Special teams was the ultimate killer in Pittsburgh’s Week 2, home opener loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Yes, their defense was shredded once again, and the offense stalled out as quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked much less impressive than his season debut.
But, it was a mishap on a kickoff that swung momentum entirely in Seattle’s favor, netting them seven points and making it a two-score game.
As soon as the ball hit the ground within the landing zone, it was a live ball. It bounced over Johnson’s head (where it looked like he might have grazed it) and rolled into the end zone.
Johnson simply let it go by him, preparing to head back to the sidelines. But Seattle’s special teams raced to the ball and recovered it in the end zone before any Steeler could get there, making it a touchdown for the kicking team.
A confused and surely embarrassed Johnson walked off the field as a stunned crowd watched the Seahawks celebrate an unconventional touchdown. Later, both special teams coach Danny Smith and new Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers, the only Steeler who tried to make a play on the live ball, could be seen talking to Johnson.
This was the game-changing play in Pittsburgh’s loss. With the Steelers only down three, they were about to get the ball back and had a chance to at least tie the game, if not re-claim the lead for themselves.
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