The Ugly: Pressly Harvin Should Not Return for Next Season
It's possible the Steelers will use a draft pick on a punter next year. It's what they do when they need one and boy do they need one. Based on a body of work certainly, but his latest effort showed why Pressley Harvin simply cannot be back in 2024.
I, like many of you, was excited when he was drafted several years ago. He's been through a lot during his time in Pittsburgh and has had some good moments. All things considered, this is all about his ability to perform consistently, which he's shown time and time again he simply is not.
Harvin was horrendous in a game that was all about field position. His inconsistencies landed him a stat sheet reading six punts for 250 yards with a touchback and two downed inside the 20. This included a 26-yard punt to start the second quarter, giving the Ravens the football at the 35. Luckily Baltimore fumbled three plays later.
Harvin did have some nice punts. His long was 53 and he dropped the 49-yarder before the shanked 26-yarder at the 7-yard line. However, his two touchbacks were at the 18 and 19. His last punt went 53 yards, about four yards too far as it Myles Boykin couldn't get under it to pin the Ravens back. Again, the Ravens fumbled, but the lack of consistency is too great.
This is a recurring situation for Harvin, not just this one game. But the importance of this game and his inconsistencies almost clashed a few times. He was bailed out by the defense today, but that isn't always going to be the case.
Harvin isn't going anywhere if the Steelers make the postseason, but into next season he should once again have to fight for his job. It's hard to believe Pittsburgh can't find a better option somewhere prior to training camp.