Tomlin Downplays Johnson Reunion Ahead of Ravens Showdown

Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has downplayed the importance of playing former wide receiver Diontae Johnson in their next game against the Baltimore Ravens.

This weekend, the Steelers and Ravens will rekindle their intense rivalry, but the Pittsburgh camp has notably minimized one plot point. Diontae Johnson was moved to the Ravens during the offseason, so this is the first time the Steelers have faced him.

Tomlin quickly shifted the conversation away from the possibility of playing his former receiver when he was questioned about it.

“To be honest with you, I haven’t thought much about Diontae,” Tomlin said at his weekly scheduled press conference. “He’s adjusting to a new program. He has already played two games. When it comes to preparing for them, we are concentrating on the things that are important to us.

Tomlin’s remarks might be seen as a subliminal jab at Johnson’s play since coming to the Ravens. With just six receptions for 58 yards and no touchdowns in his first two games, the gifted wide receiver has had a rather quiet start to his time in Baltimore.

The head coach of the Steelers continued by highlighting the defense’s more urgent issues, specifically stopping Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the danger posed by their most recent signing, running back Derrick Henry.

“We got bigger fish to fry, to be quite honest with you,” said Tomlin. “We’re trying to slow down Lamar Jackson and minimize the impact of Derrick Henry.”

Johnson was a dependable target for quarterback Kenny Pickett throughout his four seasons with the Steelers. He topped the league in receptions in 2021 with 144 and over 1,000 receiving yards in 2020 and 2021.

Although several were taken aback by his offseason departure, the Steelers decided to proceed with a younger receiving corps that included Allen Robinson II and George Pickens.

While the reunion with Johnson may not be a primary focus for Tomlin and the Steelers, it will undoubtedly add an intriguing subplot to an already heated rivalry game. Fans will be eager to see if Johnson can make a statement against his former team or if the Steelers’ defense will be able to keep him in check.

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