To be blunt, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been one of the, if not, the worst unit in all of football so far in 2022. Averaging just 15 points per game has led to a brutal -80 point differential. There haven't been many positives and key players have produced. The team also seems to be stuck with an incapable offensive coordinator in Matt Canada.
But, what if someone told you that wide receiver, Diontae Johnson has been the most successful pass catcher this season getting open out of all qualified players throughout the NFL? Would you believe that? According to ESPN analytics, he is the best in the league at getting open.
Steelers' Diontae Johnson watches on from the bench during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Arron Anastasia/Pittsburgh Steelers
ESPN's receiver tracking metrics (RTMs) lead to pass catchers having a score anywhere between 0-99. It is a rather complicated data-collecting system that takes into account four different metrics. It is based on per play and while Johnson has had his fair share of drops this year and in the best, he has always been recognized as a top route runner. The RTMs gave him a score of 90 based on his openness, which tied him for the highest in the NFL with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, Tyler Lockett.
According to ESPN, the metric of 'open score' is related to if a pass catcher would have the ability to make a play or not.
"For every route run, Open Score assesses the likelihood a receiver would be able to complete a catch, conditional on if he were targeted. The assessment takes place a moment before pass release (0.2 seconds prior), because defenders read the shoulders of the quarterback at release and break on the targeted receiver."
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 30: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball during the second half of the game against the New York Giants at Lumen Field on October 30, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks beat the Giants 27-13. (Photo Credit: Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
For comparison's sake, Lockett has reeled in 46 catches for 531 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. Johnson has kept up with him in the catch department, having 43 receptions, but has just 372 yards receiving and no scores. There is a huge difference between the two, however. Lockett's yards per reception is nearly three yards higher than Johnson and Seattle's receiver has a catch percentage of 72.2 whereas Pittsburgh's is at an ugly 67.1%.
Johnson might take home the gold with Lockett for most open, but he ranks 41st in catch rate and 83rd in yards after catch (this is behind former Steelers, Chase Claypool, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth). His overall rank based on the metrics falls at 13th, but the open rate is the least important and inflates his ranking. If he is open, but not completing receptions and making things happen, it essentially means nothing.
Back in Week 4, Johnson apparently got into it with then-starting quarterback, Mitch Trubisky at halftime. While the full details will never be available to the public, one might assume that the wide receiver being open consistently and not getting the ball upset him.
Steelers then-starting quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) warms up for a 2022 regular season game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Regardless, this metric isn't perfect as sometimes a quarterback could be scrambling for his life and not season a pass catcher on the other side of the field, but Johnson still lands at the top of the league and if he is open as much as the analytics are pointing to, he needs to be targeted even more despite his 67.1% catch rate. With Claypool gone, there is one less playmaker on offense and for any success to occur, the Steelers' number one wide receiver and quarterback, Kenny Pickett needs to get on the same page.
Are you surprised that Johnson is the 'most open' receiver in the NFL? Let us know in the comments below!
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