Post by Sac D on Nov 22, 2003 14:52:51 GMT -5
By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
ALAMEDA -- Eric Johnson, one of the most upbeat and approachable Raiders, often is the first player to appear in the locker room on slow days. The man called "Crazy" is unfailingly willing to make small talk with reporters, but how many questions can you form for a backup linebacker and special-teams warrior?
When Johnson wandered to his locker this week, the atmosphere had changed. He was immediately surrounded by writers, and even a few electronic-media
personalities. That's what happens when you move into a starting position.
With original starting strongside linebacker Bill Romanowski on injured reserve with a concussion problem, and second-teamer Travian Smith joining
him this week after tearing his left medial collateral ligament, the job falls to Johnson. He has never started an NFL game, unless you count sprinting downfield to chase the opening kickoff.
"It's different," Johnson admitted. "You know you have to watch that much more film. You have to know the personnel, not just the plays. You've got the quarterback out there, the running back, everything. You've got to account for all of them."
Johnson has played defense sporadically this season. He has, for example, played in sort of a modified nickel alignment when the Raiders are facing multiple receivers while simultaneously struggling against the run. He had an interception against San Diego.
Playing every down will be a much bigger challenge, and he knows it. Smith had played surprisingly well in Romanowski's absence, making as many big plays as anyone on the defense. But Smith is 6 feet 4, 240 pounds, the same height as and just 5 pounds lighter than Romanowski.
Johnson, by contrast, stands 6-0 and weighs about 220. He played linebacker in college at Nebraska, but the Raiders tried him at cornerback and safety before moving him up to the second line of defense.
On Sunday, you can bet the Chiefs will run right at the undersized fill-in. Johnson said he's ready for it, and coach Bill Callahan professed not to be worried.
"The linebackers down at Dallas (5-10 Dexter Coakley and 5-11 Dat Nguyen) have proven you can play with undersized-type linebackers," Callahan said.
"And Zach Thomas (5-11) at Miami. Those guys aren't big, but they have the instincts to run to the ball. I see similarities in Eric Johnson."
"EJ's an athlete," safety Anthony Dorsett added. "He played corner, safety, linebacker, and he's been a special-teams guy. That speaks highly of his athleticism. We have confidence in everybody who gets out on the field with us."
Callahan said he didn't expect Johnson's special-teams duties to diminish as he moves into a starting role. That's good news for special teams coach Bob Casullo, who relies on Johnson on every kick.
At the same time, Callahan said the team wouldn't necessarily ask Johnson to cover a punt, then immediately throw himself into man coverage on speedy
tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Still, the fourth-year player clearly has some leaps to make against the NFL's highest-scoring offense.
During his week of preparation, Johnson's only regret was that the game wasn't arriving fast enough.
"My No. 1 obstacle is just getting out there and getting confident in the position," he said.
And how long will that take?
"Probably the first snap or two," Johnson replied.
It was the answer you would expect from someone called "Crazy."
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
ALAMEDA -- Eric Johnson, one of the most upbeat and approachable Raiders, often is the first player to appear in the locker room on slow days. The man called "Crazy" is unfailingly willing to make small talk with reporters, but how many questions can you form for a backup linebacker and special-teams warrior?
When Johnson wandered to his locker this week, the atmosphere had changed. He was immediately surrounded by writers, and even a few electronic-media
personalities. That's what happens when you move into a starting position.
With original starting strongside linebacker Bill Romanowski on injured reserve with a concussion problem, and second-teamer Travian Smith joining
him this week after tearing his left medial collateral ligament, the job falls to Johnson. He has never started an NFL game, unless you count sprinting downfield to chase the opening kickoff.
"It's different," Johnson admitted. "You know you have to watch that much more film. You have to know the personnel, not just the plays. You've got the quarterback out there, the running back, everything. You've got to account for all of them."
Johnson has played defense sporadically this season. He has, for example, played in sort of a modified nickel alignment when the Raiders are facing multiple receivers while simultaneously struggling against the run. He had an interception against San Diego.
Playing every down will be a much bigger challenge, and he knows it. Smith had played surprisingly well in Romanowski's absence, making as many big plays as anyone on the defense. But Smith is 6 feet 4, 240 pounds, the same height as and just 5 pounds lighter than Romanowski.
Johnson, by contrast, stands 6-0 and weighs about 220. He played linebacker in college at Nebraska, but the Raiders tried him at cornerback and safety before moving him up to the second line of defense.
On Sunday, you can bet the Chiefs will run right at the undersized fill-in. Johnson said he's ready for it, and coach Bill Callahan professed not to be worried.
"The linebackers down at Dallas (5-10 Dexter Coakley and 5-11 Dat Nguyen) have proven you can play with undersized-type linebackers," Callahan said.
"And Zach Thomas (5-11) at Miami. Those guys aren't big, but they have the instincts to run to the ball. I see similarities in Eric Johnson."
"EJ's an athlete," safety Anthony Dorsett added. "He played corner, safety, linebacker, and he's been a special-teams guy. That speaks highly of his athleticism. We have confidence in everybody who gets out on the field with us."
Callahan said he didn't expect Johnson's special-teams duties to diminish as he moves into a starting role. That's good news for special teams coach Bob Casullo, who relies on Johnson on every kick.
At the same time, Callahan said the team wouldn't necessarily ask Johnson to cover a punt, then immediately throw himself into man coverage on speedy
tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Still, the fourth-year player clearly has some leaps to make against the NFL's highest-scoring offense.
During his week of preparation, Johnson's only regret was that the game wasn't arriving fast enough.
"My No. 1 obstacle is just getting out there and getting confident in the position," he said.
And how long will that take?
"Probably the first snap or two," Johnson replied.
It was the answer you would expect from someone called "Crazy."
