Steelers Have Success With Diontae Johnson Back Because "They Couldn't Lock In On 14" According To Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers were looking for a spark to get the offense going after the bye week and were hoping that the return of 2021 Pro Bowl receiver, Diontae Johnson could be a major player in turning things around. It wasn't pretty, but Pittsburgh's offense scored three times on the ground in the second half to help defeat the Los Angeles Rams, 24-17. 

Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin told the media after the game that the biggest aspect of having Johnson return was in the matchup game for the Rams. Second-year receiver, George Pickens had a monster day against the Baltimore Ravens, which included some clutch plays on the drive that led to Pittsburgh's go ahead score. He was seeing some double teams, but managed to make plays getting away from them. The Rams did not have the luxury of giving extra help on Pickens due to the presence of Johnson. 

"They couldn't lock in on 14 [Pickens]," Tomlin said. "They had to play it straight up and it was evident." 

Johnson, who led the team in targets, receptions and yards in 2022, jumped back onto the active roster and posted five receptions for 79 yards. Johnson had his first big play in the first quarter on Pittsburgh's third offensive possession when he turned a short catch into a 19-yard gain on a third and nine. Unfortunately, Pickens was hit with an illegal blindside block penalty which brought Pittsburgh back to a 3rd and 17. The team was able to pick up their first points and the lead with a field goal by Chris Boswell. 

In the fourth quarter with the game tied at 17, Kenny Pickett found Johnson on a second and five on a short throw that Johnson turned into an 11 yard gain and get Pittsburgh into the red zone. A too many men penalty by the Rams pushed the ball another five yards closer to pay dirt and two plays later Najee Harris pounded the ball in for the 24-17 lead. 

As Tomlin alluded to, having Johnson on the field makes Pickens even more dangerous. The second-year pass catcher out of the University of Georgia totaled 107 yards on five catches. He and Pickett connected on a number of sideline back shoulder throws that have become the bread and butter of this budding connection. They did miss one in the first quarter with Pickens not able to get his feet down, but as the game went on whenever Pickens had a favorable matchup, Pickett was trying to get him the ball. 

For the first time in his young career, Pickens has back-to-back games with 100 receiving yards or more, after he set a career-high against the Ravens with 130 yards. 

Steelers' Pickett On The Value Of Having Johnson Back 

As the clock started in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh trailed 17-10 but had been given a glimmer of hope after a missed field goal by the Rams. Pickett and the offense faced a third down and needed eight yards to get the first. The young quarterback found Johnson for a catch and run of 39 yards to set up a first and 10 at the Los Angeles 18-yard-line. Two running plays for Jaylen Warren resulted in a touchdown and got Pittsburgh back in a position to win. 

Pickett explained to the media after the game what happened on that critical third down play to Johnson. He said the defense was in man coverage which is when the 2019 third round pick is best at making plays. 

"It was a really good route for him,"" Pickett said. "He's a great route runner and gets separation. I just want to give him a chance to convert on third down." 

Pickett said it was great to have both Johnson and Pickens out on the field again because they are "two tough guys to cover." The offense still wasn't pretty but did enough to win and now has a chance to build with one of its top weapons back in the fold. 

What did you think of Johnson's play in his return? How do you think defenses will be able to deal with the one-two punch of Johnson and Pickett?

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