Here are a few final thoughts following the Steelers Week 3 win in St. Louis.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT:Roethlisberger didn't finish against the Rams but he started and was credited with his 108th victory as a starter, which broke a tie with Terry Bradshaw for the most in franchise history.
Vick has started 112 of 139 career regular-season games and is ready to build on his 59-50-1 record as a starter if called upon.
"I have plenty of confidence in myself," he said. "This is what I feel like I've been born to do. I'm not a young guy any more, I'm a seasoned veteran. It's not just about me. There are a lot of great players in this locker room that complement the outcome of a football game. I won't put it all on my shoulders. I take sole responsibility of everything that happens. I'm going to prepare myself and get in a position to help this football team."
Vick was signed by the Steelers on Aug. 25 and had transitioned smoothly as a backup but must potentially accelerate that process.
"This guy's been in the National Football League a long time so nothing's really new to him," Tomlin said. "It's language, interpretation of language and getting up to speed. He's the type of guy that's in shape over a 12-month calendar so getting into a level of football conditioning is not an issue. He's brought a lot of things to the table helpful to the process.
"That being said if he's gotta play we have some work to do."
CLUTCH KICK:Josh Scobee had missed two field goals in his first game with the Steelers and an extra point in his second.
So the 41-yard field goal he made with 1:56 left in regulation that gave the Steelers a 12-6 lead was a big one on a couple of levels.
"It was good to get that one in because the way the game was going I kind of had a sense that I was going to be needed for somewhat of a pressure kick," he said. "What's good about it is that we executed it and it put us up to where they needed a touchdown and not a field goal. So I was happy to get that and contribute."
Scobee attributed his early-season struggles to "technical things.
"Now that we've been able to work as a unit for the past few weeks we're getting in a rhythm," he said. "It shows the work we've been putting in in practice is paying off."
AUSTIN CONTAINED:The punt team limited Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin to 32 yards on three punt returns (10.7 per).
Austin came in as the only player in NFL history to have returned a punt for at least 75 yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, including one this season.
"We have a great group of guys on special teams and (special teams coordinator) Danny (Smith) puts us in great positions to make plays," safety and punt-team gunner Ross Ventrone said. "(Austin) is a great returner, a great player but it's all about what we do and doing our jobs. Normally, when we do that we're pretty good."
HE SAID IT:Tomlin on whether Antonio Brown is the best wide receiver in the NFL: "I'm glad he's on our team. I don't get into all that global stuff. I wouldn't trade him for anybody … anybody."
