Tim Berbenich, a coaching analyst for the Los Angeles Rams, would joke about with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as he strolled through the team’s Inglewood, California, facilities. One of the jokes, which may have been intended for laughs, actually conveyed a deeper meaning: Berbenich loved safety John Johnson. “Tim Berbenich jokes a lot about how ‘JJ’ is his favorite player on the football team,” Morris remarked on Dec. 7. “Because of his calming presence, his unique way.” Morris and Berbenich are no longer with us. Johnson might be as well. They might get back together shortly.
As the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Morris was followed by Berbenich, who assumed the position of pass game specialist along with extra game management duties. After spending a year in Los Angeles, Johnson had previously spent two seasons with the Cleveland Browns and four more with the Rams. Currently, Johnson is a free agent. Johnson brings a plethora of experience and production to the table with 103 games played and 88 starts. In three seasons, he recorded at least 100 tackles, collected 14 interceptions, and participated in a range of offensive schemes. Johnson, 27, has also received praise for his moral integrity. Why? He resembles another person of great character who is already well-known in Atlanta. Morris remarked, “He’s really similar to me.” “In the most solemn occasions when he can be who he truly is, even if he does laugh occasionally and still mean it while taking what he’s saying seriously. However, everyone is aware of how terrible the situation is and how urgently we need to take action.” Johnson was not on the field under Morris during his first season with the Rams. It wasn’t until Johnson came back last summer that their paths crossed. Morris tried to put too much on Johnson’s plate too soon since he knew he was a talented player. But Johnson took off as soon as he cognitively grasped the plan and physically got back into form. Under Morris, Johnson participated in all 17 games, making eight starts, totaling 42 tackles and two interceptions. Even better, he proved to be a seasoned leader and “glue guy” for Los Angeles’ inexperienced secondary, working well with Jordan Fuller. “His communication skills go that way, whether he’s talking with Jordan [or] with a younger player,” Morris stated on December 7. “He just brings a certain calming presence that those veterans and those guys that have been there, done that before bring to the table.”The important thing in those rooms when those guys are having a good time is that he’s having a lot of fun. They assume positions of leadership. They accept responsibility, and he has done so in a kind manner.” Johnson launched himself into the task of getting to know the new players in the Rams’ secondary, many of whom are in either their first or second season. He would find himself in a similar predicament in Atlanta, where two second-year players, DeMarcco Hellams and Clark Phillips III, third-year cornerback Dee Alford, and fourth-year safety Richie Grant, are in charge of a young bunch led by mid-tier veterans, cornerback A.J. Terrell and safety Jessie Bates III. Besides Bates, an All-Pro the previous season, the Falcons, who have over $37 million in cap space, have a question mark next their starting safety. There are many well-known safety prospects available, including Justin Simmons, a former star player for the Denver Broncos, who is eager to sign with another team. However, Bates received a large salary from Atlanta last year when he signed a four-year, $64.02 million contract. This offseason, Terrell is likely to receive a substantial extension from the team. Related: Rams LB in Free Agency is linked to the Falcons Therefore, Morris might want to go down a less expensive, veteran-laden path; if he does, Johnson is a viable choice who is well-versed in the culture Morris wishes to create. “On November 22, Morris stated, ‘He’s exactly where he needs to be. “Picking him up in the offseason was a blessing for us.”
