Bills need to find playing time for Steve Johnson
by Brian Galliford on Jul 17, 2009 12:00 PM EDT
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When was the last time an NFL player with ten career receptions generated such buzz amongst a fan base?
That, folks, is a rhetorical question meant to outline the unexpected rise to popularity of Buffalo Bills second-year wide receiver Steve Johnson. As a rookie seventh-round selection out of Kentucky in 2008, Johnson earned a spot on the roster as the sixth receiver and slowly worked his way into the rotation from there. His first NFL reception came in a Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals; he would go on to register receptions in six more games, with his most productive game (3 catches, 41 yards) coming in a Monday Night Football loss to Cleveland. Johnson got fans excited about his potential with touchdown receptions in back-to-back games at the end of the season.
Still, we're only ten receptions into the young man's career. Despite the promise Johnson showed in flashes last season, it's unlikely that he'll see significant playing time this coming year with Terrell Owens, Lee Evans and Josh Reed clogging up the depth chart. Johnson needs to be on the field if he's going to improve. There may be ways to get him some reps without sacrificing field time - or even many touches - from the established vets on the roster.
Perhaps the biggest reason that fans are excited about Johnson's prospects are the clutch nature of his receptions. Clearly, ten catches is a very small sample size to be working with, but nine of those catches went for first downs. Two were scores - and they were key scores in close games (a 31-27 loss to the Jets, and a 30-23 win over the Broncos). When Johnson has been asked to make plays in important situations, he has delivered.
As BuffaloBills.com's Chris Brown notes in this Johnson video segment, the Bills are asking him to be more than just the fourth receiver next season. Before we get into that, note the significance of that statement. Johnson is likely to be on the field before draft class mate James Hardy - who, admittedly, is still recovering from an ACL tear - and ace punt returner Roscoe Parrish. That shows the type of confidence that this coaching staff has in Johnson's abilities. Brown notes that the coaches are asking Johnson to learn all four of the receiving positions on the team, as well, so it's safe to expect Johnson to be the first receiver off the bench in pretty much any situation.
Just as the Bills have used special packages to get Parrish on the field in past seasons, similar packages could be thrown together for Johnson's benefit as well. That's likely low on the priority list, however, and with Parrish still on the roster, those packages would likely be used so sparingly that they would not provide any experience benefit to Johnson.
But there's an easy way to get Johnson on the field quite frequently (and we're not talking about special teams - you'll see plenty of him there, though). At 6'2" and 202 pounds, Johnson has already shown a knack for red zone work that slot receiver Reed (5'10", 210) has lacked, for all of his stellar between-the-twenties qualities. Reed has played eight seasons in this league, and has just nine touchdowns to show for it. If the Bills want to use three receivers in the red zone, it'd be a good idea to use Johnson in the slot in place of Reed. (This is something that Bills coaches failed to do with Hardy last season, despite the fact that Hardy showed his skills in that area in a Week 2 win over Jacksonville.)
(And we humbly suggest that if a four-receiver set is required in the red zone, the other slot position go to either Fred Jackson, Shawn Nelson or Hardy. Owens, Evans, Johnson and Jackson - that would be quite difficult to stop.)
Adding red zone responsibilities to chief backup and special teams duties is quite enough to be getting on with for the second-year receiver. That's a lot on anyone's plate. Johnson can handle it, and it's the best way to ensure that the Bills are actually using one of their more promising offensive weapons and letting him grow as a player (not to mention likely increasing their red zone proficiency). It's a win-win. Cross your fingers so it happens.
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Kaiser stated at some point doing this and it was a great point. He’s got good size and seems to (at least right now) get open.
I’m a big fan of his as most are because of his production – which is great. We see the “it” factor and we also have the production that backs it up. Not in the 100 catch season with 1000yds but for the amount of snaps and games he’s played – he’s played well. Especially for his first year in the league.
More opportunities on his plate should be a good thing for our team and hopefully more TD’s in the red zone instead of Lindell’s 30 yarders.
We have some sweet sweet size there now as you point out Brian.
TO, Johnson, Hardy, Nelson, Jackson – thats some decent guys out there for D’s to try and defend. I think they did a great job of adding the talent around Trent – they got the size and the speed. Time to punch it in this year and stop settling for FG’s
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Email this to Turk
Great article, Brian. This is the kind of common sense thinking that has been missing from the team’s offensive game plans for years.
Great Idea!
As much as I value Josh Reed’s contributions as a slot receiver I think replacing him with Johnson in the red zone would provide serious match-up problems that will keep defensive coordinators up nights during weeks when they play the Bills. If this change becomes a successful reality early in the season and other teams see it on tape of the Bills it could also lead to even more opportunities late in the year through the use of decoys…that is if Turk is creative/clever enough to think of that.
