Steelers' Diontae Johnson Had Clear Dispute With Mike Tomlin During Week 11 Game Against The Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers were not able to stage one of their famous fourth-quarter comebacks against the Cleveland Browns and fell to their rivals with a final score of 13-10. For the majority of the game, the Steelers' offense looked disjointed, much like they did the first half of the season. Gone were the aggressive and innovative (well at least by Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada's standards) plays that netted Pittsburgh seven points against the Green Bay Packers during the opening drive. Instead, the Steelers were back to the predictable offense they've been accused of operating under all season. At least one Steelers wide receiver appeared to be expressing his frustration on the sideline. 

Steelers veteran wide receive,r Diontae Johnson was a non-factor in the game against the Browns. After struggling to get himself back on track after a few challenging seasons and an injury, Johnson seemed to be performing more like his old self. He even scored his first touchdown since 2021 during the Steelers' win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 9.

During the horrifying Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Johnson sustained a hamstring injury. Johnson returned to the lineup during Week 7. Heading into the game against the Browns, Johnson's 2023 stats were perking up and, through five games (really four and a half) he had 39 targets with 24 receptions for 319 yards and one touchdown. However, that was not the case against the Browns, and apparently, Johnson't anger boiled over.

According to Mark Kaboly for The Athletic, Johnson could be seen on the sideline having a "heart-to-heart" with Tomlin, and he did not look happy. While it is impossible to know what exactly was said, it seems likely he was unhappy with the offensive performance. Johnson only had two receptions for 10 yards against the Browns. 

Steelers Offense Has Some Major Issues

While no two people in Steeler Nation are going to agree on what the biggest issue is with the Steelers' offense, they will all agree there is a problem. There are those who will swear quarterback Kenny Pickett is the issue, or that Canada's play-calling is sophomoric. Fingers also get pointed at running back Najee Harris as well as the offensive line. The reality is there is enough blame to go around.        

Pickett did not have a good game against the Browns. He completed 15 of 28 attempted passes for 106 yards and no touchdowns. Headed into the Week 11 game Pickett, had completed 155 of 253 passes for 1,616 years and six touchdowns. The biggest bright spot on Pickett's stat line this year is the fact that he has only thrown four interceptions. 

The Steelers offense looked sluggish except for running back, Jaylen Warren, who had the longest play of the season at the start of the second half with a 74-yard touchdown run. While they are not error-free it is hard to point many fingers at the Steelers' defense. They could not totally shut down Cleveland's backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who played for an injured Deshaun Watson. They did force five punts in the second half and had an interception. 

The interception was made by Chandon Sullivan and set the Steelers' offense up to make something happen. Unfortunately, the Steelers were unable to capitalize upon the turnover and went three-and-out for what felt like the umpteenth time.  

Coming into the game the Steelers led the league in winning one-score games, standing at 6-0. Once again the playcalling was not up to snuff, certainly not up to the challenge of the Browns' league-leading defense. The Steelers fell to 6-4 and the Browns moved up to second place in the AFC North at 7-3. 

Do you blame Johnson for his frustration? Who do you think is the biggest issue on offense? Who are you holding responsible for the loss? What do you think the Steelers need to do to get their offense to move the ball down the field? Click to comment below.

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