Instead of being laser focused on the upcoming game in Cincinnati against the Bengals, here we are talking about Diontae Johnson – and not in a good way. Today’s report that he was in the center of yet another altercation, brouhaha, whatever you want to call it, appears to mean that Johnson just can’t help himself.
According to ESPN, Johnson chirped at coaches after the game last Sunday as the team headed to the locker room. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was missing his third straight game with a hamstring issue, attempted to get Johnson to knock it off. Instead, the confrontation became so heated that team captains Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt had to separate the two.
Last year we had to deal with Johnson punching quarterback Mitchell Trubisky at halftime of the game that ultimately saw Kenny Pickett take over. This was the week four game against the New York Jets. Just last week we saw his outburst in which he had to be literally carried away by Broderick Jones. He was also fined $25,000 for his criticism of the officials following a loss to Jacksonville. There have been other reported instances of immaturity as well.
Players get frustrated. They get emotional and they get carried away. For whatever reason, it appears that Johnson has found himself a part of several of these incidents in recent seasons. Certainly no one could blame him for being fed up with this offense. Under Matt Canada, it seemed like Johnson was constantly running the same three routes on a routine basis. That in and of itself is enough to grow some frustration but not seeing many opportunities only amplified the situation.
Johnson is well within his rights to be upset. He’s playing for one of the worst offenses in the NFL and spends more time blocking than anything else. That’s not exactly what a high-paid wide receiver wants to be known for and it has clearly gotten to Johnson. All that said, Johnson has knock this stuff off. He has to realize he’s far from the only guy who has had enough with the offense in recent seasons. His blow-ups don’t help anything and considering this team is in the midst of a playoff race, his antics are only going to be under the microscope even more.
