The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to get a big-time Sunday Night Football win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week, now it is time to build off of that. The offense and quarterback Kenny Pickett looked much better than the previous two weeks, but there is still room for improvement. Their defense once again proved how special they are. They put up three interceptions and four sacks, with two of those courtesy of TJ Watt. A man who has not gotten enough credit lately is punter Pressley Harvin III. With the way he has been playing, he could be considered possibly the best punter in the NFL right now.
L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Review-Journal
Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is sacked and injured while sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Steelers Took A Chance And Drafted Harvin
Harvin was one of the biggest concerns from last year as many believed that he had played horribly during his time with the Steelers. Statistically, he was awful as he couldn't keep a punt in bounds and was constantly inconsistent. After a rough rookie year and a slightly better second year, there were heavy rumors of him being cut for the 2023 season.
Per @PFF no punter in the NFL has had more punts go out of bounds this season than Pressley Harvin III
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 12, 2022
(it is important to note that while this is prob not a good thing, not *all* OOB punts are bad; some are very good)
At one point this offseason, the Steelers were bringing in punters for tryouts and many believed that he may not have even made it to the regular season. This competition may have been what he needed to get things going for him. He has looked extremely better and is proving the doubters wrong when the Steelers took a chance and drafted Harvin in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Instead of a debate of whether he should be cut or not, he has put himself in a position to be asked if he will be a Pro Bowler or not in the future.
AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) goes through drills during practice at NFL football training camp in the Latrobe Memorial Stadium in Latrobe, Pa., Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.
His most recent performance against the Raiders was something special. He averaged 53.8 yards per punt with his shortest punt going for 41 yards and his longest being 63 yards. His consistent production has been game-changing and has been a big part of the Steelers' last two victories. Last week's performance against the Raiders could even throw Harvin into the conversation for the Steelers Week 3 MVP.
Pressley Harvin is punting like a man possessed right now.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) September 25, 2023
Over the last 2 games, 7 of his 13 punts have landed inside the 20. Got 6 punts of 50+ yards & 2 of 60+ in that span too. His 53.8 yards per punt vs. Raiders was also a career high (min. 3 punts).
Making a huge impact.
Although there is still a lot of football left to be played in the 2023 season, Harvin has been one of the bright spots in what has been an inconsistent Steelers team. He, along with the rest of the special teams unit has shown a much-needed improvement from last season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers punter, Pressley Harvin III warms up on the field at then-Heinz Field prior to a 2021 preseason game in Pittsburgh, PA.
The once-hated punter has now become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. Many fans are trying to even create a nickname for the punter throwing out names like "Big Poppa Punt," "Puntzilla," and even "Thickus Kickus." All of the nicknames have to do with him being a 255-pound punter, which is a rarity in the NFL. Hopefully, the consistency of Harvin can keep up and Steelers fans can decide on a nickname for him.
Not Just Football With Cam Heyward
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III was not too happy with his physical portrayal in the Madden NFL 24 game.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Will Harvin stay consistent throughout the 2023 season? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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