Steelers HC Mike Tomlin stands by his punter: ‘We smile in the face of adversity’

It really seems like Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has a soft spot for rookie punter Pressley Harvin III. And honestly, I didn’t think it was possible for Tomlin to have a soft spot for anyone, much less a struggling rookie punter.

But this seems to be exactly what is happening. Harvin’s struggles seem to be getting worse as the season has gone on and it is impossible to ignore. But Tomlin is ok with where Harvin is. “He and we smile in the face of adversity and we send him out there . . . We’re committed to him,” Tomlin said.

Harvin is currently 33rd in the NFL in punting average with 43.3 yards per punt. It is also three yards worse than Chicago Bears punter Jordan Berry, who Harvin replaced.

Last week was especially hard for Harvin and no one knew at the time. The Steelers made arrangements for Harvin’s father to attend as he has become very ill and Harvin wanted to be sure he got to watch him play at least one last time.