Aussie punter Cam Johnston has been lauded on social media for his “game-changing” performance as the Houston Texans clinched a playoff spot over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Texans came out firing when rookie sensation C.J Stroud - who had just six incompletions on the night - hit wide receiver Nico Collins for a 75-yard touchdown pass on Houston’s first offensive play of the game.
Stroud and Collins continued to link up throughout the first half as the Texans forged to a 14-6 halftime lead, but the boot of Johnston was also a massive factor in the Houston lead.
Watch an average 6 NFL games each week LIVE on ESPN via Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Johnston punted the ball five times in the first three quarters, with four of those being downed inside the Colts’ 20-yard line, including this pinpoint kick which was downed at the one-yard line, giving the opposition extremely unfavourable field position to begin their drive.
The Colts still had a chance to win it thanks to a botched extra point by the Texans that had them leading 23-17.
But they failed to convert a fourth-and-1 in the final minutes when Gardner Minshew’s throw into the flat was a bit hot and it was dropped by Tyler Goodson.
Johnston conceded a safety on purpose in the final seconds as the Texans tried to run out the clock. He left them a second to receive the safety kick but the Colts’ miracle return bid failed, 23-19.
STEELERS KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE WITH WIN OVER RAVENS
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the running for an AFC wild card spot after 17-10 win over a Baltimore Ravens team resting their star quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens secured top seed in the AFC playoffs last week and handed back-up Tyler Huntley a rare start as they opted to protect MVP frontrunner Jackson.
The win for Pittsburgh (10-7) means that they can make it into the post-season with some help from other teams in Sunday’s games.
The Steelers will advance if Buffalo lose at Miami or Jacksonville lose or tie their game at Tennessee.
Heavy rain in Baltimore made for tricky handling conditions and both teams adapted with the Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph making ample use of running back Najee Harris.
Harris, who put up 112 yards on 26 carries, put the Steelers ahead in the first quarter with a powerful six-yard rush at the end of a 12-play, 76-yard drive.
The Ravens (13-4), who also rested some other key starters including wide-receiver Odell Beckham Jr, responded in the second quarter with Huntley finding tight-end Isaiah Likely who bustled past two defenders for a 27-yard touchdown.
Rudolph abandoned his cautious approach on the first play in the fourth to zip a pinpoint pass to Diontae Johnson who collected and ran home for a career-high 71-yard score.
A field goal from Chris Boswell with just over three minutes left put Pittsburgh ten points up and the Ravens could only manage a field goal from Justin Tucker in response.
“Diontae is a great playmaker and he split them right there and it was quite the view from behind (seeing them) chasing down the field,” said Rudolph.
“I’m proud of our guys, we got the big win on the road and hopefully we get some help (on Sunday) and get into the tournament,” he added.
The win means that the Steelers reached ten wins in a season for the tenth straight year under head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin’s team could also reach the playoffs in the unlikely event that Saturday’s other game between Houston and Indianapolis ends in a tie.
There was some concern for the Steelers though with top linebacker T.J. Watt, who sacked Huntley twice, going off with a knee injury
- AFP
STAR’S HILARIOUS REACTION AFTER NAILING $1.1M BONUS
Jadeveon Clowney had 750,000 reasons to celebrate against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday morning (AEDT) – and he didn’t hold back.
Edge rusher Clowney, the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, hasn’t had a dream career. His last four years have all been on one-year contracts, including this season with the Baltimore Ravens.
But his sack on Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph in the second quarter took him past nine for the season – and earned him a $750k USD ($1.1m AUD) bonus.
And it was immediately clear from his wild celebrations – and the reaction of his teammates – that he knew exactly how much the sack was worth, dancing wildly on the field.
“What’s that number? 750-thousand dollar bonus!” a commentator said.
A fellow commentator laughed as he replied: “Think he might be happy?”
“Just look at his reaction. That dance is worth 750!”
Every scenario in NFL’s wild race to playoffs … including do-or-die reality for contender
Earlier in the clash, there was a bizarre moment as Steelers gun Godwin Igwebuike showed his football IQ, lying down on the sideline before touching the ball on a Ravens kick-off.
Given Igwebuike’s feet were out of bounds, it meant the Ravens copped a penalty for kicking the ball out of play!
Commentators were stunned at his bravery and willingness to take a potential tackle while unprotected and lying on the ground.
Commentators laughed as they said: “It was a slow motion thing! You’ve got to have a little nerve.”
The Steelers are in for a nervy 24 hours, as they will be hoping for either a Buffalo Bills loss against Miami or a Jacksonville Jaguars loss to Tennessee on Monday (AEDT) to progress to the postseason.
Post a Comment