AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn
The wide receiver's celebration after a first down during the team's final drive against the Minnesota Vikings was described as a "misstep."
Claypool made a crucial first-down catch with just under 40 seconds remaining in the game, but his actions after the play cost the Steelers a chance at a tying field goal.
Our two-minute teaching is what built that. He made a mistake in that area and other areas. These guys are not finished products. There is a growth and development that needs to take place.
Claypool, who had been benched for a while earlier in the game after a first-quarter unnecessary roughness penalty, accepted responsibility for the late-game error in his postgame press conference, but he also explained there were other factors that went into so much time running off the clock.
He said that he got tackled near the hash and went to hand the ball to the ref. He just got there. He wasn't there even if I got right up and looked for him. He ran to get the ball. The ball was knocked out of my hands. That cost us time. I have to be better. I knew what was happening.
The benching of the wideout following the penalty was an attempt to send a message, but he wasn't sure if it was effective in the immediate aftermath of the loss.
The Pro Football Network.
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Mike Tomlin was not happy with Chase Claypool.
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The extra time that came off the clock proved costly as the Vikings broke up the final play of the game. After Claypool's first down, they would have had time for one or two more snaps.
Without the second-year target out of Notre Dame, Pittsburgh's near comeback from a 29-0 deficit wouldn't have been possible. He had eight catches for 93 yards.
Claypool had nine touchdown in 16 games in his first season. His scoring rate has dropped considerably, but he still has 47 catches for 753 yards in the passing game.
Pittsburgh will need him to play a key role if it is going to make the playoffs. It is 11th in the crowded playoff picture with a 66-1 record. The title is still up for grabs.
The TennesseeTitans will be the next opponent for the PittsburghSteelers.
