One of the NFL’s most confusing plotlines this season has been the Diontae Johnson saga. Fans hoped that the Baltimore Ravens’ acquisition of the gifted wide receiver at the deadline would ignite an offensive effort seeking to increase firepower in preparation for a postseason run. Rather, Johnson has been noticeably missing from the team’s strategy as well as on the field.
Johnson has used it in an incomprehensible way. His role has gotten smaller every week since he made his debut in Week 9 with just 17 snaps. Johnson was dressed and active for the game against the Eagles in Week 13, but he did not play a single snap. When questioned about Johnson’s absence, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has only provided vague answers, leaving supporters and even quarterback Lamar Jackson in the dark.
The current state of affairs has taken an even more bizarre turn. Due to his actions that were damaging to the organization, the Ravens stated that Johnson will not be playing in their next game against the New York Giants. Concerns about what went wrong with one of the Ravens’ most anticipated midseason acquisitions have only grown as a result of the decision.
Diontae Johnson is suspended by the Ravens for not attending the Eagles game.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta clarified a few things in a statement earlier today. or the issue’s initial public recognition, at the very least.
Johnson’s unwillingness to play in the Week 13 game against the Eagles is the reason for his suspension, DeCosta disclosed. “We have made the difficult decision to suspend Diontae Johnson for our upcoming game against the New York Giants for conduct detrimental to the team,” the statement said. “Diontae’s refusal to play in our game against the Philadelphia Eagles is the reason for his suspension. We won’t be making any more remarks on this topic in the future.”
This information presents an unsettling image of Johnson’s relationship with the Ravens’ coaching staff. Internal conflict is the last thing a team needs while they are in the middle of a close playoff race. There are serious concerns regarding Johnson’s future in Baltimore given his seeming refusal to play.
The suspension feels like the beginning of the end, even though it might act as a wake-up call for the receiver. The Ravens may use the bye week to assess whether Johnson is worth the distraction as they rest and get ready for the final stretch. If not, his time in Baltimore might end abruptly, bringing a disappointing end to what was previously thought to be a potential addition.
The Ravens’ attention is now on their future as they get ready for their next game without Johnson. For now, the Diontae Johnson experiment seems to be failing more and more, but a speedy resolution to this problem could be crucial to the team’s chances of making the playoffs.
