| I saw where Phil Williams, the agent for QB Brad
Johnson, said his client would be interested in joining the Miami Dolphins. Johnson will
become an unrestricted free agent March 2, and he should have his pick of several teams to
quarterback next season. In spite of his ties to the state of Florida — Johnson was
a four-year letterman at Florida State — Johnson does not belong there. He belongs in
Baltimore, where he would be reunited with the coach who helped turn him into a Pro Bowler
in 1999 — Ravens head coach Brian Billick.
Johnson spent seven seasons in Minnesota with Billick, who was the Vikings’
offensive coordinator from 1994 to ’98. Under Billick’s tutelage, Johnson grew
from a ninth-round draft pick into the Vikings’ starting quarterback in ’96.
Though injuries prevented him from completing a 16-game season, Johnson proved himself as
a quality signalcaller.
A stint with the Ravens could take Johnson to another level.
Like most quarterbacks, Johnson needs a solid supporting cast to succeed. He had one in
Minnesota, and he had one during his first season with the Redskins, his Pro Bowl year.
Last year, though, Johnson fell apart. He didn’t have the support of team owner
Daniel Snyder, and injuries ravaged his offensive line and WR corps.
This isn’t to say that Johnson can’t suffer a similar fate in Baltimore.
After all, no one can predict injuries. But Johnson would have the complete support of
Ravens owner Art Modell, not to mention Billick. Johnson also would have TE Shannon Sharpe
in his arsenal, as well as speedy WRs Travis Taylor and Qadry Ismail, among others.
It’s a perfect match. Forget about Miami. Sure, the weather’s nice —
real nice, in fact. But aside from RB Lamar Smith, what serious pass-catching weapons do
the Dolphins have? The team is devoid of a true No. 1 wideout, and none of the receivers
scare a defense. Though the Dolphins received more production from their TE position late
in the season, none of their tight ends can hold a candle to Sharpe.
Oh, and did I mention the Ravens won the Super Bowl last season?
Johnson could take a Ravens passing game that finished 22nd in the league
and make it a top-10 unit — easily. RB Jamal Lewis would help take the pressure off
Johnson, and Johnson’s smart, steady game would do the rest.
I know the Ravens have 14 unrestricted free agents to attend to, one of them being LB
Jamie Sharper, a key cog in the Ravens’ top-notch defense. But they can only rely on
that defense for so long. They must address their offense.
What better way than reuniting Johnson with Billick? |
