Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith’s meticulous preparation for Week 7 paid off in a big way during Sunday night’s matchup against the New York Jets.
With the Steelers looking to secure a win in their first game under quarterback Russell Wilson, the team needed a spark — and it came from Smith’s special teams unit. In a game where the offense struggled to find its rhythm, Smith’s group stepped up at critical moments, providing the momentum that helped Pittsburgh secure its fifth win.
The game didn’t get off to a pretty start for the Steelers. Wilson and company struggled to move the ball. Facing a stout Jets defense, the offense failed to generate meaningful drives early in the game, leaving Pittsburgh needing a boost.
That’s when Smith’s special teams unit came into play.
Late in the first half, with the Jets attempting a field goal, the Steelers’ special teams came through with a huge block. However, what could have been a game-changing moment was voided by a penalty, negating the play and allowing the Jets another chance at the kick.
Steelers' blocked FG attempts changed the momentum of Sunday Night Football
Undeterred by the penalty, Smith’s special teams continued to stay locked in, and when the Jets were lining up for another field goal attempt in the third quarter, the unit came up big again. This time, the block stood. The Steelers’ special teams swarmed the line of scrimmage and blocked the attempt, preventing the Jets from cutting into Pittsburgh’s eight-point lead.
The momentum swing was undeniable, as the blocked kick energized the Steelers’ sideline and kept the pressure on the Jets to score.
Danny Smith’s special teams execution was a key factor in securing the victory, as Pittsburgh held on to win. In a week dominated by coaching decisions — including Mike Tomlin’s choice to start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields — Smith’s preparation and decision-making on special teams had made the biggest impact.
His unit’s timely blocks preserved the Steelers’ lead and gave Wilson and the offense extra breathing room as they worked through their struggles.
While Russell Wilson’s debut as QB1 will garner attention, Smith’s special teams delivered when the Steelers needed it most. As Pittsburgh improves to 5-2, it’s clear that every phase of the game matters — and Smith’s special teams unit could continue to be a difference-maker as the season progresses.