Patrick Johnson has a knack for preseason plays
Last year in the preseason opener, Patrick Johnson had a strip-sack and fumble recovery with 10 seconds left that allowed Jake Elliott the opportunity to kick the game-winner in Baltimore.
It wasn’t quite as dramatic on Thursday night, almost a year later to the day, but Johnson came up with another game-changing takeaway.
With 55 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Johnson, lined up to the blind side of Jake Browning, beat rookie tackle Jalen Rivers for what appeared to be a sack. But a penalty wiped out the play.
On the next snap, Johnson tipped Browning’s pass thrown in his direction and managed to come up with the interception. ShunDerrick Powell scored early in the fourth quarter to give the Eagles a 34-17 lead.
“I was able to get my hand on the football and actually be able to finish the play,” Johnson said. “I had my sack right before that kind of got taken away, so in my head I was thinking it might just be a sign to make another play. The ball was thrown right over my head, I was able to get a hand on it, and I was really trying to crib it (score a touchdown), but I got caught pretty quick.”
Johnson earned a spot on the 53-man roster a year ago, played in the season opener, then was waived and claimed by the Giants, where he spent the rest of the season. He returned this offseason to make more plays like the ones he made on Thursday.
“Going to Year 5, I have a lot to prove,” Johnson said. “I love the city, love the people, love the coaches, the front office, and staff. For me to come out here for the first preseason game, I was excited to make some plays.” – Chris McPherson