Steelers Tomlin: "All this one is missing is Howard Cosell, it will be exciting."

November 4, 7:41 AMPittsburgh Sports ExaminerMatt Pawlikowski

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Steeler coach Mike Tomlin is anxious to be back at work after the bye week.

AP/File Photo

PITTSBURGH - Unlike the last time he addressed the media following the win over the Browns, there were no distractions that took place over the bye week.

It was strictly football for Steeler coach Mike Tomlin during his weekly press conference, as he discussed the upcoming Monday night football contest against the Denver Broncos.

“It’s Monday Night Football, a road game in a tough environment," Tomlin said. "I’m excited to come back and get in the cycle of competing coming off a rested bye week as a football team really anxious to get back to work because that is what is going to be needed as we prepare for this game."

When it comes to Prime Time football games, the Steelers have played well in them under Tomlin’s guidance. But this game may be the team’s biggest test since he took the helm of the team. Not only is Denver 6-1, they are also coming off a tough road loss to Baltimore.

"When you look at Denver and what they’re capable of doing or how they do what it is that they do, they’re very efficient," Tomlin said. "If you like challenges, this one has just about everything you’re looking for. You’ve got a great team in their venue, its Monday Night Football, it’s going to be awesome, and all we need is Howard Cosell."

While there are some who are surprised by the way the Ravens manhandled the Broncos, Tomlin is not, but also expects the team to rebound and be at their best come Monday night.

"Baltimore started out the season 3-0, and they dropped three games," Tomlin said. “That’s a prideful group, that’s a talented group, well coached, great players. So not a surprise from my standpoint, just like it won’t be a surprise from my standpoint if we get Denver’s best absolute shot because they’re a quality team that’s well coached coming off a sub-par performance."

For a third time this season, the Steelers also take on a team whose quarterback struggled the previous week. Jay Cutler tossed three interceptions in his season opener, then came back and led the Bears to a win the following week. Derek Anderson has one of the lowest ratings ever for a qb in a win, but didn't have the same luck since his receivers couldn't hold onto the ball.

Kyle Orton presents yet another test, and unlike Cutler who he replaced, he has been very good most of the season.

"It starts at the quarterback position with Orton," Tomlin said. "This guy doesn't throw interceptions, he's only thrown one this year, he doesn't get sacked, he's only been sacked 11 times this year and he does a nice job of taking care of the football and spreading it around to a variety of people."

He again reiterated the fact that being efficient is the Broncos motto.

"They attack people how they choose to attack people," Tomlin said. "They spread the ball around; I think efficiency is their motto. They don’t turn the ball over, they don’t get sacked, they’re playing great defense, there’s a formula for winning. And it's one that they’ve won quite a bit with."

If there is a question mark surrounding the Broncos game, it’s the question as to whether or not Ryan Clark would be playing. Two years ago, he nearly lost his life due to a blood disorder caused by a sickle cell trait. Doctors have apparently cleared him, but the decision is now in Tomlin's hand.

"Ryan has received medical clearance to participate in this game from a team of doctors and we have yet to determine whether or not he is going to do that," Tomlin said. "What we are going to do is continue to prepare this week. We are going to make the decision once and then go play some football. And regardless whether Ryan plays or not the standard will be the same for not only our secondary, but also our football team."

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For whats happening behind enemy lines, check out Denver Broncos Examiner Greg Henry.