Steelers’ Mike Tomlin talks about what impresses him about the Chiefs

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin gushed about the Chiefs ahead of Sunday’s game at Arrowhead. I listened to his press conference and pulled out some highlights of what he said about the Chiefs. You can watch the full video at the bottom.

Alex Smith’s running ability

“He’s a savvy veteran. He’s an awesome decision maker. He takes care of the ball. He doesn’t get sacked often. His mobility is underrated and an asset. I probably highlighted it the last time we played them ... it affects their schematics, they have some designed runs that feature his running ability or the potential of his running ability. It also helps in an ad lib fashion as plays break down he’s able to extend plays and create plays because of it. He’s also able to utilize his legs and find escape lanes and hurt you via the run when given the opportunity.”

Travis Kelce’s dynamic

“Kelce is as dynamic as any tight end in football right now.”

Tyreek Hill’s role has changed

“Tyreek Hill’s contributions to this team has evolved since we played them. The last time we played them we talked about his dynamics in the return game in punts and kicks, the fact he was a gadget guy offensively. Now, he’s very much a part of their routine offensive attack. He plays wideout, he plays running back, he’s an impactful guy. His speed and burst are unique. He needs no endorsement from me. His splash play reel is all the endorsement he needs.”

Offensive line

“They have high round draft picks like Fisher, really got a lot of respect for Mitch Schwartz.” He also recognized Mitch Morse.

Coaching staff

“Andy Reid, Brad Childress, coach Sutton, Eric Bieniemy and others, they have a top notch group that’s probably had a week plus to prepare for us. We respect that. I saw something where Andy Reid is like 19-2 coming off of a bye week. I get that. You’re faced with daunting challenges this time of year you don’t need stats like that to wake up to that.”

Not concerned about Dontari Poe’s passing

“Dontari Poe is a man to be reckoned with. I’m less concerned with his passing ability than I am his run stopping and pass rushing ability. He’s dynamic guy.”

The pass rushers

“At the outside linebacker spot, they have dynamic guys. Tamba Hali is a savvy, grizzly veteran. Justin Houston is a guy that’s in his prime and as dynamic as anybody playing the position right now. They have a young guy in Dee Ford who has quickly emerged due to opportunity rotating with Tamba or in place of Houston.”

Ball hawks in the secondary

“In the secondary, they have got some ball hawks, guys that could be described as some of the best in the world at ball hawking. Eric Berry is dynamic, probably defensive player of the year candidate. He makes plays in the run, he makes plays in the pass ... Marcus Peters a the cornerback position got a lot of balls in college at Washington and has done nothing but get balls in the NFL.”

Special teams

“We have to limit Hill but it goes beyond that. I have a lot of respect for Colquitt and his field flipping abilities. That’s been a component of their dynamic special teams play.”