Tag: Johnson

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson at practice during mini camp at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

Lions GM not worried about Jared Goff in post-Ben Johnson era

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for a career-best 37 touchdowns this season under the watchful eye of then-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t expect the good times to come to an end for Goff now that Johnson has moved on to become the head coach of the NFC North-rival Chicago Bears.

“Obviously, he was very productive with Ben as a coordinator but he had a lot of prior success before he even got here as well in a completely different system,” Holmes said on Thursday. “I think he’s a better quarterback, a more mature quarterback now than he was then when he had early success. I don’t foresee that. I think the guy’s in his prime. He’s gotten better and better every year. And when I say prime, I think, like, just entering it because he keeps ascending.

“I think every single year we’ve been here, the next year … the levels keep improving. Again, I have a lot of faith in Dan (Campbell, head coach) and I know that he’ll make sure Jared is in a good position.”

Goff, 30, was named a finalist for the Associated Press 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player award on Thursday after completing a career-high 72.4 percent of his passes for 4,629 yards this season.

He joined fellow quarterbacks Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) and Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) as well as Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley as finalists for the award.

Under Johnson, Detroit boasted the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense this season (33.2 points per game) and finished second in total offense (409.5 yards per game). The Lions’ points (564) and regular-season wins (15) this season were franchise records.

Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection with 35,058 passing yards and 222 touchdowns in 134 starts with the Los Angeles Rams (2016-20) and Lions.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing walks on the sideline before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-Imagn Images

Report: Bears request interviews with Cards OC, Lions coordinators

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Chicago Bears submitted formal requests to interview Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing as well both coordinators from the Detroit Lions, NFL Network reported Monday.

The Bears (5-12) fired head coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29 after a 4-8 start.

The Bears put in requests to interview Lions OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, per the report. Both are expected to attract multiple interviews this offseason. The Lions garnered the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Chicago snapped a 10-game losing streak and picked up its first win under interim coach Thomas Brown with a season-ending 24-22 victory at Green Bay on Sunday. Bears general manager Ryan Poles said Sunday that Brown, who started the season as the passing game coordinator, will also get an interview.

“It was challenging,” Brown said Monday, “but I learned a lot about myself this year.”

Brown said he is confident Poles learned more about him by watching him run the team than he could articulate in an interview.

Petzing, 37, just completed his second season as the offensive coordinator under Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon.

The Cardinals (8-9) missed the playoffs but finished 12th in the NFL in scoring (23.5 points per game) and 11th in total offense (358.2 yards per game).

Petzing previously worked as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Browns (2013, 2020-22) and Vikings (2014-19), crossing over with current Bears president Kevin Warren in Minnesota.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Report: Ravens’ Zay Flowers in, Texans’ Diontae Johnson out

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is expected to play in Wednesday’s game at Houston, NFL Network reported.

Flowers is officially listed as questionable for the Ravens (10-5) with a shoulder injury sustained in last Saturday’s 34-17 victory over Pittsburgh.

Flowers, 24, leads Baltimore in receptions (71) and receiving yards (1,016) with four touchdowns in 15 games (13 starts) this season.

On the other side, newly acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson will not make his debut for the Texans (9-6) on Christmas Day, per the report.

Johnson was claimed off waivers from the Ravens on Monday and is not expected to suit up for Houston until its Week 18 contest at Tennessee.

Johnson, 28, caught one pass in four games (one start) with Baltimore after being acquired in an Oct. 29 trade with Carolina. He had 30 catches for 357 yards and three TDs in seven starts with the Panthers.

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Michigan CB Will Johnson enters 2025 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson entered the 2025 NFL Draft, ending his college career with his sights set on being a first-round pick in April.

Johnson, ranked as a top 10 player overall by Field Level Media in the 2025 draft rankings, is one of two Wolverines defenders to declare for the draft this week. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, another first-round prospect in Field Level Media rankings, announced his exit from Ann Arbor on Tuesday.

With elite size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and big-time production in the Big Ten, Johnson is projected as high as the No. 5 overall pick in 2025. He had nine career interceptions and set the record with three career interception returns for touchdowns.

