Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds from Week 7 vs. Titans

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 25: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball up the middle during the first half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 25: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball up the middle during the first half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 7 Stud: Diontae Johnson, WR

In a game where the Steelers struggled mightily in the second half, the former Toledo Rocket played like a true pro. Two touchdown catches in the first half from Diontate Johnson helped the Steelers go into the locker room with a strong beat of confidence. Johnson would have nine catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns before suffering an injury in the fourth quarter.

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Johnson’s performances this season have largely been lackadaisical as prior to this game, his only other good game was against the Broncos in Week 2 when he had eight catches for 92 yards and a touchdown as he’s also dealt with previous injuries. If he’s going to fully integrate himself into the offense, he will have to step up his production as JuJu Smith-Schuster and, recently, Chase Claypool has done.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 7 Dud: Defense

To be fair, not all the troubles fall on the defense. But when you allow the Titans to mount a comeback after having your way with them to start the game, there is a slight cause for concern. In addition, the lack of pressure outside of T.J. Watt’s sack is a cause for concern given how strong the Steelers defense has been to start the season.

This type of performance won’t be enough to compete in a conference where there are a plethora of teams that can come out to Tampa and represent, including the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers will need to regroup and refocus, especially as their next opponent comes is a familiar face in Baltimore with a new presence to their pass rush.