D'Ernest Johnson probably will revert from season-saving star to backup running back Sunday as Nick Chubb is expected to return from a two-game layoff. (Cleveland Browns)
D’Ernest Johnson’s joy is in inspiring others to never quit
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Takeaways from Browns practice and interviews …
As the legend of D’Ernest Johnson grows, fans are getting to know more about the mahi mahi-fisherman-turned-running back as he makes the media rounds.
Johnson’s 146-yard season-saving game against Denver resulted in his first visit to the FirstEnergy Stadium post-game media room late Thursday night. He had an encore appearance in front of media prior to practice a week later.
Johnson’s “trust the process” spirit has inspired his teammates and people beyond Browns fans. He was voted FedEx Ground Player of the Week in online balloting by fans.
Johnson’s story of begging his way onto the Orlando Apollos of the defunct Alliance of American Football as a No. 3 back has captivated everyone since his big game.
He had tryouts with the Patriots and Packers before the Browns called and invited him to their 2019 rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. He was signed after that and then got his big break when former GM John Dorsey traded disgruntled Duke Johnson to Houston in August.
At the same time, Dorsey knew that Kareem Hunt was facing an 8-game NFL suspension to the start the season. Johnson made the team mostly on special teams but also as an emergency back.
Johnson’s monster game Thursday night improved his career rushing average to 5.5 yards per attempt with 344 yards on 62 carries in parts of his three seasons. He'll probably return to a backup role Sunday against the Steelers, but this time No. 2 to Nick Chubb, who is expected to return from a two-game layoff with a calf injury.
Johnson's engaging personality has been as refreshing as his out-of-nowhere success.
To wit:
* On whether his life has changed: “I mean, there’s still a lot more I have to do. It’s good everybody notices the hard work I put in, but I still got a lot more work to do.”
* On his reported 40-yard dash time of 4.81 at his University of South Florida pro day: “Man … oh my God. I don’t know about that 4.8. I don’t know what happened that day. 4.8. I know I’m a lot faster than that. Linemen run 4.8.”
* On Chubb: “That’s my guy. Nick, he’s my best friend. We clicked real good this offseason and in the past. Nick’s a great guy, he’s a great person. He’s my brother.”
* On his ability to inspire the reticent Chubb to talk: “I don’t know, Nick’s just comfortable around me. He talks more with me than anybody else.”
* On plans to celebrate his next touchdown: “Hopefully I can get the team together and just toss them the ball and I can just act like I’m reeling in a fish. Hopefully I can get them to do that. That would be something nice.”
* On what his experience has taught him: “I’m just thankful to be here. I knew when I did get my shot I would make the most of it and not take it for granted. Because I know how it feels being away from football and not being able to play the game you love. I embrace everything. I’m embracing the media.”
* On inspiring others: “It’s been crazy. A lot of people been DM’ing me and writing me and telling me how I’m an inspiration to them, how I motivate them to keep going and not give up when you get turned down. That’s the biggest thing. I just try to inspire everyone that no matter what, don’t take the word ‘no’ for anything. Just keep pushing because eventually something crazy’s gonna happen.”
Baker update
Baker Mayfield was the only player wearing full shoulder pads, as he tries to acclimate throwing with a different, stronger harness than the first one to keep his left shoulder from popping out again.
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt opined that Mayfield adjusted well to the stronger harness at Wednesday’s practice and threw with the same velocity.
“There was nothing at practice that looked different,” Van Pelt said. “Obviously it’s maybe a little stronger to keep it in place.”
Coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t available to media on Thursday and Van Pelt wasn’t going to speculate on whether Mayfield was on track to return to the starting job against Pittsburgh after missing the Denver game.
Van Pelt did say that backup Case Keenum has gotten more reps than usual, but Mayfield has been operating the No. 1 offense.
“I think he’s feeling OK right now,” Van Pelt said of Mayfield. “He’s mentally as tough as anybody I’ve been around. I love his attitude.”
Receiver Jarvis Landry said, “He’s been fighting to get back, trying to do everything possible, literally, to get back. It’s good to see him back out here, throwing balls around. Still taking it day by day. It’s an ongoing process. He’s handling it the right way, like a pro.”
Brownie bits
Defensive coordinator Joe Woods said he’s talked to Myles Garrett about not letting non-calls by officials frustrate him. “It is the NFL. It happens every week,” Woods said. “He just said something to me earlier, and I was like ‘Hey [with a shrug].’ They are going to hold you. That is the NFL. The same thing with DBs – receivers push, and we grab. How many flags are you going to throw? He will be fine.” …
Chase McLaughlin’s 52-yard field goal into the Dawg Pound end zone Thursday night made him 4-for-4 on kicks of 50+ yards. McLaughlin’s only miss in 11 total tries was a block by Denver for which special teams coordinator Mike Priefer took the blame for not adequately preparing defensive tackle Andrew Billings, who filled in on the field goal protection team during an offensive linemen shortage. “He has now allowed us to use him as a weapon for our football team,” Priefer said of McLaughlin. “He has made some big kicks for us.” …
Van Pelt grew up in Pittsburgh as a Steelers fan, played collegiately at Pitt and then was drafted by the Steelers in the eighth round in 1993. He never got to play for his hometown team, though, because coach Bill Cowher cut him rather than keep him as QB3 behind Neil O’Donnell and Mike Tomczak. “I was a rookie that didn’t deserve to make the team at that time. I just moved on and kept working,” he said. “No grudges held. Now my wife, she holds grudges.” …
Not practicing Thursday were cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring), receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin), defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (ankle, groin, knee) and safety Richard LeCounte (discipline).