“I want to start by thanking God for guiding me every step of the way. I would be nothing without Him and his hand on my life,” Johnson said in his farewell announcement posted to social media Wednesday. “To my coaches – Thank you to Coach Harbaugh for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at Michigan, it was a true honor.”

Johnson played in only six games in 2024 and said he won’t be playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama this month.

Johnson was sidelined for Michigan’s win over Ohio State last month with a toe injury and missed one game with a shoulder injury. He has been limited by the toe injury since leaving the game at Illinois on Oct. 19, but is expected to be healthy for the pre-draft circuit starting with the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

The defensive MVP of the national championship game in January, Johnson had two interception returns for touchdowns this season. He had four picks last season for the undefeated Wolverines, including an interception of then-quarterback Kyle McCord in the rivalry game against Ohio State that featured Johnson matching up with 2023 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receivers Adam Thielen (19) and Diontae Johnson (5) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Panthers rule out WRs Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen

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Bryce Young will be minus two top targets when he gets back under center for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

On Friday, receivers Diontae Johnson (rib) and Adam Thielen (hamstring) were ruled out for the Week 8 game at Denver.

Quarterback Andy Dalton, who started the past five games after replacing Young, is listed as doubtful against the Broncos due to a sprained right thumb sustained in a car accident on Tuesday.

Johnson, 28, leads the Panthers (1-6) in receptions (30), targets (58), receiving yards (357) and receiving touchdowns (three).

Thielen, 34, will miss his fifth straight game. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has eight catches for 109 yards and one TD.

Young’s available wide receivers against the Broncos (4-3) include rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker along with David Moore and Jonathan Mingo.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) looks on after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Eagles assessing options in wake of injury to LT Jordan Mailata

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Philadelphia Eagles expect to play without left tackle Jordan Mailata for their next few games, coach Nick Sirianni said.

Mailata was carted to the locker room in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday after injuring his left hamstring. The 6-foot-8, 365-pound veteran immediately was ruled out of the game and was seen on crutches after the contest.

“It looks like Jordan is going to be out a couple weeks,” Sirianni said on Monday. “We’ll see exactly how long it’s going to be. I don’t have that information yet, exactly all that. Jordan is busting his butt trying to make a play, and unfortunately that happened.”

Sirianni said “everything is on the table” when asked if moving Mekhi Becton from guard to tackle is a possibility for the Eagles (3-2) in Sunday’s game against the New York Giants (2-4) in East Rutherford, N.J.

“We’ve got some good ability to do different things because of the roster that Howie (Roseman, general manager) and his staff have built and the flexibility that Coach (Jeff) Stoutland coaches the guys up with to be able to be multiple at different positions. So flexibility’s there. We’re early on in the process and we’ll figure that out as the week goes.”

Fred Johnson played the final 13 offensive snaps in Mailata’s place.

Mailata, 27, has started all five games this season and 62 of his 67 career contests since Philadelphia selected the former Australian rugby player in the seventh round of the 2018 draft.

–Field Level Media

Sep 23, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) runs with the ball after making a catch for a touchdown against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell (21) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Bills WR Khalil Shakir, DT Ed Oliver out vs. Texans

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Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir, defensive tackles Ed Oliver and Austin Johnson and safety Taylor Rapp have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the host Houston Texans, Buffalo coach Sean McDermott announced Friday.

Shakir (ankle), Johnson (oblique) and Rapp (concussion protocol) did not practice all week after sustaining their respective injuries in the Bills’ 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. Oliver, however, sustained a hamstring injury during practice on Thursday.

Shakir leads the Bills in catches (18), receiving yards (230) and receiving touchdowns (two). Tight end Dalton Kincaid has 13 catches for 132 yards and wideout Keon Coleman has eight and 126, respectively.

Rookie Cole Bishop is expected to be elevated into a starting role opposite safety Damar Hamlin with Rapp sidelined. Bishop is a second-round pick out of Utah.

