Mike Tomlin Apparently Satisfied With Struggling Zoltan Mesko
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers thought they found themselves the “answer” to their punting “problems” when they inked veteran Zoltan Mesko to a deal before the regular season began. Unfortunately for the Steelers and Mesko, the former Michigan Wolverine has done little to inspire faith with his play this fall.
Currently, Mesko ranks 31st in the league with a 41.9 yards per punt average, 27th in net yards per punt (37.6), and a dreadful 33rd overall in punts downed inside the opponents twenty yard line (two).
Keep in mind readers that there are only 32 teams in the National Football League.
Undeterred by Mesko’s struggles, Pittsburgh’s head coach is standing by his struggling punter according to Scott Brown of ESPN.com:
Tomlin on P Zoltan Mesko: "We would like him to stretch the field a little more." Said he has been pleased with his overall play.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) October 8, 2013
As nice as it is to see that Tomlin has faith in his punter, Mesko must improve upon his current career-low stats if he wishes to stay with the franchise long-term. Even Drew Butler, the player the Steelers released to acquire Mesko, put up better numbers last fall than the former New England Patriot has through the first four games.
Although Pittsburgh has not acquired any competition, the pressure will be squarely on Mesko to improve down the stretch. Otherwise, the Steelers will be looking for their fifth new punter in three years during the upcoming offseason.
Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac, and Pro Football Reference
Follow me on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla
Follow & Like “NPC” on Facebook: Nice Pick, Cowher