Former Patriots star takes negative tone on Ravens’ move for Diontae Johnson

Diontae Johnson went from the cellar of the NFC to the attic of the AFC in the shadow of Week 9. Johnson has been traded from the Carolina Panthers to the Baltimore Ravens. While some are claiming the move seals the deal for the Ravens as a force in the AFC, one NFL analyst believes otherwise.

Speaking on an October 30 edition of "Good Morning Football," NFL analyst and former Patriots safety Devin McCourty expressed his knee-jerk reaction to the trade.

"My thought process right away was is Diontae Johnson going to play cornerback for this team because when they were in their five-game winning streak, they averaged 35 points a game. They just scored 24 points against the Cleveland Browns," he said.

"I don't think their offense is the issue. The problem is they can't stop anybody in the passing game on defense like they're one of the worst teams in the league in pass defense as showed up against Sunday against Jameis Winston in the Browns," he added. [01:00:01:24][24.1] PFT

The Ravens might have the most oddly lopsided defense in recent memory. In terms of running yards allowed per game, the Ravens are the top-ranked unit in the NFL. However, in terms of passing yards allowed per game, the unit is ranked dead last.

One may argue that the scheme and prioritizing stopping the run could be the reason for such a disparity, but being 32nd in anything in the league is less than ideal by default.

Exploring Diontae Johnson's new-look offense

Diontae Johnson at Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers - Source: Imagn

The Baltimore Ravens obtained Diontae Johnson and a sixth-round pick for a fifth-round pick, per Adam Schefter. He also raised the possibility of the Ravens getting back a compensatory pick if he signs for at least $5 million elsewhere in 2025.

Financials aside, the focus for the Ravens is on their new offensive look. Many expect Johnson to instantly jump to the team's top wide receiver spot, knocking Zay Flowers down a peg.

The team still has Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry as the engine of the offense, but now they also have multiple options at wide receiver, but it won't be Jackson's only pass-catching options.

The team also has arguably the deepest tight end room in the league, with both Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Put simply, if the Ravens don't reach the Super Bowl this year, it shouldn't be due to their offense.

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.