Mike Tomlin explains why he is comfortable with life after Ben Roethlisberger
It's probably an understatement to say Mike Tomlin exudes confidence. Whatever word or words exponentiate exude to the nth degree would be the correct term to use. However, one would think his confidence would take a slight hit after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Losing a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback is enough to make […]
It's probably an understatement to say Mike Tomlin exudes confidence. Whatever word or words exponentiate exude to the nth degree would be the correct term to use.
However, one would think his confidence would take a slight hit after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Losing a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback is enough to make any coach think twice, right?
In regard to Tomlin: that's a big ol' nope.
In fact, Tomlin likes the current quarterback room of Mitch Trubisky, Dwayne Haskins, and Mason Rudolph. He also welcomes the unknown and the wonderment that naturally comes with such a big roster change.
"I'm probably energized in a real positive way," Tomlin said via Steelers.com. "I like the anxiety associated with professional uncertainty and we've got to acknowledge that we're in a different space. Hopefully that brings the best out in all of us. I know that's what I anticipate happening.
"I'm comfortable with the talent that we have at the position now and that's not saying that I'm not open to add to it as we move forward."
There's a lot to like about Tomlin's response. The obvious confidence and bravado is the main takeaway. Tomlin has never been scared to say how he really feels about a situation, so it's logical to think his comment on being comfortable with the quarterback position extends beyond typical coach speak. Even if most of us know the trio of Trubisky, Haskins, and Rudolph can't even hold a collective candle to Roethlisberger and his accomplishments.
And Tomlin adds a lot of intrigue with his "brings the best out in all of us" line. Roethlisberger is a living legend in Pittsburgh and for good reason. The remaining Steelers -especially the quarterbacks- will see how much Roethlisberger's career impacted the team and how it built the legend he is. NFL players are all about their own legacies, so, the hope is they'll want to build their own Hall of Fame careers and in return, will put the work in to do so.
If that happens, then the sky is truly the limit for this team in 2022. And it won't need Tomlin's confidence or bravado to get there.
Feature image via Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
