Exploring Positives In Cancellation of Week 4 Steelers-Titans Game
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is full of catchphrases. From "the standard is the standard" to "we won't live in our fears" and every memorable line between, Tomlin typically is no stranger for bending a microphone.
However, when it came to answering questions about how the cancellation of week four's match-up with the Pittsburgh Steelers could potentially impact their future plans, Tomlin was short but clear:
"We do not care."
While the message was direct, it spoke volumes as to how the Steelers will carry forward. With all the reasons to complain about the unfairness of circumstances out of their control and the potential ramifications it will have moving forward, Pittsburgh's attitude remains the same: One week at a time.
With so much negativity surrounding the situation, surely a handful of positives are possible to emerge (My yin and yang people, this article is for you!)
With an early bye week, receiver Diontae Johnson (currently in concussion protocol) will now have plenty of time to safely return to action with no game on Sunday. Concussions are to be taken very seriously in terms of reoccurrence, as it's vital Johnson returns to full function prior to taking the field again. Johnson's emerging talent has the possibility to add another layer of danger to Pittsburgh's offense, with glimpses already proving his capabilities.
"We have every intention of getting the appropriate rest and taking care of those that need to be amended in any way," said Tomlin. "And more than anything, kicking back and gaining a little bit of perspective and watching others work."
Gaining perspective may indeed prove to be beneficial, as working out kinks and having the opportunity to make adjustments early in the season will be critical in maintaining Pittsburgh's early-season success. Fixing offensive issues such as third-down conversions (21st in the league at 40%) and red zone scoring (only 50% of red zone drives end in a touchdown, ranking 25th) would pay dividends for short and long-term goals.
For a team that continued to echo the "one week at a time" mantra, an extra few days of preparation could also prove to be the difference between 3-1 and 4-0.
More time to heal. More time in the film room. More time to figure out what works and what doesn't.
Full disclosure: The bad from week four's cancellation likely carries more weight than the good that can come from it. However, the Steelers won't know what lies ahead until they cross that bridge.
For now, the future ramifications remain nothing short of hypothetical scenarios, and if you know Mike Tomlin, you know he isn't in the business of hypotheticals.
Donnie Druin is a Staff Writer with AllSteelers. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin, and AllSteelers @si_steelers.
