As one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries heats up for another installment in Week 11 of the 2024 season, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has made his stance clear when it comes to facing a former player now suiting up for the Baltimore Ravens.
Diontae Johnson, a key contributor to the Steelers’ offense from 2019 to 2023, was traded to the Ravens earlier this season, adding another layer of intrigue to this already intense AFC North matchup. In his usual Tuesday press conference, Tomlin addressed the situation bluntly, offering little in terms of special preparation for his former receiver.
The Steelers and Ravens have long shared one of the most heated rivalries in professional football, with each meeting fraught with emotion and high stakes. This Week 11 matchup is no different, especially now that Johnson, who played 77 games for Pittsburgh, will be lining up against his old team in black and gold. However, Tomlin was quick to downplay the significance of Johnson’s presence on the Ravens’ roster as he prepares his squad for Sunday’s game at Acrisure Stadium.
“To be honest, I hadn’t thought a lot about it,” Tomlin said when asked about the implications of facing his former player. “He’s not on a lot of their video, and so at this stage of the week, I don’t know that I’ve weighed what he might mean to the matchup. The Ravens have bigger pieces than Johnson, with larger roles that are occupying my attention at this part of the week.” With his focus on the broader picture, Tomlin reiterated that his concerns lie elsewhere on the Ravens’ roster, notably with the bigger, more impactful players.
Despite Tomlin’s dismissive tone, it’s hard to ignore Johnson’s history with the Steelers. Over his five seasons in Pittsburgh, Johnson compiled 391 receptions, 4,363 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns. His exit from Pittsburgh came after a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, before being traded to the Ravens for a fifth-round pick. His move to Baltimore adds a layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Johnson now becomes part of the Ravens’ quest to further strengthen their offensive attack, working alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Sunday’s game will likely reveal just how much Johnson can contribute to the Ravens’ offense, and whether his presence is a difference-maker against his former team. While Tomlin might not be losing sleep over Johnson’s role, the wide receiver will undoubtedly be motivated to prove that his value extends beyond the Steelers’ roster. The question remains: Can Johnson step up and become an integral part of the Ravens’ offense in this critical divisional battle?
In a week full of subplots, Tomlin was also asked about the Steelers’ newly acquired wide receiver, Mike Williams, who made a strong debut in Week 10 with a touchdown in Pittsburgh’s 28-27 victory. Tomlin noted that Williams’ workload will likely increase as he becomes more accustomed to the Steelers’ offensive system. With the team’s 7-2 record and a four-game win streak, Tomlin is eager to further integrate Williams into the fold, knowing the Steelers will need every weapon available as they march toward the postseason.
Tomlin’s comments also underscore the growing confidence surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the second half of the 2024 season. Despite early concerns, Pittsburgh’s offense has started to click, and the defense, led by standout players like T.J. Watt, remains a force to be reckoned with. Tomlin has made it clear that his team’s goal is to compete for a Super Bowl, and the Steelers’ current trajectory has them positioned as one of the top contenders in the AFC.
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When it comes to the Steelers’ mentality heading into the rivalry game against the Ravens, Tomlin didn’t mince words. “Our goal is to beat everybody. Does not care when the schedule says they play anybody,” Tomlin declared, emphasizing that his team’s focus is solely on continuing their winning ways, regardless of the opponent. With a deep belief in the abilities of his squad, Tomlin remains unfazed by any external noise and will be looking for another strong performance as the Steelers chase a playoff spot.
As if the game against the Ravens wasn’t already brimming with tension, Tomlin was also asked about linebacker Patrick Queen, who made the reverse move that Johnson did, leaving the Ravens to join the Steelers. Queen’s arrival in Pittsburgh has bolstered an already strong linebacker corps, and Tomlin is eager to see what his new defensive piece can bring to the table. “There are a lot of villains on both sides of this rivalry between the two teams. Patrick Queen is included,” Tomlin said. “He’ll get a chance to prove it on Sunday.”
The rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens is built on intense competition and, at times, bad blood. Tomlin has long been a key figure in this rivalry, and his leadership will be put to the test again on Sunday. With both teams in the thick of the AFC playoff race, this game holds considerable weight for both sides. Tomlin’s no-nonsense approach to Johnson’s return to Baltimore is just one small part of a much larger picture, as he prepares his team to face a rival that is always dangerous, no matter who is on the roster.
In what promises to be another hard-fought battle in this storied rivalry, all eyes will be on how both teams come out swinging. Will the Steelers’ defense, led by Watt and Queen, be able to stifle Lamar Jackson and a revamped Ravens offense? Will Diontae Johnson make a big splash in his first game against Pittsburgh, or will Tomlin’s focus on other pieces prove to be the right approach? One thing is for certain: this Week 11 matchup will be a must-watch for NFL fans, with playoff implications on the line for both teams.