Mike Tomlin: Roethlisberger Is Going To Get Back To His Business

Every morning, the fine folks at Sports Radio Interviews sift through the a.m. drive-time chatter to bring you the best interviews with coaches, players, and personalities across the sports landscape. Today: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

Tomlin joined Mike & Mike In The Morning on ESPN Radio to talk about what his message was to the team when they learned that they'd be without the services of Roethlisberger to start the year and how he doesn't foresee a competitor like Big Ben being too rusty upon his return in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.

On what the message was to his team after learning about the suspension of Roethlisberger back in the spring: We've got one standard here and it's not graded on a curve: the standard is winning. Really, the process or the challenge wasn't as daunting as it was meant out to be. It was easier to deal with than say an injury because of course we had five or six months to prepare for it. We knew we had an issue way back in the spring, we were given time to acquire a guy like Byron Leftwich. We knew throughout OTAs, training camp and the preseason what we'd be faced with. So we had plenty of time to prepare ourselves and formulate a plan to address it. I guess the only unforeseen element of it was the fact that Dennis and Byron both got hurt.

On Commissioner Goodell's statements that Roethlisberger did more than what was expected: Well, he's embraced responsibility. He's been very accountable in terms of this situation and dealing with it. He's done everything that's been asked of him, not only to the letter but beyond. He's just had a great attitude in terms of dealing with it - a mature one, one that's encouraging moving forward.

On if he foresees Roethlisberger being rusty when he returns: I'm sure in some form or fashion. But guys like Ben-competitors-playing football is like breathing to them. I really think he's going to get back in and get about his business. That's what he does, what he loves, he'd do it for nothing. So I'm a little less concerned about that then one might think. This post, written by Bunk, appears courtesy of Sports Radio Interviews. For the complete highlights of the interview, as well as audio, click here. More From Sports Radio Interviews • Drew Brees Doesn't Think Drew Brees Is To Blame For The Saints's Slow Start • Don Larsen Sounds Like A Grumpy Old Man • Charles Woodson Was Looking Forward To Playing The Vikings Before This Week