Steelers' Mike McCarthy Explains Severe Challenge Plaguing Danny Crossman's Special Teams

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an important 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy isn't satisfied with everything he witnessed on Sunday. Pittsburgh improved to 3-2 and showed encouraging progress in several areas, yet one particular unit continues to draw attention from the coaching staff. McCarthy has now doubled down on his expectations for special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and the players responsible for executing his system.

The Steelers have spent considerable time attempting to improve their special teams fundamentals, but McCarthy clearly believes additional work is necessary. Pittsburgh cannot afford to consistently surrender field position or allow avoidable mistakes to undermine otherwise productive performances. With the organization attempting to build momentum following its victory over Indianapolis, special teams remains an area where the coaching staff wants to see more consistency.

McCarthy addressed those concerns again while discussing Pittsburgh's overall development and the challenges associated with building chemistry. Rather than simply criticizing the special teams unit, he offered an interesting comparison to the offensive line. His explanation provided insight into why establishing consistency can be particularly difficult for Crossman's group.

"We need to be better at special teams," McCarthy said. "That's something we need to continue to work [on]. That's always the biggest challenge because of all the moving parts there."

That's a revealing assessment from a coach who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of fundamentals. McCarthy understands that special teams requires contributions from players throughout the roster. 

Unlike the offense or defense, where established starters generally receive the majority of playing time, special teams often depends on backups and younger contributors handling several responsibilities.

That creates a unique challenge for Crossman. Players can find themselves working alongside different teammates depending on injuries, roster decisions and changes to the weekly game plan. Establishing dependable communication becomes more difficult when the personnel involved isn't always consistent.

However, McCarthy doesn't believe those circumstances excuse poor execution. This is now the second time he has talked about special teams publicly in less than 24 hours. That is telling for Steeler Nation to pay attention to.

The Steelers still need players understanding their assignments, maintaining proper positioning and communicating effectively during important situations. Those responsibilities become especially significant when games are decided by narrow margins.

McCarthy offered an interesting comparison to Pittsburgh's offensive line while explaining why continuity matters.

"I think I look at that compared to the offensive line," McCarthy said. "Thankfully, we were able to get another game where all five guys are playing together. Those are the things we're going to continue to focus on... Hopefully, that work will continue to pay off for us."

That comparison helps explain what McCarthy wants Pittsburgh to accomplish. The offensive line benefits from having the same five players consistently working together. 

Those repetitions allow teammates to recognize tendencies, improve communication and develop a better understanding of their individual responsibilities. Special teams doesn't always have that luxury.

Steelers' Danny Crossman Faces Critical Test Moving Forward

Crossman's responsibility is finding ways to establish that same level of trust and consistency despite the constant movement throughout his personnel group.

That requires more than simply identifying talented athletes who can contribute on coverage units. Pittsburgh needs players who understand their assignments well enough to execute them regardless of who happens to be lined up beside them.

McCarthy's comments also suggest the organization recognizes that improvement isn't always immediate. The Steelers can emphasize fundamentals throughout an entire week of practice, but those lessons must eventually translate into better execution during games. 

If similar problems continue appearing, the coaching staff has to determine whether additional adjustments are necessary.

Crossman will naturally face scrutiny because special teams performance falls under his responsibility. However, McCarthy's comparison to the offensive line suggests he views the situation as a broader challenge involving preparation, personnel continuity and execution. One thing is certain: if Aaron Rodgers is to ride off into the sunset and help end the playoff drought, an improved special teams unit is a must.

Are you concerned about Danny Crossman's special teams unit? Follow me on X @anthonyghalkias and let Steeler Nation know.

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