In a surprise move, the New York Giants released linebacker Jasper Brinkley to add quarterback Josh Johnson to their roster. Here’s how Johnson fared this preseason.
After initially electing to keep eight linebackers on their active roster, the New York Giants chose to move on from one, veteran Jasper Brinkley.
Brinkley’s release paved the way for the Giants to add competition for the backup quarterback job. Current number two-man Ryan Nassib will now have to compete with 30-year old Josh Johnson to retain his backup gig.
Nassib did not fare well on the field this preseason.
While the hope was he would put forth a strong preseason campaign allowing New York to explore his trade value, that never materialized. He finished the preseason with a mere 41.3 completion percentage (31 for 75), missing his receivers consistently on potential big plays. The former Syracuse signal caller totaled three touchdowns to three interceptions for just 379 yards over the four games. He was also sacked nine times and fumbled five.
Johnson’s 2016 preseason narrative was entirely different. With the Baltimore Ravens, he threw one touchdown to zero interceptions on a 71.9 (41 for 57) competition percentage. Johnson amassed 365 yards through the air while picking up 87 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
He did fumble twice and was sacked four times, but Johnson’s highlights outweighed his miscues:
Nope. Nope. Nope.
You CANNOT let Josh Johnson get out of the pocket. Touchdown ? #BALvsNO https://t.co/Ep1ZF7rIUe
— NFL (@NFL) September 2, 2016
In Tony Romo‘s absence, the Giants will square off against mobile quarterback Dak Prescott in their week one matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Having a mobile gunslinger like Johnson running the scout team offense will give a great look for Big Blue’s defense.
Meanwhile, Nassib’s job remains far from safe. The team’s former fourth-round selection has shown flashes but was a huge let down this preseason. Expect Johnson to legitimately compete for the backup job.
