By the time the Steelers kick off against the Bengals on Saturday night, they’ll know if they’re still in contention for the AFC North crown.
Should Baltimore beat Cleveland in Saturday’s first game, then the Ravens will clinch the division. That means, in theory, Pittsburgh could rest its starters with just the risk of losing a seed in the conference’s playoff positioning.
But Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t seem to want to go that route when asked about it during his Monday press conference.
“I haven’t pondered that at all, to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said when asked if he’d potentially rest starters if the Ravens win. “That might be a thought for later in the week. But as I mentioned, I think it’s significant how we go into this tournament. So, I doubt that I’ll be in that mentality that you mentioned.”
Tomlin had mentioned that he wanted to get the stench of the last game off of the club earlier on in his presser. But the Steelers have also lost their last three games — falling to the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs since defeating Cleveland on Dec. 8.
The head coach said he felt “really good” about how the team responded to being back in the building on Monday.
“We were very transparent about what needs to be done and our course of action in an effort to create it,” Tomlin said. “But, again, I think we show mentality with our urgency and how we work. And so I’m excited about getting back on the grass tomorrow and starting the process. But, some bright eyes, some rested faces. Felt real good about what we were able to get done in a classroom-type setting this morning.”
