Kaleb Johnson won’t admit who is at fault when asked about the play that cost the Steelers the game against Seattle
A messy situation.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were in a prime position to be 2-0 on Sunday afternoon. Then came perhaps the biggest blunder of the day, where rookie running back Kaleb Johnson just watched the ball bounce through the endzone, resulting in a TD for the Seattle Seahawks that essentially sealed the game for them.
A clear mental error on his part, the question comes down to whether he just had a brain burp or if he didn’t know the rule. Because if it’s the latter, that means the coaching staff isn’t doing its job, keeping up with NFL rule changes. But when asked if he knew of the rule, Johnson didn’t offer much…
“If I wasn’t sure, [or] if I was sure, it doesn’t matter,” said Johnson after the game. “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.”
Steelers send mixed messages regarding Kaleb Johnson’s special teams blunder vs. Seahawks
Johnson didn’t offer much, but starting RB Jaylen Warren said he believed Johnson didn’t know the rule, because if he did, that wouldn’t have happened. The only player seen chasing the ball, newly signed defender Jabrill Peppers, said he was aware of the rule. As for Mike Tomlin, here’s what he said about the game-changing play.
“[We] were in a close ball game last week and the special teams play broke it open in our favor,” said Tomlin after the game. “This week, we’re in a close ball game, and the special teams play broke it open in our opponent’s favor, and I just think that’s life in this business at this level.”
“Poor judgment by a young player,” added Tomlin on Johnson.
Regardless, it’s a systematic failure from the Steelers. One that mirrors their fundamental issues on defense. The team is not buttoned up. Whether it’s back-to-back weeks of 30+ points from opposing offenses, the inability to find the run game on their offense, or special teams mistakes. This team is not right through two weeks.
As for Johnson, it seemed like he was in Tomlin’s doghouse after Week 1, after barely taking any carries. But now? Well, Johnson was immediately replaced on the kick return unit, and we didn’t see him again the rest of the game.
He’s going to have to earn his way back onto the field.
NFL
Steelers’ loss to the Seahawks proves Pittsburgh is fundamentally flawed in an area no one saw coming in 2025
A major cause for concern.
