The Pittsburgh Steelers are basking in the positive energy generated by their recent offensive prowess, thanks to Mason Rudolph's stellar performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, amidst the celebrations, one aspect of the Steelers' game has raised concerns – the punting situation, spearheaded by Pressley Harvin III, a seventh-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft from Georgia Tech.
During the 2023 season, Steeler Nation has voiced their displeasure with Harvin's inconsistent punts. He currently ranks 33rd in average punting yards per punt, averaging 44 yards per punt. Although assessing punting performance based solely on yards per punt is limited due to the situational nature of the role, one noteworthy metric is punts inside the 20-yard line. By combining data from both metrics, a more comprehensive evaluation of Harvin's 2023 season can be established.
Steelers Punter Pursues Consistency
In a recent appearance on the German-based podcast Männer aus Stahl, or Men of Steel in American literature, Harvin III discussed his career with the Steelers. During the interview, Harvin emphasized his primary goal of achieving greater consistency as a punter.
"I'm just trying to make these plays at this level now. Continue to be more consistent."
However, what sets Harvin's approach apart is his unique focus on feeling rather than having any cares about strict technique.
"I find my focus in chasing the feeling. Not technique work... as a punter, it is so technical. But instead of chasing technique stuff and telling myself tidbits, I'm trying to chase more of a feeling now. The feeling of hitting the ball good, great energy, positive energy. Focus on winning is what Coach [Mike] Tomlin tells us, too."
While Harvin's emphasis on feeling may alleviate some pressure, it's worth noting that in moments of struggle, reverting to traditional punting techniques can be challenging without a solid foundation.
"It's never going to be the same swing two days in a row. We could really drive ourselves crazy if we start getting into that. So instead of that, I just started chasing the feeling of being able to be in the game, be engaged in the game, and just make plays."
This unique approach enables Harvin to focus on active engagement in the game and making impactful plays. It allows him to embrace the ever-changing nature of punting, where consistency can be elusive.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Harvin is passionate about his role in the storied franchise of the Steelers. He hopes to retire as a Steeler and dreams of contributing to the organization's rich history.
"Being able to be here in this organization too is just another plus on top of that. You've got these six Lombardis on the other side of us right now. And I'm kind of like, 'Dang, I want my picture on the back of one of these!' It's a lot of history, a lot of history in this place... hopefully I'll be here as long as I play."
However, Harvin acknowledges the need for improvement in his consistency as a punter. While Steelers fans may perceive him as struggling, a closer examination of his stats, particularly his ability to pin opponents inside the 20-yard line, reveals a more nuanced perspective. He may not have lived up to the high expectations of a drafted punter, but the complexities of the position extend beyond surface-level statistics. He's been average at best and has a ton of improvement needed in his game as a punter to remain a Steeler as long as he plays.
For the Steelers, excelling in the field position battle is paramount, especially for a team that has punted the fifth most times in the league during the 2023 season. The ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their territory can prove to be a game-changing asset. As Harvin continues to refine his approach and aim for greater consistency, Steelers fans will eagerly watch his development, hoping to witness him evolve into a more technically sound punter who can help secure advantageous field position for the team. While the offense exploded against the Bengals, the Steelers' next two games will certainly call for some key punts that will help determine if they can win and continue to improve their hopes of the postseason.
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