At 2-4, the Steelers’ start to the 2022 season isn’t assuredly how anyone hoped this campaign would unfold. Some potential inner drama from inside the locker room might make a strange and frustrating situation even worse.
According to a report from Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette, Mitchell Trubisky got into a halftime argument with Diontae Johnson during the Steelers’ 24-20 loss to the Jets a couple of weeks ago. Trubisky was, of course, benched at halftime for general listless play at quarterback, but not before he made his feelings known to one of the Steelers’ more inconsistent skill players.
Here’s more from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette:
Trubisky was benched against the Jets following a locker room confrontation at halftime with receiver Diontae Johnson, multiple sources have told the Post-Gazette. According to sources, Johnson began yelling at Trubisky to throw him the ball more, even though Johnson had a pass skip off his hands that resulted in an interception and failed to get his feet inbounds on what would have been a 23-yard touchdown in the first half. Trubisky stood up to Johnson and a heated exchange occurred. That’s when Pickett was told he would start the second half.
Oh, man. That does not paint the picture of a healthy environment on offense. It’s worth noting that Johnson currently leads the Steelers in catches, yards, and targets by significant margins.
That’s why, despite occasional hapless play, matters might become even more awkward moving forward after Trubisky (9-of-12, 144 yards, one touchdown) stepped in for an injured Kenny Pickett to rally Pittsburgh in a surprising 20-18 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. (Johnson only had two receptions for eight yards and one target from Trubisky vs. the Buccaneers.)
.@Mtrubisky10 ➡️ @ChaseClaypool for six!
📺 #TBvsPIT on FOX pic.twitter.com/kotOXNc9GO
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 16, 2022
.@ChaseClaypool with an incredible grab 🤯
📺 #TBvsPIT on FOX pic.twitter.com/JRBMXpk7zH
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 16, 2022
Depending on how long Pickett is out with an apparent concussion, the Steelers might be forced to temporarily roll with Trubisky again. Even with his clutch play against Tampa Bay, that shouldn’t necessarily inspire much hope in Pittsburgh. At the same time, it’s not as if Johnson — who gets plenty of volume, and who signed a two-year contract extension with $19 million guaranteed in the offseason — has been someone the Steelers could usually rely on to make a play. That stands regardless of who’s playing quarterback.
In a difficult season, Mike Tomlin might have his hands full, and this situation is worth keeping a close eye on in the coming weeks.
NFL fans were suspicious about what happened in the reported confrontation between Trubisky and Johnson
So Trubisky rightfully stood up for himself when Johnson was throwing a childish tantrum and HE got benched?
Something doesn't smell right here… https://t.co/rw6erloKiQ pic.twitter.com/vULOcnupGR
— Brett Huston (@BrettDHuston) October 17, 2022
It is perfectly reasonable to think Mitch Trubisky was getting benched for his performance at halftime of the Jets game regardless AND had a dust up with Diontae Johnson.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) October 17, 2022
Funny that none of those big throws from Trubisky went to Johnson yesterday 🤔 https://t.co/9SrHyRIMwt
— PensInsider (@ThePensInsider) October 17, 2022
The whole Diontae Johnson & Trubisky exchange doesn’t make much sense to me. And I don’t see Tomlin making a change because of a few words. Tomlin was making the change regardless
— KG (@ThatDudeKG16) October 17, 2022
Mitch genuinely seems like one of the last people who would do this lmao https://t.co/E7rG1HliDz
— Adam Rosen (@arrosen76) October 17, 2022
Can I just have a normal team to root for? Mitch played bad which I’m sure was still a primary factor.
If this is accurate why would Mitch get benched for simply standing up for himself? Why wasn’t this reported on until weeks later?
I’m just confused, and tired #Steelers https://t.co/bRNkGSOA07
— Justin Imler (@Imler05) October 17, 2022
Great reporting by Gerry, weak reasoning for a benching. To me it makes more sense if either: (or both)
This was a “last straw” moment & not the sole reason to go to Kenny
or
Tomlin was searching for added excuses to put Pickett in & took advantage of this situation. https://t.co/nDIVKhnrgU— Matt Koll (@MKoll15) October 17, 2022
