The Cincinnati Bengals blew a two-touchdown lead in the second half Monday night, and it all started when William Jackson III failed to tackle Le’Veon Bell in the third quarter.
Bell had caught a simple swing pass and beat linebacker Jordan Evans to the edge while Jackson watched him run right past en route to the end zone. Granted, Bell did skirt the sideline, but Jackson was in position to make the play and simply watched him run past (watch it here).
On Monday, Jackson explained why he didn’t tackle Bell.
I thought Bell was already out, and didn’t want to draw a late hit OB flag. But hey live n you lean pic.twitter.com/uss6RI9Saf
— William Jackson III (@WilliamJackson3) December 5, 2017
Considering all that had already happened in the game with injuries to both teams, it’s hard to find fault with Jackson’s thought process. Still, using the picture he provided, it’s clear Jackson should have at least shoved Bell out of bounds to be sure he was stopped there.
Live and learn, indeed.
This was the play that turned the game on its head. Pittsburgh’s offense was stuck in the mud to this point, but after Bell scored the touchdown the Steelers were able to do a lot more the rest of the game. Momentum is a tricky mistress, and Jackson’s failure to make a play here was the key that unlocked the win for Pittsburgh.