Tomlin's Tactical Approach: Steelers' Strategic Physical Play
Throughout the annals of sports history, certain transcendent athletes have demanded creative defensive strategies from their opponents. During his reign over the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal's sheer dominance was met with a notorious tactic: intentional fouling to limit his impact. Echoing this approach, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has sculpted a similar defensive blueprint in the NFL when facing physical wide receivers.
This strategy was evident during the Steelers' recent thrilling 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. found himself at the center of Tomlin’s tactical storm, drawing six flags that resulted in four penalties. While some of these flags were attributed to technical imperfections, they underscored Tomlin's philosophy of meeting physical prowess with equal ferocity.
After the game, Tomlin emphasized this approach, likening the team's tactics against the Bengals' imposing wideout, Tee Higgins, to those employed against O'Neal. "You have to match the physicality of these big people, and sometimes, you do so at risk," Tomlin explained, using a metaphor familiar to basketball enthusiasts. "When we play Shaq, we're gonna use our fouls. We're not gonna allow him to get us off the block, if you need a basketball analogy."
The Challenge of Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins, the Bengals' formidable 6-foot-4-inch, 219-pound receiver, is widely recognized for his sharp route-running and the challenge he presents to tacklers. After the matchup, Tomlin dubbed Higgins a "goon," a term that belies a certain respect in a highly physical context. Known for running "big boy routes"—slants and similar patterns—Higgins transforms every reception into a battle.
Tomlin's praise extended beyond admiration to strategic appreciation. "Tee is a big, backside matchup guy. He is a combat catcher. He's a tough tackle," Tomlin remarked, illustrating the defensive test Higgins poses. As Higgins approaches potential free agency this offseason, Tomlin's words may attract further attention from teams seeking an impactful receiver.
Porter's Growing Pains and Promising Future
As for Joey Porter Jr., the learning curve was steep but potentially invaluable. The technical issues at the line of scrimmage that contributed to his penalty troubles highlight areas for growth. Yet, Tomlin remains confident in Porter Jr.'s ability to evolve and learn from the experience.
Tomlin’s long-term relationship with Porter Jr. offers unique insights into the cornerback's mentality—one described as having a "serial killer's mentality," considered vital for an elite cornerback. "If you're going to be a top-flight corner, you better have it," Tomlin said. "It's not fake, it's real. He's not running from the fight. He's running to the fight."
This mentality, honed since Tomlin first met Porter Jr. at the tender age of nine or ten, aligns with the traits necessary for thriving in the physically demanding and mentally taxing role of a cornerback. "You better have a short memory at that position, and he's always had it," Tomlin noted, speaking to Porter Jr.'s resilience and tenacity.
Conclusion
In the chess game that is professional football, matching physicality with equal intensity is often the cost of contending with the league's most dominant players. Tomlin's guidance, pairing strategic fouling with the nurturing of a "serial killer's mentality," embodies his dedication to crafting a resolute defense capable of withstanding the NFL’s most rigorous challenges. As Joey Porter Jr. continues to develop under Tomlin's tutelage, the Steelers' defensive strategy will undoubtedly evolve, maintaining the balance between legal aggression and technical precision.