The injury-ravaged Falcons (1-3) face the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Heinz Field.
Here’s what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had to say during a conference call with the Atlanta media on Wednesday:
On the common denominators to the 1-2-1 start: "You know, it's really probably characteristic of this time of year, it's been a variety of things. In the last game it was possession downs for us. We didn't win our share of possession downs on offense or defense in the second half of the game. That's how it unfolded. In Week 1, it was the turnover margin. We didn't take good care of the football. We didn't get the football enough. It's been a number of things and that's what we are searching for. We are searching for a winning level of consistency across all areas. That's what is required to win in this league on an consistent basis."
On the chemistry between Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown: "I think they, like we are, are searching to find rhythm. But I don't worry too much about their numbers particularly at this part of the year. I know that people spend a lot of time working to minimize those guys and it creates opportunities for others and it should. We are going to spread the ball around and take what defenses give us. Over time, their numbers will be what they'll be. They always are."
On the Steelers defense: "Last game, we were playing without Morgan Burnett (North Clayton/Georgia Tech) and Mike Hilton (Sandy Creek High) in our sub package. Guys that were key components to the game in Tampa on Monday night. There was a period of adjustment particularly in the early stages of the game. I thought once those other guys got settled into roles and the flow of the game, we did a solid job. But you have to continue to work and be solid in all areas both in coverage and in the rush."
On what he sees from the Falcons' offense: "They've got Matt Ryan and when you have a quarterback of his caliber you've got a chance in any football game. Not to mention, obviously, Julio Jones and (Mohamed) Sanu and now (Calvin) Ridley. He's got an arsenal of weapons. He's utilizing all of those weapons. They do a nice job particularly via the play-action pass that they mix well with their running game and they are able to get yards in chunks because of it. They just have a good, well-balanced attack."
On the Falcons cornerbacks: "I have a lot of respect for those two (Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant). They are top-flight cover guys. I thought Trufant did an awesome job inside. I thought he had a chance to close the game out there in the last drive. That's what you fight for. We've got a lot of respect for those guys and the things that they do schematically. We've had our issues. I understand what that's about particularly when you are dealing with the loss of significant components like (strong safety Keanu) Neal, (free safety Ricardo) Allen. I expect those guys to be much improved this week. I know, that's the way that we are preparing."
How are the Georgia players like Cam Heyward, Bud Dupree and Morgan Burnett doing for the Steelers: "Quality men. They are doing a quality job day to day. Georgia couldn't be prouder."
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