. Credit to him."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been pleased to see Thompson continue to rise to the occasion.
"One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity, and efforts like Trent’s make that real," Tomlin said during his postgame press conference. "And so we are really appreciative of it. … And this guy’s been really excited about this opportunity. We’re excited for him, and he delivered."
The Steelers signed Thompson to their active roster last week. Regardless of whether Fitzpatrick ends up returning to action against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, Thompson sure will look to continue to prove his worth to Pittsburgh’s coaching staff.
