Steelers WR Diontae Johnson addresses lack of hustle vs. Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson talked with reporters Wednesday as he continues to deal with criticism for a perceived lack of effort during Sunday's Week 12 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On the play in question, the Steelers offense faced 3rd-and-2 late in the first quarter. Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren fumbled on a rushing attempt, just short of the first-down marker.
The Steelers 2021 Pro Bowl wideout didn't move off the line of scrimmage or try to block his defender (Bengals cornerback D.J. Turner), who then scooped up the loose ball and returned it 20 yards.
The event came one play after Johnson had a would-be touchdown catch ruled incomplete.
Johnson said that his teammates didn't have a response when he addressed them and owned up to his mistake at a team meeting this week.
"My teammates, they know how I feel and how I should go about the situation," he said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "Next time it occurs or whatever, I own up to it. I'm not perfect."
The 27-year-old added that he felt like he "did the right thing by standing up in front of the team and telling them, owning up to" the miscue and "all (he) can do is just move forward."
Head coach Mike Tomlin discussed the matter on Tuesday and said that the former third-round pick "can't let the emotions of the previous down affect his next down."
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