For the second week in a row, quarterback Kenny Pickett and large receiver Diontae Johnson weren’t on the identical web page.
That was clearly the case in Cleveland on Sunday in a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, dropping the Steelers to 6-4 on the season.
Throughout Sunday’s disastrous efficiency, the 2 weren’t on the identical web page a number of instances, resulting in some frustration.
The 2 weren’t on the identical web page early within the recreation on a third and 4th, which led to Johnson working via the formation as an alternative of sitting down as Pickett anticipated him to. Incomplete move.
Late within the third quarter, Pickett regarded downfield for Johnson in a one-on-one matchup. Johnson continued to run down the sphere on a go route, however Pickett anticipated him to cease and sit down for the back-shoulder throw. That fell harmlessly incomplete, and the Steelers punted. Then, late within the fourth quarter, Pickett ran the deep ball anticipating Johnson to run a go route. This time, nonetheless, Johnson ran the cease route in search of the back-shoulder ball that Pickett likes to throw.
The ball fell incomplete and the Steelers went three-and-out, permitting the Browns to march for the successful drive.
After the loss, Pickett was fairly annoyed with the miscommunication points with Johnson.
“It is at all times worrying when it comes up. You do not need that,” Pickett mentioned after the loss, based on the video through Steelers.com. “We simply should get it resolved.”
Requested to make clear if it was a miscommunication on the route late within the recreation with Johnson, or if it was one thing the Browns protection did in the course of the play, Pickett mentioned, “Sure, miscommunication on the route.”
The truth that the communication issues between Pickett and Johnson are so widespread is sort of regarding. Granted, Johnson missed 4 weeks with an harm, however he is been again for 4 weeks and has been closely focused by Pickett. So the truth that these two cannot align primarily based on the seems to be the protection provides them is a giant downside.
That additionally occurred final week in opposition to Inexperienced Bay. Johnson made a imaginative and prescient adjustment on a key third with a single-high security and man protection. Johnson received simply and was large open; Pickett by no means noticed him.
Then, their lack of ability to get on the identical web page on Sunday and be in the identical space code on routes the place the Browns took sure seems to be made the communication points for the Steelers between the quarterback and receiver all of the extra regarding.
You by no means need to see that, particularly between two guys who’re so necessary offensively. They should iron it out – and shortly. No excuses at this level within the season.
