Looking For Steelers Special Teams To Play Special

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has improved by leaps and bounds. The defense has improved, forcing multiple turnovers and sacks. But the Steelers special teams defense has struggled in many ways.

This Sunday, versus the New York Jets, the Steelers special teams defense will be faced with the task of stopping Percy Harvin. With over 3,000 career kick return yards and multiple kick and punt return touchdowns, Harvin is one of the most dangerous kick returners the Steelers have faced in 2014. Harvin’s speed and vision on the field is exceptional and his return ability could either set the tone negatively for the Jets or blow the game open. The wedge-buster and special teams captain, safety Robert Golden, will be counted on significantly.

Last week the Steelers special teams defense allowed Jacoby Jones to score on a 108-yard kickoff return. On the flip side speedster Dri Archer has been a disappointment. Archer has world class speed but has not been able to turn that into effective returns or touchdowns.

The Steelers special teams unit, which has failed to score a touchdown so far this season, will need to generate points down the stretch when the weather gets cold and it gets harder to score on offense. Antonio Brown is always a threat to score on punt returns.  It seems likely it is only a matter of time before he breaks one for a touchdown.  If the special teams can catch up to the offense and defense in terms of production, this Pittsburgh team will nearly be unstoppable.