Steelers Special Teams Coach Danny Smith Admits Extremely Stupid Play Was The Actual Plan

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to leave Ireland with a 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Aaron Rodgers was credited with 200 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's victory, as the veteran quarterback continues to develop chemistry with DK Metcalf and the rest of the Steelers' offense. Kenneth Gainwell was credited with a career performance as well, as the young running back was able to rush for a total of 99 yards and two touchdowns during his first game starting in replacement for Jaylen Warren.

As far as special teams goes, speculation has continued to surround Steelers punter Corliss Waitman following the win in Ireland. Waitman punted the ball out of the end zone late in the game, an absolutely crucial play that many felt did not need to happen in that moment. The Steelers had the ball on a 4th and 1 while the Vikings were already out of timeouts, as a simple one-yard gain would have secured Pittsburgh's victory right then and there.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share his thoughts on the play, as he credits Steelers Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith and the rest of Pittsburgh's coaching staff for purposely having Waitman boot the ball out of the end zone.

Fans were confused with the play-call. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff needed just one more yard to close out the game, but Pittsburgh ultimately opted to take the safe route and punted the ball. Waitman certainly did not have to boot the ball as far as he did, as many believe that the punter should have attempted to pin the Vikings back as deep as possible. Kaboly's comments confirm that Waitman punted the ball out of the end zone on purpose, as the Steelers' coaching staff believed that would be the safest option at that point in the game -- avoiding the possibility of a long punt return (or even a touchdown).

Waitman has spent the majority of his four-year career in and out of Pittsburgh. The punter originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2020, and has quietly put together a very solid career. He's bounced back and forth from multiple teams, but finally beat out Cameron Johnston for the Steelers' starting punter spot in the 2025 offseason.

Steelers Have Another Special Teams Question Mark Heading Into Week 5

Scotty Miller has recently been named the Steelers' second string punt returner following the news regarding Calvin Austin lll's injury. Austin was sent off the field during Sunday's matchup in Ireland, as the talented receiver was seen leaving the stadium with his arm in a sling. Miller is a talented seven-year veteran that could make a serious impact on special teams while Austin continues to recover from the injury.

Austin was consistently retuning punts for Pittsburgh since last season prior to suffering an injury on Sunday. Miller could quickly emerge as a legitimate play maker on special teams as the veteran's athleticism and speed should provide him with some extra space to work with. Austin's timetable for a return is currently unknown as Miller is slated to return punts until the promising young receiver returns to action.

Fans may view Kaboly's comments as surprising. Booting the ball out of the end zone at that point in the game was certainly an option, but fans continue to believe that there were a number of better plays that the Steelers could have potentially ran. Pittsburgh will be back in action against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 as Miller will look to take full advantage of his new role on special teams.

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