The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent all kinds of time, money, and resources on fixing up the team as much as they can. They completely overhauled the offense in the offseason while also adding to a defense that was already loaded with talent. Hopefully, those big additions will come in and lead the Steelers to some sort of playoff run for the first time since the 2016 season. However, a big part of their recent struggles came from the punter position, but the Steelers may have finally figured that one out as well.
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Steelers punter Cameron Johnston speaks to the media.
The Steelers signed Cameron Johnston in free agency to attempt to fix their recent punting woes. Johnston signed a three year $9 million contract to join Pittsburgh. During training camp, he showed the team and the fans what he is capable of, including Steeler Nation's own B-Wall.
While it's still just training camp, it's always a good sign when your punter can be very consistent while also kicking the ball exactly where it needs to go, whether it's short or long. There's still a lot to be seen from the veteran punter, especially in the rough conditions of Acrisure Stadium, but to start off camp, this looks to be exactly what the Steelers need to not put their defense in terrible situations.
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Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III punts the ball during a 2021 regular season home game at then-Heinz Field against the Raiders in Pittsburgh, PA.
Before Johnston, the Steelers had Pressley Harvin III as their full-time punter for three seasons. While he had a powerful leg and the ability to hit the coffin corner kick, he was a human coin flip for the team: he either had amazing kicks that would show off his talents, or he would shank the ball and make fans question why he was still on the team. The Steelers released him after the 2023 season in favor of a more consistent punter.
Before Harvin, Jordan Berry handled punting duties for the team, and he had the exact same issues as Harvin. He could sky the ball across the field, like he did during his rookie season when he booted a 79-yard punt, or he would kick it off the side of his foot for minimal yardage. The Steelers don't need the guy with the biggest leg. They just need a punter who can be consistent and not shank the ball.
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Steelers' Cameron Johnston during a rainy game with the Houston Texans.
Steelers Hopeful Cameron Johnston Can Be Consistent
Back when the Steelers were going back and forth between Berry and Dustin Colquitt as their punters, Pat McAfee talked about how weather conditions mess with punters with a high drop, meaning that the wind and/or rain could push the ball as it's falling from the punter's hand to his foot. Berry and Harvin both had high drops, which hurt them in Pittsburgh, where the weather regularly plays a role in the games.
Meanwhile, Johnston can still kick consistently well with a much lower drop. Because of that, the wind and the rain won't have nearly as much of an impact as it would on the Steelers' previous punters. That one little mechanic alone guarantees that the team will have much more consistent punting, whether they play in Pittsburgh, or a domed stadium like with the Atlanta Falcons.
In fact, Berry's average stats all increased during his one season with the Minnesota Vikings, since there was no weather to ruin his drop during home games. Harvin could most likely succeed in an indoor stadium as well with his style. Even though the way a punter drops the ball before kicking it seems so insignificant, it could make life so much easier for the Steelers and their defense.
What do you think about Johnston's great performance in training camp? Do you think he could be the punter that the Steelers desperately need? Let us know in the comments.
