Diontae Johnson’s lack of touchdown production and pitfall out of his usual level of production despite high target volume rose alarms last year. That was not just among the fanbase, but Johnson himself, who thought that his level of play held the Steelers offense back at times. Despite that, Johnson did rack up a few impressive accolades that could point to future success.
The biggest of those is that he ranked first in Next Gen Stats’ open score. But that only means so much when the production never followed. Johnson’s inconsistencies at times held back the offense, but when he was on at certain times last year, he showcased just why he he could be thought of as a dangerous receiver.
Kenny Pickett appeared on Cam Heyward’s Not Just Football Podcast, and discussed the season that Johnson had in 2022. He views some of the touchdown production as bad luck and a foot away for Johnson in some instances. But he guaranteed that he will help Johnson on his way to a bounce back season in 2023.
“I think it’s both ways, we have to get him the ball and he has to do his thing,” Pickett said. “We had some bad luck. He had some bad luck where he had one foot in like two times. It’s just one of those things. I’m excited for him to have a big year. He’s going to have a bounce back here. I see the work he is putting in.”
The team should have more weapons to support Johnson as the top target. Another year of growth for guys like George Pickens and Pickett should allow Johnson to have less stress on his shoulders. But heading into the next year of his big extension with the Steelers, Johnson needs to up the level of his play to help the offense out in a bad way.