Steelers vs Chargers: Winners and losers from Pittsburgh’s Week 11 loss

Steelers winner: Diontae Johnson

NBC highlighted the work that Diontae Johnson has done to improve his craft this offseason, and it has paid off for the talented young receiver. After struggling all of 2020 with consistency and drops, he has reworked his game and has presented some high-quality reps this year for the team this season. His route running and ability after the catch were always elite but add that in with his sure hands now and you have an entirely new threat.

He totaled just over 100 yards receiving on the day, and his consistent play was on display. He was a threat short and deep and was his usual dominant threat after the catch. Even more impressive was his touchdown catch earlier in the game. Despite being swamped in coverage, Johnson still made the difficult grab and came down with the score.

Even with Claypool being the better big-play threat, at this point, it is all about Johnson in this offense. Pat Freiermuth is the sure-handed safety valve while Johnson is the focus in the passing game. His improvements in the receiving game have been a breath of fresh air for this passing offense. His hard work has paid off, and it was all on display this week against the Chargers.