Mike Tomlin uses college metaphor to avoid trap game vs. Jaguars

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t facing the MACNation Jaguars 

Trap games are always bound to come in the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers are sure to have at least one. For the first time in franchise history, the team is sitting at 9-0 and looks to keep their undefeated streak alive for another week.

Fresh off a quality win against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers will head down south to take on the 1-8 Jaguars. This will come mere days before a showdown on Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens, meaning the attention could be turning towards Week 12 Sunday instead.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin though is certain that every game is one that could be a struggle. The Jaguars record would indicate a loss being a trap game, but that’s not the way Tomlin tries to look at it.

“We are not a Big Ten team playing a MAC opponent this week,” Tomlin said, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “Every time we step into a stadium, we’re playing professionals, players and coaches. We’ve got a ridiculous level of respect for that. Write your story, follow your storylines about trap games and things of that nature.

“We understand what we’re going into in Jacksonville, that that’s a group that’s trying to kick our butt. A professional group, capable group, and we’re preparing with that understanding.”

The Jaguars could be looking to play tough Sunday

Last week in the freezing cold at Lambeau Field, the Jaguars impressed many by keeping it close in the score column against Green Bay. Rookie Jake Luton finished with 151 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception, but the defense also contained Aaron Rodgers for a majority of the game. A late touchdown to Devante Adams sealed the 24-20 victory.

Having Ben Roethlisberger should help Pittsburgh produce a double-digit win season by Sunday’s end. The 38-year-old missed practice last after being placed on the COVID19/reserve list. He finished with throwing for 333 yards and four touchdowns against the Bengals secondary.

Sure, the Jaguars are better than any MAC team, but let’s not act like their season is already over. With the Garnder Minshew era likely done, a win over Pittsburgh could actually hurt them in the race for either Trevor Lawrence of Justin Fields come next April’s draft.