The Pittsburgh Steelers gained a much needed victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. This win is mainly credited to the offense, as the defense performed well enough to survive, but did not take over the game by any means. The special teams side of the ball also did not get much going, which they have struggled to do all season. The return game has been mediocre, and return specialist Kaden Wetjen has not been able to break anything loose, as he is averaging an underwhelming 9.9 yards per punt return and 22.6 yards per kick return.
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Steelers returner Kaden Wetjen coughs it up on a punt return.
The Steelers' special teams unit as a whole has not been very effective. It feels like the unit is giving up substantial returns to opponents on nearly every kickoff and punt, while on the flip side, not being able to gain much momentum when Pittsburgh is receiving the ball.
Pittsburgh's special teams unit struggling in 2026 is not a huge surprise, as the team lost long-time special teams coordinator Danny Smith to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith was a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and it seemed like every time his unit was on the field, it always brought a ton of energy. It has not felt that way yet this season, as the tackling by the kickoff and punt teams has been lackluster. The unit has also failed to block any punts or kicks so far this season, something that Steelers fans were used to seeing when Smith was in town.
New special teams coordinator Danny Crossman has been working with the team to improve on all aspects of special teams. During the most recent Steelers press conference, Crossman spoke about the work his unit has been doing to improve, especially in the return game.
"A lot of elements are involved in [the return game] and we are making progress in some areas," Crossman said. "We just have to get it all tied together in each individual play. The getting better has to show on Sundays."
It is encouraging to hear Crossman speak about the progress of the unit, but results speak for themselves, and the unit has not produced them. The tackling and missed assignments on kickoff and punt team seem more like a physicality and energy issue, while the return game is a whole different story. Wetjen and his blockers will need to get on the same page in order for the unit to make life easier on the offense by giving them consistent better field position.
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Steelers' Danny Crossman speaking with the media during the 2026 season.
Some overlooked factors that could be affecting the special teams unit as a whole are the injuries and structural changes that have taken over the roster. Usually, special teams units are made up of second and third string players at the linebacker, defensive back, and pass catching positions. Pittsburgh has dealt with a plethora of injuries to all of these positions, especially at defensive back. It cannot be easy for a coordinator to attempt to fix issues and change schemes when his unit's personnel is changing drastically every week. Hopefully, Pittsburgh can get healthier and allow its best special teams players to stay in the lineup and help mold the unit back to what it was under Smith.
Steelers' Return Game Ranks Near The Bottom Of The NFL
As mentioned, the return game has not been great in the Steel City this season. In terms of kickoff return average, the special teams unit ranks 31st in the NFL. In punt return average, the unit ranks 21st. In total return yards, the unit has produced 500, which also ranks 31st in the NFL. This is extremely underwhelming for a unit that was always making game-changing plays when Smith was coaching the unit. Whether it has been an issue of coaching or personnel change, these issues need fixing. Pittsburgh has set themselves back multiple times during the first five weeks of the 2026 season due to poor special teams play.
There is one positive to the unit, though. Punter Cameron Johnston has been highly effective at flipping the field. He is averaging almost 50 yards per punt and has already pinned 10 punts inside the 20-yard line. While he has looked solid so far, it is alarming to see the rest of the unit underperforming at such a high rate. Crossman and the unit will need to get things together while Pittsburgh continues to fight for success in 2026.
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