The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their bye week and looking to turn their rough 2-6 start around. They have been heavily scrutinized, as they should be, so far about their play in all three phases as well as their coaching. Diontae Johnson opened up about the team’s philosophy going into their next matchup as well as how he spent the bye week.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson (#18) sprints upfield during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Photo Credit: Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
Johnson was asked if he watched any film or tried to fix anything he or the team was doing wrong, here’s what he had to say.
"Nah, I wasn’t looking at nothing. I was just relaxing and trying to take my mind off stuff. I was paying attention to some of the games that were going on or what not. I’m back on it this week. I’m looking forward to studying the defense and what they like to do, and how we can beat it," Johnson said.
Johnson continued talking about how the offense should approach this coming week and if there will be anything different with the departure of Chase Claypool.
"It’s next man up. Nothing really changes. It’s going to be the same offense, same routine that we have. Obviously we need to come at it with a new game plan. We’re ready for this week, we’re ready for the challenge.”
“We need to get back on track and get these wins going. Early part of the season we weren’t playing well, but it’s time to turn it up a notch and get that going," Johnson finished.
Photo Credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Johnson was asked how you go about fixing the mistakes that were hurting the Steelers early on, and how he prepares to implement those corrections.
"One thing at a time. Can’t try to fix everything at once. All of that is going to come. The more you press the more you’re going to continue to make the same mistakes. It’s really going out there and being relaxed and knowing your assignment. Just Playing comfortable. You do that you’ll minimize the mistakes," Johnson said.
Johnson was asked if he thought he would be moved around with the departure of Claypool.
"I’m sure they’ll probably move me around a little bit. I’m just going to keep playing. If they move me around in the slot I’m ready for it. If I’m outside I’m obviously ready for it. It doesn’t really matter," Johnson said.
Johnson is certainly versatile and the most veteran receiver the Steelers have. He has a Pro Bowl under his belt and was Ben Roethlisberger’s top target over the last two seasons. He must now step up and lead the Steelers' receiving corps to play to the best of their ability.
Steelers' Johnson On Becoming A Leader
Head Coach Mike Tomlin cited Johnson as an emerging leader and he was asked about how that transition has been for him.
"I like the challenge. I’ve never been in this position before. I always led by example, let my work do the talking. I like the challenge. It’s something different and I have to be able to adapt to it and just lead and be the example of the group.”
”I’m going to continue to do that in the best way I can. Certain stuff I can’t control and certain stuff I can control. I’m just going to control my attitude and effort and hopefully the group follows along with me," Johnson said.
Steelers' Diontae Johnson watches on during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Arron Anastasia/Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnson needs to do this. It’s been a slow start and he is definitely feeling the slog of it as well. He has 43 receptions for 372 yards and no touchdowns, for an average of 8.7 YPC. This is down from his 10.9 last year and 10.7 career average. It is also his worst to boot.
This week is a chance for Johnson and the Steelers to turn a page and finish strong. There is plenty of football left and the AFC North is still open for some potential push from the Steelers. The team's play will ultimately decide their fate, but if Johnson and the rest of the offense can step up, they may not be doomed after all.
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