Black and Gold Links: Labeled as a ‘natural’ Diontae Johnson has lofty expectations in Year 1

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Time to check on the latest news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the 2019 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2019 season is fast approaching, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is far from over. As the team now turns their attention to more offseason workouts, OTAs and minicamp, there is no shortage of news.

Today in the Black-and-gold links article we take a look at how despite being a third round pick, and despite coming from a smaller school, rookie WR Diontae Johnson has some lofty expectations placed on him in just Year 1.

Let’s get to the news:

• Diontae Johnson has been labeled as a ‘natural’ by Steelers’ WR coach Darryl Drake, and it is safe to say you can go ahead and crank up the hype machine on the third round pick.

Versatile new Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson ‘a natural’

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

“He was able to come in here and make an impact early as a freshman, but it probably was unfair to him,” Candle said. “He probably was not ready to play as a freshman from a maturity standpoint. He was so talented and so good, that we threw him into the fire.

“Having to sit out as a sophomore was hard on him emotionally, but it probably put things in perspective for him of how quickly things can be taken away from you. … He also had a chance to sit back and see how guys went about their business away from the field and how they paid attention to the little things that leads to success on the field.”

Johnson discovered that success as a redshirt sophomore. He caught 74 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns while also taking a punt and kickoff return the distance.

“He was a hungry, motivated guy,” Candle said.

To read the full article, click HERE

• New York Jets fans are getting their first taste of the Le’Veon Bell Steelers fans know all too well.

Tim Benz: Le’Veon Bell’s funny explanation for staying away from offseason practices

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Bell’s absence is nothing new to Steelers fans. However, that message still had to make folks in Pittsburgh laugh. Let’s examine that explanation a little bit more.

“I got to stick to the formula that I know works for me to be the best player I can be. I’m not just tryna win football games, I want a ring!”

And …

“…everybody will forget about that once January comes around.”

Bold words when your new team hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2010. Also, Bell has exactly two wins in the playoffs in his career, both in 2016. So, he’s not exactly an expert.

Also, what is this “formula” he is referencing? Is he suggesting that he plans to get suspended for the first few weeks of the season so he can be rested for later in the year, as was the case in 2015 and 2016?

That was a “formula?”

To read the full article, click HERE

• Where does the Jesse James ‘non-catch’ fall into the category of NFL finishes which were most controversial?

Which NFL finishes were the most controversial?

By: Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk

The ending to the Kentucky Derby created a major controversy. Plenty of NFL games have done the same thing.

So we made that the subject of Monday’s PFT Livedraft.

Check out our picks and then add someone of your own and/or post a comment regarding how much better my picks are than Simms’ selections.

To read the full article, and watch the video, click HERE

• This might be a few days old, and we certainly covered it, but it is worth repeating. Keep SHALIEVING!!

#Shalieve: Steelers LB dances with his new bride

By: ESPN Staff

…And you can add walking down the aisle and dancing with his bride to that list of accomplishments.

Shazier will not play in 2019, and his contract tolled at a minimum salary, giving him one more year toward NFL pension. The team has kept him on the roster with the physically unable to perform designation simply because, as coach Mike Tomlin has said, “it’s Ryan Shazier.”

To read the full article, click HERE

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