The Pittsburgh Steelers under Head Coach Mike Tomlin are known for playing close games, and oftentimes winning close games. Even when Pittsburgh was near the top of the league during Ben Roethlisberger's prime, they would still play down to their opponents. This was the case during a game that went to overtime during the 2010 season against the Buffalo Bills. The game should never have been close, as Buffalo came into the game with a 2-8 record, while the Steelers were 7-3.
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Former Steelers running back, Rashard Mendenhall during a 2010 contest against the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills had no business having any opportunity to win this game, but in true Steelers fashion, they played down to their opponent. The game went to overtime and Pittsburgh escaped with a narrow, 19-16 victory. They should have lost the game, but Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson dropped a wide open touchdown in overtime. Johnson is now retired, but he was on the Buffalo End Zone on Monday. He spoke about the drop, and how he won't be anywhere near the Steelers-Bills joint practice because of it.
"I don't want nothing to do with anything happening with Bills-Steelers. You know, I don't know, I just feel like I'm [going to] be super quiet when it comes to that week every time, every year. You won't hear me speak or tweet or none of that. But go Bills forever."
The drop came in Johnson's third season, which was also his breakout season. He was a seventh-round pick in 2008, but recorded three straights 1,000-yard seasons for the Bills from 2010 through 2012. Despite his success, Steelers fans know him as the receiver that basically gave their team a win, in a game they should have lost.
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Former Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson during a 2010 matchup with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh outgained the Bills in the game by nearly 100 yards, and had one less turnover. However, they still struggled to gain any breathing room against a below-average Buffalo team. The game was tied at 16 at the end of regulation, and both teams started overtime off with a punt on their first possession.
Buffalo got the ball back for their second possession of overtime, and moved the ball out to the Steelers' 40-yard line. On first down, Ryan Fitzpatrick took a deep shot to Johnson. It was a perfect pass right into the hands of Johnson in the end zone, but he dropped it. The Bills failed to get the first down on the drive, which resulted in another punt.
The Steelers would then get the ball back and go on a 13-play drive, which ended in a 41-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham. That sealed the 19-16 victory. Buffalo started the season 0-8, and won their two games prior to playing Pittsburgh. They had started to get hot, but the Johnson drop and eventual loss to Pittsburgh killed any momentum they had.
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Steelers Victory Made Johnson Take To Social Media
Such a critical drop so early in a players career would obviously take a hit on their confidence. Especially for a player who was drafted in the seventh round, who likely always feels as though their career is on the line. Johnson took to Twitter after the game ended, and in a since deleted tweet he called out to God asking why this happened to him.
"I praise you 24/7!!!!!! And is this how you do me!!!!! You expect me to learn from this??? How???!!! I'll never forget this!! Ever!!! Thx tho..."
The Bills fan base rallied behind Johnson after seeing the tweet, as he was obviously broken up about costing his team the game. Buffalo would end up finishing the season last in their division with a 4-12 record, while Pittsburgh would win the AFC North and go 12-4. Pittsburgh went on to make Super Bowl XLV, but lost to the Green Bay Packers.
What do you think about Johnson's comments about the drop? Let us know in the comments below!
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