New details emerge on Steelers dysfunction: Did Diontae Johnson get Matt Canada fired?
Despite being two games over .500 and squarely in the AFC playoff picture, the Pittsburgh Steelers don't have the vibe of a true playoff team. Their last four games have resulted in two wins over reeling teams and two losses in which the offense couldn't muster more than 10 points.
The lack of offensive output resulted in much-maligned offensive coordinator Matt Canada being fired on Tuesday. Fans had been calling for Canada's firing since last season, and head coach Mike Tomlin finally had to cave in given how the team has struggled to move the ball and score points this season.
Many things led to the decision, but wide receiver Diontae Johnson appeared to be at the forefront of a lot of the Steelers' frustrations with Canada. During the Steelers' loss to the Cleveland Browns last week, Johnson was visibly upset on the sidelines and had to be separated from several coaches. He ended up having to engage in a discussion with Tomlin to settle himself.
Diontae Johnson's outburst led to Matt Canada's firing
Now, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Johnson also had a heated argument in the locker room with Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick following the game against the Browns.
One source told ESPN that Johnson, the Steelers' second-leading receiver, continued "chirping" at the coaches all the way into the locker room, where Fitzpatrick -- a three-time first-team All-Pro -- began arguing with Johnson. The words between Johnson and Fitzpatrick became "heated," according to another source, before Heyward and Watt intervened and prevented the situation from getting worse.
Schefter also mentioned that the argument "helped lead to Tomlin and the Steelers firing Canada on Tuesday".
The fact that all of Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt had to get involved in order to stop Johnson from continuing his tantrum says a lot about how passionate Johnson was about the team's offensive struggles.
That said, this isn't the first time Johnson has put himself in the spotlight. Last season, he got into an argument with Mitch Trubisky when the backup quarterback filled in for an injured Kenny Pickett during their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Of course, Johnson just wants to get the ball and score points for himself and for the team. With Canada gone, the next man up to blame if that doesn't happen will be interim OC Eddie Faulkner.
Post a Comment