The Baltimore Ravens’ recent Thursday night clash against the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t just deliver a big divisional win; it showcased the surprising potential of wide receiver Tylan Wallace.
In an offense already loaded with weapons, Wallace managed to grab attention with a breakout performance, pulling in 115 yards on just five receiving snaps. His explosiveness and big-play ability are now stirring up conversation: should the Ravens be utilizing Wallace more?
Meanwhile, the Ravens’ front office made a significant trade deadline move, acquiring Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers. Johnson was expected to bolster Baltimore’s already high-powered offense, joining an arsenal of playmakers like Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, and Derrick Henry. The problem? Johnson’s impact has been minimal so far. Despite the high expectations surrounding his arrival, he’s played just 22 snaps and has been targeted a grand total of two times over two games.
Now, with calls to prioritize Wallace, fans are wondering: where does that leave Johnson?
What does Tylan Wallace's emergence mean for Diontae Johnson?
Baltimore’s front office wasn’t shy about why they wanted Johnson.
With Lamar Jackson having a career year, the Ravens saw Johnson as the final piece of a potentially unstoppable passing attack. By adding him, they believed Jackson’s options would be practically limitless, a must-have when facing tough AFC defenses in the playoffs. But Johnson’s minimal involvement is raising eyebrows, especially with other new receivers around the league quickly seeing the field for their respective teams.
It’s not that the Ravens are abandoning their big trade acquisition. Coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken have publicly emphasized a patient approach with Johnson, citing the need for him to adjust to the system. Baltimore, it seems, is committed to methodically easing him in, possibly for a strategic ramp-up before the playoffs.
Johnson himself even hinted at this strategy in a cryptic tweet, saying, “It’s always two sides to a story.”
Tylan Wallace is no stranger to making clutch plays for the Ravens! Hopefully he’ll see more of the field after this performance!
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) November 9, 2024
There are always two sides to every story, but if the other side is seeing Tylan tear up the field, I’m down for that! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/uHNOIWyn5I
However, Tylan Wallace’s Thursday night performance against the Bengals makes a strong case for his increased involvement.
Despite playing only a few snaps, he outshone expectations with his production, averaging over 20 yards per reception. Wallace’s breakout game demonstrated that he can be a valuable deep threat, and some analysts, including B/R, are suggesting that the Ravens should take advantage of his momentum.
"It wasn't Johnson that impressed on Thursday night, though. That was Tylan Wallace. According to PFF, Wallace was only on the field for five receiving snaps, but he had 115 receiving yards. Wallace should have an opportunity to come alongside Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely as targets in this offense."B/R NFL staff
Incorporating both Wallace and Johnson might seem like the logical next step, but in practice, it’s a tough balancing act.
Baltimore has limited snaps, and prioritizing one receiver often means taking away opportunities from another. And for a team with an offensive identity based on spreading the ball around, as the Ravens have done effectively, adding more snaps for one player can alter the offense’s rhythm.
Ultimately, the recommendation to prioritize Wallace over Johnson is counterintuitive.
The Ravens invested in Johnson for a reason, and it’s hard to believe that Eric DeCosta and Harbaugh would shelve that plan so quickly. Baltimore’s coaching staff likely sees Wallace as an emerging piece but views Johnson as a weapon they’ll need when it matters most.
For now, fans may just have to trust that the Ravens are taking a long-game approach, hoping that Johnson’s payoff will come precisely when they need it most.