Cardinals’ defense receives a big boost heading into Week 5 vs. Titans
Rookie cornerback Will Johnson is expected to play after missing time.
The Arizona Cardinals are looking to bounce back from Week 4’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and fortunately for them, they get a great opportunity to do just that in Week 5 against the hapless Tennessee Titans.
The Cardinals are currently 8.5-point favorites, which makes sense considering how bad the Titans are and the additional fact they’re playing at home. However, their odds of winning this week’s game just got a lot better thanks to Sunday morning’s news.
Rookie cornerback Will Johnson is expected to play in Week 5
Per the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Johnson should play against the Titans after missing the last two games with a groin injury. The former Wolverine hurt his groin in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers and was listed as questionable on the final injury report after limited practice sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Johnson was projected as a Top-10 draft pick, but injury questions caused him to fall into Round 2. He could become the steal of the draft in a few years if he can stay healthy, but that clearly hasn’t been the case just four games into his pro career.
He’s been impressive when he’s been on the field. Per Pro Football Focus, Johnson is tied with fellow rookie corner Jacob Parrish for the eighth-best coverage grade at 77.8. He leads all qualifying corners with at least 87 coverage snaps in forced incompletion percentage (36%), and his four pass break-ups are tied for second-most. Opposing QBs average a 66.7 rating when throwing his way, as well, which is a top-20 mark among qualifying corners.
The Titans’ offense, especially the passing attack, is pretty anemic. Rookie Elic Ayomanor has easily been the bright spot as he leads all Titans receivers with 12 receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns, so far. Veteran Calvin Ridley has made some plays, but has struggled with drops while continuing to try to develop chemistry with Cam Ward.
Regardless, Johnson’s presence should help the Cardinals take care of business and move to 3-2 on the season.
