Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson makes most of return to Buffalo

After being benched for dropped passes in a game against Buffalo this past season, Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson saved the day Sunday. What a difference a year can make.

He caught the five-yard go-ahead touchdown pass that gave Pittsburgh its first lead of the game. The Steelers won 23-16 and Johnson said he was happy to get a shot at redemption.

“It was a big game for me,” Johnson, who led the Steelers with five catches, said. “I had to bounce back from last year, but I was able to do that and make plays to help the team win.”

Johnson finished with just 36 yards, but his touchdown was the biggest play of the game. He kept his focus despite cornerback Levi Wallace tipping the ball. Johnson also left the game with a knee injury on the previous series.

“It was just really concentration,” Johnson said. “Just keeping my eyes on the ball throughout the whole play and just making the play. … We just thought someone had to make a play, and I just stepped up to help the team.”

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finished 18-of-32 passing for 183 yards and a touchdown — that touchdown. He said postgame he was proud of the way his third-year receiver battled back.

“I told him to be patient because sometimes he can get impatient with the double move route, and he did,” Roethlisberger said. “His ball skills are through the roof.”

The Steelers did most of their damage defensively. They allowed no touchdowns the entire second half as they battled back from a 10-0 halftime deficit. Late in the fourth quarter, Ulysees Gilbert scooped up a blocked punt for a touchdown.

The Steelers will look to keep their winning streak alive when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. It’s a quick turnaround for the Raiders, who play Monday night.

Like he did against Buffalo, Diontae Johnson will look to make an impact in that one as well.