The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a great start against the Tennessee Titans in a battle of unbeatens. The Steelers enter halftime with a big 24-7 lead, thanks to the second touchdown catch of the day from wide receiver Diontae Johnson:
Spin away from the defender and GO.
Diontae Johnson is in the end zone again! @Juiceup__3
📺: #PITvsTEN on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/MIIkbfUwYk pic.twitter.com/eEHffdpvwf— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2020
Johnson runs a slant route working to the inside, but after the catch he shows great situational awareness and change-of-direction skills. Feeling the defender playing to the inside, Johnson spins away from him to the outside, slicing into the end zone for the score.
As mentioned, this is Johnson’s second TD catch of the game. His first? Another slant route:
Good to have @Juiceup__3 back out there‼️
📺 CBS 📱https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/guKYuL3q5d
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 25, 2020
On the previous TD, Johnson has a defender playing to his outside, so he simply takes advantage of the inside leverage and is in good position for the score.
Slant routes are tough to defend, especially near the goal line. Johnson’s two touchdowns are a great example why.