Familiar feel for Duke Johnson
Former Browns RB to have biggerworkload inmatchup vs. old team with David Johnson not expected to play
Duke Johnson doesn’t harbor grudges or hard feelings toward the Cleveland Browns.
One year after being traded to the Texans for a thirdround draft pick after falling behind Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb on the Browns’ depth chart, Johnson is embracing his return to Cleveland on Sunday.
He won’t be in his normal complementary role, however. With starter David Johnson slated to miss the game with a concussion, Duke Johnson will instead be the Texans’ primary back.
“It’ll probably be a fun time for me, not really too emotional,” Johnson, who played fromCleveland from 2015-18, said Thursday. “The coaches (Mike Pettine, Hue Jackson, Gregg Williams and Freddie Kitchens) and the GM( John Dorsey) really is not still there. The GM now (Andrew Berry) was there when I was there, so there are still guys there that I was part of. It’ll be great just to go back and see everybody.”
A former third-round draft pick fromtheUniversity of Miami, Johnson was a productive and popular figure in Cleveland. He played in 64 games, scored 13 touchdowns, and ran for 1,286 yards while piling up 2,170 receiving yards.
In his final season with the Browns in 2018, Johnson rushed for 201 yards and caught 47 passes for 429 yards and three touchdowns while splitting time with Chubb and former Tex
ans running back Carlos Hyde.
“Whether we were winning or losing, I was always the same guy, whether it was to the media or the people in the building or the players or just being around the city,” Johnson said. “Me just being respectful regardless of who I am and what I do, just treating everybody the same. I think they love me as a person more than anything.”
Among his other memories of Cleveland, Johnson can’t forget the chill off Lake Erie.
“My memories is it’s cold,” he said.
Playing under a threeyear, $15.61 million contract
that includes $7.75 million guaranteed, Johnson will have a much heavier workload Sunday. Especially if the weather forecast of chilly, sloppy conditions holds true.
“I think I am ready, but only time will tell,” Johnson said. “I think I’ve got to go out and focus on these next couple days. Take care of my body and make sure I’m prepared mentally for every situation so I will be prepared for the game.”
With his teammate sidelined against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday, Johnson had a career-high 20 touches. He carried 16 times for 41 yards and a touchdown and caught four
passes while totaling 52 snaps on offense. The Texans earned a 27-25 victory as Johnson made some plays despite limited holes to run through.
“Duke’s a warrior,” Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. “He goes out there, and he plays hard. He’s physical. I think he only came out for two plays after David went down this past week.
“He’s out there, and he’s battling. That really hasn’t changed since he’s been here. He’s always been out there doing whatever we’ve asked him to do, and now he’s getting an opportunity for us to feature him, and I’m excited to see what he
can do on Sunday.”
Johnson has rushed for just 95 yards on 34 carries this season, a 2.8 average per run. He has caught 14 passes for 109 yards.
Johnson has an ability to avoid being tackled for a loss, though. He’s difficult to corral and has a straightforward approach to the game.
“He’s shifty,” wide receiver Brandin Cooks said. “Typically, the first man is not bringing him down. To be able to make guys miss the way that he does is awesome to see, really.”
Working in tandem with Hyde, Johnson was much more productive last year with 410 rushing yards and two touchdownruns and 44 receptions for 410yards and three touchdowns.
Getting more touches could allow Johnson to gain a rhythm.
“Yes, I think it does, just knowing that your last carry may not be your last,” Johnson said. “You’re going in, trying to take what the defense gives you and just hope that throughout the game you keep whaling on them and whaling on them and eventually one is going to bust.”
An elusive, pass-catching runner, Johnson had a career-high 74 catches for 693 yards and three touchdowns in 2017 for the Browns as he rushed for 348 yards and four touchdowns.
“I see them able to really line him up anywhere,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “When he touches the ball in space, he’s hard to get on the ground. I’ve always thought highly of him throughout his career, and I think you see them being able to utilize himinspace.”
Johnson can’t wait for this game, which should provide a showcase forwhat he can do given an entire week to be immersed in the game plan. If the weather is bad, there could be a lot of running plays called for him.
“We just have toplay it by ear, but if it does rain, I’m pretty sure my workload will go up,” Johnson said. “I prepare every week like I’m the starter. So it shouldn’t be a big deal just going out there and taking care of the football and taking care of the team.”