Steelers Special Teams Coach Danny Smith Admits Final Play Was The Actual Plan

The Pittsburgh Steelers left Dublin with a 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings, but the closing moments of the game sparked plenty of debate among fans. The focus wasn’t on Aaron Rodgers’ 200 yards and touchdown, or Kenneth Gainwell’s 99-yard, two-touchdown performance, but rather on a late-game special teams call that had many scratching their heads.

With under a minute to play and facing a 4th-and-1, Pittsburgh chose to punt instead of trying to close the game with a short-yardage run. Corliss Waitman booted the ball out of the end zone, giving Minnesota one final chance to mount a comeback. Fans immediately questioned why the Steelers didn’t simply run the ball and end the game then and there.

After days of speculation, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly reported that special teams coordinator Danny Smith revealed the call was intentional. The coaching staff instructed Waitman to punt the ball out of the end zone as the “safest option,” eliminating the risk of a long return or a costly turnover.

Smith’s admission changes the narrative – Waitman wasn’t freelancing, he was following the plan. “It was by design,” Smith said. “At that point, our focus was on eliminating variables. Corliss executed what we asked him to do, and I stand by that decision. The criticism should stop with him – if anyone wants to question it, question me.”

The play didn’t cost Pittsburgh the game, as the defense held strong and secured the win, but it did fuel frustration among fans who felt the Steelers took an unnecessary risk. Still, with the team sitting at 3-1 and heading into the bye, Smith’s clarification provides context and takes heat off his punter.

Adding to the special teams shuffle, wide receiver Scotty Miller is expected to step in as the No. 2 punt returner following Calvin Austin III’s injury. Austin had been a reliable option, but with his status uncertain, Miller could take on a bigger role when Pittsburgh returns in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.