Steelers Will Keep Chris Boswell as Kickoff Specialist on New Kickoffs
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem primed to continue Chris Boswell working on the kickoff unit under the new league rules.
PITTSBURGH — Want to figure out the Pittsburgh Steelers’ plans for kickoffs? Special teams coordinator Danny Smith might not even fully know the details. However, one wrinkle that some teams are starting to consider is that they could put non-kickers in the kickoff specialist spot. That comes with the body types changing with the new styles of kickoffs, so having someone who could add an extra tackling body, like Justin Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs, would be massive.
However, the Steelers are not going to change their ways. Smith states that kicker Chris Boswell is locked into that spot, and the team will field around him on their kickoff coverage units. It’s not a surprise, and while Boswell is not known to get physical very often, Pittsburgh is opting for the strategic advantage of directional kicks and placement, all of which will be paramount under the new rules.
“Boz is all in. Boz and I have a great relationship. He is all in. He’ll be good at it. Trust me. He’ll be very good at it,” Smith said.
That’s not much of a surprise from Smith, but it is something to note when considering all the wrinkles the new kickoff rules could bring. Smith was on the committee of special teams coordinators that brought forth these rule changes to save the kick return, and he believes it could do wonders for the game. Not only has he watched XFL tape to prepare for it, but he has looked to Europe for help in similar scenarios.
“I have studied numerous plays that I have been able to find from other Leagues that are similar,” Smith said. “There is nothing exactly like we’re doing it. But there are some similarities in some things. I’ve met with a lot of people that have done it. I’ve watched a lot of tape that have done it. I’m sure others have to. But those are the challenges. And some of it is going to be a challenge in practice that we go back in,and we say after we look at the tape, ‘Hey, that was good.’ ‘Hey, that looks good.’ ‘Hey, this doesn’t.’ ‘That is that that isn’t.”
Smith has considered all the elements that could make or break a triumphant kickoff return. Directional kicking, schemes, both on coverage and return, and other body types will make the difference in the world, but it sure seems everyone is expecting fireworks from the new rules.
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