I'll donate $1 to help Mary Wilson pay the estate tax...who's with me?!?
by O.J. Is My Bodyguard on Jul 17, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions
im all for this
and I think the Roscoe experiment at WR, as a Bill so far, has been unsuccessful, so having Johnson as the #4 is great. As far as red zone, if he makes strides this offseason, he definitely should #3 in the red zone. I fhe were in the slot, he’s a guy who could still cut to the corner of the endzone and make a play for a TD, and thats what we need…TDs
The Bills CAN win any game
buffalobills.com
just watched the highlights of Johnson this spring and heard Tyke say he was making the best CB’s on our defense look like chumps…get him the stinkin’ ball!
Apparently none of our CB’s can jam him at the line. McGee even flat out admitted to failing miserable at covering him. It seems that Steve just flies past anyone off the line. Something tells me that he’s been paying attention to TO.
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 18, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Something tells me he’s got talent similar to Tasker. I only hope they make more use on O of Johnson than Levy did of Tasker.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jul 18, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Well tasker was a ST stud but an average WR. And with the WR’s that we had at the time, it’s easy to understand why he was always 4th or 5th in the depth chart.
Johnson is 4th this year and should see a lot of plays in the redzone (I hope). And unlike Tasker, he’s greatly (and rapidly) improving as a WR. Johnso could be as high as 2nd of the depth chart next year if Owens walks.
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 19, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Jim Kelly lobbied Marv Levy for years to get Tasker more playing time at WR. It was Kelly’s opinion that Tasker was an exceptional WR, especially at route-running and evading press coverage, but Levy wanted him almost exclusively for ST.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jul 19, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
huh, I wasn’t aware of that. Well then lets hope that the Bills don’t do that twice.
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 19, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Johnson along with TO and Evans in 3 WR sets inside the 20 makes so much sense
I predict our team will NOT do it because it would make the games so much easier on the fan base.
Now, with the sacarasm set aside, I really think Scuba Steve if used properly as our 4th WR and the 3rd WR in the red zone would be a real smart move by the team. Yes Hardy will be back on the field probably towards the end of the season, but regardless of the player ACL repairs take close to a year for a person to fully recover from, sure you can player earlier than that, but your just NOT as good as you were till a year has gone by.
Steve needs to take advanatage of this fact, get in tons of film time with TO, Evans, and Reed and just pick their brains 24×7 on everything they got. Reed is coming up on the end of his contract, and if Steve shows he can hack the job he does, he could be on his last year here.
(443): My mom came into my room and told me to flip off the tv. I gave it the middle finger. Note to self: STOP SMOKING THIS S#!T
-textsfromlastnight.com
so who gets cut?
WE are going to cut or trade a WR b4 the season starts. I think its obvious at this point.
1.TO here for a year. mebbee longer on the rise, stand to benefit MOST from TO’s influence, so similair they are
2.Evans-entrenched
3. Reed-last year of contract, less than steller, solid non the less
4. Johnson
5. Hardy- gets a pass on potential and that whole 2nd round pick thingy
6. Parrish- Dynamite potential went untapped as a WR in Buffalo
7. Jenkins- ST stud.
I think Parrish gets moved.
You probably put a hyphen on either side of the text.
Why is it obvious that a receiver gets moved? I’m not counting on it…
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"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Jul 17, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
A fine example of why the “Preview” button is so awesome.
No night spent pantsless is a wasted night.
A fine example of why the "Preview" button is so awesome.
I wish I had the preview button in my real life…
That and the Staples “easy” button.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jul 17, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
My guess is Jenkins gets cut. He didn’t have a great season on specials last year (at least on punt coverage, I can’t speak for his blocking on returns). Jenkins was inactive for a few games late in the season and only recorded 3 tackles after having 9 in 2007. For comparison’s sake, Wendling has 23 tackles in the last two seasons.
Jenkins was pretty invisible on ST’s. I remember Stevie making more plays as the gunner than Jenkins in a much more limited role. I think that plays well into the idea of Stevie continuing in that role this year. I thought he was very underrated in that role last year.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Trade Reed or Parrish
Great article but do you think we should Trade Reed or Parrish for a Saftey so Witner can go back to strong safety? Or something else like O-Line
GO BUFFALO
Players are VERY rarely swapped for other players this time of the year. If Parrish (Reed is NOT going anywhere) is traded, it’ll be for a 2010 draft pick, likely fourth round or later.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Jul 17, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Well if Parrish were to Washington? And is there and safetys on the free agent market that would help are team
GO BUFFALO
Well for one if there was a FA safety on the market we could just grab him without any trades whatsoever.
As far as trading Parrish – it’d probably have to be a compensation deal. we’ll give you Parrish and our next years 3rd for X player.
