Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers got a huge win over the Tennessee Titans. But just as big as the win was the streak broken by Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
With just over four minutes left to play, the Steelers were trailing the Titans 16-13. This is when quarterback Kenny Pickett found Johnson in a little out route in the end zone for the go-ahead and eventual game-winning touchdown. A huge play but even more significant for Johnson when you consider just how long it had been since he had scored a touchdown.
Here is Johnson’s touchdown drought by the numbers:
665 days since his last touchdown. That was Week 17 of the 2021 season. The quarterback who threw Johnson that touchdown was now-retired Ben Roethlisberger. Johnson was targeted 199 times during the streak and caught 119 passes.
Johnson spent a stretch of the 2023 season on IR but he came on strong on Thursday night with seven receptions for 90 yards and aforementioned touchdown. With George Pickens drawing so much attention, Johnson was able to use his elite route running to create his own opportunities.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]