Steelers Safety DeShon Elliott Regrets Fiery Comments after Chiefs Loss: ‘It Was Out of Emotion’
PITTSBURGH — Communication lapses on defense have been a huge problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers during their three-game losing streak. Frustration reached a boiling point after the team’s 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Wednesday, as strong safety DeShon Elliott so eloquently put it, “guys can’t be fucking wide open.”
After having time to reflect, Elliott regrets not keeping things in house.
“I probably shouldn’t have said anything and kept things more in house just out of respect for the guys in the locker room, respect for the coaches,” Elliott said. “It was out of emotion. I love ball. Everyone knows that. I love these guys.
“You don’t prepare to lose, you prepare to win. When you don’t win things can get frustrating. We’ll be alright. We all love each other. It’s like when you argue with your brother, eventually you’ll hash it out and get on the same page.”
After a third straight loss, and after multiple players in the locker room following the Christmas Day loss to the Kansas City talked about more than just miscommunications, but effort level and want-to, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called the team into the facility on Thursday, Dec. 26 to hash out their problems and figure out a way forward.
“Last Thursday, we came in after Christmas Day’s game and met and analyzed not only that performance versus Kansas City, but really looked at some trends in most recent performances, and specifically some things that we have been talking about in this setting, things that have been building blocks for engineering victory for us,” Tomlin said.
Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin did not have an issue with players expressing their frustration. In fact, it’s something that he appreciates. He wants to get things right.
“I’d rather them be emotional than not give a shit. Our guys give a shit,” Austin said. “I like having guys that give a shit… guys are just frustrated.”
“DeShon is DeShon. He likes to talk. He’s great for (reporters),” Austin added with a smile.
While Elliott regretted his postgame comments after the Kansas City loss. He was not shy to express his feelings about the NFL having the Steelers play three games in 11 days.
“With the NFL kind of doing us over with the three games in 11 days, we kind of needed that (late-season break). I feel like we earned that. We deserve that. They didn’t throw us a bone. … I think we should get an extra bye,” Elliott said.
Aaron Becker provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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