Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson might think he’s cooler than the other side of the pillow, but the team won’t lose sleep in his absence.
Instead, the Ravens should be focused on developing rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker and playing reserve Tylan Wallace more frequently.
TYLAN WALLACE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tune in on Amazon Prime! pic.twitter.com/tmqqT0Pxq6
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 8, 2024
Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken has had both Walker and Wallace operating in reps with the starters, yet Walker hasn’t played much throughout the season. Could that change in the upcoming weeks?
Wallace had a big play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 7 and may be an adequate target for quarterback Lamar Jackson on underneath throws. Walker, on the other hand, is more sizable and may work to take the top of the defense off on vertical route concepts.
Johnson was never needed, yet the Ravens have become too idealistic in their approach, assuming that Johnson was humble enough to be moderately used. Instead, Johnson’s gesture indicates that he might not have been the player the Ravens needed when they acquired him.
Hopefully, the Ravens will return to using 12 and 21 personnel packages more frequently on offense. Instead of saturating the field with three wide receiver sets, Monken should focus on using tight-ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, coupling them with two wide receiver sets that will force defenses to play more man coverage.
Diontae Johnson has been suspended one game for refusing to enter the Ravens’ Week 12 game against Philly
pic.twitter.com/IMEUuzQsXH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 4, 2024
Ultimately, Walker and Wallace have just as much talent as Johnson, and it’s time for the Ravens’ coaching staff to get out of their way.