Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds from Week 2 vs. Broncos
By Samuel Teets
Stud: Diontae Johnson, WR
Johnson led the Steelers with 13 targets, eight receptions, and 92 receiving yards. He also scored a touchdown. Pittsburgh’s young receivers are the highlight of the Steelers offense. It’s an energetic unit with players trying to establish themselves as starters. While JuJu Smith-Schuster dominated headlines in Week 1, Johnson and rookie Chase Claypool grabbed some of the spotlight in Week 2.
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Claypool and Smith-Schuster also contributed to Sunday’s win. Claypool took off on an 84-yard touchdown in the second quarter, which expanded Pittsburgh’s lead to 14-3. Smith-Schuster didn’t score, but he caught seven of his eight targets for 48 yards. It seems like the youngsters are settling into their respective roles on the offense.
Dud: Third quarter play-calling
The best way to lose a game when you have a lead is to take your foot off the gas. Pittsburgh didn’t score in the third quarter while the Broncos poured on 11 points, making the score 17-14. A fourth-quarter safety bailed Mike Tomlin’s team out because the offense wasn’t making any noise.
The Steelers have so many playmakers, but the play calling puts significant restraints on those weapons. Offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner needs to learn how to increase leads rather than waste them away. Pittsburgh can’t become the Atlanta Falcons.