Wilson: Ravens' preparing for Calvin Johnson

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Calvin Johnson is a unique entity when it comes to the emergence of imposing wide receivers around the NFL.

The Detroit Lions’ standout doesn’t typically encounter anyone bigger than him, and there are few defensive backs stronger or faster than the former Georgia Tech star.

At 6-foot-5, 239 pounds, Johnson is typically the king of the football mountain whenever he’s healthy.

“Calvin Johnson, it’s a matchup nightmare,” Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s as good as anybody in the league. He’s tall, he’s fast, he’s got great hands, and he’s very tough.

“He goes up and catches passes. He’s not afraid to catch the ball over the middle. He’s just a tremendous player.”

Heading into Sunday’s game against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Johnson likes his chances against a secondary exploited for three touchdown passes by Aaron Rodgers duri a 27-14 loss against the Green Bay Packers.

“They have some talented players back there, but definitely Green Bay found some holes over there that they’re trying to exploit,” Johnson said during a conference call with Baltimore reporters. “There were a bunch of flags in that game as well. So, we should have some chances.”

Last season, Johnson was the primary bright spot on a winless team with 78 receptions for 1,331 yards and a dozen touchdowns.

Despite struggling with injuries this season, Johnson has caught 47 passes for 730 yards and four touchdowns and averaged 15.5 yards per catch.

“He’s a talent, one of the best receivers in the game,” cornerback Domonique Foxworth said. “I feel like a broken record because week in, week out, everyone in the league has a strong passing attack.”

Although the Ravens’ cornerbacks are relatively small, they have fared well against big receivers this season with the exception of San Diego Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson earlier this season. Jackson, who’s 6-5, 230 pounds, caught six passes for 141 yards and a touchdown against Baltimore.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall caught four passes for 24 yards against Baltimore with New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss limited to three catches for 50 yards with one touchdown.

“Calvin gets pretty much doubled pretty much whenever he’s out there all the time,” Harbaugh said.”And if you don’t, you’re asking for trouble. But you can’t every single coverage, because the numbers don’t allow you to sometimes.”

Johnson doesn’t lack for confidence, too.

Whenever he lines up across from a smaller defensive back, he feels like he has the edge.

“Yeah, definitely, I have to,” he said. “When I step out onto the field, that’s the way I feel every Sunday.

“Just a combination of size and speed and being physical. You know, being physical is a big part. I like our matchup that we have.”

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