By Jeremy Hritz
The Steelers are set at the kicker position, with stud-footed Chris Boswell, who has become clutch when needed in pressure situations. Anything 49-yards or less, the Boz seems automatic and able to help the Steelers sneak out a clutch victory. In terms of kickoffs, while he has improved in this area in recent seasons, this is not a strength for him, though he is able to kick it out of the end zone more often than not. Altogether, it is Boswell who makes the special teams unit, well, special.
At punter, Pressley Harvin begins his second season, still possessing a powder keg leg, and questions about his consistency. In his rookie year, Harvin showed elite leg talent and ball placement; however, that was spoiled by frequent shanks and below standard punts. Harvin did have personal challenges last season, with the illness and passing of his father, which made the game of football secondary to real-life. If he can become more stable in his game, the Steelers have a Pro Bowl, if not All Pro punter on their roster who can flip the field with every punt. (It’s also worth noting that Harvin will handle the holding duties again this year).
Christian Kuntz returns at long snapper for his second year as a starter, and he proved last season he can be reliable and dependable in his role.
What About the Return Men?
Both Gunnar Olszewski and Steven Sims will serve as the kickoff return men, in addition to splitting opportunities as punt returners. Olszewski was an All Pro in New England as a return man, so he has proven that he can be effective in such a role, while Sims is shifty and has the burst necessary to juke defenders, cut, and take it all of the way. With the talent the Steelers now have at both kick and punt return positions, the potential is there for consistent playmaking.