The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has really struggled this season to put forth a consistent product. While many thought that the play would improve following the expected firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the Steelers’ offense only scored 16 points against a Bengals defense that is ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed. With poor performances like that, it is no surprise that emotions run high on the Pittsburgh Steelers sideline, including the outburst of Diontae Johnson.
Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver owns up to Criticism
A lot of eyes have been aimed at Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson over the past few weeks following a heated locker room exchange with teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick following a poor offensive performance against the Cleveland Browns and then a noticeable lack of effort against the Cincinnati Bengals on a fumble by Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. Today, both in front of reporters and over social media, he finally addressed the heavy criticism he has been receiving.
Johnson’s Response to Reporters
Johnson told reporters: “That’s not me as a player. One play doesn’t define me and never will. I didn’t come up playing football like that, so obviously, it looks bad on film. From here on out, just going forward, just be smart, keep playing ’til the whistle blows.”
A lot of players would apologize after the criticism that Johnson received, but the fact that it didn’t come sooner is telling of a player more concerned about the aftermath than the action. This has only been the most recent distraction caused by Johnson during the 2023 season on a team where the offense is the weaker of the two major units. The Steelers’ defense appears to be one of the NFL’s best when it has players like Fitzpatrick and former defensive player of the year T.J. Watt on display.
Pittsburgh Steelers Johnson leaves acknowledgement over Twitter
In addition to his appeal to field reporters today, Johnson also took to social media to explain his actions.
Diontae Johnson: I own up to lack of hustle, it won’t happen again. https://t.co/pDChQGSgEw
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 29, 2023
Tomlin’s Response in Summary
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the problem immediately after the game to field reporters: “We got to take care of the ball. It is our desire. It’s how we construct victory, and so Jaylen’s got to do a better job there. Diontae can’t let the emotions of the previous down affect his next down, but I’ll give him an opportunity to address that with you guys. I’ll give him an opportunity to address that with his teammates.”
Johnson will look to improve on his offensive form throughout the rest of the season. Due to the impressive play of the defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves as the first Wildcard and the 5th overall seed in the AFC. For the Pittsburgh Steelers to make a push into the playoffs, Johnson will need to show more focus on the field and less drama in the locker room.