EDITOR'S NOTE: This is another in a series of articles looking back at some of the highlights from the 2024 season.
The special teams showed up in a number of ways this season for the Steelers, and they were also heard from repeatedly.
The distinctive sound of a kicked ball being blocked was music to the ears of special teams coordinator Danny Smith.
That was audible three times in three consecutive games during one especially effective special teams stretch.
"Danny (Smith) preaches the 'block culture' every single week," defensive lineman Dean Lowry maintained. "'Mike T' (head coach Mike Tomlin) brings that term up a lot, so does Danny. I think it comes with energy and having a good gameplan going into Sunday.
"Definitely more emphasis on special teams and 'block culture' and just changing a game momentum-wise, and what it can do for a team."
Defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk blocked a 38-yard field goal attempt on Oct. 6 against Dallas.
Outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon swatted a punt on Oct. 13 at Las Vegas.
And Lowry rejected a 35-yard field goal attempt on Oct. 20 against the New York Jets.
The Steelers became the first NFL team since the 2017 Patriots to block a kick in three consecutive games.
That's a feat the Steelers hadn't achieved since 1991.
"We should have had two," in the Jets game, Lowry maintained.
He was referencing a blocked extra point in the Jets game by free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick that was nullified by a leverage penalty.
Tomlin reported a few days later the NFL office had subsequently informed him Fitzpatrick's block should not have been penalized.
The effort was nonetheless appreciated.
"Can't say enough about our block units," Tomlin said. "It's not just an agenda for us. We try to live it. We develop skills in that area.
"I just can't say enough about Danny and that group, and how they make that vision reality."
Smith, who completed his 12th season with the Steelers in 2024, spoke in midseason about how much he appreciates working for a team that understands the impact that can be made on special teams, and one that has players committed to the special teams cause.
"I'm going to tell you what, it's these guys," Smith insisted. "They work their butts off for me. And that isn't easy, and that doesn't happen everywhere. I've been in different places and been in different setups and different cultures and things like that. These guys are special, all of them. I just love being around these guys. I truly love it.
"I only want to work where (special teams are) important. There are some places that it's not important. It's fun to be at a place where it's very important and, you know, to get to know the players, to get to know the coaches, to get Mike ultimately with it. It's always been important to him and he makes it and I make it important to the players and, obviously, they've taken off with it."
