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Kick coverages improve

 

The biggest improvement in the Steelers may be their pass rush, it may be their defensive line depth, it may be their play in the secondary or it just may be their kick coverage.

Last year, the Steelers allowed 8.6 yards per punt return with one touchdown against them. They allowed 22.6 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown.

Through five games, they've allowed 4.5 yards per punt return with a long of 12 and no touchdowns. This, even though they lost punter Daniel Sepulveda for the season with a torn ACL. Veteran Mitch Berger has been inconsistent but averages 43.5 gross yards per punt, and 10 of his 25 punts have been inside the 20.

Their kickoff coverage team has allowed 20.1 yards per return with no touchdowns and a long of 40.

The difference?

"I think everybody has just made a commitment to go down and make a play," said Anthony Madison, who leads the special teams with nine tackles, six solos. "Everybody can make a play at any given time.

"Guys are willing to just give up their bodies, sell it out, that's what you have to do."