There were plenty of storylines to monitor as the Steelers went into their Week 11 matchup against the Ravens. Both teams had some quality performances from their offenses coming into this game, and many thought they would both produce. Baltimore's defense showed signs of struggle, while Pittsburgh's defense still had plenty of star power to try and slow down the Raven's potent offense.
It might have slipped under the radar of many, but Diontae Johnson made his long-awaited return to Pittsburgh after his trade this past offseason. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson and a Day 3 pick-swap. Many have speculated that Johnson's lack of leadership and character is what sent him out of the Steelers organization, but there could have been a money situation going on too.
Since that trade went down, the Panthers slid back into rebuild mode and had to sell off some assets before the trade deadline. Diontae made a lot of sense as a rental piece at receiver for any playoff-contending teams looking for an upgrade. Johnson was traded to Baltimore for a fifth-round pick. On the surface, it seemed like a strong move, but the veteran receiver hasn't done much since arriving.
Diontae Johnson's revenge game against Steelers was a failure
Fans would have been bitter, but Johnson had a prime opportunity to show the Steelers they should have never let him go. Their Week 11 matchup provided some great opportunities for the former star player to finally give Baltimore some extra firepower to their receiving core.
Instead, he was almost as silent as church mice. It was a pitiful outing for Johnson as he continues to struggle to adjust to his new team.
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Diontae had a couple of chances to make some plays for the Ravens. His best shot came when Lamar Jackson threw the ball up toward the end zone, but Johnson was too far off to the sideline to make a play. If he was able to beat the cornerback more inside, then it's possible he could've gotten a touchdown or at least set up the Ravens offense in prime scoring position.
He failed to do much other than that. Johnson totaled two targets on the day without a single reception. Who knows what is going on with the former Steelers player as he tries to readjust on the fly on his new squad? Mental toughness has always been a problem with Johnson, so that could be causing problems. If he can't turn things around, then Baltimore's acquisition of him might be a dud.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Johnson will be a free agent after the season. He didn't have too many bad things to say about the Steelers after the Ravens lost, so maybe he wants to keep the door cracked open for a possible return to Pittsburgh.
No matter what happens in his future, he failed to provide any revenge on the black and gold for trading him away this past offseason.