PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Diontae Johnson admitted last year he probably would have folded after dropping a pass in the end zone. Instead he said he showed 'big-time maturity' in helping the Steelers to an upset win over Baltimore.
"I take all responsibility, I got to catch the football," Johnson said of the drop in the first half. "I can't let that get in my head. Got to look forward to the next play and I was there to capitalize on that in the second half-got the offense going, those splash plays we need down the field."
"I remembered things are going to happen, it's just how you respond. I responded in a positive way and it carried over. I was able to get in the end zone two times."
Johnson finished with the two touchdowns as part of eight receptions for 105 yards. He said he worked hard this off-season. Maybe better said, the 5'10" receiver from the University of Toledo didn't just work hard, but smarter.
He now tapes up in his locker information about the opposing teams' corners. He now studies their game, including tendencies. Not just the starters, but any potential backups so there are no surprises. It's all new for him this year and it's inspired at least one teammate.
"He does a lot of extra work," said Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. "He inspired me to do extra work after practice. He will catch 100 extra passes and then catch with the tennis balls. I started doing the same thing. When I was struggling catching earlier this year, I feel like he was helping me take the extra step."
"It's impressive that he bounced back, not just physically, but mentally. Dropping a touchdown like that is definitely tough, but I think he's really grown and matured. You saw that last (Sunday) night. A testament to his mental maturity."
Ben Roethlisberger praised his toughness and heart, noting it wasn't just the touchdowns, but other physical catches and pushing for extra yards after the drop.
"I just think it's maturation," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "He's becoming a veteran guy, and so it's reasonable to expect him to get better
physically, him to get better intellectually in terms of knowing and understanding the game and utilizing that knowledge for his good. And also, just being able to withstand the ups and downs that is a game or a series or a season."
"We're appreciative of his growth and development, but I don't think anyone's
surprised by it. As a matter of fact, we expected it and we needed it."
If there is an unsung member of this turnaround, it's 'Lou the equipment guy'.
Steelers Equipment assistant Lou Balde will spend time before games, before and after practice throwing passes, the tennis ball drill, whatever is needed to make Johnson better.
"I can't thank him enough for just taking the time out and throwing the ball to me every day," Johnson said. "Even though he got other stuff to do, he goes out of his way to do what he does for me."
"I can't thank him enough. We just got closer and he continues to help my game progress."
It's cool to see the progress, maybe just as cool that it's not just the coaches improving Diontae Johnson.
