Steelers 'Special' Weapon Sparks Win Over Ravens
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers captain Miles Killebrew has always been a good special teamer but over the past three seasons, he's become a game-changing talent in that role.
Against the Ravens, with the Steelers needing a massive boost to overcome a sluggish offensive performance, Killebrew blocked a punt Baltimore back into the endzone for a safety. It cut the Steelers' deficit from 10-3 to 10-5, opened the door for a dramatic comeback in the final frame and 17-10 win.
“We had a block on and he delivered," head coach Mike Tomlin said. "This guy has blocked a lot of kicks in recent years. He’s got to be tops in the National Football League in that regard. It’s been special to be a part of it.”
Killebrew has four over the past four seasons, including two in 2021 when he became the first Steeler to block multiple punts in a season since 1960. Since 2020, only two teams - the Colts and Cowboys - have matched his personal blocked punt total and none have more.
Killebrew's exploits in blocking kicks make him an elite player at his position and his fellow Steelers want him to be respected as such.
"Coach Tomlin always says it only takes one block a year to be great and he already has a bunch of them at this point in his career," outside linebacker T.J. Watt said. "It’s awesome to see a guy like that know the other team is scheming for him and still make plays like that. But like I said, I’m not surprised by his work ethic and having the opportunity to make that play and making it when he had it."
The Steelers' offense was sluggish through the first three quarters, mustering just three points before scoring a game-winning touchdown on the final drive.
They desperately needed every part of the dominating performance their defense and special teams put on and starting quarterback Kenny Pickett made sure to express his appreciation for those efforts, which were spearheaded by Killebrew.
"I can’t say enough about our defense and then our special teams," Pickett said. "They stepped up today and then shoutout to Miles, a guy who dedicates himself to his craft and I watch him work every day. I watch him work punt blocks all the time. He’s constantly doing it, he’s obsessed with it, so there’s not surprise that he steps up when he needed it”
Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Steelers LB T.J. Watt Added to Injury Report
Steelers Finish Magical Comeback Over Ravens
Kenny Pickett Named Favorite to Lose Starting Job
