Although the Pittsburgh Steelers sit atop of the AFC North, the 2023 NFL season has been challenging on the offensive side of the ball. Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson, known for his dynamic playmaking abilities and crispy route running, recently provided valuable insights into what he believes has held the Steelers offense back in 2023.
USA Today Sports
Diontae Johnson escapes a defensive back from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers Rank Dead Last In First Downs Per Game
In the 2022 season, Johnson had a remarkable 86 catches for 882 yards, showcasing his ability to find openings in opposing defenses and rack up impressive yardage. However, there was one conspicuous absence in his stat line - touchdowns. Despite his productivity in terms of receptions and yardage, Johnson wasn't able to cross the goal line. Oddly enough, that is not where the offense has particularly struggled. The Steelers offense currently ranks dead last in first downs per game averaging just 14 per contest. For reference, the New York Giants are averaging 16.4 first downs per game. Having Johnson back in the lineup should vastly help improve the Steelers' ability to pick up first downs and move the chains.
"Obviously, you know we're leaking a little bit on the offense."
One way to address this leakage is to find ways to convert yardage into points and that starts with being able to move the chains.
The Injured Offensive Line And Skill Positions
Johnson also pointed out a critical factor that affected the offense's performance in 2023 - injuries. The offensive line, often considered the engine that drives an NFL offense, had several key players down due to injuries. The Steelers' stats from the first few weeks of the season underscore the importance of a solid offensive line. With injuries affecting the protection of the quarterback, the offense became vulnerable. On top of that, tight end Pat Freiermuth experienced an injury vs the Houston Texans.
Eric Hartline / USA Today
The Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line
"Offensive line got a couple of guys down, receivers, tight end. You know that plays a big role in everything because when a quarterback does not have his guys, he's going to be holding the ball up longer.”
In the 2022 season, the offense had difficulty maintaining drives due to quarterback pressures and sacks. This emphasized the necessity of a healthy offensive line to sustain drives and give the quarterback time to make plays.
Adjusting To A New Receiving Corps
The Pittsburgh Steelers have ushered in a new era with the addition of rookie wideout Calvin Austin III and seasoned veteran Allen Robinson to their offensive lineup. Welcoming these fresh talents and an experienced player like Robinson brings a mix of youth and wisdom to the team. However, it's important to acknowledge that the infusion of new and younger faces on offense may introduce a learning curve. Younger players like Austin III will need time to adapt to the intricacies of the NFL game, while veterans like Robinson will need to establish chemistry with a new quarterback and teammates.
"Not saying that Kenny [Pickett] is not used to playing with the backup guys or whatever, but it's different.”
Johnson being back in the lineup will give Austin III a chance to ease some pressure off of his shoulders.
"Kenny is not as familiar with where the guys are going to be as opposed to knowing where his one [wide receiver] is going to be out there.”
Johnson believes this adjustment period, with new timing and understanding between the quarterback and receivers, impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of the offense.
Optimism For The Future
Despite the early offensive struggles of the 2023 season, Johnson remains optimistic about the team's prospects. He anticipates that with the return of key players, including promising tight end Freiermuth, the offense will regain its stride.
"When I get back, Pat, and the rest of the guys get back, I feel like we are going to be fine.”
(NFL.com)
Pat Freiermuth celebrating a 2022 TD vs the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.
Johnson's insights provide valuable context to the offensive struggles faced by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2023 season. His stats from the previous season underscore the productivity he brings to the team. The absence of first downs, challenges posed by injuries, and the transition to a new group of receivers were factors that influenced the offense's performance. Despite these setbacks, Johnson's optimism for the future is a promising sign for the Steelers as they strive to address these issues and make necessary improvements for upcoming seasons.
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