PDA

View Full Version : Special teams, special problems for Steelers



Lady Steel
02-21-2015, 11:55 PM
Despite attention from Tomlin


There is ample evidence that suggests Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin take special teams seriously. While other coaches are hesitant to use their best players on special teams, Tomlin continues to use Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown as his punt returner. Colbert invested a third-round draft choice in Dri Archer last spring to help the return game, and he had the foresight to sign his consistent place kicker to an affordable five-year contract extension before the season.

Those are moves that point to the Steelers understanding the importance of special teams. But for all the effort they put forth last offseason, the on-field results disappointed again in 2014. Other than the continued excellence of kicker Shaun Suisham, nothing Colbert or Tomlin did to address the problems on special teams helped very much.

The Steelers have had a revolving door at punter for years and rookie Brad Wing did little to distinguish himself from the previous ones. Wing was the team's fifth punter in the past four seasons and, like the others, he ranked near the bottom of the league's statistics for yards and net yards.



http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/02/22/Special-teams-special-problems/stories/201502220114

tube517
02-22-2015, 02:17 AM
According to Football Outsiders, the average starting field position for the Steelers was at the 25.2 yard-line, which was the third-worst in the league.

This is one stat we are always consistent. We suck at average starting field position every year.

fansince'76
02-22-2015, 05:21 AM
This is one stat we are always consistent. We suck at average starting field position every year.

Which makes ranking 7th in points scored this past season even more impressive.

Don't know why this team can't find a serviceable punter, though. I also think it might be time to try someone else as ST coach. I'm beyond tired of watching practically every good kick/punt return the team makes get wiped out by a block in the back penalty, usually on the complete opposite side of the field from the return itself. Not impressed with Danny Smith's results at all.

zulater
02-22-2015, 07:26 AM
This is one stat we are always consistent. We suck at average starting field position every year.

It was particularly bad early in the season.

- - - Updated - - -


This is one stat we are always consistent. We suck at average starting field position every year.

It was particularly bad early in the season.

86WARD
02-22-2015, 07:55 AM
So many issues with this unit, yet Danny Smith still has his job. Probably the first coach that should of mutually departed ways.

Wonder what the average starting field position would be minus the holding penalties...