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3 Steelers X-factors for week six game against the Chargers

By Brandon Kring

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes the ball against Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes the ball against Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs to the end zone for a 43-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs to the end zone for a 43-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Diontae Johnson

The Steelers wide receiver group has been very underwhelming this season. That is due in large part, like it or not, to losing the talents of Antonio Brown.

This can also be attributed to teams not being worried about anyone outside of JuJu Smith-Schuster. JuJu can be double-teamed or the main focal point of the defense in the pass game without worry of being beaten by someone else.

The Steelers signed receiver Donte Moncrief in the offseason in hopes of him providing some number two support, but that has not gone well. Moncrief broke a finger in camp and missed many practices over it.

Moncrief’s injury may have attributed to his early drop troubles, but ultimately, it cost him his job. James Washington and Diontae Johnson were put in as the second and third receivers and have been since the move.

Johnson has been targeted 29 times in five games and has 18 catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He is the team’s second-leading receiver in yards and tied for first in touchdowns.

JuJu will continue to be doubled and focused on by defenses, and Johnson will need to take another step forward with Washington out. He faces a tough task against the league’s 8th best pass defense (215 yards per game).

The Steelers will need to focus on the run game with Conner but, when they have to pass, Johnson will need to get open and make plays. Moncrief may get a chance at redemption with Washington down, but Johnson will be the one required to provide relief.

dark. Next. Steelers vs. Ravens: Can the season be salvaged?

They may have a 1-4 record, but three of the losses came by a combined 9 points, and they have had every opportunity to win three of their four losses. If these three X-factors can step up, the Steelers have another one of those opportunities to win on Sunday night.

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