The Steelers Offense Misses Diontae Johnson

The Steelers missed Diontae Johnson. Pittsburgh’s top separator on the outside is set to return in Week 7 against the Rams after declaring himself 100 percent on Monday. That’s news the Steelers wanted to hear, given their struggles on offense. Johnson’s presence was missed, his absence exacerbating schematic issues and personnel struggles. It seems obvious, but the rationale behind his role in the offense makes his loss much more significant.

Johnson’s ability to separate is a deadly weapon for any offense. Clocking in as one of the best route runners in the NFL, Johnson defeats press and man coverage like it’s his business. When you look at why Johnson is a ‘volume monster,’ it’s not hard to figure out. Quarterbacks like to throw to receivers who get open. Kenny Pickett seems elated to have a guy with Johnson’s skill set back on the field.

Diontae Johnson looks for space as the Steelers face the Ravens on Jan. 1, 2023, in Baltimore. (Mitchell Northam / Steelers Now)

“Obviously, he’s a really talented guy, and we’ve missed him a lot,” Pickett said. “He helps move the chains, and he gets great separation. He’s been a great teammate and leader for us in that room as well as helping guys out. So, I mean getting him back is massive for us on offense. And I think just by watching us you can see that we’ve missed him. I think it’ll help George out; it’ll help Allen and Cal and kind of those guys that have been working really hard and playing a lot of snaps. So, I think it’ll be great for us as a whole to get 18 back.”

How Johnson Changes the Steelers Offense

With Diontae Johnson on the field, teams can not sell out to stop George Pickens. Outside of Pickens, who has taken a nice leap with his route-running abilities this season, the team has no consistent separators. Calvin Austin III is still learning the game’s nuances and how to use his speed effectively. He is playing well but cannot consistently run crisp routes, especially at the top of those route stems. Allen Robinson II, meanwhile, is more of a possession receiver who finds soft spots in zone coverage. Here is one play where Johnson would have allowed for an easy completion, but someone like Robinson fails to create separation on a key third down.

This is where the Steelers miss Diontae Johnson.

He's almost always the #2 weak in empty. This is a no-contest first down with 18. pic.twitter.com/xEcZ6Du7hT

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) October 9, 2023

I’m not here to tell you that Johnson’s inclusion suddenly makes the team a good offense. That would be foolish. When the group has struggled as much as it has, and even with their limited time with Johnson has failed to get things going against the 49ers, they will still struggle. But Johnson’s absence significantly hurt their lack of ability to get any consistent presence offensively and establish a rhythm.

Diontae Johnson motions across the offense as the Steelers played against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. (Mitchell Northam / Steelers Now)

The Matt Canada offense relies too much on sideline-based routes. When they attack the middle of the field, the team often brings out glance routes out of empty or hit long-developing deep dig routes. That can work, but Johnson’s ability to separate makes those comebacks, hitches, curls, and other routes that the Steelers run on the outside much more open. Pickett will need that security blanket that Johnson provides in the offense.

You can pick at Johnson’s flaws all you want. Some of them are merited, certainly. But his value to the offense was innately showcased throughout his absence. He’s not a magic cure-all, but it does help when Johnson is out on the field to help the team.