Originally published August 6, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified August 6, 2007 at 2:05 AM
Hall of Fame Game | Steelers' Tomlin gets debut win
Mike Tomlin got to meet "Prime Time" in prime time. Other than that, he claimed, there was nothing abnormal for the first-year coach of...
The Associated Press
CANTON, Ohio — Mike Tomlin got to meet "Prime Time" in prime time.
Other than that, he claimed, there was nothing abnormal for the first-year coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers about a 20-7 NFL exhibition win over the New Orleans Saints in his debut Sunday night.
"The only thing that was really different was talking to Deion [Sanders] just before kickoff," Tomlin said after the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. "I had never given an interview just before kickoff. That was the only thing that was new and exciting."
Well, not really. Less than three minutes into the game, the Steelers were ahead to stay under the man replacing the retired Bill Cowher. The third coach in the past 38 years in Pittsburgh, the 35-year-old Tomlin had to be thrilled about his team's quick getaway.
"We had a good first step," the no-nonsense Tomlin said. "We did some good things, got some big plays, some chunks [of yardage]. I took myself out of it. I tried to create an environment for the coaches and players to do their jobs."
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was sharp in his only series, completing 2 of 3 throws for 73 yards to Cedrick Wilson. On a 55-yard play, Wilson got behind safety Kevin Kaesviharn and later beat New Orleans' top cornerback, Mike McKenzie, on an 18-yard crossing pattern.
"He came up to me at practice," Wilson said of Roethlisberger, "and told me he was going to be looking for me. I appreciate that and can be thankful for that."
Pittsburgh outgained New Orleans 413-214.
"I can't spin it any way but the way we played," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "We were sloppy, sluggish. I thought they were more physical than us."
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 10:27 PM
SU Men's Hoops | Redhawks rally to beat Utah, 77-74
NEW - 11:07 PM
NW Briefs: SPU sets record with 25 steals in victory
UPDATE - 10:10 PM
Tennis: Roger Federer is assured of keeping No. 1 ranking at end of year
First load of rescued fish moved to Salmon Creek
Fishing | Where they're biting, where they're not

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship
Coming in this Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine: Pastor Braxton's mission is to preach a message that appeals to everyone.
nwautos
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as o...
Post a comment
nwjobs
Post a comment
Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Do you suffer from "sitting disease"?
Post a comment
- Home break-in ends in shootings, Everett police say
- Steve Kelley | Next Seahawks GM should be Mike Holmgren
- Mariners Blog | Jose Lopez appears to be on his way out
- Amazon, Wal-Mart escalate Web price war
- As glam as he wants to be: Adam Lambert's real debut
- Bellevue Blog | Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand
- Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
- Husky Men's Basketball Blog | An interview with Enes Kanter's coach
- Teen pimp found guilty of human trafficking
- Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
- Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand
254 - Jose Lopez appears to be on his way out
247 - Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
206 - Next Seahawks GM should be Mike Holmgren
156 - Washington State coach Paul Wulff says he's excited about Cougars' future
139 - Hate crimes against gays, religious groups up, FBI says
91 - Man shoots self at Westlake Center
83 - Some fans at Fort Bragg see themselves in Sarah Palin
82 - Teen pimp found guilty of human trafficking
66 - Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
50
- Nicole Brodeur | Homeless woman bent on giving
- Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
- Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
- Steve Kelley | Next Seahawks GM should be Mike Holmgren
- Sprouts, raw fish on attorney's 'do not eat' list
- Flood fears dampen business, home sales
- Amazon, Wal-Mart escalate Web price war
- Cornish hens: A special little meal
- Kirkland annexation barely fails; council could pass it
- Bud Withers | Washington State coach Paul Wulff says he's excited about Cougars' future








