Question about Special Teams

I never really paid too much attention, but is it typical to have DL blocking for FGs and XPs? I always assumed it was OL out there. But watching replays of Boswell's missed/blocked XP, it's Cam and Harmon out there. The worst blocking I've ever seen was done by Harmon, BTW. Looks like he reaches out and barely touches the two people running by him. Maybe he panicked--and was expecting Cam to take the inside guy. Either way, why are they even out there? Does not seem to be their forte. Unless that's the norm---and then we still should find other options and/or practice that a lot better. Really almost bit us. EDIT: Looking at it again, Logan Lee is the "RT" so to speak---it seems like having "real" tackles might be the best for the ends of the line, as they are inherently trained to pick up stunts and handle mismatches. All the pressure came from Harmon & Cam's side---not sure if the Ravens did something different there or not, but maybe real tackles would have noticed two fast/tall people coming from that side and thought something was up?

https://x.com/3Rivers_Writer/status/2008364326193693141?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^2008364326193693141|twgr^2a907195dd09cde024e4185830a2082c642ed167|twcon^s1_&ref_url=https://triblive.com/sports/football-footnotes-refuting-recent-chris-boswell-concerns-noteworthy-steelers-texans-stats-mike-tomlin-mind-games/

 

I find it a bit strange that 2 of your main defensive lineman are out there as well. Seems they don't have enough second tier players to fill the role?

One of them gets injured playing special teams the S#$% is going to hit the fan.

 

Just a random thought but DL tend to be bigger and faster than OL

That would make them good candidates for the two outside guys

 

I guess....but Harmon looked like he was giving both rushers a "low 5" as they ran by. That being said, I really can't tell that the kick was blocked at all.

 

Your basically taught at any spot on the FG or punt unit to ALWAYS block the man on your inside which is closes to the kicker/punter. Shortest route to anything is a straight line this why you BLOCK DOWN. Where I have seen problems is when guys try and block both in and out and do a terrible job on both, as per last week. For this block down you do not need speed just fundamentals. I do agree however that starting DTs would not be my first choice on special teams.