In Dan Jenkins’ acclaimed soccer novel “Semi-Robust,” a personality named Dreamer Tatum proclaims thusly after a slender defeat: “I discovered somethin’ a very long time in the past about soccer. What might have occurred, did.”
Phrases to stay by.
If Cam Sutton didn’t drop an interception or Gunner Olszewski didn’t muff a punt vs. New England, the Steelers may need beat the Patriots. If Diontae Johnson didn’t drop a third-quarter cross at Cleveland, the Steelers might have defeated the Browns.
The Steelers may very well be 3-0.
But when Cincinnati’s lengthy snapper didn’t get damage, the Steelers can be 0-3.
What might have occurred, did.
Johnson’s drop at Cleveland is big-time irritating.
The Browns had marched 70 yards in 14 performs on their first possession of the second half, ending with a discipline aim to take a 16-14 lead. After the kickoff, the Steelers had third-and-3 at their very own 32. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw deep left. Johnson dropped the cross. As a substitute of threatening in Cleveland territory, the Steelers despatched their protection proper again on the sector.
That drop damage the Steelers badly.
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Johnson signed a two-year contract extension in the course of the offseason: Two years, $36.7 million with $27 million assured. You paid Johnson to make that catch.
Finally, Johnson’s statistics will add up. However the Steelers misplaced that recreation.
You don’t pay athletes for stats. You pay them to win video games.
The protection will get paid $108 million. It went to rubbish as quickly as T.J. Watt received damage.
Johnson received his payday. However that was a key drop.
The Steelers have spent a ton to retain a whole lot of elements from a group that hasn’t gained a playoff recreation for 5 years and gained’t play in a single this season.
