Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson garnered loads of consideration following the crew’s 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, however for all of the mistaken causes.
On a third-and-2 contained in the pink zone late within the first quarter, Steelers operating again Jaylen Warren fumbled the ball simply in need of the first-down marker. Johnson didn’t transfer off the road of scrimmage or try to dam his defender, cornerback D.J. Turner, who subsequently picked up the unfastened ball and returned it 20 yards near midfield.
Johnson turned his again on the play and watched Turner dash away with out making an effort to chase him down regardless of being one of many closest Steelers to him. Johnson’s nonchalance throughout the play actually didn’t sit proper with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who mentioned the 27-year-old wideout must take accountability for his actions.
“It is one thing that he must reply for, and so I am going to give him a chance to try this,” Tomlin instructed reporters on Tuesday. “His teammates will give him a chance to try this, and I will not present any coloration till he does.”
Johnson’s lack of effort on the play is one factor, however he didn’t do himself any favors after the sport when he instructed reporters, together with Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, that he didn’t try to get better Warren’s fumble as a result of he didn’t see it, stating he was busy “blocking or no matter it’s,” regardless of there being video proof on the contrary.
“Diontae cannot let the feelings of the earlier down have an effect on his subsequent down, however I am going to give him a chance to deal with that with [the media],” Tomlin mentioned. “I am going to give him a chance to deal with that together with his teammates. I feel performs like which might be finest described and outlined by these concerned and fewer so by guys like me. I hold my consideration on difficult issues, issues that await us this week.”