When the Lions signed seventh-year wide receiver 
“Being a leader doesn’t always entail being a ‘rah-rah’ guy and giving speeches,” said Johnson.
“I think leading by example and doing things right: knowing your assignments and being able to go out there and pride yourself on not making mistakes. I think that’s what I’ve come in to do and also to help guys with little things that are going to make a big difference, especially things in the game as far their technique.”
In particular, Johnson has complimented third-year pro
“I think we pose a huge threat on the outside, being bigger guys that are able to run routes and are able to block and help in the running game,” said Johnson. “I think those are definitely things that we bring to the table on the outside that poses threats to defenses.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
Through the first two games of the regular season, Johnson caught just four receptions for 45 yards.
But in game three against the Redskins, he proved his ability as an impact player as he caught four passes for 73 yards, including an impressive 24-yard catch in the end zone.
“Bryant and other guys – having other people touching the ball in the passing game is big because no offense can be one-dimensional, whether it’s running or throwing, and you focus on a primary card,” said Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan.
“As hard as it is not to get the ball to Calvin as many times as you can, for you to be successful and to win games in this league, you have to have good balance and spread the ball around. Bryant came up in a big way for us.”
In last weekend’s win against Washington, Johnson showcased his ability while drawing one-on-one coverage, allowing him to take advantage of the field and forcing the defense to play more even-spread, opening up opportunities for Calvin.
Part of that success was a direct result of the running game, which allowed the offense to be put in situations for manageable passes down field.
“I think the running game has helped tremendously, especially with a guy like Kevin (Smith) back there,” said Johnson. “Our fullback and offensive line are doing a great job and that’s forcing defenses to bring an extra guy down in the box which gives us one-on-one coverage outside and for us to be able to go out there and do what we do best.”
MATCHING UP AGAINST THE BEARS
This Sunday Johnson is looking to continue the Lions success as they travel to Soldier Field to take on the rival Bears.
With a solid secondary led by cornerback Charles Tillman and safety Danieal Manning, the Lions’ receivers will have to be strong technique-wise matching up against their defensive system.
“I see toughness. I think those guys play very tough and play good together and that makes them good as a defense,” said Johnson.
“They all play within the scheme, no one is trying to do anything outside of that, so we have to be good assignment-wise to be able to go out there and try to defeat the Bears.”
