Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson last caught a touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger. He finally broke his scoring drought after completing a three-yard pass from Kenny Pickett. More importantly, that touchdown catch helped them defeat the Tennessee Titans 20-16.
It’s fitting that Johnson finished that game-winning drive after completing a 32-yard reception five plays earlier. Those receptions enabled him to finish with a game-high 90 yards. Jaylen Warren added 88 rushing yards, including a 22-yard run that set up Johnson’s touchdown catch.
It was the only touchdown scored by either team in the fourth quarter. The Steelers' defense limited the Titans' offense to three points in the second half after scoring 13 in the first two quarters. Pittsburgh also had four sacks, and ten quarterback hits on rookie quarterback Will Levis.
While Levis finished with 22 completions for 262 yards, he struggled against Mike Tomlin’s defense. He failed to convert a touchdown pass, a stark contrast from his four TDs in his NFL debut. He had a chance to lead the Titans to victory, but Kwon Alexander intercepted his pass intended for Josh Whyle.
After collaring three touchdowns in their previous game, DeAndre Hopkins did little against the Steelers, finishing with four catches for 60 yards. Kyle Philips led the Titans with 68 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry had Tennessee’s lone touchdown in Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season. The 2020 Offensive Player of the Year had 17 carries for 75 yards.
The victory improved the Pittsburgh Steelers’ record to 5-3, putting them one game behind AFC co-leaders Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins. However, while they’ve won more games, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter pointed out that they are the only team this season to be outgained in every game. Their opponents have outgained them by 790 yards.
Conversely, the Titans fall to 3-5 and might not have wide receiver Treylon Burks in Week 10 because he is under concussion protocol. Tennessee will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that week before making the trip to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in Week 11.
-Lance Fernandez