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'You're the real deal, boy': Chad Johnson praises Steelers CB Beanie Bishop Jr.


'You're the real deal, boy': Chad Johnson praises Steelers CB Beanie Bishop Jr.

During his 11-year NFL career, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson continued to see some great cornerback play.

He knows what it's supposed to look like, and after the Pittsburgh Steelers' 37-15 win over the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football, the former Bengals receiver praised Steelers rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.

Bishop, of course, was the story of the game for the Steelers outside of Russell Wilson. He hit Jets QB Aaron Rodgers twice, one of which was an absurd, one-handed interception over the middle late in the first half that changed the game.

Appearing on “Nightcap” from Sunday night through early Monday morning, Johnson praised Bishop and compared him to another young slot corner in the NFL who is dominating.

“Hey, that young guy there, that young guy there is nice, bro. Yeah, he’s nice,” Johnson said of Bishop, according to video on the show’s YouTube page. “He's so nice. And I hate to make the comparison, but for some reason tonight he reminds me of fucking Brian Branch. He was all over the field. He was everywhere and did play after play. And it's not the first time I've seen him stand out in film or on television.

“Hey, Beanie Bishop. Boy, if you see that boy, you're the one, boy. You’re the real one.”

At least for one night, Bishop was the real deal for the Steelers.

The undrafted free agent out of West Virginia, who has had a difficult season so far as teams have targeted him in the passing game, finished the game with six tackles, one tackle for loss and two interceptions from Rodgers. Not many people attack Rodgers once in a game, let alone twice.

Bishop now has that on his resume. Hopefully he will get the footballs signed soon too.

Every selection at a great time. Bishop's first interception came late in the first half as the Jets tried to score more points with a 15-6 lead. Bishop made a play at a big point, stepped in front of a Rodgers throw over the middle intended for Garrett Wilson and made a remarkable catch.

That interception triggered a touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to George Pickens that completely turned the game around.

Then in the second half, Rodgers seemingly beat Garrett Wilson up the sideline for a big play, but the ball bounced off Wilson's chest and into the air. Bishop was there to make the play, returning the interception to the 1-yard line, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Russell Wilson to start the rout.

Coming into the game, Bishop had issues with coverage as well as communication, tackling and penalty avoidance. But the Steelers kept the faith and were rewarded as the talented UDFA came through big and helped them to a 5-2 mark on the season.

It could be the start of something special for Bishop. If so, pay attention.

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