Steelers' Tomlin responds to criticism of onside kick vs. Jaguars

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is aware of the criticisms of his call for an onside kick late in Sunday's divisional-round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he's not going to let them change the way he coaches.

"I know analytically they probably fall in the lower percentages and things of that nature," Tomlin said, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "If I err, I'm always going to err on the side of action in an effort to win. My guys know that about me. I think more importantly them knowing that about me, they expect that from me. I don't fear failure. I'm going to do what's required to pursue victory, even if it comes across as unconventional."

Tomlin's call came with the Steelers trailing 42-35 with 2:18 left in the fourth quarter.

The Jaguars recovered the onside kick, and though they weren't able to form a sustained drive, they were able to set up what would be Josh Lambo's difference-making 45-yard field goal in the 45-42 win.

The poor look of the call in hindsight won't deter Tomlin from taking future risks in an effort to win.

"I'm certainly not going to steer away from decision-making for fear of ridicule," Tomlin said. "Those guys put a lot on the line when we step into stadiums to play. I, in turn, am responsible for putting a lot on the line and embrace doing so. I understand when things don't work out and the criticism that's associated with it. I embrace that. But I go to work with men every day that lay a lot on the line when they step in stadiums as well. I'm just going to provide the same efforts that they provide me."