Diontae Johnson Completely Gives Up On Play, But Steelers Still Beat Bengals

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The Pittsburgh Steelers fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada this past week. Pittsburgh's offensive struggles are well-documented and frustrations among players like Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are starting to boil over.

Johnson shouted at the team's coaching staff during last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. That spilled into the locker room as Johnson and teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick reportedly got into a "heated exchange" after the game.

Apparently, Johnson went from frustrated to completely apathetic in the span of one week. The Steelers appeared to put a gameplan together that featured Johnson more.

That would, seemingly, placate the disgruntled wide receiver. Quarterback Kenny Pickett targeted him six times in the first half.

Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers fails to keep possession of the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Diontae Johnson of the Pittsburgh Steelers fails to keep possession of the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Johnson caught an apparent touchdown pass in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the ball came loose after Johnson hit the ground. The CBS broadcast team noted that Johnson appeared to have caught the ball and gotten two feet down before he went to the ground.

Referees ruled the pass incomplete and the Steelers did not challenge the play.

Diontae Johnson goes from dropping touchdown pass to completely quitting on the Pittsburgh Steelers

On the very next snap, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren fumbled the football on a run play.

Johnson, who was supposed to block a defender on the play, barely even moved from the line of scrimmage and made no attempt to block anyone.

Then, after the ball hit the ground, Johnson elected to literally walk away rather than try to recover it.

Finally, after Bengals defensive back D.J. Turner scooped it up, Johnson showed no interest in making a tackle. He completely quit on the play in a way that professional athletes rarely do.

It was a truly egregious display of effort.

Steelers fans expressed their disappointment with Johnson.

Apparently, Matt Canada wasn't the only problem with the Pittsburgh Steelers offense.

Who could have guessed???

UPDATE: The Steelers beat the Bengals, 16-10, and recorded over 400 yards offense for the first time since 2020.

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.