Steelers take Kaleb Johnson out of kickoff return duties following mistake against Seahawks
Pittsburgh Steelers Face Defensive Struggles After Kickoff Mistake
The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) are facing a challenging season, with their defense struggling to find its footing. One of the main reasons for the team's struggles is the spate of injuries to the defense, which has left them short-handed and struggling to execute their strategies.
Last Sunday's game against Seattle was a prime example of the team's defensive woes. In the third quarter, Kaleb Johnson, a third-round draft pick, temporarily left the kick-return team due to a mental lapse. Johnson's error occurred when he failed to chase after a live ball that bounced over his head, resulting in a gift touchdown for Seattle. This mistake propelled Seattle to a 31-17 victory and erased Pittsburgh's early season momentum.
Coach Mike Tomlin has expressed the need for improvement, stating, "We've got to be better... I'm excited about addressing it this week." However, he declined to specify who would take over Johnson's spot on the kick-return team. It seems unlikely that Jaylen Warren, who returned kicks earlier in his career, will be a long-term solution given his increased workload as Pittsburgh's starting running back.
The Steelers' defense is in need of strategic adjustments, improved play, and better division of labor to address their current struggles. They are currently ranked 29th in yards allowed and points allowed, and have only three sacks through two games. Darius Slay (shoulder) and linebacker Patrick Queen (oblique) are expected to play, but the team is still missing key players such as Derrick Harmon, DeShon Elliott, and Alex Highsmith.
Despite the team's defensive struggles, Coach Tomlin remains optimistic about addressing the issues in the upcoming week. He believes in Johnson's talent and has left the door open for him to return to the team. However, Johnson must "earn himself back" onto the field after his kickoff error.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will play against the New England Patriots (1-1) next week on the road. This will be a critical game for both teams, as they both strive to improve their defensive performance and climb up the rankings. Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) could potentially return for the game against Seattle, which could provide a much-needed boost to the Steelers' defense.
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