Steelers Have Found A Sure Fire Replacement At Punter In 2024: "Big Ol' Punts Here As We Go Forward"

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered unexpected injuries during the season's early parts, forcing them to find new paths. Starting quarterback Russell Wilson sustained a calf injury that sidelined him in recent weeks. That meant Justin Fields got to work out with the first-team offense and ultimately play the season's first few games. Then, most of the offensive tackles sustained injuries, causing Head Coach Mike Tomlin to shuffle Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones around with Dan Moore Jr. 

Then, perhaps the most significant injury of all occurred when the Steelers' new punter, Cameron Johnston, went down during the Atlanta Falcons game in Week 1. He was in the process of pinning Atlanta back deep when a Falcons player rolled up on his knee. Steelers fans, who had packed Mercedez-Benz stadium, immediately went crazy, feeling like there should have been a roughing the punter call, but a flag wasn't thrown against Atlanta. To add insult to injury, Pittsburgh was actually penalized on that play. 

Chris Boswell had to step in and kick for Johnston for the rest of the game, and while he did an admirable job, the team knew they needed a replacement. Many fans were worried that it would signal the return of Pressley Harvin III. However, the team chose instead to sign Corliss Waitman, a Dutch-born punter who has made a few stops in Pittsburgh during his career, most recently in 2021.  

Native Yinzer and former NFL punter, Pat McAfee is singing Waitman's praises. McAfee now hosts the wildly popular The Pat McAfee Show and also works on ESPN's College Game Day. In a recent episode of his show, he indicated that the Steelers have nothing to worry about with Waitman kicking.  

"Fourth quarter, :18 seconds left, you're up by seven in Denver, 4th-and-4," recounted McAfee. "Corliss Waitman, new punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, hits a NUKE! 55-yard ball in the corner, commentator saying, 'Need it out of bounds.' OK, how about 55 yards, two yards off the sideline, flip the field, they have :08 seconds now. Massive ball from Waitman in the fourth quarter, final seconds. I think you're going to learn about big ol' punts here as we go forward. :08 seconds left, you win the game here."

It was a strong showing for his first 2024 game in black and gold. Waitman kicked eight punts, averaging 53 yards, with his longest being 58 yards. The Steelers had inconsistent special teams performances during the past few seasons with Harvin punting. That, coupled with the offense's inability to sustain drives, meant that the defense hardly got any breaks between series. While the offense is doing its part to improve the time of possession, punting needs to be more consistent and reliable. 

Steelers' Offense Has To Continue To Improve 

The offense looks better in these first two games than it did in the 2023 season. Fields' performance during the first half had the Broncos' defense stumped. He connected routinely with George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, and even Darnell Washington, who had his first career touchdown, got in on the action. However, it was apparent that Denver went in at the half and made adjustments. Unfortunately, the Steelers did not. 

They continued playing a conservative brand of football that frustrated running back Najee Harris. He called it the same old sh** we've seen before. The Steelers' schedule isn't getting easier, and the second half of the year gives them the toughest schedule in the NFL. If they want a shot at winning a playoff game this season, they must find a way to take the handcuffs off Fields or allow Arthur Smith to open up the playbook a bit more.  

While the Steelers had high hopes for Johnston, it appears they have found a solid replacement in Waitman. Hopefully, he will continue to show consistency as the season progresses. This young offense is still finding its footing, and winning the field position battle will be a huge help for them. 

What did you think about Waitman's punting in Week 2? Click to comment below. 

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