What Steelers HC Mike Tomlin mentioned about going through Patriots

The Steelers are looking for their first win over the Patriots at Gillette Stadium since 2008.

Patriots vs. Steelers pregame in 2015 (Barry Chin/Globe Employees). (AP Photograph/Gene J Puskar)

The New England Patriots (1-1) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) on Sunday, in a sport that might find yourself being key within the playoff race down the road.

For Mike Tomlin, he is aware of that slowing down Patriots quarterback Drake Maye shall be key for a Steelers victory.

“He does a very good job of extending performs and making performs along with his legs,” Tomlin mentioned of Maye.

Pittsburgh has had success blitzing to this point, rating sixth within the league in % stress price. However with Maye’s mobility, it might have to change issues up. Maye’s athleticism helped him have a powerful outing in opposition to the Dolphins final week, evading their cross rush on a number of events. He wound up throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns whereas dashing for a rating.

As Tomlin acknowledged Maye’s expertise, he additionally had fairly a bit to say in regards to the Patriots’ operating again room.

“The operating backs are a proficient and deep group,” Tomlin acknowledged. “[Rhamondre] Stevenson’s been round for numerous years now, has been constantly productive in that point. They drafted [TreVeyon] Henderson out of Ohio State, he’s an excellent top-end pace man.”

Stevenson has led the best way to date with 18 carries over the primary two video games, dashing for 54 yards final week. He additionally had 88 receiving yards. But it surely has been a committee as predicted to date, with Henderson including eight carries by two video games.

We can also’t neglect about operating Antonio Gibson, whose explosive kick return helped the Patriots beat the Dolphins.

Flipping issues round, Sunday shall be a possibility for brand spanking new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to get his first win in New England. He’s 0-2 when taking part in at Gillette Stadium in his profession, shedding in Foxborough as a member of the Jets final season.

Regardless that the Patriots’ cross protection ranks twenty sixth by the primary two video games, Tomlin likes the expertise New England has on its protection.

“They turned over some guys on the security place, however they’re not missing expertise”, Tomlin acknowledged. “They do a very good job of constructing you get ready for bundle soccer, utilizing lots of people.”

Tomlin can also be seeking to finish a skid he’s had in opposition to the Patriots, holding a 3-10 document in opposition to them all-time. Nevertheless, he’s 0-3 in opposition to Mike Vrabel in head-to-head teaching matchups.