Video: Mike Tomlin Jokes About If Steelers Would've Run 4th Down Play vs. Commanders

Zach BacharContributor INovember 10, 2024

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on in the first half of a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin joked with reporters when asked about deciding to attempt a potential fourth-down conversion on Sunday.

"We'll never know, will we? You know I'm a degenerate," Tomlin said after the Steelers' 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders.

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The Steelers held a one-point lead and were attempting to run out the clock late in the fourth quarter before failing to convert on third down. Pittsburgh's offense was sent back out onto the field, but the ball wasn't snapped before Commanders defensive tackle Johnny Newton committed a neutral zone infraction penalty that ended the game.

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Despite trailing by six points entering the fourth quarter, Tomlin's team secured a fourth straight win. Pittsburgh's past three victories have also occurred with Russell Wilson starting under center.

Wilson finished 14-of-28 for 195 yards against the Commanders on Sunday, throwing three touchdowns as well as an interception. He connected with wide receiver Mike Williams for a 32-yard score with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

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Tomlin initially raised some eyebrows when he made the decision to bench Justin Fields in favor of Wilson ahead of Week 7, especially since the Steelers opened the season with a 4-2 record under Fields.

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The move has paid off, as Pittsburgh is averaging 30.3 points per game since the veteran passer was inserted into the starting offense.

The Steelers' defense has also remained one of the best units in the NFL under Tomlin, entering Sunday's action allowing just 14.9 points per game. Even though Pittsburgh gave up 27 points to the Commanders, standout rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was surprisingly inconsistent.

Daniels completed a season-low 50 percent of his passes against the Steelers, throwing for 202 yards without recording a touchdown or an interception.

Tomlin's squad moved to 7-2 following the victory, good enough for the No. 1 spot in the AFC North through 10 weeks.