The running game showed some badly needed and long-awaited signs of life, mostly in the form of Kerryon Johnson. He had a team-high 67 yards from scrimmage, 34 of which came on seven carries. That's a fine debut, yet some of his best moments aren't reflected in the box score.
In the third quarter, Johnson stiff-armed one defender, then crossed-over another in the open field for a 57-yard run. It didn't count because of a Tyrell Crosby penalty, and that doesn't matter. This team is just trying to accumulate some talent in the backfield, and Johnson already looks the part.
Related players: Ameer Abdullah, LeGarrette Blount
The story said all three backs averaged at least 4.0 yards per carry. Abdullah continues to look good and is having a nice camp, we've reported over the last week. Some who follow the team feel Abdullah will make the squad as a fourth back, but Johnson is expected to be the star of the backfield as the season goes on with Theo Riddick the pass-catcher and Blount the change-of-pace and short-yardage back.
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