Grading the Steelers special teams heading into the 2019 season

The Pittsburgh Steelers special teams struggled at times during the 2018 season. Here is how I have them graded heading into 2019.

The Steelers special teams had its share of ups and downs in 2018. Though Chris Boswell was a Pro Bowl kicker in 2017, he took a drastic turn for the worst last season.

Pittsburgh still has some things they need to get straightened out prior to the 2019 season. Here’s how I have the Steelers special teams graded this year:

Chris Boswell, K

There’s no real explanation for it, but kicker Chris Boswell was horrendous last season. He converted just 13 of 20 field goal attempts (65 percent), and missed 5 extra points.

The Steelers lost so much faith in Boswell that they often elected to go for it on 4th downs as opposed to turning to the struggling kicker. Though he was once considered one of the best in the league, Boswell will have to prove himself all over again in 2019. The Steelers delaying his $2M roster bonus tells you everything you need to know about their confidence in his return.

Jordan Berry, P

Jordan Berry wasn’t nearly as disappointing as Boswell last year. Though he was 29th in punt average last season, that is a number that can be very misleading (depending on how far the offense progresses down the field). He was, however, top ten in terms of landing punts inside the 20 – which he did 28 times in 2018.

The Steelers have just one other punter on the roster in Ian Berryman. While he should be given some opportunity this preseason (assuming he remains on the roster until then), it’s unlikely that Jordan Berry will end up losing his job.

Returners

Receiver Ryan Switzer almost exclusively owned the return man duties for the Steelers a season ago. Switzer returned 30 of the opposing teams’ 31 punts and 30 of their 32 kicks. Switzer stands to play a large role again here in 2018, though rookie wide receiver, Diontae Johnson may compete for return duties.

Switzer was solid in his duties – averaging 8.4 yards per punt return and 20.2 yards per kick return. With Diontae Johnson aboard, the Steelers should be set with returners next season.

Overall special teams grade: C-

Danny Smith’s unit was fine on their special teams coverage in 2018, and the return game was solid. However, the most important special teams player on every football team is the kicker.

Though Chris Boswell once made 35 of 38 kicks in a season, I have no confidence that he will be able to return to anything close to Pro Bowl form.

Much like the quarterback to an offense, most of an organization’s special teams success lives and dies with their kicker. If the Steelers decide to stick with Chris Boswell again in 2019, he will need to improve in order for Pittsburgh to have success in this area of the game.