Steelers short on returns
PITTSBURGH – The Steelers have their first two takeaways of the season and their first victory.
Now that the pressure is off to produce those two important things, they can turn to other pressing matters, such as setting up their offense with a short field or scoring a touchdown on special teams or defense.
Entering the seventh week of the season, the Steelers are one of eight NFL teams that have yet to produce a defensive or special teams touchdown.
The Steelers’ defense and special teams have done precious little to set up their offense with easy scores. Of Pittsburgh’s 60 possessions, only one has started in the opponent’s territory.
By contrast, the Baltimore Ravens have scored on punt and interception returns, helping a struggling offense that has produced just 12 touchdowns in six games.
It’s part of the difference between Baltimore’s 3-3 record and the Steelers’ 1-4 mark.
“We could definitely do a better job of helping out our offense, giving them some short fields, not making them have to drive the length of the field for scores,” said Steelers safety Ryan Clark.
That would be especially helpful against the Ravens when the teams meet Sunday at Heinz Field. Kickoff is 4:25 p.m.
Baltimore ranks 23rd in total defense, giving up more than 350 yards per game. But the Ravens’ defense has been especially stingy when opponents reach the red zone – inside the 20-yard line. Baltimore is tied with Kansas City for the NFL lead, allowing only 25 percent of opponent’s possessions inside the 20 to result in touchdowns. That’s a big reason why the Ravens are 13th in scoring defense (21.5 points per game) despite their low ranking in yards allowed.
That’s also not a good sign for Pittsburgh’s offense, which has scored just five touchdowns in 13 trips inside the opponent’s 20.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown is averaging only 7.0 yards on eight punt returns despite a 40-yarder against Cincinnati that set up a field goal. Felix Jones averages 24.1 yards per kickoff return with a long of 34 yards.
“It’s an 11-man job in our return game, and we talk openly about it,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We believe we have dynamic return people. We have yet to put together a dynamic return. We’re going to continue to work at it. Hopefully, it will show sooner rather than later.”
The Steelers know they can’t continue to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns if they hope to build on Sunday’s 19-6 victory against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh had one touchdown and four field goals in that game.
“That’s potentially a recipe for disaster in the NFL,” said Tomlin. “But I also acknowledge that the Jets play pretty stingy red zone defense. … I don’t paint with a broad brush in terms of evaluating how we perform. I acknowledge in some circumstances our opponents, and how they perform, is an element of the equation, and the Jets defense was a stiff one.”
Tomlin said offensive tackle Levi Brown (pectoral injury) and tight end David Johnson (wrist) will undergo surgery. Both players have been placed on injured reserve. To replace them on the roster, the Steelers signed free agent tight end Richard Gordon and cornerback Isaiah Green, who was on the practice squad. Gordon is in his third season, appearing in 27 games with Oakland. … Wide receiver Markus Wheaton (finger) is out this week. … Tomlin said defensive end Brett Keisel (rib) and linebacker LaMarr Woodley (knee) will be limited in practice this week but are expected to play against the Ravens. … Linebacker Sean Spence, who suffered a knee injury in the 2012 preseason, will begin practicing on a limited basis this week. The Steelers have a few weeks to decide if they will place Spence, a 2012 third-round draft pick, on the active roster or injured reserve. … Tomlin announced a ban on all touchdown flips, somersaults and dives.