Rookie blunder costs Steelers as Kaleb Johnson’s kickoff misstep allows Seahawks to seize victory in pivotal NFL clash
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson found himself at the center of a critical misstep during the team’s Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. This incident marked the first significant error of Johnson’s fledgling NFL career, one that would ultimately have far-reaching consequences for the Steelers.
Misjudgment on Kickoff Return
With the Steelers trailing 17-14 in the fourth quarter, Johnson was tasked with kick return duties once again. However, the young player appeared to overlook a crucial rule regarding the kickoff that would come back to haunt him. As the ball bounced in the landing zone, Johnson attempted to field it, but he completely missed. Instead of pursuing the ball, which had bounced into the end zone, Johnson hesitated. This decision allowed the Seahawks to recover the live ball for a touchdown, boosting their lead to 24-17. The Seahawks would go on to win the game 31-17, making Johnson’s blunder a pivotal moment.
According to the NFL’s updated kickoff rules, any ball that lands in the landing zone is considered a live ball, which can be recovered by the opposing team. When asked if he was aware of this rule, Johnson’s response was vague, reflecting uncertainty. “If I wasn’t sure, if I was sure, it doesn’t matter,” he stated. “I still got to do what I got to do and I still got to go in there and execute the way it needs to be executed.” This lack of clarity suggests that he may not have fully understood the rule, a serious oversight for a player at this level.
Coaching Oversight?
If Johnson was unaware of the rule, it raises questions about the preparation provided by the coaching staff. Special teams coordinator Danny Smith and head coach Mike Tomlin are responsible for ensuring that players are well-versed in key game situations. It seems unlikely that veteran coaches would neglect to review such an important aspect of special teams play with their kick returners.
After the game, Tomlin did not shy away from addressing the blunder, describing it as “poor judgment by a young player.” The coach’s words underscored the gravity of the mistake, especially in a tightly contested game. Following the error, Johnson did not see any further opportunities for kick returns, leaving his future in that role uncertain. It remains to be seen whether Tomlin will continue to trust Johnson with these responsibilities or consider alternatives moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers regroup after this tough loss, all eyes will be on Johnson and how he responds to this setback. The young running back will need to learn from this experience if he hopes to maintain his position on the team. The stakes are high in the NFL, and every play matters, especially in a league where the margin for error is razor-thin. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges rookies face as they adjust to the professional game.
