In today’s NFL, the thought of a trap game shouldn’t be a thing for the simple fact that all teams should be taken seriously as the league provides the highest level of competition there is. That’s certainly the mindset that Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is taking on as his undefeated squad faces a one-win Jacksonville Jaguars organization they’ve grown very familiar with in recent times.
“We are not a Big Ten team playing a MAC opponent this week,” Tomlin said to the media Tuesday. “Every time we step into a stadium, we’re playing professionals, players and coaches. We’ve got a ridiculous level of respect for that. Write your story, follow your storylines about trap games and things of that nature. We understand what we’re going into in Jacksonville, that that’s a group that’s trying to kick our butt. A professional group, capable group, and we’re preparing with that understanding.”
These remarks certainly aren’t surprising and explain why Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL. Over the years, he’s shown the Jags a great deal of respect, whether he was facing their very good 2017 team or their struggling 2018 team.
Tomlin’s remarks also come after the Jags shocked many and gave another top-10 team, the Green Bay Packers, all they could handle. While there is no silver lining for their 24-20 loss to the Packers, their gutsy performance garnered some attention as they played a league MVP in Aaron Rodgers tough.
Sunday’s battle may be a little different, however, as the Steelers are a significantly tougher group on defense. They will enter the game tenth against the pass, ninth against the rush, and sixth overall. Still, despite those figures Tomlin clearly isn’t letting his guard down, and he’s absolutely right to do so after looking at the Jags’ and Steelers’ history.