Pittsburgh Steelers Wasting Roster Space With Brad Wing
Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers punter Brad Wing (9) against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Last week the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that it had signed punter Brad Wing to a one year contract extension. Terms were not disclosed for the soon to be second year player who is an LSU alum.
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“I thought he got better (as the season went on),” coach Mike Tomlin said. “I still think he is capable of getting better. He also may be presented with a challenge that is competition.”
Wing was a well below average punter in 2014 ranking 29th in the regular season with a 43.7 average and also recorded a 38.8 net average. Wing had 20 punts that were downed inside the 20 last season which tied for fourth worst among punters.
Earler in 2014, Wing was quoted by Teresa Varley on the Steelers team website discussing the pressures that surround punting.
I can’t lie and say it’s not there,” said Wing. “Part of my job is not just punting the football, it’s dealing with the pressure. That is something you work on as well. There are little things you can work on to feel more comfortable out there. I work on that as much as I do the punting.”
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The Steelers have gone through a revolving door with its punters with Drew Butler (statistically the second worst punter in 2014 with the Arizona Cardinals), Brian Moorman and Adam Podlesh among those who have seen time. Wing will be getting an extended look, now as the “guy” in 2015 although he will see competition.
I am unsure who will be brought in as the competition, however neither juniors Tom Hackett (Utah/46.7 average) nor Drew Riggleman (Arizona/46.1 average) will be considered since each decided to go back to school. My first choice then would be Kyle Loomis of Portland State who has a 46 yard punt average and 44 yard career average. Loomis consistently hit punts that on the long averaged in the mid-50’s and topped out at mid-60’s. This consistency is something I truly would like to see the Steelers try to draft.
At the worst, Wing is challenged and comes out on top, at best this is a serious competition that brings out the best in both guys. I was very much against Wing and even extending him for slightly more than the league minimum is a mistake in my eyes, even if it does not cost much. I can only hope the Steelers consider Loomis or any of the 28 punters than rated better than Wing in 2014. I understand a punter is not the Steelers top priority, however with that being said, it was a noticeable sore spot that needs to be corrected.