Mike Tomlin defends strange Week 12 coaching decision

Mike Tomlin stands by his Week 12 decision to use Justin Fields over Russell Wilson on a critical third down, despite growing criticism.

One of the strangest decisions from Week 12’s contest was keeping QB Russell Wilson on the sideline while a questionable Justin Fields package saw the backup QB miss an important throw to WR George Pickens.

When asked about the call during the Week 13 press conference, HC Mike Tomlin stated, “We felt good about it. It was a weighty moment. It was third and medium. They had eleven guys within five yards of the line of scrimmage. We had GP matched up on a corner not named Denzel Ward. That feels like more than a fifty-fifty ball to me, and so we were comfortable with that decision.”

The reporter didn’t let Tomlin off the hook that easily, continuing to question the choice, especially since Fields hadn’t thrown in an NFL game for over a month. Tomlin was dismissive, keeping it short and to the point, stating that the decision would have been made regardless of the possible rust on Fields’ arm.

Tomlin offered zero regrets about the risky third-down play call, but the Steelers should stick to the basics as they prepare for the Week 13 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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