In an interview with Bonnie Berstein of ESPN, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis points to Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis as one of the “outside influences” who helped Chad Johnson come to the conclusion that he should abandon his quest to get out of Cincinnati.

As a result, Johnson is refocused and recommitted, thanks in part to the input of Ray Lewis.

And Marvin Lewis says that Johnson is now poised to have his best year ever.

If that happens, and if that helps the Bengals win what could be a wide-open AFC North, the Bengals can thank one of the leaders of one of the teams with which they’ll be competing most closely.