The Pittsburgh Steelers tried a faux punt early in opposition to the Washington Commanders that in the end backfired. However it wasn’t as a result of the philosophy behind the play was flawed. In truth, it was the proper name that was thwarted by a focus drop by James Pierre.
Some would view that as a trick play, or a gadget play that’s extra gimmick than rooted in routine. Mike Tomlin views it fairly the other.
“We’re simply not going to permit folks to do unorthodox and probably unsound issues in opposition to us,” Tomlin mentioned Tuesday throughout his press convention by way of the Steelers’ YouTube channel. “I’m not going to permit folks to over-stress our punt safety unit by leaving folks uncovered when we now have folks able to throwing and catching the soccer. We don’t view it as a gadget or trick play to be fairly sincere with you.
“That dialogue and that work didn’t begin final week in preparation for the Commanders. We’ve been working it for the reason that spring. We’re not hoping and wishing, it’s nothing mystical. That is as routine for us as base passing play or working play or base protection. We bought that stage of consolation in it, however all of that being mentioned we didn’t execute it in that second.”
Even with the failed try, it now forces different groups to respect that risk shifting ahead. Take a look at how the participant is available in from the left facet of the display to attempt to time up a block try on the punt. If groups are going to strive gimmicky or “unsound” issues like that, then the Steelers are going to punish them. They might have Sunday if not for the drop.
Groups will now assume twice about attempting to sneak an additional rusher in on a punt-block name.
Whereas it isn’t one thing they name within the huddle earlier than taking the sphere as a punt unit, it’s one thing that the coaches have empowered Miles Killebrew to test to in sure appears to be like.
As Tomlin mentioned instantly following the sport, he would do it once more. It wasn’t one thing he regrets, and it’s one thing we might see later within the season if any group dares give the Steelers that look once more.
