Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Raves about Eagles Star RB Saquon Barkley: ‘Most Significant Acquisition in the NFL in 2024’
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers kick off their brutal three-game stretch on Sunday in Philadelphia. They’ll then have a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 21 and finish the gauntlet with the Kansas City Chiefs at home on Christmas Day.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is not worried about the future, however. He’s just focused on the present.
“There’s enough things right now that have our attention in the here and now,” Tomlin said. “We’ve kind of been in that posture all year. I don’t imagine that would change.”
The Eagles (11-2) are playing elite football, winning a franchise-record nine in a row. Sunday’s game in South Philly is certainly a five-star matchup.
“I’m excited about representing WPIAL in this. I made the joke this morning that we could play this game in Breezewood, that’d be awesome,” Tomlin said with a laugh.
The biggest challenge for Tomlin and the Steelers defense on Sunday will be stopping league MVP candidate Saquon Barkley, who is on track to break the NFL single-season rushing record. He needs 483 yards in final four games to break the record.
Barkley had a ridiculous 180-degree hurdle in the Eagles’ Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tomlin knows it will be a daunting task to limit Barkley.
“The acquisition of Saquon Barkley has got to be the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024,” Tomlin said. “That’s what the tape looks like. He’s been dominant, eye-opening at times. Highlight reel-caliber plays, long runs, touchdowns etc. It starts there for us. If you don’t minimize him in some way, you’re not even going to position yourself to have a chance to be successful. So obviously he’s got a lot of our attention at the early stages of the week.”
“He’s dynamic,” Tomlin added. “He checks all the boxes in terms of physical talent. He’s got top-end speed. He can hit the home run, there’s evidence in the Rams game. He’s good in tight space areas, he can get downhill. He can lower his pads and run behind his pads, he’s good lateral abilities, he can make people miss. He’s just a really complete player.”
Philadelphia’s offense has gone six straight games with more rushing than receiving yardage. The offense is clearly powered by Barkley, as they rank No. 1 in the NFL in rushing yards per game (190.5 average).
The Eagles struggled with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, eking out a 22-16 victory. Jalen Hurts threw for only 108 yards, and A.J. Brown expressed frustration for only receiving four targets. Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham also hinted that there could be some bad blood between the two. Nevertheless, Hurts is still a high-caliber quarterback in the NFL.
“Jalen Hurts is a top-notch quarterback, decision maker, leader, passer, escape artist. You name it, he’s capable of doing it,” Tomlin said. “And so, we have the challenge of working to minimize both guys and making the schematic decisions associated with what’s required to do so.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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