Steelers WR Diontae Johnson hoping to end NFL's driest spell
Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson got paid like a WR1 this offseason. However, since his big payday, he hasn't quite played like one in 2022.
The fourth-year wide receiver has yet to find the end zone this season. Johnson's 120 targets are the most without scoring a touchdown in the NFL.
"I'm trying. Each and every week, I'm trying," Johnson told reporters. "This is the longest I've ever been without scoring."
Johnson hasn't had a lack of opportunities either. He had a team-leading 10 targets in Pittsburgh's Week 15 matchup with the Panthers.
Although Johnson would love to get his first touchdown of the year, all he cares about is winning.
"I'm trying to win games, just do anything to help the team," Johnson added. "At the end of the day, that's not what it's about. It's a team game."
Johnson's down year may be a product of the Steelers' inconsistency at quarterback. QBs Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky have been in and out of the starting lineup all year due to injuries and coaching decisions.
Johnson had 20 touchdowns on 405 targets in his first three seasons, averaging a touchdown almost every 20 targets.
Maybe he can finally find pay dirt in Week 16 when the Steelers host the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed the 10th-most passing touchdowns in the league (21), per StatMuse.com.
The opportunities are certainly there for Johnson. "Touchdowns will eventually come," he finished.
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