Steelers special teams could be key in stretch run of the season
As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the home stretch of the 2024 regular season, many comparisons and critiques have been made about the offense and the defense. However, one area that is often overlooked is the impact of special teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith has been praised as one of the top assistants in the NFL. His players have responded appropriately, creating a splash in several games and steering the Steelers to victory.
Here are several key areas on special teams that have or may impact the remainder of Pittsburgh’s season.
Field Goal Units
The most obvious special teams plays are usually performed by the kicker, in this case, Chris Boswell. Boswell has been credited many times with being a saving grace for Pittsburgh and rightfully so this season, where the tenured kicker has had two games with six field goal conversions. Most recently, Boswell was the deciding factor in defeating the Baltimore Ravens after Pittsburgh failed to score a touchdown. (Boswell earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for this performance.)
Boswell also had a big game in the Steelers season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, and just like against the Ravens, converted on six total field goals with three of those each coming from 50 yards or more.
An area often overlooked, however, has been the Steelers’ propensity for blocking field goals in games too. Pittsburgh has two such impactful plays this season.
The first was against the Dallas Cowboys when defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk blocked a 38-yard attempt by Brandon Aubrey. Defensive lineman Dean Lowry would also bat down an attempt by New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein two weeks later.
Furthermore, the league office told the Steelers there was an incorrect penalty called against Minkah Fitzpatrick during the same Jets game, where Fitzpatrick should’ve had a blocked extra point attempt too. (An incorrect flag negated that play.) Those types of plays can impact the final score: fans should keep that in mind when wagering on the Steelers too. Fans looking to get in on the action will find the best Non UK bookmakers listed on CasinoGap provide risk-seekers with numerous opportunities, including broad market coverage, various Steelers wagering opportunities, and a handful of promotions.
In all, the Steelers field goal units have been spectacular this season and are a threat to uphold any game. Looking around the NFL, several other games have had blocked field goals make a big impact – including the Kansas City Chiefs, then undefeated, walking out of Denver with a last-second victory when they blocked a Broncos attempt. (Keep your eyes open, because the Steelers season may rely on a similar play in the future!)
Kick and Punt Returns
The Steelers have also seen a major impact made with their return units, specifically with Calvin Austin as a punt returner this season. Austin took a punt 73 yards to the house against the New York Giants back in October, and has been close to breaking other runs throughout the season. His 239 yards on punt returns is already on pace to break the 249 he had last season (and on fewer attempts).
Cordarrelle Patterson was also signed to the Steelers roster this offseason to bolster the team’s return game, especially with the NFL’s new dynamic kickoff rules.
The veteran player is one of the most electric returners of all-time, and is awaiting a major break this season that could happen at anytime.
He may be joined by an underrated recent signing to the roster, Jamal Agnew, who was added to the practice squad back on November 12th. Agnew has a total of six touchdowns returned via punts and kicks since joining the league in 2017. He’s also had kick return longs of 54 and 53 yards over the last two seasons.
Punting
Teams can live and die by a good punting unit. Coverage teams are especially important in not giving up major field position – or the errant special teams score.
The same can be said of good punters. The Steelers had signed Cameron Johnston to their roster as a key free agent earlier in the year, but he was lost for the season early due to injury and replaced by Corliss Waitman, who is both a veteran in the league and with the Steelers.
Waitman replaced a disappointing Pressley Harvin, and outside of a shanked punt (in terrible weather conditions) against the Browns, has had a solid season. The poor kick against Cleveland is one example of how punting can be paramount to winning games, but overall, Waitman has been far superior to the lacking play of Harvin in previous seasons.
Waitman’s chemistry as a holder for Boswell on field goal and extra point tries has also been flawless. The exchange between he and long snapper Christian Kuntz cannot be overlooked as a contributing factor to Boswell’s success.
