People around here are thinking Stevie Johnson could do big things in the Chargers' offense. The ex-Bills and Niners wideout is already simpatico with QB Philip Rivers. And with Antonio Gates suspended for the first four weeks, Johnson will be an integral moving part who could line up in the slot, out wide, wherever.
"His track record speaks for itself," Rivers said. "He had three 1,000 yard seasons in Buffalo, and those don't just happen by accident. So already, knowing that, I was excited. But you're always also a little bit apprehensive, because you don't know how quickly it's going to come together, and sometimes it takes more time."
Rivers said, however, that him and Johnson have connected quickly. "Even in OTAs and especially in the first 10 days of camp we've had a lot of things come that are trust-building plays and things that happen where he made a great catch and I threw it in a spot where it's got to be you or nobody, or something where we both felt it in the red zone and felt a void and knew I would do that," Rivers said. "Those kinds of things give you confidence, and he's been really good."
Johnson has earned high marks from Mike McCoy and Tom Telesco also thus far, and looks like he might be a big part of the offense.
From 2010 to 2012, Johnson was one of the most consistent receivers in football, posting at least 76 catches, 1,004 yards and six touchdowns in three straight seasons. In PPR formats, he was the #10, #16 and #18 receiver in those seasons. The Chargers lost Eddie Royal, so there are targets to be had, especially with TE Antonio Gates suspended for the first four games. Johnson is having a good camp, so it appears that he’ll play ahead of retiring wideout Malcom Floyd.
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