It’d have to be someone a team is willing to get rid of (contract status usually) and would make it worth while for us because it would have to be a need position on our end – so in essense it’d have to be a quality player. Such as the Stroud trade.
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
by J2 on Jul 17, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
easy – Giants.
Parrish and 2nd for Osi. Thank you and good night!
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
by J2 on Jul 17, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
and no – they would never do that
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
by J2 on Jul 17, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ve got enough safeties as it is. What does this have to do with Steve Johnson? :)
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Jul 17, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
What does this have to do with Steve Johnson?
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm – i got nothing
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
by J2 on Jul 17, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
BG, good article. Thanks for pointing out that 9 of Johnson’s 10 catches went for 1st Downs. That wasn’t as obvious as the 2 TD number. I’d love to see Johnson get more redzone opportunities. TO, Evans and Johnson in the redzone (not to mention Lynch/Jackson/Rhoades) – can’t wait to see it!
I think they actually did give Hardy some chances in the redzone last year, but he seemed to have difficulty with the physical aspect of fighting for position / fighting for the ball (I especially remember the Rams game). He seemed to do better going across the middle, for the limited action he saw. But I’m not down on Hardy. I think with work he will add value to the team.
I would love to see the Bills get some needed compensation for Parrish, but I know it will never come in a trade at this time of year.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
Agreed
I think if someone loses a WR in camp Roscoe could get moved. It’s probably not going to happen otherwise, especially if it didn’t on draft day.
Didn’t Stevie replace Reed as one of the WR’s in the red zone already? How would you explain his two TD’s?
Against the Jets, Evans was lined up left, Stevie right, with Fine going in motion left in front of a 2 RB set.
Against Denver, Schouman and Fine were lined up as WR’s in the slot on the right, with Evans going in motion to the right, and Stevie on the left.
I know the point is putting Stevie in as the 3rd WR in the slot instead of Reed, but I think he might already be ahead of Reed as the red zone 3rd WR option…
I’d put Evans in the slot and TO and Stevie out wide if we go 3 WR…..and don’t crucify me everyone, but I’d put Stevie in ahead of Evans sometimes too. We need to take advantage of his size down there, why not replace the 5’10" Evans? Plus, wouldn’t we rather have the bigger guy on the outside for the potential fade/jumpball?
I really like Johnson and love his potential. I thought after seeing him and Hardy get reps in the preseason that he might be the better player, and definitely feel that way now. I think his future is bright, but I don’t think he’s going to have a huge impact this year. I hope we get him some opportunities though and making him one of the more prominent red zone options would really help….
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
don’t crucify me everyone, but I’d put Stevie in ahead of Evans sometimes too. We need to take advantage of his size down there, why not replace the 5’10" Evans? Plus, wouldn’t we rather have the bigger guy on the outside for the potential fade/jumpball?
No crucifixion, but a comment – Evans’ touchdown production is solid. He’s pretty good in the red zone. I mean, the dude had 24 touchdowns in his first three seasons in the league. He can put it in the paint from any point on the field. He’s even done it recently, with that sick grab against SD and his schooling of Aaron Ross against the Giants.
I realize you said “sometimes,” and I’d be OK with that. But Evans is a guy we need down close, because he can produce there.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Jul 18, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s about the size differences and the ability to throw a jump ball or fade, that is all. And sometimes doesn’t have to mean more than once or twice a game, tops. I have a feeling defenses would pay a little more attention to Evans if he were in the game, so if it’s TO and Stevie with a TE on Stevie’s side, isn’t it possible he’d have a one-on-one opportunity with no safety help nearly every time?
I’d rather see Evans in the slot too, if it’s a 3 WR set. Let him use his quickness there either running a drag or some sort of quick out…
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
I see your point. I also see Brian’s. I keep thinking about Evans’ highlight reel catch in the endzone against SD last year. But, I hear where you’re coming from.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jul 18, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I know, and that’s very understandable. I’m not saying to replace Evans in the red zone or that Johnson would be better. I’m just saying take advantage of Johnson’s size if we go with 2 WR sets down there.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
A little mixing-it-up certainly wouldn’t hurt this painfully predictable offense.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jul 18, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Mixing things up is fine and if Johnson is better at jump balls then Evans so be it, but I know that size doesn’t always translate into better jump ball skills. Laveranues Coles is (outside of Larry Fitzgerald) the best I have seen at catching the jump ball, and he is 5-11 just like Evans.
No night spent pantsless is a wasted night.
