Daily News & Links: Danny Smith Steelers MVP; Darnell Washington Shines

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? Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks special teams coordinator Danny Smith is the Steelers MVP this season.

“Danny Smith, MVP right now of the team. Because every week something is happening,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast. “And I know players play and this that and the other, but what they’re doing is awesome right now. So kudos to Danny and the rest of the special teams because you have the best special teams coach and unit right now in the league. We don’t give them enough talk and enough credit.”

The Steelers special teams continue to play lights out this season. After three straight games with a blocked field goal or blocked punt,  Smith’s special teams unit added a punt return for a touchdown to their list of achievements in Monday night’s 26-18 win over the New York Giants.

With the score tied at 9-9, Austin broke through with a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown to give the Steelers a 16-9 lead over the New York Giants at the 4:38 mark of the third quarter.

? Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was the highest-graded Steeler (92.7) in Monday night’s 26-18 win over the Giants, according to Pro Football Focus. Washington had one catch for 29 yards, but he also dominated as a blocker.

? Rich Eisen believes Russell Wilson is turning back the clock.

“I’m just wondering if you can go look at Acrisure Stadium and see if it is in fact turned into a hot tub. Just want to know. Because Russ is in a time machine,” Eisen said on the Rich Eisen Show. “Russ is slinging it. Russ is moving very well in the pocket for a guy in his mid-30s. Russ is absolutely on point with the deep ball as he always has been.”

? Russell Wilson visited UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on Tuesday, brightening the day for patients and their families. Wilson has visited Children’s Hospital every Tuesday during the season.

? Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel admits that he was wrong about Russell Wilson. He thinks he throws the best deep ball in the NFL.

? Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth said on the Pat McAfee Show that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith “is one of the boys.”

“Artie Smith is one of the boys and he’s been great. He puts us in positions to succeed and I can’t say enough good things about him,” Freiermuth said.

? Colin Cowherd of FS1 thinks the Steelers are becoming Seahawks lite.

“You’ve got to give Russell Wilson credit… Defensive coach, defensive culture, couple of playmakers and strong run game,” Cowherd said.

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