QB Johnson hoping to hang on with Steelers

QB Johnson hoping to hang on with Steelers
The Associated Press
Posted: Monday, August 27, 2012 11:30 pm
Mike Bires

PITTSBURGH – Jerrod Johnson is in no hurry to embark on a career as a gym teacher. He first wants to make a living by throwing a football.

At this stage of the preseason, it’s hard to gauge if Johnson has what it takes to make it long-term in the NFL. But on the bright side, he’s making the most of his chances so far as the Steelers’ fourth-team quarterback.

“Some of the other coaches and I were just talking about Jerrod,” offensive coordinator Todd Haley said Monday after practice. “In the preseason games he’s played, he’s obviously played against third-team and fourth-team guys. But among his peers, he’s playing as well as anyone at those points in those games.”

After three preseason games, the Steelers (2-1) have gotten strong performances from all their QBs. They’ve combined for a league-high 116.5 passer rating. The only other team over 100 is the Washington Redskins at 102.1.

(Read More:) http://www.timesonline.com/sports/steelers/qb-johnson-hoping-to-hang-on-with-steelers/article_90ff24d5-eb12-57d4-8e82-20c219f81c85.html

i hope he makes the team. it would be nice to have a back up qb under 50 years of age

I am not sure he is even better than Dennis dixon was for the Steelers. Having said that, kind-of hard to get excited about him, other than his age.

Johnson has a strong, accurate arm when healthy. That's already a tenfold improvement on Dixon. Jerrod Johnson reminds me of Steve McNair. He can run, he can pass, and he's built like Roethlisberger. Welcome to the forum, by the way.

Welcome to the board, S>NFL!

I haven't seen much from Johnson yet. He looked great in one pre-season game, but absolutely horrendous in another. The jury's still out, but he showed some potential. I think with a little seasoning on the practice squad, J.J. could be a serviceable backup minimally.

It's no secret we need to get some youth at QB soon. Batch may be done after training camp, Lefty is getting older, and so is Ben. Lefty is often injured and Ben has taken a beating in his career. Sooner or later we'll need somebody else to rely on in an emergency. Johnson could be the answer. I think he looks better than Dixon. Much better arm and presence.

vasteeler wrote:

i hope he makes the team. it would be nice to have a back up qb under 50 years of age

That's a shocker I always thought Batch was....wait for it.....69

vasteeler wrote:

i hope he makes the team. it would be nice to have a back up qb under 50 years of age

Wait a minute, Leftwich is only 49. It would be nice to have Batch's grandson ( I mean Johnson) around.