Steelers HC Mike Tomlin speaks out on training camp fights - "We're not putting together an MMA team"
Mike Tomlin is not a fan of training camp fights. Scuffling during the preseason has long been a tradition in the league, one that is supposed to build competitive hunger among players. But speaking to Kay Adams on "Up & Adams" during Saturday's practice, the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach said he saw only negative effects and wanted it gone as soon as possible.
Tomlin said:
"I understand we need tough guys in this business. But we're not putting together an MMA team. It doesn't help us win games, we get penalized, we get kicked out of games. And so when they do occur out here, I understand that while at the same time, it's a growth opportunity, we got to eliminate that from our competitive spirit as we step into stadiums."
Mike Tomlin weighs in on Russell Wilson-Justin Fields QB1 competition
On "Up & Adams," Mike Tomlin was also asked who his starting quarterback could be.
During the offseason, the Steelers made league headlines when they signed Russell Wilson after his release from the Denver Broncos. After that, they traded for former Chicago Bears first-round draft pick Justin Fields, creating a dynamic dual-threat duo.
Naturally, this has led to multiple opinions about who starts and who sits, with some leaning toward Wilson and others toward Fields. However, Tomlin said:
"I think I've been pretty consistent with my position there. I characterize it as pole position for Russell, and the reason I have is, certainly they're competing. But I don't overly concern ourselves with being fair. There's no such thing as 50/50, so we just pay respect to the totality of his resume and experience."
However, that does not mean Fields has to be encouraged. Tomlin also revealed the one thing that he had been telling his youngster:
"The message that I want to continue relaying to him is, I don't want to squash his natural instincts. His mobility is a weapon, and we don't want to minimize that. We don't want him overtaken. We want him to play fast and fluid, so if anything, I'll mention that to him a few times... I want him to do what comes naturally, as it pertains to his game."
The Steelers play their first snaps against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9.