The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson exploded offensively in their 41-10 win over the Denver Broncos. They lit up the scoreboard even without newcomer Diontae Johnson catching a pass Sunday after the trade.
The recently added weapon had a quiet and disappointing debut in Charm City. Reporters asked Jackson on Monday if he take on the challenge of building immediate chemistry with Johnson.
“I’m not going [to] lie, I really don’t know how it happens [feels] for a receiver or someone to join another team and how quickly that would suit them in a new system — I don’t know,” Jackson began, according to the Ravens team website.
Jackson admitted before the Broncos game that he “couldn’t stand” Johnson. That was when the wideout played for Baltimore’s fierce rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, from 2019 to 2023. The two now need to develop chemistry in preparation for a run at the Super Bowl, which has still once started slowly. However, Jackson shared this bold prediction.
“I feel like I’m building chemistry with [Diontae Johnson] will be second to none,” Jackson said. “I feel like any guy that comes to the team or that I work with is going to [to] to be second to none just because I have a feel for the game, and I believe these guys do too, because they’re in the NFL.
Jackson still delivered a very effective passing afternoon. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and threw three touchdowns. Zay Flowers ripped off two of three aerial scores on connections of seven and 53 yards.
The veteran QB and Baltimore needed additional firepower in the aerial attack, however. Hence the quick decision to acquire Johnson.
Diontae Johnson/Lamar Jackson plan revealed before Ravens rout
Johnson gave Jackson a new receiving option beyond the Pro Bowl after the trade to the Carolina Panthers. The veteran target earned his only Pro Bowl nod with the Steelers in 2021. Jackson previously worked with three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham last season.
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Once again, Johnson’s debut fell on the quiet side. However, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson the real plan for Johnson against Denver.
“Harbaugh tells me he expects Diontae Johnson to play about 10 to 15 snaps because he’s still learning everything. He not only adds another weapon that can stretch the field, but also adds depth in case of injuries as the season goes on. Ravens,” Wolfson said before the game.
It turns out Johnson still has a lot to absorb with the Ravens offense. But once immersed in the draft, he’ll step into an offense that leads the NFL in total yards. Jackson and Baltimore also rank fourth in passing offense through nine games. Finally, the Ravens have the second best offense in the league.
The former third-rounder in the 2019 draft out of Toledo brings 421 career receptions, 4,720 yards and 28 touchdowns to Baltimore. Johnson will soon face a familiar opponent from his Steelers days: the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The 5-foot-10, 183-pounder owns a 6-4 career record against the Bengals.
