Multiple Steelers Have Noticed Teammate's Obsession That Led To Week 5 Win

As usual, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens had an absolute battle, and the Steelers came out on top. The defense had to win the game, although the special teams helped as well. The comeback was sparked by Miles Killebrew blocking a punt for a safety. Ever since the Steelers signed him, he has developed a bit of a reputation as a guy that can block punts. After the game, a pair of Steelers mentioned that Killebrew's blocking specialty is more than just a reputation at this point. 

Which Steelers Have Noticed Killebrew?

In his post-game press conference, Mike Tomlin brought up Killebrew twice, with the first one being in his game recap before taking questions. He credits Killebrew as a big reason as to why the Steelers were able to win the game. 

"Can't say enough about that significant play by Miles Killebrew. You block a kick in the National Football League, you usually win football games, and so that is obviously a significant contribution."

The special teams ace came up big when it mattered.

That play resulted in two points, and the Steelers went on to kick a field goal on the possession that came from the punt-turned safety. A score of 10-3 quickly became 10-8. Even though the block itself didn't result in many points, that block caused a major momentum shift for the Steelers. 

Later on in the presser, Tomlin was asked if they ran a block play or if it was more of a coverage play where Killebrew just happened to make a play. While Tomlin said that they did go for the block, he was still impressed with Killebrew getting in there and making that play.

"We had a block on, and [Killebrew] delivered. This guy has blocked a lot of kicks in recent years. He's gotta be tops in the National Football League in that regards."

ESPN has Killebrew listed with two blocked kicks in 2021, then, of course, he had the one block against the Ravens. He had another tip in 2022, although those don't count on the stat sheet. There's more to Killebrew getting to the punter than what meets the eye, as one of his teammates mentioned. 

Kenny Pickett was asked about the impact of the defense during his presser. After praising the defense, he immediately shifted to Killebrew. According to Pickett, blocking punts is more than a job for Killebrew; it's more than just making a big play to swing momentum. Killebrew will be a force on special teams for as long as he's in the league as long as he keeps up this "obsession."

"Shout out to Miles [Killebrew], a guy who dedicates to his craft, and I watch him work every day. I watch him work punt blocks all the time. He's constantly doing it. He's obsessed with it, so there's no surprise that he's the guy that steps up in those moments when we needed it, so huge appreciation for Miles."

While Killebrew might not ever start for a Steelers team that has plenty of safety depth, he knows how to make his mark in a game. Affecting the punt can completely change the game, as the Steelers saw in their latest win. That obsession led to the Steelers having a massive fourth quarter and a divisional win over their most hated rivals. 

While Tomlin and Pickett talked about how great Killebrew is at his craft, one would assume that everyone else sees it as well, whether they say it in a presser or not. Danny Smith has to see Killebrew constantly charging the punters in practice to get the punt blocked, and his teammates on special teams are probably used to seeing his love of blocking. Only two guys have said it, but you have to wonder how many people know about this obsession first-hand. 

What do you think about Miles Killebrew's blocked punt, as well as what Tomlin and Pickett think about what he has done? Let us know in the comments.

#SteelerNation.