There was always going to be something during Ravens week.
Heading into arguably the biggest game of the Steelers' season to-date, we officially have our first bulletin board material. The quote comes from ... Mike Tomlin?? Huh?
During Tomlin's daily press conference, he was asked about former Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Johnson spent the first five years of his career in Pittsburgh, putting up over 4,000 yards with 25 touchdowns after getting drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft back in 2019.
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After spending seven extremely uneventful games with the Carolina Panthers during part of 2023 and 2024, Johnson was traded back into the AFC North – this time with the Baltimore Ravens – a few days before the NFL Trade Deadline. It's been a slow season for Johnson, and so far the move to a Super Bowl contender hasn't revitalized the 28-year old. He hasn't put a lot on tape so far, and if you don't believe me, just ask Tomlin.
Mike Tomlin isn't subtle about his thoughts on former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson
Mike Tomlin on facing former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson, who is now on the Ravens
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) November 12, 2024
“He’s not on a lot of their video…they’ve got more significant pieces with larger roles that occupy my attention” pic.twitter.com/BpIo5xj5Mp
"To be honest, I hadn't thought a lot about it," Tomlin said regarding the matchup. "He's not on a lot of their video, so at this stage of the week, I don't know if I've weighed what he might mean to the matchup. They've got more significant pieces with larger roles that have occupied my attention this week."
Oooof. I mean, he's not wrong? Johnson's stats *are* wholly average this year: in nine games between Carolina and Baltimore, he has 31 catches, 366 yards, and three touchdowns. His yards per reception are down, his success percentage is currently pacing to be the worst of his career, and his drop percentage is up a full point. It's wild to think about how, at one point not that long ago, he was getting nominated to 2nd Team All Pros and making the Pro Bowl.
On any team, that wouldn't look like a player you needed to lose sleep over. Then factor in the fact that it's the Ravens – you know, the team that has a multi-year MVP at quarterback and the last Hall of Fame running back of his time playing in the same offense – and you kinda get where Tomlin is coming from. Maybe this is exactly what Johnson needs to break out of his slump and be the final piece that the Ravens need, but if *Mike Tomlin* isn't concerned, neither am I.