If everything you knew or saw about Josh Johnson came from Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, you’d think the Ravens’ quarterback unit was in great shape.
In an 11-for-11 preseason performance, Johnson threw some brilliant plays. He found a good connection with Anthony Miller to keep attacks alive. He hit Tylan Wallace mid-run on a lateral route for a 31-yard gain. He hit Owen Wright at the goal line, giving the running back a chance to jump on the pylon and score a touchdown.
It was a controlled, steady performance from the 38-year-old, whom the Ravens are trusting to replace Lamar Jackson this season. “It feels good to do that,” Johnson said, referring to a rebound from an ugly 4-for-12 opening game in the preseason.
But it hasn’t changed my mind. I still don’t think having Johnson and Devin Leary behind the two-time MVP is a satisfactory solution for Baltimore.
I’ll admit that the question of a backup quarterback is probably low on the priority list this preseason for a team figuring out its starting offensive line and replacing key players in the defensive front seven. But any team hoping to go far this season — and especially a team that has an off week in December like the Ravens — needs to give serious thought to who will step in at quarterback when the starter is out.
I’ve been surprised by how many observers I’ve argued with about the subject think it’s a moot point. The Ravens’ ambitions, the general consensus is, will live and die with Jackson. If he’s injured, the season is beyond saving anyway, I’ve heard.
But there are degree Injury. Jackson missed five regular season games in 2021 and 2022, in which the Ravens lost 1-4 and 2-3, respectively.
What if Jackson missed four games? Six? Could the team handle that? Could the Ravens reach a .500 percent record and keep their playoff hopes alive?
Watching the Ravens during training camp, I was convinced that this team is resilient. I think the defense, led by a particularly talented secondary, will once again be one of the best in the NFL. On offense, with Derrick Henry in the backfield and Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews at receiver, there is enough talent to provide a capable backup for a short period of time.
But I haven’t seen enough to believe Johnson, who was third in the pecking order behind Tyler Huntley last year, is that guy.
Aside from his perfect completion percentage on Saturday, Johnson hasn’t had a memorable training camp. He’s intercepted a lot of balls. His arm isn’t particularly strong. He moves well for a 38-year-old, but he’s not particularly agile. He was also run over for a sack on the drive to start the game, losing 12 yards.
That’s not to say Johnson is out of the running, though, as he seems to be well-liked in the locker room and respected by his coaches for his professionalism. The Baltimore Sun published an analysis last week that praised Johnson’s accomplishments. When asked about Johnson’s most important attributes, offensive coordinator Todd Monken cited his preparation.
“First of all, Josh does a great job of preparing,” Monken said. “He’s the consummate professional – that’s why he’s been in the NFL so long.”
But being a pro and performing in games aren’t the same thing, and for all his experience, Johnson hasn’t played much, let alone won much. Johnson’s career record as a quarterback in the regular season is 1-8, and he’s made just two NFL starts since 2018 (including one for the Ravens in 2021, a 41-21 loss to the Bengals).
Has Johnson become a better quarterback as he’s gotten older? At this point, that would be a surprise.
Leary hasn’t impressed either, which can be attributed largely to the scouting report available after his college career. His throwing accuracy is inconsistent. It was disappointing that he only managed one drive on Saturday, as we haven’t seen him much in NFL competition. If the Ravens need to throw him into the fire, some seasoning would be needed.
The best argument that the Ravens could use a better replacement is the selection of players they would trade around the league. In the division, Cincinnati’s Jake Browning, Cleveland’s Jameis Winston and Pittsburgh’s Justin Fields seem better suited for the task than Johnson or Leary.
Even some of the league’s best quarterbacks have experienced backups. Kansas City has Carson Wentz, Buffalo has Mitch Trubisky and Philadelphia has Kenny Pickett – none of them are special, but all have more experience as NFL starters than any of the Ravens’ backups.
I don’t think the Ravens negligent of their backup quarterbacks, but they definitely took a risk. With little room under the salary cap (largely due to their starter’s contract), they looked to save some money at this point. They let Huntley, who would have cost more to keep, go this offseason, and a reunion seems unlikely even if Huntley misses the cut in Cleveland.
The move is logical. With his experience and leadership off the field, Johnson can help the team without having to take a snap. But it would feel awkward if he had to take a snap at all.
It’s worth wondering if Ryan Tannehill, who played with Henry at Tennessee, or perhaps one of the quarterbacks released in the next few weeks, could be a more attractive option. Perhaps even someone further down the rankings could be a transfer target — someone like Atlanta quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who will start this season behind Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.
Still, it seems unlikely that the Ravens will make any dramatic changes before the season begins. Coach John Harbaugh reiterated his confidence in the Ravens’ quarterbacks on Saturday. “Josh has done a great job,” he said.
Hopefully, assuming Jackson stays as healthy as he was last year, that won’t matter. Johnson knows how to play a role behind the scenes. In very short periods, such as his first half against the Falcons, he can be effective.
“They know I can handle whatever is expected of me offensively,” he said. “My style of play is not as exciting as Lamar’s — nobody’s is — but when it comes to making the plays that need to be made.”
Johnson did that on Saturday, acquitting himself well against Atlanta’s secondary. But when it comes to preparing for Sundays, Johnson and Leary leave a lot to be desired if the worst ever happens.
