Johnny Knox Almost Pulled a DeSean Jackson on Kick Return Touchdown

Remember the boneheaded play DeSean Jackson made in Week 2 last season against the Cowboys? The rookie appeared to score a 61-yard touchdown, receiving a bomb from Donovan McNabb. Of course, as replays showed, the play was eventually ruled down at the one yard-line due to Jackson flipping the ball backward in order to begin his celebration.

Sunday, it looks like Johnny Knox -- also a rookie, which isn't entirely a coincidence -- nearly made the same blunder. Watch the video after the jump, and pay particular attention to when Knox releases the ball around the goal line.



Now, it's awfully tough to see exactly where the ball comes out from this Zapruder-like production, but it looks like a coach's challenge from the Lions may have been worthwhile. Even if Knox did hold the ball until a half-yard into the end zone, what's the rush? Hold onto the ball five yards deep before celebrating the big play. There's no reason to put your team at risk like that, especially in such a game-altering play (it broke a 21-all tie and set the tone for a big Bears second half).

I do believe Knox held the ball long enough, but it was really close. Let's hope Knox sees this and also learns a lesson from what happened to Jackson last season, and that no more chances like this are taken again.