When Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired this past off-season, it left a massive void. The quarterback position needed to be filled, but perhaps nearly as important, the team lost a crucial leader in the locker room. With a young group on offense, Head Coach Mike Tomlin anointed Najee Harris to step up as a captain, despite entering just his second season in the NFL.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Throughout the process, its been clear that it would take multiple guys to fill Roethlisberger's leadership void. Along with Harris, Tomlin pointed to wide receiver Diontae Johnson as another guy that he expected to step up in the locker room. While Johnson, and the offense as a whole, has struggled a ton this season, the talented wideout has shown signs of stepping up as a leader.
Sometimes, he lets his emotion get the best of him. It became painfully obvious how frustrated he was with quarterback Mitch Trubisky, as his body language told the story. The two even got into it at halftime in Week 4 against the New York Jets. Now in his fourth season, Johnson told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com that he's still optimistic for the team to make a postseason run still, despite where the team stands at the moment.
"We still have a chance. We can make it to the playoffs. The season ain't over. We have nine games left," Johnson said via Varley's article. "I know I am talking early on the playoffs, that is just me. I like to speak stuff into existence."
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Entering Week 10 after the bye, the Steelers sit at 2-6, three games out of one of the playoff spots. With just two months to go in the season, that seems like an impossible mountain to climb. It's something no one should really expect at this point, especially considering how the team has looked over the past month or so.
With Chase Claypool gone, Johnson's leadership will be especially important in the wide receiver room. While his comments may not have much of a chance to happen, it goes a long way in the locker room. He reflected confidence in his teammates with these comments, which is important if the team wants to try and turn things around.
Steelers' Diontae-Johnson-2 / Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
Do you guys think Johnson has become a good leader for this team? Do you think this team has any chance of making the playoffs? What has to happen in order for them to make it? Share your opinions and thoughts in the comment section below!
#SteelerNation
