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Kevin Gorman: After giving a glimpse, Diontae Johnson ready to do big things for Steelers | TribLIVE.com
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Kevin Gorman: After giving a glimpse, Diontae Johnson ready to do big things for Steelers

Kevin Gorman
| Saturday, December 14, 2019 10:41 a.m.
AP
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.

Now that Diontae Johnson has shown the Pittsburgh Steelers what he can do, the rookie receiver is ready for an encore.

After Johnson went untouched on a punt return for a touchdown, reversed field on a dazzling run in the red zone and made a toe-tap catch in the end zone for another score at Arizona, it’s not going to be easy to top his dance in the desert.

But Johnson believes he can.

“I’ve still got a lot left in the tank,” Johnson said. “It’s only a glimpse of what I can do.”

Johnson doesn’t lack for confidence. What he has to show is consistency. The Steelers need Johnson to follow his prime-time performance against the Cardinals by performing in prime time against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night at Heinz Field.

“I don’t know that he ever lacked (confidence),” Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said, “but anytime you make a positive play for your team, I think it just helps you grow quicker in those situations.

“He’s been more consistent in just his general practices. Most young guys, you talk about their seasons are already over in college last week. We’ve looked at them as a young guy, a freshman, a rookie. But we have already talked that: ‘You’re not a rookie anymore.’ ”

No, Johnson has taken on a more prominent role after the Steelers demoted then released Donte Moncrief, placed Ryan Switzer on injured reserve and are playing their fourth consecutive game without the injured JuJu Smith-Schuster. Johnson leads the team in receptions (42 for 483 yards) and four receiving touchdowns this season.

Not a bad early return for the third-round draft pick, which was acquired from Oakland in the Antonio Brown trade.

“They drafted me for a reason,” Johnson said. “Once my opportunity got called, I took advantage of it. I’m still taking advantage of it, each day and proving that on Sunday.

“I didn’t really think I would play that much. I got my opportunity, and I’m doing what I’ve got to do. I see myself doing big things here. I just want to help the team out and win games and win a Super Bowl here.”

Johnson lost his greatest advocate when Steelers receivers coach Darryl Drake died at training camp, and Johnson said he dedicates every touchdown he scores in Drake’s honor. It helps Johnson can pick the brain of a Super Bowl MVP. Santonio Holmes was at State Farm Stadium last Sunday, giving Johnson advice on route running, taking angles and creating separation before the Steelers played the Cardinals.

“I added it to my toolbox for the game,” Johnson said, “and it helped out a lot.”

Johnson also is taking tips from Mike Tomlin and said the Steelers coach stays on him in practice. For example, Tomlin has Johnson wearing pads in practice when everyone else is in shells. That way, Johnson can get accustomed to catching the ball against his shoulder pads instead of his chest.

“He always talks about my body language,” Johnson said. “I’m doing what he tells me to do. … Those little things matter. Listening to him will allow me to be great.”

That’s what Johnson wants and what the Steelers need. They are desperate for offensive playmakers, and Fichtner called Johnson “very talented and skillful.” That Johnson has a hunger to learn the intricacies of his craft is a promising sign.

“He asks questions some rookies wouldn’t think to ask,” said Quadree Henderson, the former Pitt All-American return specialist who is on the Steelers’ practice squad. “He takes the answers and puts them on the field. He’s definitely a baller.

“He definitely has a gift for it. He’s a playmaker. You saw that on the bubble pass, when he ran across the field. Just simple plays like that, he has a second sense, an instinct.”

Delivering an 85-yard punt return, a 14-yard run and six catches for 60 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals only boosted Johnson’s confidence.

Now, Johnson needs to show consistency.

“I’m trying to go out there each Sunday and show Steelers Nation what I can bring to the table — and the coaching staff, as well,” Johnson said. “I’m going out there and working my butt off, just like everyone else on the team. I’m trying to contribute in the best way I can.

“I don’t feel pressure. It’s just like any other Sunday. You do what you do. I’ve been doing this my whole life, so there’s nothing new to it. I’ve just got to go out there and be myself.”

Now that we’ve been given a glimpse, we want to see what Johnson has left in his tank. Opportunity is calling. It’s time to do big things.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.


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