After his press conference after the STeelers 30-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 of the preseason, head coach Mike Tomlin answered questions from the media. Coach Tomlin was asked questions about specific players in regards to their first in-game production of the season. This list isn’t to suggest these players were the only ones who stood out, but highlights players about whom Tomlin was asked questions.

Devin Bush showed why the Steelers made the draft-day move to get him when he had 10 tackles (7 solo) in the 1st half alone, including a big stop for a 2-yard loss on a fourth-and-1 play at the Steelers 17. Coach Mike Tomlin was obviously satisfied: Bush did not play 2nd half. — Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 10, 2019

It was his first NFL game, even if it was the preseason. And if it was any indication of things to come, Steelers’ fans should be ecstatic the team moved up in the draft to secure Devin Bush. Playing only in the first half, Bush put up stats indicative of a full game of action. With several key plays of tackling a tight end short of the sticks on 3rd down subsequently making a tackle for loss on the following fourth down play, Bush showed he was a player which defenses will have to take notice. If only he would have come up with the near interception he defended, Bush might have even had six points scored to add to his one-game resume.

Coach Tomlin was asked about his concerns with Bush coming into the game, and his production.

“I was less concerned with his productivity and more concerned about his demeanor, and I really liked his demeanor. He was present. It wasn’t too big for him. He handled the communication responsibilities associated with his job. He was alert and those were good signs.”

Mason Rudolph is done for the night, and he finished 5-of-8 for 91 yards, with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a rating of 141.1. — Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 10, 2019

With the battle for the number two quarterback job heating up, Mason Rudolph showed he is adapting to the NFL in his second season. Being the second man up, Rudolph took advantage and led scoring drives on three of his four chances. Averaging 11.4 yards per pass attempt, Rudolph showed poise in the pocket and did not take a sack. Rudolph also completed every passing attempt on both of his touchdown drives.

Coach Tomlin was asked if he saw a positive year-two performance from Rudolph.

“Not an extended look, but I like what I saw. He’ll continue to write that script. Not only him but all of them. I liked what I saw from all three guys who played under center tonight.”

Dobbs with a nice pump fake to freeze the defense, hits Washington to convert a 3rd and 21. Gain of 22 yards. #Steelers #dkps — Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) August 10, 2019

While Joshua Dobbs also finished with five completions on eight attempts, he failed to get the Steelers into the end zone on either of his two drives. It didn’t help the Steelers starting position was their own 7 and 17-yard lines for each of Dobbs’ possessions, he did manage to “flip the field” on the first drive with a 43-yard completion to James Washington. Dobbs also kept the Steelers second drive alive with his legs, converting a long 3rd down in his own territory which ultimately led to a 33-yard field goal by Chris Boswell.

Coach Tomlin was asked about Dobbs scrambling for yardage on the ground when he was unable to find an open receiver.

“I’ve always liked his prudent use of agility and escapability. I thought it’s been an asset to him in the past. It was an asset to him tonight. The key is the prudent use of it, and he did a nice job.”

Mike Tomlin’s full media session can be seen here: