Watching Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson run routes is like a magic act. He makes defensive backs disappear. One of the true elite route runners in the game today, the veteran has been increasingly recognized for his ability to create separation at multiple points of a route.
Purportedly unaware that there are advanced metrics today that track separation and how open receivers are on average—although it was pointed out to him in November—he explained to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review what goes into his ability to be open all the time.
“It’s about having a plan at the line”, he said, likely not so different from an edge defender having a pass-rush plan.