–Field Level Media

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) reaches for Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (23) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Bills LB Terrel Bernard, CB Taron Johnson out vs. Ravens

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Buffalo Bills on Friday ruled out middle linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Taron Johnson for Sunday’s game against the host Baltimore Ravens.

Bernard practiced for the first time Thursday since he sustained a pectoral strain in the Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. He was limited to individual, non-contact drills.

Bernard, 25, was Buffalo’s leading tackler with 143 stops, including 6.5 sacks, in 17 starts last season.

He had 11 tackles in the season-opening win against the Arizona Cardinals and added two against Miami. He has 178 tackles, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 35 regular-season games (20 starts) since Buffalo drafted him in the third round in 2022 out of Baylor.

Johnson, 28, has not practiced this week because of a forearm injury. He had one tackle in playing only seven snaps in the 34-28 victory over Arizona in Week 1 and missed the next two games for the Bills (3-0).

The nickel cornerback was an All-Pro second-team selection last season when he made 98 tackles, including one sack, and forced three fumbles in 17 starts.

Johnson has 451 career tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 89 games (68 starts) since 2018.

The Bills selected Johnson in the fourth round of the 2018 draft out of Weber State.

–Field Level Media

New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) exits the field after an injury during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.

Jets may have lost Jermaine Johnson II (Achilles) for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Jets standout edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II likely tore his right Achilles tendon during Sunday’s 24-17 road win over the Tennessee Titans.

“It’s unfortunately looking like that,” Jets coach Robert Saleh told reporters. “We’ll confirm it tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good.”

Johnson will undergo an MRI exam to determine the severity.

Johnson was injured during the third quarter on a non-contact play while rushing Tennessee quarterback Will Levis. He immediately grabbed his right leg and was eventually carted off the field.

Johnson said he cried in the locker room and called his mom and other family members after being told he had a serious injury.

“I’m hoping for the best. We still have to clarify and make sure,” Johnson told reporters. “It wasn’t fun.”

Johnson, 25, is in his third season after being a first-round choice (No. 26 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft.

He recorded 7.5 sacks and made 55 tackles last season while making his first Pro Bowl.

Johnson had two tackles — one for loss — before being hurt.

Jets inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (right big toe) was carted off in the second quarter. He had three tackles before departing.

Saleh said he was hopeful Mosley will be available for Thursday night’s home game against the New England Patriots.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) steps in front of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) to intercept a pass before returning the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bears sign tagged CB Jaylon Johnson to $76M deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Two days after the Bears used the franchise tag to keep him, cornerback Jaylon Johnson secured a $76 million deal to stay in Chicago, according to reports Thursday.

Once the signing is official, Johnson, 24, would become one of the highest-paid players at the position on a deal that would average $19 million per year and reportedly includes $54.4 million guaranteed.

The 2024 franchise tag would’ve guaranteed Johnson a one-year salary of $19.8 million. But general manager Ryan Poles said at the NFL Scouting Combine he felt the sides were extremely close to a long-term deal.

“I think there is really good space for us to find the middle ground. Again, we always have the tag to use, but I really would like to get something done long term,” Poles said in Indianapolis.

A second-round pick in 2020, Johnson was the highest-rated cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2023, allowing a passer rating of 33.3 in more than 500 coverage snaps.

Talks that began more than a year ago included some acrimony.

Chicago’s track record of not setting the market rate at a position even when re-signing its own free agents led to trades in similar situations. When linebacker Roquan Smith demanded $20 million per year, the Bears blinked and traded him to the Baltimore Ravens.

Johnson and the Bears had been at odds since the trade deadline in October, when Poles granted the lockdown cornerback permission to seek a trade. Johnson was hoping for a new deal at the time but said ongoing talks were progressing “slower than expected.”

“At the end of the day, it goes back to respect as well,” Johnson said after the trade deadline passed last season. “You can throw some numbers at someone and hope they take anything. That’s not what I’m looking to do. I’m looking for respect and security.”

Only two cornerbacks average a salary higher than the franchise tender rate: Jaire Alexander of the Packers averages $21 million and Denzel Ward of the Browns is at $20.1 million.

Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was designated the franchise player of the Chiefs.

–Field Level Media