Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson had his best game in 11 calendar months and 11 NFL weeks against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. The limelight was waiting for him to soak up after the 90-yard receiving, one-score performance, but he ghosted it.
Instead, Kenny Pickett was solo in the limelight of the Prime Video postgame interview.
“We wanted Diontae Johnson to join us for this interview so we could celebrate this moment he had tonight,” sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung told Pickett.
Pickett joked as to why Johnson bailed on the interview. “He’s a Florida boy, so it might be a little cold out here. Maybe that’s why he ran in. Hopefully next time he’ll get out here for this. I want to enjoy this with him for sure.”
He described the in-game effect Johnson had, even during his touchdown drought. “He’s been great. He always moves the chains. He gets open. He’s a real reliable guy.”
The five-year veteran was integral in pulling off another nail-biter. He contributed five first-down receptions, including a leaping catch to keep what would soon be a scoring drive on their first possession, and two explosive plays.
With the go-ahead touchdown catch, his first ever from Pickett, the Steelers held onto their 20-16 lead to improve to 5-3 on the season.
And a little weight has been lifted off Johnson’s shoulders in breaking his 21-game touchdown hiatus.
Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) vs the Titans:
🔘 7 receptions
🔘 90 yards
🔘 1 TD
🔘 145.4 passer rating when targeted
🔘 3.10 yards per route runSince his return from IR:
🔘 20 receptions
🔘 254 yardsJuice is definitely back 🧃 🆙 pic.twitter.com/1RovzHUPBo
— Zachary Smith (@ZacharySmithPGH) November 3, 2023
