Cam Heyward Looks Forward to Upcoming AFC North Showdown vs. Ravens

During the latest edition of the Not Just Football podcast, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward touched on Diontae Johnson joining the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson, who was traded by the Steelers in March to Carolina, was dealt by the Panthers on Tuesday to Baltimore for a fifth-round pick.

“Man, he had to go to the dark side. We just got some guys off that team, Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott, and they’re happy to be in Pittsburgh. Now we got guys going to Baltimore. I definitely think it opens up their offense. I think it does a great job of spreading the ball around,” Heyward said. “You know Diontae can create that separation that they’re looking for, and then you pair him with Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and then that run game. I think Lamar Jackson got his choice of where he wants to throw the ball. I’m looking forward to playing those guys in a couple weeks.”

The Steelers play the Ravens on Nov. 17 at Acrisure Stadium in a crucial AFC North showdown. The Steelers also play the Ravens on Dec. 21 in Baltimore. Pittsburgh is currently first in the AFC North at 6-2, while the Ravens are second at 5-3. It appears that the Steelers and Ravens are on a collision course for the AFC North.

Johnson had his first practice with the Ravens on Wednesday since being traded to Baltimore from the Carolina, and he spoke to the Baltimore media after.

“Once I found out where I was going, I was excited,” he said. “It still don’t seem real to me. It’s a blessing for me to get another opportunity to come back to the AFC North.”

Steelers WR Diontae Johnson takes a jet sweep against Geno Stone of the Baltimore Ravens, Jan. 6, 2024 – Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Johnson looks forward to the upcoming matchups against the Steelers.

“I’m looking forward to that game, man,” Johnson said. “But like I said, l’m focused on right now. Whatever game comes first before we get to that point, I’m gonna do my job and just keep appearing.”

The Steelers traded Johnson to the Panthers in March, after he fell out of favor with the team’s coaching staff. He seems ready to make them pay for that decision.

“Just how hard we competed against each other,” he said when asked about what he remembered about those games. “Getting the football out, making plays and everyone tackling. It’s a big rivalry game. Being on this side now is different. I’m excited.”

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