mesaSteeler
12-27-2008, 01:26 AM
Steelers' special-teams play an overall strength
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+North/Pittsburgh/WWHI/2008/wwhi122408.htm
By Mike Wilkening
Dec. 24, 2008
You will hear much discussion of the NFL’s playoff teams in the weeks to come, and the vast majority of it will be about offense and defense. A team’s special-teams play probably won’t be discussed much — unless a play in the kicking game plays a role in the outcome of a game, of course.
And special-teams play invariably will have a role in deciding some postseason contests. Look no further than the case of the Steelers’ recent playoff history. They lost the 2001 AFC championship game in part, because of Patriots’ TDs off a blocked field goal and a punt return. They survived in the 2004 divisional round because Jets PK Doug Brien missed field goals of 47 and 43 yards at Heinz Field. And last season, the Steelers squandered an early lead to Jacksonville in the wild-card round by letting KR Maurice Jones-Drew rumble 96 yards on a kickoff return that set up the Jaguars’ first TD. The Steelers fell, 31-29.
Entering the ’08 playoffs, the Steelers have to like the production they are getting from their special teams in most facets, especially their kickoff and punt coverage, which have been excellent. Reserve CB Anthony Madison (24 special-teams tackles entering Week 17, according to the team), LB Keyaron Fox (19 special-teams tackles) have been especially productive on the coverage units, with rookie LB Patrick Bailey and second-year CB William Gay also playing important roles. And don’t overlook the play of starting ROLB James Harrison, who notched double-digit tackles on special teams this season in addition to playing at an MVP-level on defense.
The Steelers’ specialists also are playing well. PK Jeff Reed has proven time and again he can handle the elements at Heinz Field, which can include all of the following in January: less-than-ideal footing, swirling winds and cold temperatures. Also, Mitch Berger has punted well since rejoining the team in November.
Perhaps the only pressing concern about the Steelers’ special teams are their returners. WR Santonio Holmes, one of the club’s top gamebreakers on offense, was averaging only 7.0 yards on punts entering Week 17. Also, the Steelers don’t have a gamebreaking kickoff returner. RB Gary Russell, who leads the club in kickoffs returned, is known for his power, not his speed.
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+North/Pittsburgh/WWHI/2008/wwhi122408.htm
By Mike Wilkening
Dec. 24, 2008
You will hear much discussion of the NFL’s playoff teams in the weeks to come, and the vast majority of it will be about offense and defense. A team’s special-teams play probably won’t be discussed much — unless a play in the kicking game plays a role in the outcome of a game, of course.
And special-teams play invariably will have a role in deciding some postseason contests. Look no further than the case of the Steelers’ recent playoff history. They lost the 2001 AFC championship game in part, because of Patriots’ TDs off a blocked field goal and a punt return. They survived in the 2004 divisional round because Jets PK Doug Brien missed field goals of 47 and 43 yards at Heinz Field. And last season, the Steelers squandered an early lead to Jacksonville in the wild-card round by letting KR Maurice Jones-Drew rumble 96 yards on a kickoff return that set up the Jaguars’ first TD. The Steelers fell, 31-29.
Entering the ’08 playoffs, the Steelers have to like the production they are getting from their special teams in most facets, especially their kickoff and punt coverage, which have been excellent. Reserve CB Anthony Madison (24 special-teams tackles entering Week 17, according to the team), LB Keyaron Fox (19 special-teams tackles) have been especially productive on the coverage units, with rookie LB Patrick Bailey and second-year CB William Gay also playing important roles. And don’t overlook the play of starting ROLB James Harrison, who notched double-digit tackles on special teams this season in addition to playing at an MVP-level on defense.
The Steelers’ specialists also are playing well. PK Jeff Reed has proven time and again he can handle the elements at Heinz Field, which can include all of the following in January: less-than-ideal footing, swirling winds and cold temperatures. Also, Mitch Berger has punted well since rejoining the team in November.
Perhaps the only pressing concern about the Steelers’ special teams are their returners. WR Santonio Holmes, one of the club’s top gamebreakers on offense, was averaging only 7.0 yards on punts entering Week 17. Also, the Steelers don’t have a gamebreaking kickoff returner. RB Gary Russell, who leads the club in kickoffs returned, is known for his power, not his speed.