The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Week 1 of the 2023 season with high hopes of getting off on the right foot. With the San Francisco 49ers providing a daunting task for the first game of the season, it was clear the Steelers were up for the task and ready to see how they stacked up against one of the most talented teams in the NFL.
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Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett faced heavy pressure all game during the team's home opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
It didn't take long for the sellout crowd in Acrisure Stadium to become a nonfactor and the 49ers dominated nearly every facet of the game. It was a disappointing 30-7 loss in the Steelers' first Week 1 home opener since 2014. Fans left Acrisure wondering what they had just witnessed and had to dig deep to find some sort of silver lining in what was one of the most embarrassing games in the last decade.
Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett struggled to find any connection with his receivers, and the revamped offensive line could not create any holes for running back Najee Harris to develop any run game. Pickett finished the game by completing 31 passes in 46 attempts for 232 yards and a touchdown. He did however throw two interceptions that stalled promising drives and took the wind completely out of the Steelers' sail by the fourth quarter.
The struggling offense put an immense amount of pressure on the defense to try and stop one of the NFL's premier offenses. Unfortunately, the Steelers were unable to stop Brock Purdy and their quick-strike offense and let the 49ers control the time of possession for the majority of the game.
One player who particularly struggled mightily and has been overlooked is punter Presley Harvin III. Harvin punted the ball six times for an average of 42.3 yards per punt. This was the 29th-worst average in the NFL during Week 1. Harvin struggled in his first two seasons in the NFL with the Steelers and unfortunately, year number three isn't off to a promising start.
Steelers Bring In Former Punter Brad Wing For A Workout During Thursday's Practice
The Steelers have recognized the struggles with Harvin and brought in a familiar face for a workout during Thursday's practice. Former Steelers and New York Giants punter Brad Wing was on the South Side with the Steelers in hopes of being the answer at punter.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers Punter Brad Wing was brought in for a workout during Thursday's Steelers practice.
Wing spent his rookie season in 2014 with the Steelers before heading to New York to play with the Giants from 2015 through the 2017 season. He has not seen any game action in the NFL since, but was the punter for the Memphis Express in the only season of the Alliance of American Football League.
Wing when he was with the Steelers averaged 43.7 yards per punt and over the course of his three seasons with the Giants, he recorded 44.9 yards per punt.
It is clear the Steelers need to address the issue with the punter as soon as possible. It is one of the few positions in the NFL where you can find a viable option in free agency after the season has already started. Steelers fans have seen enough of Harvin and after two full seasons and one week, it is clear the organization needs to look elsewhere to fill his roster spot.
Wing may not be the diamond in the rough that the Steelers are hoping for, but at least they are willing to explore options outside of the organization to find an answer. Another possible solution is Braden Mann who the Steelers brought on during the preseason, but ultimately gave the roster spot to Harvin.
With Head Coach Mike Tomlin's postgame remarks regarding Harvin's performance, it was clear that the team is going to keep all options open when it comes to finding their answer at the punter position. Having a 49ers team with such a high-powered offense makes it crucial to not let them start with good field position and with an AFC full of talented quarterbacks, the Steelers need every advantage they can get.
What do you think? Should the Steelers continue to stick with the struggling Harvin, or give Wing a shot? If not Wing, who would you like to see the Steelers bring in? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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