The Steelers offense will undoubtedly have their hands full with a surging Buffalo Bills defense as of late. One of the names that should be familiar to them is cornerback Taron Johnson.
Johnson made his first impression with the Steelers in Week 14 of the 2020 season, when he registered a 51-yard pick-six and seven tackles in their upset win at the time. In the Bills Week 1 loss in 2021, Johnson performed at a high level, recording seven tackles and two pass deflections. A season later, they would thrash the Steelers by a score of 38-3, with Johnson recording a forced fumble, a tackle for loss, and a pass deflection.
As expected, interim offensive coordinator and running backs coach Eddie Faulkner is aware of what Johnson is capable of doing on the field, referring to him as "the best nickel" cornerback they will face this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson finished this season as the 11th highest-graded cornerback at 80.2. In total, he registered 98 tackles, eight passes defensed, a sack, and three forced fumbles.
Even with the success the offense has had the last few weeks with quarterback Mason Rudolph at the helm, Faulkner and Sullivan will need to be extra creative in trying to put either George Pickens or any of the receivers in positions to succeed. The most crucial thing for them to remember is Johnson's ability to make plays when least expected.