Koch Can Leave Steelers Kicking Themselves Sunday Morning

If the Pittsburgh Steelers overlook Ravens punter Sam Koch this Sunday, as the rest of the NFL and its fan base have consistently done, they could find themselves, quite literally, in deep trouble. Koch, a fifth year punter out of Nebraska, was again snubbed in Pro Bowl voting for the 2010-2011 season, and continues to fly under the radar as he delivers consistent kicking performances outing after outing.

In his fifth season, Koch played in all 16 regular season games, completing 81 punts for a total of 3,530 yards (3,175 net). On a weekly basis, Koch pins opposing teams deep within their own territory, often within the 20-yard line, if not the 10. In fact, in 2008 he led the league in punts landing within the 10-yard line. This is crucial because Koch’s placement gives the Baltimore special teams and defense more room to work and suffocates opposing offenses. In 2010, opposing teams took control of the ball within their own 20-yard line 39 times, and Koch has not been blocked on a single attempt.

The 28 year old has long been underappreciated in the National Football League, but his kick placement could be a deciding factor as the Ravens head to Pittsburgh this Saturday. Facing Pittsburgh’s threats like Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Rashard Mendenhall, Baltimore will need all it can get, and field position will provide a major advantage. Of course, it is also imperative that the Ravens be up to brush on special teams tackling.
The special teams unit has, perhaps, demonstrated more growth than any other Ravens unit over the course of this season. Specialists must continue to tackle quickly, relinquishing little return yardage. Missed tackles negate Koch’s efforts, and furthermore, have a psychological impact on the game. Since Koch’s 2006 debut in Baltimore, the Ravens special teams have consistently improved upon this aspect of their game, particularly since John Harbaugh, a former special teams coach, assumed the head coaching position.

Last week versus Kansas City, Koch was forced to punt only twice, for a total of 62 yards, but may well be a larger factor if Baltimore runs into more trouble with the Steelers’ defense. Because the Ravens often have difficulty converting on third downs, Koch’s role is maximized, as he is regularly brought on to punt, and averaged about five punts a game in 2010.

Sam Koch may have been a sixth round draft pick, but his invaluable punting gives him the potential to impact the game as a first round pick would. Any team that disregards the threat posed by Koch stands to be taught a lesson, and many here in Baltimore are hoping that Koch is among the factors that coach Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh overlook in their preparations for Saturday. With a big outing by Koch, the Steelers may wake up Sunday morning kicking themselves. 

[See story, and others regarding this weekend's game at Ravens Blackout; photos: Baltimore Ravens, www.photos.upi.com]