One of the more noticeable things that was apparent this week for the Washington Redskins was the exuberance and energy oozing from new starting quarterback Josh Johnson during team practices.
Johnson a little over a week ago was sitting at home in Oakland, California before the Redskins came calling. He has not hidden his passion for the game which has been put to the test with the Redskins becoming his 12th NFL team.
Johnson mentioned all of those stops during his career has actually helped and prepared him for his moment to lead the injury-riddled Redskins.
“It has helped because I’ve been around a lot of different quarterbacks, a couple Super Bowl quarterbacks, a Hall of Fame quarterback, first-round picks, fifth-round picks,” Johnson said. “I’ve experienced coaching from numerous coaches and you pick up on some common traits. You pick up on different things where you can apply it when necessary whether it is preparation, performance, mental stability. Everything becomes a full circle, so it’s getting me ready for Sunday.”
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Most QB’s could be a little worried about facing a tough Jaguars defense let alone a signal caller who hasn’t played or started in the NFL in several years. If he is worried, Johnson didn’t show any signs and his excitement about the task at hand could rub off positively for his Redskins teammates who want the underdog to succeed and need something positive to hang their hats on after several recent weeks of turmoil.
“Honestly man, to me that’s the beauty of sports,” Johnson said when asked about the Jaguars defense. “As a pro athlete, as a kid, you want to be out there. I’ve been a backup for so long, I think you understand that having this opportunity is more special than the challenges that are ahead. I’m excited that we’re playing this great defense. I’m excited that we’re playing against these talented corners, this pass rush, these linebackers. It’s a great test and I wouldn’t have it any other way to get an opportunity to go against somebody that you have to earn it and go out and prove that you deserve to be on this field. It’s kind of what I’ve been asking for, so by the grace of God, He’s giving me the opportunity to prove my worth and proving your worth versus a great defense, as a competitor, what else can you ask for?”
Coach Jay Gruden spoke about Johnson’s enthusiasm and if it could spark the team while addressing the media from the INOVA Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park.
“Yeah, … He’s got great confidence and plays with great energy and that hopefully will rub off,” Gruden said. “That’s the way you should play this game, that’s the way everybody should play this game. It’s a game. You’ve got to play with great confidence and great energy to have a chance and have some fun and Josh will do that. Very confident and the one thing I also know about him is if he has one bad play, that won’t affect his next play. He’ll just keep grinding and keep working and keep slinging it. He’ll bring an energy to the team. Hopefully, he has some production.”
A Redskins win over Jaguars would …
If the Redskins can’t get up for a game against a wounded opponent with an exciting against all odds QB at the helm and also with a playoff birth still on the line, then they might not ever be able to resurrect their chances.