The 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers earned a 32-25 win in their first preseason game Saturday night at Acrisure Stadium. After the game we were treated to an official media session by head coach Mike Tomlin. With that in mind, it’s time for another installment of the Mentioned Players article. Remember that these are current players who were asked a specific question during the Q&A phase.
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Kenny Pickett
Steelers fans got his first NFL action and were ecstatic when Kenny Pickett came on in the second half. After throwing the game-winning touchdown, Coach Tomlin was asked what he thought of Pickett and what he could do at the end of the game.
“He moved his group. He played situation football. He showed competitive spirit. Lots of good things to build on from a first performance standpoint.”
Mitch Trubisky & Mason Rudolph
Although Kenny Pickett received the game-winning pass, all three Steelers quarterbacks who saw action in Saturday’s game had successful games. Coach Tomlin was asked for his opinion on Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph and their first-half performances.
“I could say the same thing about all three, to be honest. They moved their units. They handled the informal things associated with the position in terms of leadership and communication. They were engaged. It was a good first time for all three. Of course we will comb through it tomorrow and rate it like that.”
Jaylen Warren
The Steelers had a winning night as a team when it came to speeding up football. Coach Tomlin was asked what he thought of the way his running backs ran the ball, and in his response he specifically mentioned that Jaylen Warren was fumbling.
“I liked the efforts of these guys. I didn’t like Jaylen [Warren] put the ball on the ground. I appreciate his tackle breaking and contact balance, but that expectation standard is non-negotiable. He has to get better at that. Those are good days provided we care about the ball, and we didn’t. Luckily we got it back. We have to get better.
George Pickens
Steelers rookie wide receiver George Pickens made an impression early in the game, having three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. Coach Tomlin was asked if he saw anything from Pickens that surprised him.
“No.”
In a follow-up question, Coach Tomlin was asked about Picken’s blocking and other intangibles.
“I have to watch the tape to analyze some of these things, but from a playing point of view his performance was consistent with what we saw in training.”
Mark Robinson
The Steelers had an opportunity to score one last goal to win the game thanks to a seventh-round stripsack from Mark Robinson. Coach Tomlin was asked what such a move means for a young player trying to make the team.
“It’s a big game, not only for him but also for us. Situational splash playmaking to ensure victory. We value that.”
Anton Mueller
After Coach Tomlin explained in his opening remarks that Calvin Austin III couldn’t play Saturday because of a foot injury sustained in practice Friday, he was asked about wide receiver Anthony Miller and if he was also dealing with an injury.
“Yes, he has a shoulder too, yes.”
Connor Heyward
With Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry both sitting out Saturday night, sixth-round draft pick Connor Heyward had more chances on offense. Coach Tomlin was asked what he thinks of Connor Hayward, both on offense and on the special teams, and how he’s been developing over the past week or so.
“It was good to see him make some coverage unit plays. You always have questions about the white shirts. That’s what we call an attacking player in the special teams game and I think he had some kickoff tackles which is good for him and good for us.”
Mike Tomlin’s media session can be seen below: