Diontae Johnson could not have cared less about a fumble that bounced at his feet during Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Bengals. His effort was truly amongst the worst in NFL history.
The 27-year-old wide receiver deserves to be cut for the embarrassing showing.
Running back Jaylen Warren fumbled the ball inside of the red zone during the first quarter. Johnson was “blocking” nearby and was the closest Pittsburgh player to the ball. It landed right in front of him.
Rather than diving on the loose ball or trying to recover the fumble, he turned his back and walked away.
Not a good look.
Diontae Johnson is disgruntled.
Diontae Johnson has been one of the most vocal critics of the Steelers offense, which has been terrible. He had to be removed from a coach on the sideline during an ostensibly physical altercation while in Cleveland last weekend. Shortly thereafter, we now know, he was involved in a heated argument in the locker room after the loss, which forced him to be pulled off of Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Even though Johnson is clearly frustrated, Pittsburgh fired Matt Canada. The move was expected to reinvigorate some of the players who have essentially given up. Clearly not.
Johnson could not have tried any less to recover the fumble on Sunday. He didn’t even make a single step in the direction of the ball— which was well within arm’s reach.
Cincinnati ultimately recovered. Had Johnson tried even a little bit, the turnover never would have occurred. It was his fumble to recover. He didn’t even try.
Regardless of whether Johnson is the best pass-catcher the offense or not, Mike Tomlin should send him to the bench for the remainder of the game, if not the remainder of the season. The Steelers need to move on.
A separation would clearly benefit both sides. Anyone else would have scooped up the fumble.