Steelers' Diontae Johnson Absolutely Believes Relaxed Week Caused Blowout: "We Just Took Them Lightly"

For years now, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have complained about the team's readiness against lowly opponents. Despite an excellent head coach in Mike Tomlin, the team has been unprepared in too many situations over the years. That included when the team had Super Bowl talent in the days of the "Killer B's." Well, it happened once again in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Steelers were big favorites heading into the contest and rightfully so. The game was at Acrisure Stadium against a Cardinals team that had just two wins on the season. Well, the Steelers needed a late Diontae Johnson touchdown just to cut the deficit to 14 points. It was another embarrassing loss in the Mike Tomlin era. On Wednesday, when speaking to reporters via 93.7 The Fan, Johnson reiterated the fact that they took the Cardinals lightly.

"I don't know, I felt like that the whole week. Once we got out there, I just felt like something was different. We wasn't at our best. I feel like we just took them lightly. Like I said, we can't come in this Thursday with the same mindset. We [are] gonna be fine, we moved past it."

In case you missed it, running back Jaylen Warren echoed similar comments on Sunday after the loss. It's not a good look given the fact that the two essentially admit the team was unprepared. When Tomlin was asked about Warren's comments in his press conference on Tuesday, he simply brushed it aside. In fact, he acted like he didn't have a clue about the comments that were being asked.

Many have questioned Tomlin in the last few days, as he's mainly held responsible for the team's lack of preparation. It's happened too often in the past. It's been a rough few weeks for Johnson, who has displayed a lack of effort at times. Before that, he showed frustration for not getting the ball enough. This time around, he scored a touchdown with just over four minutes remaining in the game. 

Should The Steelers Consider Moving On From Johnson After 2023?

After the touchdown, Johnson did a lengthy celebration dance, much to the disgust of fans in Pittsburgh. Again, the touchdown only cut the deficit to 14 points. The game was essentially out of hand at that point, and fans didn't like it. There were other factors that contributed to the 24-10 loss in Week 13, however. Most notably, the weather caused multiple delays, which failed to give either team any sort of rhythm. 

That's still no excuse, but there were multiple injuries when the game returned to action. The Steelers lost yet another linebacker to injury, while superstars TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick dealt with injuries as well. Quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered a high ankle sprain, and the offense failed to establish any rhythm with Mitch Trubisky. Additionally, it was still just the second week with a new offensive coordinator and play-caller. 

Still, none of it is a valid excuse for the team's pathetic performance. Johnson's latest comments raise even more questions within the building in Pittsburgh. We will find out how this team responds on Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots. It's another lowly opponent that the Steelers should take advantage of at home. It feels like a must-win for Tomlin's squad after last week's loss dropped their record to 7-5. While they remain in the playoff picture for now, they need to take advantage of their easier opponents. 

What are your thoughts on the comments from Johnson and Warren? What does this lack of preparation say about Tomlin and the Steelers? Should Tomlin's future in Pittsburgh be in question? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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