BALTIMORE — Josh Johnson has faced questions this offseason about whether he is a viable option as the main backup to quarterback Lamar Jackson.
After struggling against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first preseason game, Johnson had a strong performance against the Falcons on Saturday, completing 11 of 11 passes for 120 yards with a touchdown in a 13-12 victory over Atlanta in the second preseason game. He finished with a 142.4 passer rating.
Coach John Harbaugh has been steadfast in his support for Johnson.
“Josh did a great job. He got us in a few plays here and there,” Harbaugh said. “[He] had a chance to move the team down the field twice really well. [He] had the unfortunate snap – that would be the kindest word I could use to say – but that stopped the one drive, the first one, so yes. I thought Josh played well.”
Johnson is the main insurance policy in case Jackson is sidelined. Jackson missed five games in 2021 because of a knee injury and a sprained posterior cruciate ligament caused him to miss another five games in 2022. The Ravens went 2-8 over that stretch, so there is a huge void when Jackson is not in the lineup.
Johnson, 38, has played for 14 NFL teams. He is 14-25 as a starter, throwing for 2,280 yards with 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over his nine-year career. Johnson is confident that he can effectively run the Ravens’ offense.
“I think I can handle everything that’s expected of me [with] regards to the operation of the offense,” Johnson said after the Falcons game. “My style of play may not be as exciting as Lamar [Jackson], but in terms of making the plays that are necessary, I can do that.
“For me, I use my experience to my advantage. Being able to know what the defense is doing and knowing where guys should be, I know how to handle the protections and all those different things. So, I just try to make sure to bring that to practice and in the game, and every game.”
