Surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the AFC North with a 6-2 record. Despite the quarterback change, their offense continues to generate points. Meanwhile, their defense ranks ninth in yards allowed (310.3), fourth in rushing yards allowed (90.5), and second in points allowed (14.9) per game. However, their special teams could be their secret weapon in gaining advantage.
As NFL enthusiast Dov Kleiman pointed out, the coordinator Danny Smith's crew had two blocked field goals, a blocked punt, and a blocked extra point in the last four weeks. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III had a punt return touchdown in their Week 8 game against the New York Giants. Chris Boswell missed only one field goal attempt and was perfect in 16 extra-point tries.
Steelers Special Teams during the last 4 weeks:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 29, 2024
- 2 Blocked FG's
- Blocked Punt
- Blocked Extra Point
- Punt Return TD
- 12/12 on Field Goals
Best in the NFL?
(h/t @realjohnwalker) pic.twitter.com/8aX42Zfs5i
Those points made a huge difference, especially in one-possession games. Through eight games, the Steelers have three victories by eight points or less, including their 26-18 final versus the Giants.
Pittsburgh will need more head-up plays from its special teams as it progresses into the second half of its season. After their Week 9 bye, they will have six games against division rivals plus matches against teams with winning records (Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs).
With the competition getting more challenging, creating plays on special teams could spell the difference between winning and losing.
-Lance Fernandez