Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is entering his 16th season as the team’s head coach. He coached the Steelers to a Super Bowl 43 win against the Arizona Cardinals in the 2008-09 season, and during his tenure in Pittsburgh has never incurred a losing record. He’s about as steady of a coach as they come.
After a 24-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons in their last preseason game, Thursday night, Coach Mike Tomlin had an all-time quote on why he plays his starters in the preseason.
Mike Tomlin Shares Hilarious Quote About Preseason Games
Mike Tomlin, when asked after the 24-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons, did he feel validated seeing his starters play well in the final preseason game.
“You know I don’t really need validation I just think it’s difficult to box without sparring, and so you know preseason the opportunity for us to spar and sharpen our sword for the battle.”
Hilarious but unsurprising quote. Tomlin, Andy Reid, Pete Carroll, and Bill Belichick are all old-school coaches who play starters in preseason games. Last week, Reid caught mild criticism for playing reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes in preseason games.
Preseason games are a good test to make sure the team is ready heading into the regular season, and three are not that many preseason games. There was a time from 1971 to 1977 when NFL teams played six exhibition games. I can say for certain that would never happen in the NFL today.
Understanding Mike Tomlin’s point, they have a young team led by second-year QB Kenny Pickett, and to build that chemistry, young players need reps and preseason games heading into the season. The NFL season is a grueling 17-game schedule. Why shouldn’t players use that as an opportunity to increase their chances of making the roster by playing well, but to Tomlin’s point, make sure the Pittsburgh Steelers are sharp heading into the season?
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