Coach Mike Tomlin’s Post Game Press Conference Chatting About the Win in Cleveland

Here’s the transcript from Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who talks about the win, James Harrison and the sack record, and getting ready for a short week as they play on Thanksgiving against the Colts.

Opening statement:

“Good team victory for us, contributions in all areas. The guys really fought. They had a good week of preparation but we define our week of preparation by how perform. Tip of the cap to (Steelers LB) James Harrison, still as all-time leading sack man. Happy for him, proud of him. The guys got a little emotional in there today because they have so much respect for him and how he goes about his business. Other than that, we have a short week of work in front of us.”

On if Harrison’s performance met his expectations:

“James has been that type of guy for us. Usually we make decisions with him with a global perspective. Wanting him to be a part of this thing not only today, but for the remainder of the season and for ‘fork in the road’ type weeks. What are we preserving him for? That’s why we played him today in the manner in which we did. I see him every day so I’m less amazed by him. Maybe I should be amazed by it, but we know that his production is not haphazard. It’s not something mystical. He works extremely hard and does so on a daily basis.”

On the decision to go for the touchdown in the first half:

“We’re comfortable with being aggressive in that area of the field. Whether it’s going for the touchdown or what you might describe as two point play attempts. We get a lot of work in that area of the field, we’re confident in our play selection and our ability to execute, so we did.”

On today’s officiating:

“The guys just performed. We were on the field more than we needed to be. I thought the officiating was questionable at times. Maybe that had something to do with it. I just thought it was questionable. I thought there were some bad calls, or no calls.”

On Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell’s performance:

“I thought it was timely. It was very necessary.”

On the impact of the wind on the game:

“We were prepared for the wind and how it might affect play. At times it did, but it probably impacts others more than us because (Steelers QB) Ben (Roethlisberger) is comfortable in those positions. He has the arm strength to cut the wind, so I’m not going to make more out of it than what it is.”

On the performance of Steelers CB Artie Burns:

“He’s a guy that’s continually on the rise. He’s a young guy and he’s playing a lot for us. He’s growing every week and it’s much needed. I’m glad he’s providing some splash for us. Splash that he showed us in draft preparation by being a ball guy. That’s important.”