It was 100% the right call. Kicking it away there just takes N.O. longer to score and more time off the clock. If you make it on 4th down there maybe you get a FG and go up by 7, if you miss it like they did you leave more time on the clock when Brees inevitably scores.
Going into a game like that if you tell the Steelers we will give you the ball down by 3 with 1:30 left I guarantee you they take the offer. With 1:30 left they were in as good a spot as they could have hoped for, they just fumbled it away.
I would go so far as to say NOT faking it there (or at least going for it on 4th down) would have been a criminal mistake.
Couldn't disagree more. Make them earn it. Tomlin just trying to be cute.