5 players the Steelers need to play well to beat the Bills

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 27: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against safety Khari Willis #37 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of their game at Heinz Field on December 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Diontae Johnson

It was in this game last season where the wheels really fell off for Johnson. He had back to back drops early in the first quarter before being benched for James Washington.

This was after a stretch of games in which drops really began becoming a problem, specifically in the Baltimore game where it seemed every Steelers’ pass catcher just couldn’t hold onto the ball.

Johnson is the most talented receiver on the Steelers roster, and the Steelers expect big things from him in 2021. He created space as well as anyone, he’s a good route runner, and is often called upon when the Steelers need a big play.

If he wants to silence the critics after leading the NFL in drops in 2020, this is the time to do it- Week 1, matched up against one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Tre’Davious White, playing against the best the AFC has to offer. He’ll be looked at early and often, it’s just a matter of can he step up to the plate and deliver for Pittsburgh. In order for the Steelers to have any hopes at a win, they’ll need Johnson to have a top notch performance in their season opener.

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