PITTSBURGH (AP) — When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers special teams this season, they’re either making “splash plays,” or they’re getting all wet.
Pittsburgh has benefited from a few momentum-changing moments — also known, in the vernacular of coach Mike Tomlin, as “splash plays” — from its kick and punt return units. But it’s also been hurt by gaffes that had costly potential.
Sunday’s 38-17 win against the Tennessee Titans provided examples of each. The electrifying Antonio Brown’s 52-yard kickoff return, for example, set up a touchdown that put the Steelers ahead for good. A successful fake field goal pass also set up a score.
But Pittsburgh’s most memorable special teams play, for the second consecutive week, was having a kick blocked. This time it was a Daniel Sepulveda punt. There was a successful Tennessee onside kick, too.
It seems as if, this season, there’s been little middle ground on Pittsburgh’s special teams.
