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Mike Tomlin defends onside kick, Patriots comments: 'I don't fear failure'

PITTSBURGH -- Mike Tomlin makes no apologies for his coaching style, which proved aggressive on a failed onside kick attempt in the playoffs, and unabashed in his comments from November that the Steelers should win it all.

Tomlin set a tone of confidence in an interview with NBC's Tony Dungy before a Nov. 26 game against the Green Bay Packers, saying the Steelers would experience "fireworks" against the New England Patriots in a Week 15 matchup and might see them again in the playoffs.

A 45-42 loss to Jacksonville in Sunday's AFC divisional round foiled those plans.