Tomlin: Steelers focused on getting rid of losing streak 'stench'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are determined to end the regular season on a winning note against the Cincinnati Bengals despite having already clinched a playoff spot.

"We got to get the stench of the last few performances off of us, and there's no better way to do that than a home divisional win versus a formidable group going into the tournament, and so that's our mentality as we stand here today," head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Pittsburgh dropped its past three games in an 11-day span. The 10-6 Steelers lost by double digits to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and on Christmas Day to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tomlin downplayed the bickering between players following the team's 29-10 loss to the Chiefs. Cameron Heyward was among the players who voiced their frustrations, calling out teammates after the game.

"They bickered because they care, and we weren't playing well. Oftentimes, the solutions are born out of conflict and confrontation, particularly when you're in the business that we're in, and so we're not going to let an issue like that be a big issue," Tomlin said.

It remains to be seen whether the Steelers will play their starters for the contest versus the Bengals. The Baltimore Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon before the Steelers' game against Cincinnati at 8 p.m., meaning Pittsburgh may begin the postseason on the road regardless of the result against the Bengals.

"I haven't pondered that at all to be quite honest with you," Tomlin said when asked if he planned to rest starters this weekend. "That might be a thought for later in the week, but as I mentioned, I think it's significant how we go into this tournament, and so I doubt that I'll be in that mentality that you mentioned."