Diontae Johnson’s frustrations reached a boiling point both during and following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Sunday 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. During the game, Johnson had to be separated from a member of the coaching staff, and the following day, on social media, he publicly insulted quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Johnson reacted to a video/post that highlighted the receiver and quarterback’s poor communication during Sunday’s game.
Johnson answered, “Ran the route I was suppose to, sir.” “Jus saying anything for likes smh.”
When Johnson addressed the media on Monday, he sang a different song.
Regarding his communication with Pickett, Johnson stated, “We just gotta make it right at practice,” according to ESPN. That is the beginning of it. Things like that do occur. I don’t blame him. I can’t stand here and blame him because he’s not flawless.
Not blaming anyone in particular. Though I was annoyed, you can’t just sit here and point the finger at him. That’s how the game works.”
Following Sunday’s game, a number of Steelers offensive players voiced their frustration, including Johnson. Najee Harris, the running back, stated that Pittsburgh’s current state of affairs is unsustainable following the offense’s tenth consecutive game of being outgained.
Furthermore, Harris strengthened the prevailing perception that Pittsburgh’s offense is predictable.
When asked if it appears that defenses are aware of what is going to happen, Harris replied, “In certain situations, to be honest with you.”
Regretfully, this has continued for a while for the Steelers. After Pittsburgh’s victory over the Titans in Week 9, wide receiver George Pickens wrote “free me” on social media while criticizing the team. Pickens has also shown signs of annoyance when playing.
The fact that the Steelers’ running game has improved is a plus. After only recording two 100-yard rushes in the season’s first seven games, Pittsburgh has run for 166, 205, and 172 yards in its last three games. However, the passing game is still a big problem and could mean the difference between Pittsburgh’s postseason success and failure.
On the record, we’re doing well, Harris stated on Sunday. “You are able to view the record. One of two actions is possible. If you look at the record, you can decide whether to think, “Well, we’re still good right now,” or you can think, “If we keep playing this type of football, how long is that shit gonna last?” I think to myself, ‘How long is that shit going to last?’ You may consider it a solid record, but remember that this is the NFL. We are not going to get anywhere by winning the way we did.”
Regarding Johnson, it makes sense that when someone is criticizing him, he would want to defend himself. Therefore, he unintentionally placed the blame.
