Is Zoltan Mesko’s Time Running Out in Pittsburgh?

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play at the punter position over the last half decade, and Mike Tomlin is still less than thrilled with the production from the spot this fall.

In fact, Tomlin had this to say about the team’s punting woes in his recent press conference according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com:

"It’s been a mixed bag until this point, … It’s been inconsistent. Just about every game over the last three games he [Zoltan Mesko] has had what I call a junior varsity punt. Thankfully, we only punted once in the game, negatively, he didn’t get an opportunity to redeem himself from the punt. We need more consistency there."

Although the Steelers released last year’s up-and-down starter, Drew Butler, after the preseason ended, Zoltan Mesko has done little to inspire faith in his coach with his play during the team’s first six regular season games.

The former Michigan Wolverine currently ranks 31st out of 32 punters in average yards per punt (42.4), 29th in net yards per punt (37.2), and dead last (34th overall) in punts downed inside the 20 yard line (two).

With numbers like that, it comes as no surprise why Mesko is in Tomlin’s “dog house.” Mesko must respond, and respond fast, over the coming weeks if he wishes to keep his starting job.

Butler remains unsigned, and it would not shock me at all if the team brought him back after he played well enough during the preseason to keep Brian Moorman at bay.

Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac, and Pro Football Reference

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