ExtremeRavens Posted October 30 Posted October 30 To say that Diontae Johnson views his season as having gone from a nightmare to a dream scenario wouldn’t be an overstatement. At 1-7, the Carolina Panthers are one of the worst teams in the NFL. The 5-3 Ravens are one of a handful of teams expected to contend for the AFC title. “It still don’t seem real to me,” the 28-year-old wide receiver said after his first practice with Baltimore on Wednesday after being acquired in a trade a day earlier. “It’s a blessing for me just to get another opportunity to come back to the AFC North — that’s one thing that stuck out to me. “I know what this organization’s about, because I played against them a few years.” Before Johnson spent the first seven games of this season with the Panthers after being traded this offseason, he spent his first five years in the league with the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers, which is also where he had his best years. In 2021, he had 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns and was selected to the Pro Bowl. In 84 career games, he has 421 receptions for 4,720 yards with 28 touchdowns. Now, Johnson joins a Ravens offense that is led by star quarterback Lamar Jackson and, by any number of metrics, ranks as one of the best in the league. “I know what Lamar brings to the table, so just to be able to contribute to the offense that he’s a part of and that he leads [and] is a leader of is a blessing,” Johnson said of the reigning and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player. “I’m going [to] do whatever I can to help this offense continue to get better.” READER POLL: What is your biggest area of concern for the Ravens? One of the league’s best separators, according to Pro Football Focus, and a high-level route runner who can stretch the defense, the 2019 third-round draft pick out of Toledo is only the latest piece in an offense brimming with talent. Wide receiver Zay Flowers leads the Ravens with 41 catches for 627 yards with a touchdown, while fellow receiver Rashod Bateman has 22 catches for 422 yards and three scores. Then there are tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely along with receiver Nelson Agholor, plus running backs Derrick Henry and the soon-to-be returning Keaton Mitchell. Put another way, though, that’s a lot of hands to feed with only one football, so how will Johnson fit in the scheme? “Just wherever they need me to be at right now until I learn everything [and] until they feel comfortable with me playing something else, then that’ll be my focus,” he said. “But right now, just trying to get acclimated and work with what they’re giving me right now.” So far, Johnson has been working and the “X” and “Z” receiver spots as well as fielding punts, a role he had in the beginning of his career and an area the Ravens have struggled with this season. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, right, greets Diontae Johnson during Wednesday’s practice. The Ravens wore their alternate helmets that will debut on “Thursday Night Football” next week against the Bengals. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Whatever his impact, acquiring the 5-foot-10, 183-pound sixth-year receiver came at little cost with potentially high reward, with the Ravens getting him for a swap of late-round draft picks and having to pick up very little of his current salary. And should Johnson sign a free agent deal of at least $5 million with another team after the season — something that seems likely given the market — Baltimore would get a 2026 compensatory sixth-round draft pick in return. Receiver wasn’t the biggest need, but the deal made sense for general manager Eric DeCosta. “We’re always looking for an opportunity to make our team better, and that opportunity came along,” coach John Harbaugh said. “Eric found it, along with the personnel staff and all of the work that they put it in, and made it happen. So we’re excited; our team is better because of it. It raises everybody up and makes us better.” As for what Harbaugh has seen so far in the former Steeler? “He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s got great hands, an explosive player, a big, strong, tough player,” he said. “That’s what he brings, so you take those talents, and you fit him into what you’re doing.” And about those Steelers games later this season? “I’m looking forward to game,” Johnson said. “I’m focused on right now. Whatever game comes first before we get to that point — I’m going to do my job and just keep preparing.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article Quote
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