The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted punter Pressley Harvin III in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, hoping he would make a significant impact on their special teams. Known for his powerful punts, Harvin arrived with high expectations from Steelers fans.
Justin Rex / ap photo
The Pittsburgh Steelers' new punter, Cameron Johnston warms up before a game in Houston.
Harvin spent three seasons with the Steelers before being released after the 2023 season, during which he averaged 43.7 yards per punt. However, his performance in 2023 was disappointing, as he ranked in the bottom tier of every key metric for punters. One site even placed him 31st out of 32 starting punters for the season. Recognizing the need for change, the Steelers signed six-year veteran punter Cameron Johnston in free agency this offseason.
#Steelers P Cameron Johnston (who will soon be a fan favorite) on his goals heading into his 8th season.
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) June 6, 2024
“Just help the team. I just want to win. That’s my big aim. Whatever you can do to help win a game.” pic.twitter.com/SNpRizgshP
During Organized Team Activities on Thursday, Johnston spoke with reporter Aaron Becker. Becker acknowledged that punters ideally want minimal field time because it means the offense is scoring. However, he asked Johnston about his goals for 2024. Johnston's response was clear. He wants to win.
“Just help the team. I just want to win. That’s my big aim. Whatever you can do to help win a game, that is the big aim really.”
The Steelers made a strategic move by bringing on Johnston as their new punter, a player with a proven track record in the NFL. Johnston's journey began with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for three seasons before joining the Houston Texans for another three. Over his six-season career, Johnston has punted 445 footballs, averaging an impressive 47.3 yards per punt. This experience and performance make him a valuable addition to the Steelers, who are eager to see improvement from the punter position.
Special teams play a crucial role in the momentum of football games, often determining the outcome through field position battles. The Steelers struggled with this aspect in the past season, particularly with Harvin. Consistent issues in the punting game resulted in the team frequently losing the field position battle, putting additional pressure on their defense.
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Former Eagles punter Cameron Johnston before a game in Philadelphia.
Johnston's arrival in Pittsburgh is seen as a solution to these problems. His ability to deliver long, accurate punts can significantly shift the game's dynamics, pinning opposing offenses deep in their territory. The metrics and analytics support that superior punting directly correlates with higher chances of winning, as it forces the opposing team to start their drives from less favorable positions.
Steelers' Cameron Johnston Should Be A Big Upgrade
In 2023, the Steelers' frustrations with Harvin's inconsistent punting were palpable. The hope is that Johnston will bring much-needed stability and reliability to the punting unit. His experience and skill set suggest that he is well-equipped to meet these expectations, providing the team with a strategic advantage in field position battles.
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Former Texans punter Cameron Johnston laughs before a game.
Johnston's addition to the Steelers special teams unit is a promising development. His track record with the Eagles and Texans speaks for itself, and Pittsburgh fans can look forward to seeing him in action. Actually they will not want to see him in action. However, when needed, Johnston will hope to impact games with his leg. The team is excited to welcome him, anticipating that his presence will make a significant difference in their special teams' performance and overall success.
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