Mike Tomlin Addresses Minkah Fitzpatrick’s Criticism of Steelers
Mike Tomlin responded to Minkah Fitzpatrick’s comments about the Pittsburgh Steelers mentality.
PITTSBURGH — Minkah Fitzpatrick was furious following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 14, so much so that he called out his own teammates’ work ethic and drive to win following the game.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was made aware of Fitzpatrick’s postgame comments but believes he meant them more as a challenge from the star safety to his teammates, instead of a complaint about their effort.
You know, he was most likely discussing how to remain cheerful in the face of difficulty. These will be very difficult games with obstacles and challenges along the way. Nothing will be handed to us, so we will have to overcome that, according to Tomlin. “Giggling in the face of that is imperative. I’m sure Fitzpatrick is just encouraging others to follow in his footsteps because he is a man who embodies those values and does that. To alter the results of games, we need to perform that task more effectively.”
Fitzpatrick said there are too many Steelers players who think they simply need to show up to make plays and win games, and that the team’s leaders “need to check that mentality” as they prepare for a stretch run against playoff contenders while holding a precarious grip on a playoff spot.
Tomlin recognizes that his team will need to play dramatically better if they want to hold onto that spot and shares Fitzpatrick’s desire for urgency from the slumping Steelers.
Tomlin stated, “I’m not necessarily looking for messages that will uplift them.” As the road gets narrower, I’m probably going in the opposite direction and stressing how important these games, opportunities, and weeks are. We like to use that expression, and we are now entering the month of December. That is merely admitting the reality.
The question of whether the Steelers have enough players in their locker room who can follow Fitzpatrick’s example and remain optimistic in the face of difficulty is raised by their recent performances, which have resulted in two straight losses to teams that came into the game with just two wins.