I like what I have seen from Johnson but this whole thing might be premature. This article might get some fans giddy over the prospect but Johnson could just as easily get only 10 receptions this year as opposed to earning more playing time and catches. We simply don’t have enough to say anything at this point. I hope Hardy or Johnson becomes somewhat dependable, though.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
I would like to see them both become dependable
Considering that in all likelihood, Owens will be moving on from his 1-year deal no matter what Drew Rosenhaus says.
I like what I have seen from Johnson but this whole thing might be premature.
Why is suggesting ways to get him onto the field (and, as K astutely pointed out, that’s already happened) premature?
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Jul 19, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that he ment that discussing his future sucess is a bit premature. I’m all for comming up with ways to get him on the feild though.
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 19, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Not necessarily what you said in the article...
just the annointing of Johnson as the next great Bills receiver by some around here. I like what I have seen but as you said in your article the body of work is very limited. With T.O. and Evans clearly ahead of him this year his production will probably be similar to last year’s. Barring injuries to Evans, Owens, or Reed I see him with about 10-15 catches.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jul 19, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
just the annointing of Johnson as the next great Bills receiver by some around here.
Hey welcome to my feelings about Trent as a stud QB, Poz as a stud LB, McKelvin as a great playmaker and so on!!!
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Jul 19, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When you say it you come across as pessimistic. :-) When I say it I come across and cautious.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jul 19, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, ain't that the truth..... :)
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Come on Matt.....live up to your sig :-)
"I BET YOU IF WE PUT A 12 DOZEN GLAZE DONUTS AT THE OTHER END ON KICK RETURN JAIME DUKES WILL BE OUR NUM # 1 RETURNER …… HOW YOU LIKE THEM APPLES DUKE APPLE PIE PUNKEN EATER DWINKE SMASHER DING DONG FLABER" - abayarde
I like what I have seen
That is hopeful. And maybe he is the next great Bills WR. But I just don’t see him getting more touches because of that T.O. guy.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jul 19, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
It is too soon to tell. but
I have been saying for awhile now that Johnson is one injured teammate away from grabbing a starting role, and I stand by it. I would not be shocked if he beats out Reed as early as the last preseason game. Either way, I really think Johnson will play well enough that Josh Reed will not be resigned.
"I BET YOU IF WE PUT A 12 DOZEN GLAZE DONUTS AT THE OTHER END ON KICK RETURN JAIME DUKES WILL BE OUR NUM # 1 RETURNER …… HOW YOU LIKE THEM APPLES DUKE APPLE PIE PUNKEN EATER DWINKE SMASHER DING DONG FLABER" - abayarde
Even if Johnson has a monster season, it seems the Bills would still need someone else to step up as well in order to not re-sign Reed (someone like Hardy). TO probably will not remain a Bill, so if you don’t re-sign Reed, who does that leave you with? Evans and Johson and then who? I think Hardy will also have to make huge progress for the Bills not to re-sign Reed.
"I know I'm a true receiver..." Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo Bills - May 2009
"In my heart, I know I'm funny." Lt Steven Hauk, Good Morning Vietnam - 1987
by thefourwinds on Jul 20, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Good point and don't get me wrong....I like Reed, but
If the Bills have a good year, then T.O. might be tempted to stay. If the Bills have a bad year, then chances are that T.O. is gone and we will bring in a new coach who will want “his” players. I doubt they signing Reed to a fat new deal….they will have much bigger player issues to deal with. If Reed has a monster year, maybe he will leave via FA on his own :-)
"I BET YOU IF WE PUT A 12 DOZEN GLAZE DONUTS AT THE OTHER END ON KICK RETURN JAIME DUKES WILL BE OUR NUM # 1 RETURNER …… HOW YOU LIKE THEM APPLES DUKE APPLE PIE PUNKEN EATER DWINKE SMASHER DING DONG FLABER" - abayarde
I don't see Reed coming back unless Jauron is back.
And I don’t see them overpaying for him that’s for sure.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jul 20, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
There is no shot of Johnson beating out Reed.
Reed was the safety blanket, the dependable one. If Johnson supplants Reed it is due to injury only.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jul 20, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
If Johnson supplants Reed it is due to injury only.
Or he becomes better
Remember Reeds TD production isn’t all that great – if Johnson’s is far superior to Reeds then maybe they go that route as long as he stays consistent
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
by J2 on Jul 20, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
His TD production may be better.
But everything else has not been yet. Forgive me if I don’t think Steve Johnson can step up and beat out Josh Reed, the second leading receiver from a year ago. Reed has walked the walk and Johnson hasn’t.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Jul 20, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. Reed will be on the feild for 80 yards, and Johnson should take the last 20. But theres no way that Johnson ends up ahead of Reed in the depth charts this year. I wouldn’t put it past him for next year though, but we’ll have to wait and see.
by CanadianBillsFan on Jul 21, 2009 3:34 AM EDT up reply actions
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