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Steelers vs. Jets: Coordinators Comments

By Kim Myers

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 43-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 43-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Special Teams

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas (29) and inside linebacker Vince Williams (98) kneel down in preparation of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas (29) and inside linebacker Vince Williams (98) kneel down in preparation of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

When it comes to special teams that particular unit has been rather solid so far this year aside from the blocked kick in Philly. Danny Smith is hesitant to call out any particular players on how well or not they’re performing but he was asked about the performance of Shamarko Thomas.

This is important because with the injury to safety Robert Golden the defense went with Jordan Dangerfield instead of Thomas. Thomas is in the final year of his rookie contract and has just not performed to the degree that he was expected to as far as the safety position.

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On special teams, however, that’s a different story. Smith explains why Thomas is actually leading the NFL in special teams tackles.

"“Shamarko is an outstanding player. He really is. I love the guy. He and I have been together for a while. He and I have plans that we put into practice. I count on him a lot. I demand a lot from him. I expect a lot from him as he does himself. He is a fun guy to be around, he is a fun guy to coach because he’s number one competitive and number two he is tough. He can run. He has a lot of attributes. He has that want to. He wants to be special. He has a chance to be. He is playing well. I think you will see continuous good play out of him and I am proud of him because he works his butt off to do that.” – Danny Smith"

We’ll have to see if Thomas’ special teams contributions will be enough to get another contract. It worked for Robert Golden.

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