Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson, spoke to the media on Thanksgiving about his previously voiced frustrations, what he can do differently, building a relationship with quarterback, Kenny Pickett and what advice Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave him.
Johnson said that he is letting go of some of the frustrations he had expressed, stating that all he can do is work hard and believe in himself. He said he is feeling good but also noting that “nothing changed.”
When Johnson was asked about talks with Pickett and how he approaches asking for more opportunities with the ball, he said:
“No, it’s just really just having that 1-on-1, just trying to see what I can do. It’s like, trying to get in his vision more or just to get him to look my way more. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing with him not looking my way, but just trying to get more opportunities. That’s all it is, trying to build our relationship more.”
Diontae Johnson spoke to the media about remaining patient, building his relationship with Kenny Pickett + more. pic.twitter.com/evGQtZk4L6
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) November 25, 2022
Johnson went on to say that he feels confident if he keeps doing the best he can, opportunities will present themselves. He is trying not to complain, just going to be himself and keep trying to get open.
While he was able to lock up a WR1 contract, after “holding in” last off-season, he certainly hasn’t had WR1 production. Johnson has just 51 receptions for 456 yards and 0 touchdowns. Despite the lack of stats, the ESPN Matrix shows Johnson is as good at getting open as any other receiver in the NFL. When asked about the matrix, he chuckled and admitted he didn’t even know there was such a thing until he recently heard about it in relation to himself. He agreed that getting the nod from ESPN does help validate the effort he puts in every day.
Johnson’s other numbers from ESPN are not as strong as his open rate of 90. His catch rate is 54 which is 41st in the league, while his yards after the catch score is 35, that’s 83rd in the NFL. His overall score is 70 which puts him in 13th.
On the subject of the advice he was given by Coach Tomlin, he skirted the question a bit and redirected the focus back on himself, but implied that Coach has encouraged him to be himself. Stating that he thinks communication is the most important thing.
When Chase Claypool was traded to the Chicago Bears earlier this season, it seemed that it would be natural for Johnson’s numbers to skyrocket. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. Johnson, who hasn’t had more than 5 receptions in one game since Pickett took over at the helm, said he just wants to be, “all in with his guys.”
The reporters also mentioned that both Tomlin and Pickett had made reference to Johnson being double-covered by defenders. When asked if this was true, Johnson answered in the affirmative and said that he trusts the coaches to come up with new routes to get him open.
Steelers' Diontae Johnson. USA Today Sports
Johnson sounded more optimistic than he had in previous interviews and reiterated that he can only control what he does. He said he will continue to work hard and be ready, and that you never know when an opportunity will come your way. For his part, he said he will continue to have a move and a counter-move in case the first one fails to address any situation that comes up.
Christopher Horner - Tribune Review
The Steelers are facing the Indianapolis Colts and their strong pass defense this Monday night. It feels like the perfect time to get their WR1 more involved.
What do you think the Steelers need to do to get Johnson more involved? Click to comment below.
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