Steelers Dynamic WR Diontae Johnson: "We Ain't Got No Choice" But To Do What Matt Canada Says

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't exactly had a dynamic offense since Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada was promoted after the 2020 season came to an end. One of the biggest parts of the enigma that fans have a tough time understanding is how a group with so much talent be so ineffective? Many have blamed Canada's play-calling and were shocked when he was retained for the 2023 campaign. It's almost impossible to imagine a scenario that has him calling plays in 2024, but for now, the Steelers sit at 4-2 and are in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Canada isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Diontae Johnson, who has spent most of the season on the injured reserve list with a hamstring injury, is one of the big-time play-makers that Pittsburgh has on the roster. He unfortunately landed back on the injury report on Thursday and is questionable for the team's Week 8 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Many in the locker room have fiercely defended Canada over the course of his three years leading the offense.

Johnson joined The Arthur Moats Experience With Deke on Thursday and there was no doubt that Canada and the offense's struggles would come to light. The wide receiver made it clear that absolutely nobody has a say in what goes on when it comes to the play-calling. Like it or not, Canada is leading the way and that's the reality of the situation.

"People might not agree with his play-calling, but you ain't got no choice. He's calling plays. He's the boss on offense. We've got to do what he says and we ain't got no choice. You don't got to like them, but you got to respect them. That's how I go. I respect them, not like them, too."

Those are certainly some interesting words from Johnson. Many players throughout the league are disgruntled when it comes to plays being called, but he's openly saying the locker room wanted change, but there's no getting out of the Canada offensive scheme. The situation around the Steelers offense continues to get more and more head-scratching.

Johnson can choose to disagree with the plays, but he's still going to go out there and try to execute to the best of his ability. He even has Canada's back when it comes to almost the entire city of Pittsburgh calling for his job.

"I try to take his mind off like that. 'Bro, I'm on your side at the end of the day. Don't listen to whatever they're saying out there. They're gonna say what they're gonna say, but we're gonna make you look good.'"

It's nice of Johnson to support Canada, but something has to give. Either the offense is nowhere near as talented as anyone thought, or the plays being called make it impossible for the group to stand out. Thy playmakers have rarely made him look good since the beginning of the 2021 season. Canada's offense has yet to have over 400 total yards in a single game and at this point, there are probably very few, if any, players in the league that could make Canada look like a genius.

There is still plenty of time in 2023 to see significant improvement from the offense, but no one should be counting on it. One strong game here or there shouldn't even be enough to buy into Canada's philosophies. It would take a miracle and an incredible turnaround for the offensive coordinator to see a second contract with the Steelers after the 2023 season wraps up.

Steelers Likely To Have New Offensive Play-Caller In 2024

There are almost no scenarios one can think of that leads to Canada being extended in the 2024 offseason. At this point, he is simply auditioning for a chance to be on an offensive staff somewhere else. He might be best suited going back to college football. The reality is, however, the Steelers will keep him around for the remainder of 2023, whether Johnson and his teammates like the plays or not.

Do you think Johnson took a slight dig at Canada, or is that how most offensive players in the league feel? Let us know in the comments below!

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