The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the precipice of just the second losing season in the 21st century. The Steelers have multiple holes in what is quickly becoming a dysfunctional roster that may need to be blown up altogether. They have no veteran leadership on offense and the unquestioned leader of the defense, Cameron Heyward is approaching his mid-30s and even he is only 1-6 in playoff appearances during his tenure.
Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick comes down with a clutch interception in the Steelers' win over the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo Credit: Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
T.J. Watt, like many great players, is involved in his own game. He plays within the structure of the defense but is hyper-focused on his job with possibly the highest motor in the NFL. Players like Watt often don’t make good leaders because they can’t understand why others can’t do what they do. Minkah Fitzpatrick is probably the heir apparent to Heyward, but as good as he is a safety, he at best has an incomplete in inspiring his teammates.
The defense at least has All-Pro caliber players who could fill leadership roles on the team. The offense is exceedingly young and is being led by an inept offensive coordinator and a highly-paid wide receiver who seems intent on wrecking what little chemistry the group has at this point. Diontae Johnson signed a two-year extension after a hold-in during training camp. It may turn out to be the worst money ever spent by the organization.
Steelers' Diontae Johnson watches on during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Arron Anastasia/Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnson has had multiple problems this season. He has been sullen, started a fight with the starting quarterback at halftime of a game and now is vocally endorsing the third-string quarterback to come in and throw him the ball. The current signal caller Kenny Pickett is questionable at this point for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, but Johnson has made his choice clear on who he wants to sling the ball on Sunday.
Diontae Johnson wants to see Mason Rudolph get a shot vs. Panthers.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 15, 2022
“Yeah, I wanna see him play. I know he's ready to play. I know it's probably in the back of his mind like, 'Dang, when I'm going get my chance?' I feel like this week is it for him.”https://t.co/0MuWZecstB
If the choice were clearly between Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph it would be understandable that Johnson might privately voice his opinion on the quarterback situation to coaches. It's another thing to talk to the media and publicly endorse Rudolph, who like it or not has four weeks left in his Steelers career. Even if you think the organization treated him badly, it is a bad look to create the impression you prefer Rudolph over the clear second-string quarterback.
Rudolph has been professional about the situation, but he knew he was out in Pittsburgh barring injury. He mostly kept quiet and collected five million dollars, and if he wants a job in the NFL going forward, he is going to remain professional and mostly silent about his status.
Johnson, on the other hand, feels empowered as the highest-paid offensive player and based on the target pattern of the last two games is getting exactly what he wants. He is the first read on every play and is dominating the targets on offense. The Steelers have other weapons that are completely underutilized like Pat Freiermuth and George Pickens who are afterthoughts either by design or because a veteran ‘playmaker’ is demanding the ball.
Diontae Johnson running downfield vs Indianapolis. Photo Credit/Jared Wickerham - Pittsburgh Steelers
The former Pro Bowl wide receiver has not played like one this season, and he certainly has not been a leader for a young group that desperately needs it. He has dropped key passes in big situations. He also has developed a habit of catching the ball near the first down marker and turning an eight-yard gain into a five-yard gain searching for a big play. The Steelers were counting on him to lead the receiver group but if he is doing that, it is in the wrong direction. Johnson is playing hero ball and it shows up every week.
He is nearly a half foot shorter than Freiermuth and Pickens but is drawing nearly all the jump balls in the red zone and that can’t be accidental. Either Johnson is demanding those balls in team meetings, or he is in the ear of Pickett demanding the ball. Neither is a good scenario for the Steelers who are committed to Johnson for the next two seasons. Pickens and Freiermuth are just plain better than the man who has led the Steelers in targets since he entered the league.
Mike Tomlin Press Conference Pittsburgh / Photo Credit: Steelers.com
The Steelers organization needs to make a radical move and based on the latest issue with Johnson piping up about the quarterback situation, it should be definitive. Mike Tomlin should seriously consider sitting Johnson for the remainder of the season and eliminate the distraction for a young offense. It would potentially unshackle Pickett and allow him to develop unfettered chemistry with Pickens and Freiermuth.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Are you tired of the Diontae Johnson show or do you endorse his backing of Mason Rudolph over Pickett and Trubisky? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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