Steelers' QB Kenny Pickett Is Confident Diontae Johnson Will Return To Form And Score A Touchdown In 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson, had an extremely unique 2022 season from a statistical standpoint. He led the team in both receptions and receiving yards, but failed to score a single touchdown. His 86 receptions without finding the end zone broke a nearly 40-year old record which was previously held by James Wilder of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Needless to say, Johnson is desperate to break this trend in 2023. Fortunately, his quarterback, Kenny Pickett, is well aware of the situation and is determined to make it happen. 

During a recent appearance on the Not Just Football podcast hosted by Cam Heyward, Pickett was asked about how he plans to help his WR1 score a touchdown in 2023. 

"I think it's kinda both ways, we're gonna get him the ball and he's gonna do his thing. I'm excited for him to have a big year. He's gonna have a bounce-back year. I know he's putting a lot of work in," said Pickett.  

Steelers Will Need Johnson To Return To WR1 Form In 2023

The Steelers have a number of different playmakers on the offensive side of the ball who have the capability to be serious difference makers in 2023. With that being said, there is perhaps no more crucial of a player this upcoming season than Johnson when it comes to pushing the ball down the field. Apart from the recently acquired, Allen Robinson, Johnson is the most experienced member of the pass catcher group. He had a ton of success in producing big time plays when Ben Roethlisberger was the quarterback, but has yet to develop the same type of connection with Pickett. 

There has never been a doubt regarding Johnson's talents as a wide receiver, as he is one of the most naturally talented route runners in the entire league. He has struggled at times with drops, but for the most part has far exceeded expectations as a third-round pick. Over the course of his four seasons in Pittsburgh, he has compiled 340 receptions for over 3,600 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has provided stability to a wide receiver room and has been the best player at the position since the departure of Antonio Brown. 

Johnson will benefit tremendously from having Pickett as the full-time starting quarterback this upcoming season. While the 2022 first-round pick does not possess the most talented arm in the world, he more than demonstrated during his rookie campaign that he is willing to push the ball down the field. Many will point to fellow receiver, George Pickens, as the "big play guy" in the Steelers offense, but Johnson should be expected to contribute in this facet of the game as well. Furthermore, as a result of his crisp route running, he may be the player Pickett looks to on critical third-down conversions. 

Johnson May View Lack Of Success In 2022 As Motivation For 2023

Whether or not Johnson not scoring a touchdown was simply bad luck or lack of getting open enough in the red zone, there is reason to believe that he will use this as motivation to prove the doubters wrong and use his 2023 campaign as an opportunity to re-establish himself as an elite-level wide receiver. On paper, the Steelers offense will be much improved not only by their quarterback play, but also form the influx of talent on the offensive line. The more time Pickett has to throw the ball, the easier it will be for him to get the ball in the hands of the playmakers. 

All things considered, do not be surprised if Johnson has his best statistical year this upcoming season. At 27 years old, he is still in the prime of his career and has all the necessary pieces in place to bounce back in big way during his fifth season in the NFL. Get ready, Steeler Nation. A determined #18 could help take the Steelers offense to unprecedented heights in 2023. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How do you feel about Pickett's comments regarding Johnson scoring a touchdown this upcoming season? Do you believe he will lead the team in receptions in 2023? Let us know in the comments!

#SteelerNation