Kickoff return unit a point of emphasis for Steelers in training camp

[stillers4me]

“I’m ready to see Dri Archer do something. I’m excited for him. We need to go past the 15 on kickoff returns. That would be awesome.”


Center Maurkice Pouncey uttered those words one week ago when the Steelers reported to training camp, but any member of the Steelers fan base likely said the same thing on any number of occasions Archer attempted to return a kickoff in 2014.


Pouncey was exaggerating, but only by a little. According to Football Outsiders, the average starting field position for the Steelers last season was the 25.2, third worst in the league.


Archer, drafted in 2014 as a return specialist, heard the message loud and clear.


“The farther you can get the ball up the field the better position you put your offense to drive down the field,” Archer said. “It’s a goal of ours to improve.”


It has been a point of emphasis this offseason for special teams coach Danny Smith. It’s the one area on special teams he believes must improve the most........

Read more @ http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/08/01/Awful-kickoff-return-unit-a-point-of-emphasis-in-training-camp/stories/201508010034

[ALLD]

If he can't move the ball then he should be traded or cut. Why waste a roster spot anymore.

[stillers4me]

If he can't move the ball then he should be traded or cut. Why waste a roster spot anymore.

I'm willing to give him another year to see what he's capable of with better protection and less bonehead penalties from the special teams unit.

And then there's Danny Smith's admission of his own failure to put Archer is a position to succeed.

[polamalubeast]

I prefer to see Archer or other returner take the knee in the end zone that seeing a return that he has a good chance that it puts you in a bad field position.

You can live with the fact that you start at the 20-yard line, but starting from the 15 yard line or worse, it's a killer.

[SteelerFanInStl]

I'm willing to give him another year to see what he's capable of with better protection and less bonehead penalties from the special teams unit.

And then there's Danny Smith's admission of his own failure to put Archer is a position to succeed.

I'll give him another year also but it's time for him to step up. Last year I didn't see the burst or natural instinct for finding the hole and eluding tacklers that the great returners like AB have.

[tube517]

no, really?

[86WARD]

Boykin should help this unit out big time!!

[hawaiiansteeler]

Mark Kaboly ‏@MarkKaboly_Trib

Danny Smith on Dri Archer: "I think he realizes fast isn’t good enough. A lot of fast guys work at McDonalds, but they can’t play this game"

https://twitter.com/MarkKaboly_Trib

[86WARD]

Foreshadowing?