PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Diontae Johnson says the Ravens are going to target George Pickens on Sunday. And what he meant was not just in the schematic way, but with their voices.
Johnson says Baltimore’s defensive backs do a lot of trash talking and he’s going to have to make sure teammate George Pickens is dealing with it the right way.
“I will have to tell GP to keep his head,” Johnson said Friday. “They will try and use it against them. I’m sure they saw him on TV. It’s my job to be there for GP in that moment and keep his head so it doesn’t get to that point.”
The ‘seeing him on TV comment’ is about Pickens frustration in wanting the football and yelling that with his helmet off after an unsuccessful third down attempt against the Falcons. Pickens said he’s not making it a big deal as Mike Tomlin, Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett all said they love his passion and it won’t be an issue.
As the veteran receiver, at least in time with the Steelers, Johnson said he’s had advice for the rookie this week.
“Keep playing, always stay ready,” Johnson said. “You never know when the ball is coming your way. The minute you put that in your head, I’m not getting the ball. I’m not getting enough targets that when you start to focus on the wrong things. You won’t be as locked in as you should be.”
“When it’s time for a play to be made, you ain’t really all the way in because you are worried about the last play or not getting the ball. Focus on the right things and letting things flow.”
“Stuff is going to happen throughout a game regardless if you like it or not. It’s a part of the game. It’s how you hold yourself, your body language, all that. Just keep playing, always be ready because you never know when the ball will come your way.”
The emotions are already high after last week, add into that a shot at a three-game winning streak and the first matchup in your career against your bitter rival. A definite storyline to watch for on Sunday.
10-7
A sign confidence is growing in the Steelers locker as Johnson says the Steelers feel they can win out. It’s coming not just from winning two straight games, but from what he said was another good week of practice.
“Stuff is clicking, stuff is going the right way,” Johnson said. “It makes us want to play harder. Finish the season strong, we can win out the season. We are capable of doing so, it’s about believing in each other and going out there and executing each and every play.”
“We were making plays, but we weren’t consistent. After we came out of the bye week, everything has been clicking. We’ve been moving the ball more efficient. Just playing better as a unit, coming along with rhythm with each other.”
“The connections, Kenny making plays down field. He’s playing comfortable, you want to see that from a rookie quarterback. Guys are rallying around him to build him up. That’s going to make him better.”
Johnson said they still have to improve, especially on the little details to turn the recent field goals into touchdowns. But the belief is there, regardless if you feel this team is ‘in the hunt’ for the postseason, Johnson and others in the locker room think they are.