The Pittsburgh Steelers season came to an embarrassing end in week 17. After starting the season 1-4 and losing Ben Roethlisberger for the year, the team managed to improve to 8-5. Their rollercoaster ride continued, as the team couldn’t overcome numerous injuries, a quarterback carousel, and an inept offense. They finished 8-8 mostly due to the aforementioned terrible offense. But, it wasn’t all bad on that side of the ball. Rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson had a very quality season, especially considering the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh. Johnson was one of the best receivers in a talented rookie class, and his career in the Steel City is off to a great start.
Diontae Johnson and His Promising Rookie Year
By the Numbers
Numbers support the notion that Diontae Johnson was the Steelers best wide receiver this year, as does game film. His 92 targets were the most of any Steelers player, as were his 59 receptions. 680 receiving yards was good for second on the team, trailing only James Washington and his 735 yards. Johnson also finished the season with 31 first down receptions, which tied him for the team lead with Washington. Finally, Johnson’s five touchdown receptions on the year were the most on the team, and no other player had more than three. All things considered, Johnson was arguably the Steelers best skill position player this year, and this isn’t all of what made his rookie campaign so special.
The most exciting part of Diontae Johnson’s game this year was undoubtedly his route running. Watching the games, it seemed he was open on every play (whether the ball was delivered accurately to him was another story). The numbers back up that thought, as Johnson’s average separation of 3.6 yards per route run according to NFL next gen stats, which is the best of any receiver in the league. There’s a reason Johnson drew Antonio Brown comparisons, and it wasn’t just because they both played in the MAC. Though not very big, Johnson is an incredible route runner and is always finding ways to get open. Next year with a hall of fame quarterback back at the helm and a healthy number one wide receiver (JuJu Smith-Schuster) across from him, Johnson’s route running might start to really help him fill the stat sheet.
Diontae Johnson the Returner
Along with his abilities as a receiver, Diontae Johnson ended up being one of the best punt returners in the league, too. Despite not taking over return duties full time until Week 10, Johnson finished with the sixth most punt return yards in the league (248). His average of 12.4 yards per return was the highest among qualified returners by a whole yard. Finally, he was one of just six players with a punt return touchdown this year. Earlier in the season, Johnson was worrisome as a punter, as he would be out of position or field the ball going backwards. Sometimes it was just a blessing that he even caught the punt. But as the season progressed, Johnson tightened up his mechanics and clearly became more comfortable in the role. His explosiveness helped turn a below-average punt return unit into one of the best in the league.
Adjusting to NFL Life
Late in the season, Diontae Johnson made some comments about struggling with the adjustment to playing professional football. He referenced how he was worn out and the schedule was taking a toll on his body. It’s common for this to happy for rookies, as they are used to playing 12 or 13 games in college as opposed to 16 in the NFL. Professional football truly requires a lifestyle change, and Johnson mentioned that he was struggling with it.
The good news about this information is that if Johnson was exhausted, his play to end the season showed no signs of fatigue. In the last four games, he totaled 31 catches, 257 yards, and two touchdowns. During those same four games, Johnson tallied 170 punt return yards and a touchdown in that department as well. In Pittsburgh’s week 16 loss to the New York Jets, Johnson was seemingly the only skill position player that showed up.
Through all the turmoil Diontae Johnson endured this year, he showed great mental toughness on the field. Before the season started, the Steelers wide receiver coach unexpectedly passed away. Johnson played with three different quarterbacks this year, two of whom never started an NFL game in the past. He suffered a concussion following a dirty hit from Damarious Randall in Week 11. Despite all the struggles, Johnson put together a remarkable rookie season. Next year with a little more stability in the team’s offense, look out for Johnson to have a breakout season.
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