PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin chose his words carefully. Partly out of habit. Partly out of respect.
Asked why the winless Miami Dolphins (0-6) have taken steps toward competency after a horrific start heading into Monday night’s visit to Pittsburgh (2-4) — their last two losses have come by a combined 11 points — the Steelers coach played it down the middle.
“They are a professional football outfit,” Tomlin said.
One that is starting to look like one — at least just a little — on defense. So forgive Tomlin if he views Miami as something more than a mere speed bump for his own banged-up team, which has a very slim window to resurrect its season.