THE 50-YARD LINE

Today is facet#3 to the Steelers season: special teams. Rookie Chris Rainey could be the x-factor here. Many believe he has the talent to be the second straight return man for the Steelers to go to the Pro Bowl. The new special teams coach, Amos Jones, needs to make sure there are no special teams gaffs, such as holding penalties, that could make this unit very un-special. The Steelers let their special teams captain from last year, Arnaz Battle, go. Again, someone will need to step up and fill that leadership role for this young unit. There is also a new punter, Drew Butler. That also means they have a new holder. The kid looked good in the preseason. Let’s hope he continues to do so when we go live. The key with special teams is to gain as much field as you can when you get the ball and don’t give any ground when the opponent gets the ball. Stick with this mindset, and avoid costly penalties and the special teams could, indeed, be something special. Go Steelers!!!!!!