SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘We’ve Got a Problem’ Edition

Good Victory Monday to you Steelers fans.

There’s a lot to like about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday. The offense absolutely looked better. Kenny Pickett looked better. Najee Harris looked better and the defense did its’ job once again. The one thing hanging over this team today however is Diontae Johnson. You’ve likely seen the clip by now but in case you haven’t I posted it below. Johnson, who reportedly had to be separated from Minkah Fitzpatrick last Sunday after his constant chirping at coaches, was seen on a crucial play yesterday doing nothing. You’re probably thinking “Nothing? Seriously? Like he just stood there?” Well, yes, he literally did nothing. The play in question was a run in which Jaylen Warren went left towards the same side of the formation that Johnson was on. Warren would fumble on the play and the Bengals return was shut down by a hustling Connor Heyward who made the tackle. In the video, Johnson literally does nothing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olMHxO2jZjs

After reviewing the above video, I have to apologize. Diontae didn’t just “stand” there. He actually took a few steps. My bad. There’s a lot of things I can tolerate as a fan, a former coach, a former player, a father etc… But a complete lack of effort is where the line is for me. I won’t even go into the drops Johnson had yesterday because I’m tired of beating a dead horse. I’ll be curious to see what Mike Tomlin has to say tomorrow because this is absolutely indefensible. As I wrote earlier, Johnson’s frustration is understandable. This offense has been awful, but he has to be more mature than what we’ve seen. This latest incident makes me wonder how much longer he’ll be in Pittsburgh.

Where Things Stand

With six games remaining, the Steelers likely need three wins to get into the postseason. As of this morning, they face one of the least difficult schedules in the NFL. In the next two weeks they’ll play Arizona and New England. Teams with a combined record of 4-19 and both of these games are at home. They also get the Joe Burrow-less Bengals in Pittsburgh on 12/23. Those are the games they really need to win. Difficult games at Indy, Seattle and Baltimore remain. Also helping their cause is their 5-3 record against the conference and their 3-1 record in the AFC North.

So What Was Different?

I wrote about the noticeable changes in the Steelers’ offense last evening but I really like what Jaylen Warren said in the postgame. “We took more risks.” He’s absolutely right. Throwing the ball downfield and into the middle of the field obvious changes that were desperately needed.

The Bos

I joke about this every week on social media but if it weren’t for T.J. Watt, Chris Boswell would be the Most Valuable Player on the 2023 Steelers. Let’s keep in mind that’s he missed one kick all season and that came on one of the more ridiculous and least called penalties in the game. He made the 50+ yard kick but Isaac Seumalo was ruled to have lined up “offsides.” After the five yards was added, Boswell missed the kick. So far he’s made 20 of 21 field goal attempts and is a perfect 17 for 17 on his PATs.