“Mike Tomlin Unfazed by Facing Former WR Diontae Johnson: Says Ravens Have…
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has long been known for his cool demeanor, especially when facing familiar opponents. When asked about the challenge of facing former Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who recently joined the Baltimore Ravens, Tomlin seemed unfazed. Known for his clear focus on larger strategic concerns, Tomlin’s response suggests he isn’t especially worried about Johnson’s impact on the game. Instead, he indicated that his main focus lies on the Ravens’ broader threats rather than solely on the abilities of one former player.
Tomlin expressed respect for Johnson’s skillset and acknowledged the potential for him to make an impact with the Ravens, a team that’s been notorious for adding playmakers on offense. Johnson, who spent the first part of his career with the Steelers, was known for his agility, quick route-running, and ability to create separation. Although he sometimes struggled with consistency, he often proved to be a reliable target in the Steelers’ offense, especially in short-yardage situations. Now, Johnson’s experience and familiarity with the Steelers’ defensive schemes could be beneficial to the Ravens, adding a bit of an insider’s edge.
However, Tomlin’s dismissive tone suggests he believes the Ravens have bigger threats that warrant attention. For him, players like Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a dual-threat who’s notoriously difficult to contain, and running back Gus Edwards are top of mind. The Ravens’ versatile offense relies heavily on creating mismatches, with Jackson’s running and passing ability, and the addition of weapons like tight end Mark Andrews and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. gives them layers of threats that extend beyond a single receiver.
This attitude is typical of Tomlin’s approach to coaching: focusing on the team as a whole rather than getting bogged down by individual matchups. He emphasized that stopping Baltimore requires an adaptable game plan, especially given the unpredictability of Jackson and the Ravens’ dynamic offense. Tomlin’s comments likely serve to keep his players’ focus broad, ensuring they don’t get caught up in personal narratives. His message is clear: while Johnson may bring some insight into the Steelers’ tendencies, Baltimore’s high-powered offense will require the Steelers to be disciplined and prepared for multiple challenges.
As the Steelers and Ravens rivalry continues, Tomlin’s ability to keep his team’s focus on the bigger picture may be crucial. Facing Johnson may add an interesting layer to the matchup, but for Tomlin, the primary challenge remains containing the Ravens’ complex offensive schemes.
