30 Scenarios in 30 Days: The Steelers will set a franchise record for average yards per punt

In the new “30 Scenarios in 30 Days” series, we break down situations which could take place for the Steelers in 2021.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2021 regular season, but before the real games begin, the team has to head to training camp to fine tune their skills. As we here at BTSC prepare you for the start of camp, we give you a series called “30 Scenarios in 30 Days” which gives you a Steelers scenario every day leading up to the start of camp.

It is simple how it works. We provide you the scenario, reasons why it will or won’t happen, and then our prediction for what we think will take place.

Let’s get to the scenario…

Scenario: The Steelers will set a franchise record for average yards per punt

Steelers average yards per punt:

2020: 45.06
2019: 45.51
2018: 43.44
2017: 43.17

Franchise record:
1961: 47.16

Why it will happen: Much to the chagrin of BTSC senior editor Jeff Hartman, the Steelers punting average over the last two years have been some of the best the franchise has ever seen. In fact, the Steelers have only averaged over 45 yards per punt six times since 1939, and two of them were the last two seasons. The next most recent year was in 1999. If Jordan Berry was kicking with that distance, Pressley Harvin should have to do better in order to win the job. For this reason, the average could go up to where it surpasses the 47.16 yards per punt average.

Why it won’t happen: While yards per punt is something you want in most situations, when operating with less room it is much more important to sacrifice distance in an attempt to pin the opponent inside the 10 yard line. If the Steelers offense can move the ball to midfield on most drives, distance won’t be the most important factor in the success for the Steelers punter in 2021.

Prediction: First of all, I don’t know if it matters which player ultimately wins the job when it comes to this record. Last year for Georgia Tech, Pressley Harvin averaged 48.0 yards per punt. If the Steelers can finish off drives with points rather than settling for short punts once they begin moving the ball, whoever is punting for the Steelers will have a chance for more yardage. If that player happens to be Jordan Berry, I think he will need to punt better than he ever has in order to win the job which could put him up close to the 48-yard range. Therefore, I think there is a good possibility this is a record which could be broken by the 2021 Steelers.

Check out yesterday’s ‘30 Scenarios in 30 Days’ prediction:

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.