Mike Tomlin Has A Message For Pittsburgh Steelers And Cincinnati Bengals Ahead Of SNF

Mike Tomlin shares his thoughts ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers' prime-time clash against the Bengals.© X/@AdamSchefter

Mike Tomlin may have moved on from coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his connection to the AFC North has not gone anywhere. Ahead of Sunday's meeting between the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, the former head coach made his feelings about the rivalry clear. With both teams fighting for control of the division, Tomlin had plenty to say about what viewers could expect from the prime-time contest. He even made it clear that he would happily travel to Cincinnati to watch the action.

Mike Tomlin backs his former team ahead of SNF

Speaking about the upcoming game on NBC, Tomlin showed his excitement for a rivalry he knows better than most.

“It's AFC North football, and you know I love that. You can airmail me right to Cincinnati,” Tomlin said

He picked out the matchup between Joe Burrow's passing attack and the Pittsburgh defense as one of the main reasons to watch Sunday's contest. “It's good on good. Joe Burrow and that Cincinnati passing game vs. T.J. Watt and the four-man rush of the Steelers…. Bring your popcorn and get your cameras ready,” Tomlin added.

His comments put the spotlight on a battle between one of the league's leading quarterbacks and a Pittsburgh pass rush that has given opposing offenses plenty to think about. T.J. Watt has been a major part of that defensive effort, and the Steelers entered Week 10 with 26 sacks, the most in the NFL.

Tomlin, who spent 19 years leading Pittsburgh, and the matchup offered another chance to see his former players in a high-stakes divisional game. This time, he would be watching from the NBC crew rather than the Steelers' sideline.

Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals fight for AFC North control

Sunday's meeting carried more weight after Cincinnati's 34-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain.

The result lifted the Bengals to the same 6-2 record as Pittsburgh and set up a direct battle for first place in the AFC North. Joe Burrow played a big part in that victory, completing 82.8% of his passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Cincinnati had now won four straight games and entered the Steelers matchup with plenty of confidence.

But Pittsburgh had already beaten its division rivals once this season. The Steelers escaped with a 30-27 win in Week 3, thanks in part to Derrick Harmon's strip-sack of Burrow, which helped set up Chris Boswell's game-winning field goal.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in that contest, while Jaylen Warren produced 176 yards from scrimmage. A Cincinnati win would give the Bengals sole possession of the division lead. Pittsburgh could strengthen its position with another victory.