Pittsburgh Steelers

Tomlin Elicits Crowd Assistance To Stymie Giants No-Huddle

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin is a Super Bowl-winning coach. But that’s not what makes him great. Instead Tomlin exudes greatness through his honest assessment of circumstances. Some coaches merely act the part, where they feign having everything under control. Yes, I’m looking at you Jeff Fisher! This week, it was not beneath Tomlin to elicit a little help from 65,000 of his closest friends.

Weekly coaches’ press conferences usually go one of two ways: 1. Some coaches try to convince the assembled media that they have everything under control with regard to that week’s opponent; 2. Other coaches like to talk up their opponent because the game might be an obvious mismatch.

According to Penn Live on Nov. 29, 2016, Mike Tomlin’s presser on Tuesday did not fall into either category.

Tomlin Engages Heinz Field Crowd

Ever the astute observer, Tomlin noticed that the Giants’ no-huddle offense is a game changer. With veteran quarterback Eli Manning at the helm, the Giants’ play caller can dictate the flow of the game through the no-huddle. As long as the offense does not substitute, the defense will usually be stuck with the same personnel package.

Dec 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play at the line against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The New York Giants defeat the St. Louis Rams 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Manning, more than any other NFL quarterback, makes multiple adjustments along the line of scrimmage. To his credit, Tomlin honed on a the only fool proof way to disrupt the no-huddle offense: crowd noise.

“The comforts of Heinz Field have an opportunity to be a significant contributor to our efforts in that regard,” Tomlin said. “I look forward to seeing Steelers Nation support us and support us in that way, because [Manning] does do quite a bit of communicating.”

This wasn’t a normal coaches appeal for crowd noise either. It was a thoughtful coach, asking a savvy fan base to affect the direction of the game.

“Working exclusively out of no huddle usually quells a crowd over time. And in those significant moments as the game unfolds you’re able to communicate,” Tomlin said. “Hopefully the crowd stays in the game, hopefully we do our job in terms of helping the crowd stay in the game so that that’s not a factor on Sunday.”

Only Tomlin provides a game plan for the home crowd.

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