Steelers’ simple request: Just win
PITTSBURGH – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants to see backup quarterback Landry Jones do just one thing when he makes his second-career start Sunday at Heinz Field against the Cleveland Browns.
“I want to see him win,” said Tomlin.
That’s just fine with Jones, a fourth-round draft pick of the Steelers in 2013 who had not played in an NFL game before this season. Those are the kind of expectations he can handle.
“I just have to go out there and play. I can’t play timid, or worry about the mistakes and the future,” said Jones. “I just have to go out there and cut loose.”
That is largely what Jones has done in his previous three appearances. He relieved Mike Vick in an Oct. 18 win over Arizona and Ben Roethlisberger in last Sunday’s 38-35 victory against Oakland. He also made his first career start Oct. 25 at Kansas City in a 23-13 loss.
Roethlisberger, who missed four games earlier this season with a sprained knee, will sit out the game against the Browns with a mid-foot sprain. Roethlisberger is feeling better since he suffered the injury Sunday after Oakland defensive end Aldon Smith fell on his foot at an awkward angle.
Roethlisberger did not practice Wednesday, giving way to Jones, who will make his first start at Heinz Field.
Jones opened the season at No. 3 on the depth chart behind Roethlisberger and Vick. But his play against the Cardinals, when he went 8 of 12 for 168 yards and two touchdowns, was an eye-opener for Tomlin.
Both of Jones’ relief appearances have come at Heinz Field and he’s played well, completing 12 of 18 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns for a passer rating of 146.8. Jones’ passer rating for the season of 95.7 actually is higher than Roethlisberger’s 92.2.
Jones’ lone start came at notoriously loud Arrowhead Stadium, and he wasn’t nearly as good, throwing for 209 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted twice and lost a fumble.
“Arrowhead is a tough place to play, for sure,” said Jones. “At Heinz, we have great fans, have people behind you and supporting you. That’s going to be a huge opportunity for us at home and, hopefully, we will get a win.”
If the Steelers can win this game with Jones, they would improve to 3-2 without Roethlisberger this season. More important, they would be 6-4 heading into the bye week with a chance to get Roethlisberger back when they next take the field Nov. 29 at Seattle.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine also has likes what he’s seen from Jones.
“He’s a big, strong-armed passer who stands in the pocket and delivers the ball,” said Pettine. “It will be our job to disrupt that, push that pocket. If we don’t, we’ll be in for a long day.”
And maybe even Jones’ first win as a starter.
“As long as I make good decisions and get the ball into the hands of our playmakers, we’ll be all right,” said Jones.
In addition to Roethlisberger, tight end Matt Spaeth (knee), linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee), running back DeAngelo Williams (foot), fullback Will Johnson (back), right tackle Marcus Gilbert (toe) and safety Shamarko Thomas (knee) did not practice Wednesday. … Linebacker Terence Garvin (knee), running back Isaiah Pead (knee) and nose tackle Steve McLendon (elbow) were limited. … Guard Joel Bitonio has not practiced this week for Cleveland and is lised as out, while cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitmer have not yet cleared concussion protocol and have not practiced.