Receiving Contributions

Johnson had an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown, a 16-yard rush, six receptions for 60 yards and a receiving touchdown. Both Johnson and James Washington had efficient days, something they’d struggled with lately. Johnson caught six of his eight targets and Washington caught all four of his. But the box score doesn’t quite justify either player’s contributions. Johnson had an amazing play on a wide receiver screen where he reversed field and was brought down two yards shy of the endzone. Washington’s 33 yards receiving seems underwhelming, but he contributed in other ways. He drew multiple pass interference penalties that helped the Steelers offense keep their drives alive.

Also, Washington did an excellent job blocking on the perimeter. Their contributions are perfect examples of how the box score only tells part of the story. Hodges has also been able to find Deon Cain on occasion. He has one reception in each of the last three games but two of those receptions went for more than 20 yards.