PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Diontae Johnson has been that guy. The one to face the wrath of the fans for not finishing a play or paying full attention during a turnover. He says the team needs to come together for George Pickens and it's not his fault the offense is struggling.
Johnson said how the game proceeds affects players emotions. Pretty obvious statement, noting that the swings in many games go quickly from low to high. He said how to help Pickens with that is not necessarily the players confronting him or the coaches ripping or benching him, rather it's about helping the second-year receiver.
"Keep his spirits up and keep his head in the game so when the ball comes his way he's able to make a play," Johnson said Tuesday. "That's a part of the game, emotions."
He hasn't handled it well at times. There are several receivers across the league, or formally played with the Steelers, who have had emotional outbursts. It's not to excuse what Pickens has done, but Johnson said let's not start piling on that Pickens is the reason for their struggles.
"I don't want to sit here and make it out that George is the problem with the offense," Johnson said. "That's not the case.
Emotions are real big in this game."
What is the problem with this offense. It's something you've heard from players all year and can be maddening not just for the fans, but especially for coaches and players.
"Lack of focus," Johnson said.
Then it's about the details (cutting down on the penalties and knowing what you are supposed to do on a particular play) and staying ahead of the sticks, meaning better success on first and second down. How about urgency, the word that comes around mostly during hockey playoff pushes, but applies in this situation.
A particular buzz word this year, execution, we have seen barely at all and when it does come it's not consistent. It's about making plays and also getting more from the guys up front.
"Who wants it more and who is going to win the line of scrimmage," Johnson said. "We just got to do that the whole game, continuously, and we should be fine."
"There is nothing else to it."
Oh the words make it sound so simple, yet it's been so hard for the 2023 Steelers.
