Photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr BY DAN BEGNOCHE
While Revis told the NY Daily News he's “not panicking because a guy got 70 yards” in their last couple meetings, Johnson told reporters Monday that he's “looking forward” to lining up against Revis on Sunday, and that he's preparing for Revis like he would any other talented defensive back in the league.“I do not do anything different than I do any other week with any other cornerback,” Johnson said. “Just play my game. Coach (Chan) Gailey gives me the freedom to play my game to the fullest. That is pretty much it. I do not do anything different or special. It is just the same thing I do every week.”
In the Jets' and Bills' last two meetings, both Jets victories, Johnson (photo right: Doug Kerr, Flickr) has totaled 11 catches for 159 yards. Eight of those catches came in their November matchup, and a majority of his numbers have come against Revis in man coverage. Buffalo will need more of the same from Johnson Sunday, as the offense has not stood out much in preseason play.
The first team did look stronger against the Lions in their final preseason game, however, as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a perfect 5-for-5 and connected with Johnson in the end zone on their first drive. Gailey said Monday he believes the offense is “on the same page and looks sharp,” and that its attack has a number of effective plays he feels can work against New York.
Buffalo's offensive attack is obviously in much better shape than in the Bills' last meeting with the Jets. New York will have to deal with a rehabbed Fred Jackson, who amassed 120 all-purpose yards in their first meeting last year, as well as a healthy receiving corps around Johnson, including newcomer T.J. Graham. Graham has gained just over 100 yards in his three preseason starts with Buffalo, including a 64-yard reception in his first appearance.
Either way, a divisional matchup in Week 1 is always going to kick things off with a bang. Johnson acknowledged the added pressure to come out on top this week, noting that a win on Sunday could mean much more down the road.
“It is a division opponent, so I guess that gives the extra urge to come out on top," Johnson. "If it was non-division it would still be big because it is kick-off but this is our division opponent. We will see them later on, who knows, we may see them for a spot in the playoffs. This is big for both of us.”
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