Mike Tomlin Talks Bucs
September 22nd, 2010
Steelers coach and former Bucs assistant Mike Tomlin took time out for his weekly chat with co-hosts Rich Gannon and Adam Schein on “The Blitz” Tuesday, heard exclusively on Sirius NFL Radio, and had a few things to say about the Bucs, coached by his friend Raheem Morris.
Mike Tomlin: Raheem who? (laughs). No, that’s the nature of our business.
Rich Gannon: The Bucs, this is not the same team as last year.
Tomlin: They really are playing with emotion and playing well together in all three phases. They are doing a nice job. The most positive thing for them is that they are putting points on the board. They are doing a good job on third downs. They lead the league in third down efficiency. Their young quarterback is playing great.
There are a lot of reasons when you look at this why they are 2-0. We are really respectful of them and the environment and the atmosphere we are going into.
Adam Schein: Mike, a lot of people are comparing Josh Freeman with Big Ben, especially his escapability and the way he can sling the ball downfield.
Tomlin: I do see that. [Freeman] is a very big guy and uniquely mobile. Just Sunday he converted third downs with his legs. He’s got a strong arm. I know they are very excited about him. When Raheem and I get together, that’s all he has to say about him: positive things about that young man. He is a big reason they are undefeated.
Gannon: Tell us about Gerald McCoy. He’s different than Warren Sapp, he’s longer, but he’s already made a difference.
Tomlin: He really has similar quickness, you are right. They have different body types but they are similar in that their key component with the two is how they defend as an undertackle. He is an athlete who happens to be oversized as opposed to oversized guys who are athletic. The body control, the change of direction, the quickness, he is like Warren that way but I’m not comparing him to Warren. That’s unfair.
Gannon: Is Cadillac Williams the same player?
Tomlin: I think he is. I was there his rookie year, pleased to witness him burst on the scene. He delivers. He is a violent runner. He keeps you missing with sideways jukes. But his personality is that he squares and pounds you with power runs. He is a workhorse and a legitimate one. I have great respect for him.
In this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette video below, Tomlin (with special guest appearances by vaunted Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette) discusses who the Steelers may play at quarterback, injuries to the offensive line, and how to beat the heat in Tampa Bay.
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Joe …Please let us know if this weeks contest will be “Blackedout”. Thanks.
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Kevin:
You’ll know when Joe knows. Deadline is Thursday at 1 p.m. but the Bucs could always ask for an extension.
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Mike tomlin = Shaft
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
I like his humor in the end.
If we can hard on their offensive line early, it will pay huge dividends late.
If our defense is spot on, the rest will sort itself out.
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:59 pm
LOL – *be hard on their..
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
They say this cat Shaft is a bad muther,
SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
September 22nd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I loved him in The Program.
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
It’s gonna be really exciting around here come Sunday!!
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Man, when was the last time we went into a game, knowing we had the best QB? Not sure I ever really remember that!
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:15 pm
I remember the last time we went into a game with a better QB. Last week.
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Tomlin is a class act. I’m glad Tandem idolizes him. He is a good role model for Rah.
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Stupid auto spell check on my phone corrected raheem and made it tandem…
September 22nd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Hey Joe…Just for this week…can we nickname Morris “Grass Hopper”?
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Spirit of 76- lol, ok, ok! I was actually thing of Pre Josh era. It’s just cool to know that our young QB is already making teams nervious. And he Is 23 years old! How good will he be at 25? 27? The sky is the limit!
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Tomlin is one of the few coaches i enjoy watching develope. I actually listen to what he says.
BTW…
GO BUCS!!
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Shaft just announced Batch will start for Steelers.
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I think this is the game where we will see our young defensive line grow before our eyes. I’m predicting 4 sacks, 1 fumble and two more picks from our back line. This is going to be an old fashioned slobberknocker!
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Spirit of ’76,
I’d buy that for a dollar!
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Batch will start, and he is old. The Steelers can be had, as long as we don’t give them 7 turnovers like they got last week. Tampa will be rocking when we are 3 and 0.