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Photo by Patrick A. Patterson
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In 2008 Chris Johnson emerged from obscurity following the release of DeAngelo Hall to become a top teir cornerback. It is hard enough for anyone to be on the other side of Nnamdi Asomiugha, but Johnson accepted the challenge of being the guy with the bullseye and thrived.
He knows that his success in 08 only means that he will be tested even more. He welcomes that challenge, and despite entering the offseason for the first time in his career knowing that he is going to be a starter is working as hard as ever.
"I am going to work the same and even harder."
With Asomugha's reputation ensuring that most teams don't even look his way, the pressure will again be on Johnson to make plays, knowing that balls are going to be coming his way.
"I know guys are really going to come after me this year, so I got to work even harder."
Johnson tied for the team lead in interceptions with three, despite only starting half the games, and having been not even active for most of the games prior to being named the starter. The interceptions don't fully tell the story of what he brings to the table for the Raiders. He is a legitimate defender opposite of Asomugha, that teams will have to account for.
The Raiders expected to get that by trading for the former Pro Bowler Hall. However, after Hall was burnt early and often, he was shown the door at midseason, leaving the door open for the journeyman Johnson to get his opportunity.
Johnson seized his chance by blanketing receivers and making it known that he was not an easy mark. In addition to the interceptions, he also recorded 12 passes defensed and 35 tackles. He is not only good in coverage, but he is not afraid to come up on run support and make the play.
Not sure whether it is deference to Asomugha's reputation of never being thrown on or in appreciation of his own skilss, Johnson predicted that he would have more picks than his All Pro teammate. Now, that is confidence.
Comments
The duo of Nnamdi & CJ this yr is goin to b solid & will b the best tandem. Defenses will pick their poison & that will b CJ cuz no one will throw at Nnamdi. Cj will hold his own & will make teams throw underneath to TE's, RB's & slot WR's. Our LB's & safties will have to make plays, and will. 09 AFC West Champs! Raidaz All Day.
CJ was the most unexpected surprise for me last year. I thing that guys is damn good especially the way he leaps for the ball! With 2 shutdown corners, all opposing teams can do is run!
CJ can play. He is 1/2 the reason Hall was released. We knew we had someone better, and saw him every day in practice.
Hey Pat, MARK MY WORDS!!
If the Raiders go above .500 next season in wins and CJ does as well or better as he did last year, this DUO OF NMANDI AND CJ WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE BEST (IF NOT THE BEST) CORNERBACK DUO that the Raiders have ever boasted.
That means passing the likes of Hayes, Haynes, Woodson, Brown and all the others that have preceded them and have gone on to make history. That says alot.
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