GLENDALE, Ariz. As the football tumbled toward him from the rafters at State Farm Stadium, Steelers rookie Diontae Johnson stood with his heels at the 15-yard line and thought, This is it. While watching film earlier this week, Johnson saw that Arizona Cardinals punter Andy Lee tended to consistently outkick his coverage. The Steelers planned for it. So, when Lee boomed a punt in the first quarter Sunday, the Steelers were set up to spring Johnson.

The strategy started at the line of scrimmage. The Steelers sent six to try to block Lees punt. That way, even if the rush didnt get home it almost did the Cardinals would need to keep most of their men back to protect Lee, and the pressure would force Lee to kick quickly. The line was instructed to hold its initial blocks for two seconds. Thats all the time Johnson required.

Hell do the rest, linebacker Tyler Matakevich said.

Ten seconds after the snap, Johnson was alone in the open...

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'He exposed it': A punter's flaw, and the anatomy of Diontae Johnson's touchdown return - The Athletic