Miles
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- Mar 18, 2019
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“I was the guy in the middle just reading the quarterback,” Johnson said. “I was able to just read him, follow him, watch his eyes. He looked to my left, I thought he was going to throw it, he came scurrying back and looked to the right, so I started scanning back to the right, and the ball was there.”
Johnson picked off Rivers to record his first career interception. Without those two plays, the Broncos’ 17-0 lead could have been 17-14.
“I think he has the ability to be an NFL linebacker,” Head Coach Vic Fangio said. “I thought he played well today, at times. I know he had some flash plays, because even I noticed them from my vantage point. Obviously, the big pick in the end zone, saved three points minimum, maybe seven. He had a chance for another pick. A.J. has good hands, he usually catches that. I’m not surprised he played well. He just has to be a guy that limits the negative plays, too. I’m very happy for him.”
Johnson’s preparation to start against the Chargers began with a week of practice on the first-team defense. He had to learn a little more, but he embraced his responsibilities, and the results showed on Sunday.
“That was a big thing, getting reps with defense on the first team,” Johnson said. “[I was] just preparing myself as usual, as I take any week: watch film, go over plays. I got hit with a whole bunch of new stunts and new calls I had to learn this week. And I had to learn them. Obviously I made a few mistakes out there, but I’m definitely excited to go back and correct myself on those mistakes and get better as a player.”
Whether Johnson will start more games likely depends on the status of injured linebacker Josey Jewell, but it’s clear that at the very least the Broncos have a reserve they can rely on, someone eager to welcome any trials that he may face.
“I want to take on a challenge,” Johnson said. “When stuff’s easy, it don’t make you better. Anybody can do easy.”