Danny Smith Explains Late-Game Decision-Making Against Vikings

Danny Smith special teamsA pair of curious Pittsburgh Steelers special teams decisions late in their 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday in Ireland actually have some simple explanations.

Punting the ball through the end zone while holding a three-point lead late in the game near midfield was by design. Calling a timeout before an onside kick was also by design, according to special teams coordinator Danny Smith.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Smith said the decision to kick the ball out of the back of the end zone on the punt was to eliminate any chance at a return, while the timeout called was because Vikings kicker Will Reichart had never attempted an onside kick, even dating…