DMN Blog: Curtis Johnson expects to be ready

[WoodysGirl]

9:18 AM Thu, Sep 24, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips

When the Cowboys claimed Curtis Johnson off waivers from Indianapolis, they knew it would take time for him to be ready to go because of a hamstring injury and an adjustment to a new position (outside linebacker from defensive end).

It looks like Johnson will be ready this week. Wade Phillips said the worry now isn't Johnson's injury but how much he knows about the defense. I would say this - tell him to rush the passer.

We'll have something posted later today about the loss of Greg Ellis and what it has meant to the defense, but the Cowboys are hoping Johnson can become that third pass rusher. Like Phillips said last week, Johnson has a sack in an NFL game (he had one last year for the Colts) and Victor Butler and Steve Octavien don't.

"I'm learning week by week," Johnson said of the adjustment. "I'm going from having a chance to take a mental rep in practice to getting a rep on the field. That's the easiest way to learn."

There is a question as to how you get Johnson to the 45-man roster. Well, if Marion Barber can't play, that's a way. Maybe you sub him in for Butler or Octavien or maybe he would replace safety Marvin White, who has been a special teamer through two weeks and go with three safeties and a swing guy in Alan Ball.


Comments (0) Leave comment | E-mail entry

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

gotta have him...Spencer was GASSED on that last possesion against the Giants. There were plays where he never even moved after he got off the ball. Where is the coaching staff when this happens. You would have been better off with Bowen or Hatcher in a situation like this. THAT IS 100% on the coaches.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think he takes Marvin White's spot. Wade said when we brought him in that they wanted the bigger safety because he was taking a LB's spot on special teams.

Excited to see CuJo play.

 

[WoodysGirl]

DC.COM

New Linebacker Johnson "About Ready"
Posted by rphillips at 9/24/2009 6:05 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com

Curtis Johnson might not be on the 45-man game-day roster Monday night, but Wade Phillips said his new outside linebacker looks fully recovered from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since preseason.

Johnson continues to have full participation in practice, and his presence would give the defense another experienced pass-rusher in sub-packages. Johnson played defensive end in Indianapolis and is transitioning to outside linebacker.

Right now rookie Victor Butler and Steve Octavien are the backup outside guys. The Cowboys hope Johnson can bolster the depth there -- maybe not this week, but soon.

-Rob

Comments (29) | Permanent Link

 

[dbair1967]

If he plays, hopefully he can help. I just dont see it happening though. Not this yr anyway.

My faith in Wade as a DC is dropping like a brick in water.

 

[BAT]

I think he takes Butler's spot, or one of the OL. Need Octavien on ST, same as Johnson. A little too early to expect much from Johnson on D, but you never know until you try, he couldn't do much worse than what Butler and Octavien are doing, or not doing.

 

[big dog cowboy]

If he can make any kind of impact I'm not expect it until after the bye week.

 

[Hostile]

I think people will really like this kid's energy and fire.

 

[dillinger319]

I think people will really like this kid's energy and fire.

Lord knows we need a ton of that on defense....

 

[masomenos]

Can someone explain who this guy is, where he came from and why I should be excited?

 

[SLATEmosphere]

I think people will really like this kid's energy and fire.

I'll support those players any day of the week.

Which is why Marion and Ratliff are my favorite Dallas Cowboys.

 

[Coakleys Dad]

Im looking forward to seeing him on the field.

 

[Hostile]

Can someone explain who this guy is, where he came from and why I should be excited?

Well, first of all I think you have a right to be excited about any player who is one the team. They are on the team to hopefully try and help the team win. I am not a fan of Cory Procter, but he's trying his level best to help the team win. I know this, even if I think he falls short.

Regarding who Curtis Johnson is, he's a kid from a small school who played big. Similar to a Charles Haley (No, I am not comparing him to him. Obligated to explain that.) in that he played bigger than the school he attended. He played LB at Clark Atlanta. Was an undrafted free agent rookie signing by Indianapolis, but did not fit the Colts blueprint so he was released and the Cowboys scooped him up because he does fit ours, even if as a backup or on a limited basis.

Here's a blurb about him as a diamond in the rough kind of prospect.

Johnson is not as instinctive as Porter in locating the ball and will need to totally revamp his pass drop and coverage skills, but he has a violent hand punch to overpower big blockers and a good burst off the edge to be a superb edge rusher. His strong hands have seen him have good success dislodging ballcarriers from the ball. With his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield, he will bring instant value in pass-rushing situations. He is also a very capable coverage defender on special teams. The big thing here will be getting Johnson a patient coach. Doing so could unearth a Pro Bowler before long. He was tried at both inside and outside linebacker in postseason all-star action and held up very well on the edge. The mental aspect of playing inside will be too much for him to grasp at this early stage of his possible shift to a stand-up defender from one with his hand on the ground. Look for Johnson to become the first noteworthy CAU product since former NFL fullback Chuck Evans (1993-2000), who was drafted in the 11th round in 1992.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

LINK

Posted by rphillips at 9/24/2009 6:05 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com

Curtis Johnson might not be on the 45-man game-day roster Monday night, but Wade Phillips said his new outside linebacker looks fully recovered from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since preseason.

Johnson continues to have full participation in practice, and his presence would give the defense another experienced pass-rusher in sub-packages. Johnson played defensive end in Indianapolis and is transitioning to outside linebacker.

Right now rookie Victor Butler and Steve Octavien are the backup outside guys. The Cowboys hope Johnson can bolster the depth there -- maybe not this week, but soon.

-Rob

 

[dmq]

gotta have him...Spencer was GASSED on that last possesion against the Giants. There were plays where he never even moved after he got off the ball. Where is the coaching staff when this happens. You would have been better off with Bowen or Hatcher in a situation like this. THAT IS 100% on the coaches.

Reminds me of the many times I have seen Ware so gassed that he couldn't rush the passer. At what point don't you think that a fresh player is a much better option?