The Pittsburgh Steelers have many areas to improve on from last year as they head into 2022 training camp this week. The rushing defense, offensive fire power and the play of the offensive line are all going to be key pieces to a better result at the end of the season. What has been talked about very little in a topic-filled off-season has been the play of the special teams units.
The signing of Gunner Olszewski was probably the most talked about move for Danny Smith's group the last seven months. The Steelers, however, have a specific player on special teams that could help the organization see more wins this year if he improves upon his play and has a more significant impact.
Steelers Punter Pressley Harvin III Will Be One Of The Team's Most Important Players In 2022
Harvin was very inconsistent throughout his rookie season after the Steelers used a seventh round draft pick on him back in the 2021 NFL Draft. Fans were looking forward to him being the answer to what has been inconsistent punting for many years in Pittsburgh. That wasn't the case however in his first year. He averaged just 42.6 yards per punt which was second worst in the league. His net average of 38 yards was the third worst.
Punting is an art that means more than just pinning opponents. It can completely shift the complexion of the game for numerous reasons and as the team's offense adjusts to new personnel all over the place, the early parts of the season could see Harvin on the field plenty as the offensive unit learns to gel.
Two things that can really help a younger team are winning the field position battle and having the defense get off the field quickly. Harvin can contribute to both of these if he punts like he did in the AFC Wild Card Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He punted seven times and averaged just under 50 yards per punt along with a long of 56. The ability to do this consistently in 2022 could be a huge boost to the offense.
A shorter field to score on for either Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett or Mason Rudolph is sure to not only make it easier to put points on the board, but allow the quarterbacks to excel and build an on field rapport with the offensive weapons that the group possesses. Short fields are a direct result from pinning opponents deep in their own territory and that is where Harvin comes in. It's not just the offense that could benefit from Harvin III's leg either.
The Steelers have an extremely talented defense and limiting the plays a team can call by pinning them deep inside their own 10-yard line immediately gives Teryl Austin's unit an edge over the majority of offenses on the team's schedule. The last thing Head Coach Mike Tomlin needs is the defense getting worn down against the run, busting their butts to hold their opponent to a field goal and a newly structured offense consistently having to go 80+ yards to score touchdowns. Harvin III could be a significant difference maker this season.
Harvin and his family were going through a rough time for a majority of his rookie season as the health of his father was a battle off the field. It is very hard to perform at such a high level with something like that on one's mind. Harvin's dad sadly passed away last December and we all know that he wants to make him proud on the field this upcoming season.
The second-year punter means more to the team in 2022 than many players on the roster. He has the chance to single-handedly sway momentum and put both the offense and defense in better positions to succeed. Harvin building off of the playoff game against the Chiefs and being more consistent is going to be something I am looking out for immediately.
How important do you think Harvin's improved play will be for the Steelers in 2022? Let us know in the comments below!
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