Film Room: One Huge Issue On Special Teams (That Will Cost The Steelers A Game)

[polamalubeast]

Steelers’ Nation, you know I’m a big fan of Danny Smith. If I was dressing up for Halloween, I’d go as him. Headset, 20 packs of gum, and the raspy voice of a 30 year smoker. Special teams can’t be judged off numbers only and we’ve discussed the issues of pinning the return problems all on him. But there’s one incredibly frustrating part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ special teams. It hasn’t gotten better and in fact, may have gotten worse.

At the rate they’re going, another kick is getting blocked.

The issues showed up on Chris Boswell’s first field goal, a 34 yard conversion, Sunday night against the Detroit Lions. Check it out below. Lions overload the left side and the left end runs in untouched. Honestly, he should’ve come away with the block.


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http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/11...steelers-game/

[Count Steeler]

you know I’m a big fan of Danny Smith

I want none of what that guy is smoking.

[tube517]

#32 in kick return yards - dead last

Longest return is 25 yards.

Pitiful.

[Moose]

When was 'special teams' good ?

[86WARD]

How anyone can be a fan of Smith boggles my mind. He’s not a good coach...sure he may look the part and say some “coach things” but the guy hasn’t improved the return game in years...

[Born2Steel]

What return game? KOs consistently go out the back of the EZ. Punt returns have been fine. Typically, the first rule is catch the punt, followed by don't get trapped inside your own 10 yard line.

[DesertSteel]

Return game is a joke. And punts? Why bother putting AB back there? When was the last time he returned one for 20+ yards, 1997?

[polamalubeast]

Return game is a joke. And punts? Why bother putting AB back there? When was the last time he returned one for 20+ yards, 1997?

2015 maybe...

[DesertSteel]

2015 maybe...

This year he averages 4.4 with a long of 9............

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

The problem isn't the Steelers outside blocker or Danny Smith. In those gifs the opposing team is putting 6 rushers on the side the Steelers have 5 blockers, so the outside guy will always come free. IMO Boswell is waiting too long, as he almost waits until the ball is pinned before he starts his approach. Maybe that is on Smith for not getting him to start his motion quicker, but as for blocking, when its 6 on 5 you always make the guy with the longest run to the ball the last blocking priority.

The real film room segment that I would like to see is all of Artie Burns 8 tackles last week. That is something to break down for fans.

[43Hitman]

AB looked like he was dogging it on PR last week. I saw little effort on a few punts. I don't blame him(AB), the fact that Danny Smith can't find another competent returner is pathetic. AB should NOT be returning punts or kick-offs, if some jackass on ST's decides to make a name for himself, we're out our star receiver. Maybe we can put Sutton back there and cut Justin Hunter, he's stealing paychecks anyways.

[DesertSteel]

AB looked like he was dogging it on PR last week. I saw little effort on a few punts. I don't blame him(AB), the fact that Danny Smith can't find another competent returner is pathetic. AB should NOT be returning punts or kick-offs, if some jackass on ST's decides to make a name for himself, we're out our star receiver. Maybe we can put Sutton back there and cut Justin Hunter, he's stealing paychecks anyways.

Granted, we aren't seeing what he's seeing, but it seems that his default mode is fair catch. I'd like to see a young guy back there looking to make a name for himself.

[43Hitman]

Granted, we aren't seeing what he's seeing, but it seems that his default mode is fair catch. I'd like to see a young guy back there looking to make a name for himself.

I agree, and I don't mean to bag on the guy, but I know for a fact there was at least one punt last week that was very returnable and he fair caught it. I think I may have even said something in the game day thread about it. I normally don't complain about 'effort' plays because like you said, we are not seeing what he is seeing. This time though I think it was warranted.

[polamalubeast]

The only thing I ask for a PR is not fumble!

That's why Rogers lost his job and when Brown is our returner, the only thing I want is he does not hurt himself.

[43Hitman]

The only thing I ask for a PR is not fumble!

That's why Rogers lost his job and when Brown is our returner, the only thing I want is he does not hurt himself.

True, and for all we know the coaching staff has given him carte blanche on those decisions.

[ALLD]

Smith is sandbagging his genius to pull it out of the hat during the SB. J/k

You have to admit the fake punt 2 weeks ago to Bey was pretty good.

[Hawkman]

2015 maybe...

I can't help it, I laugh every time I see that replay.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Smith is sandbagging his genius to pull it out of the hat during the SB. J/k

You have to admit the fake punt 2 weeks ago to Bey was pretty good.

It was a good call and great execution. But, not many are going to admit that as its more fun to hack on Smith instead.

[Psycho Ward 86]

from the looks of the article it sounds like getting Tuitt and Mcdonald back will be a huge help in field goal blocking.

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Smith is sandbagging his genius to pull it out of the hat during the SB. J/k

You have to admit the fake punt 2 weeks ago to Bey was pretty good.

That call was made by Golden, and even then, was it really even a hard call to make?

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

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That call was made by Golden, and even then, was it really even a hard call to make?

But did Golden install the play into the playbook? Who installs a play for a defensive back to throw a 40 yard pass from 3 yards deep with zero yards drop back on 4th down?

So it worked out and Golden gets the credit, but I wonder if he underthrows the pass ....would fans on this board blame Smith for designing the play, or Golden for underthrowing the ball?

[Count Steeler]

But did Golden install the play into the playbook? Who installs a play for a defensive back to throw a 40 yard pass from 3 yards deep with zero yards drop back on 4th down?

So it worked out and Golden gets the credit, but I wonder if he underthrows the pass ....would fans on this board blame Smith for designing the play, or Golden for underthrowing the ball?

Somehow I think that was a Tomlin play. Don't know why, just a feeling I have.

[polamalubeast]

It does not cost the game, but the protection of the FG unit is awful since the beginning of the season.

[ALLD]

Smith almost cost us the game today. The unit was unprepared, did not block on FGs or punts. The guy who was supposed to block the gunner let him run right past him at the goal line like nobody was there which placed the ball on the 1-yd. line.

Smith needs to drill this stuff into their heads at practice and on the sideline before the play.

[st33lersguy]

Almost cost the team today, Almost

[86WARD]

Steelers Depot sees the problem on 11/1. It is now 11/12...Smith still hasn’t figured out there’s a problem which presented itself again today...blocked XP and a severely pressured FG Miss...

Smith is horrendous. By the way...everyone happy with AB and his 4.4 yard average returning punts??

[Mojouw]

Can James Harrison play TE?

[86WARD]

Who was in James’ spot last season? Anyone recall off the top of their head?

[43Hitman]

Who was in James’ spot last season? Anyone recall off the top of their head?

David Johnson?

[Mojouw]

Who was in James’ spot last season? Anyone recall off the top of their head?

[86WARD]

David Johnson?

I was thinking the same, but can’t remember who it actually was...