Steelers: Early returns show a potential problem at OTA's
Championship-winning teams dominate the competition in every facet of the game. So while the offense or defense may be the strength of any given team, both of those units along with special teams are at the very least, above average. But according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' "big three" […]
Championship-winning teams dominate the competition in every facet of the game.
So while the offense or defense may be the strength of any given team, both of those units along with special teams are at the very least, above average.
But according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' "big three" has some work to do:
Kaboly has been in attendance for every part of the Steelers OTA's taking notes on what he's watching and interviewing players when the media is granted access. And while he's overall optimistic about what he's seen, there is one group causing concern:
If there is a position group that needs to be worried about it is special teams, said Kaboly. Not Chris Boswell (kicker), Pressley Harvin (punter) or Christian Kuntz (long snaper) but with the coverage guys. They lost two of their top four special teamers (Derek Watt and Benny Snell) in terms of snaps as well as Jamir Jones, Arthur Maulet, Marcus Allen and Robert Spillane.
Now, I know this may not come off as a pressing issue, but the reality is that it takes four quarters and three units to win a football game. You can have the Greatest Show On Turf offensively, or the Steel Curtain defensively but if you're inept in the kicking game or special team coverage, it's all for not.
And we have recent data and eye tests to prove it, with the 2021-2022 Green Bay Packers coming to mind. Does anyone remember the divisional playoffs from 2022, when the 49ers went into a snowy Lambeau field and knocked off Green Bay?
They did so by a score of 13-10, with their only touchdown coming via a blocked punt returned for six. But even at that point, the Packers had a chance to right the wrong of their special team mishap with a Mason Crosby field goal for overtime. Except for it was…
Oh yeah, blocked.
Losing five key contributors to your kicking and punting unit may not be dire, but the consequences will show face if the players replacing them aren't up to snuff. There is some good news, however:
Despite talks about retirement, Steelers special team coordinator and Pittsburgh legend Danny Smith is back for what will be his 30th year of NFL experience, and 11th season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Perhaps the ol' ball coach still has a trick or two up his sleeve.
Featured image via: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
