CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr. has been a key cog in the offense over the last two years, especially with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, but over the first two weeks of the 2018 regular season, he has been limited in his opportunities.
Johnson has caught just three passes and gotten eight rushing attempts over the first two games, one of which the Browns tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the other was a three-point loss at the New Orleans Saints last Sunday.
“That ain’t my job,” Johnson said when asked if he has spoken with offensive coordinator Todd Haley about getting more opportunities. “My job is to perform, play football, to be a player. It’s their job to figure everything else out.
“I think that’s something that happens when you go from coordinator to coordinator, just trying to figure out their players and who does what and their skill sets, just the best way to get ‘em the ball. So, like I said before, just pace your way.”
In three seasons out of Miami, Johnson has rushed for 1,085 yards and five touchdowns on 259 carries, as well as turned 188 catches into 1,741 yards and five scores, and enters 2018 on the heels of a career year last fall.
Despite the Browns finishing with an 0-16 record in 2017, Johnson rushed for 348 yards and a career-best four touchdowns along with 26 first downs. Additionally, Johnson caught 74 passes for 693 yards, three touchdowns and nine 20-yard throws.
All of Johnson’s receiving statistics from 2017 were single-season career bests and the catches and receiving yards were the most on the team.
“Obviously, he is one of our better playmakers, and he has to touch the ball,” Browns coach Hue Jackson said.
“Duke is a tremendous player. We are glad he is here, and we have got to put him position to make an impact because he can. We will continue to look at different ways of getting him involved, but we will. We will get Duke going.”
Whatever opportunity Johnson gets against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday Night Football this week, he plans on making the most of them in order to help the Browns get their first victory since December 24, 2016.
“So far, so good for me mentally, just trying to push through and affect this team in different ways,” Johnson said. “If I don’t have the ball, make sure I’m pass protecting, blocking down the field, anything needed of me, special teams, whatever it is to try and help us win.
“Regardless of the stage, situation, we've got to win, find a way. We always get so close, and for whatever reason, we don't win. Whatever reason, we have to find a way to win.”
Stream Live with fuboTV -Try Free Trial
