Josh Johnson’s Christmas Clash
ASHBURN, Va. – In the competitive arena of the NFL, a fundamental truth resonates with every player on the Washington Commanders’ roster: the game is a dance of opportunity. For every player who takes the field, another must step aside. As quarterback Josh Johnson prepares to possibly make his first start in seven years against the Dallas Cowboys this Christmas, he knows that he is stepping into the spotlight due to injuries sidelining both Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Yet, rather than dwell on the circumstances that led him here, Johnson views this moment as a chance to embrace the full-circle narrative of his career.
A Long-Awaited Chance
Reflecting on his last start, Johnson recounted, “Very unique. Very unique. Most people don’t know. A lot of people assume I’ve never really been a starter in this league. I’ve always been a backup. The last time I started was actually when I was here. That’s the last time I really had a starter game.” Those words encapsulate the bittersweet nature of his journey. While he acknowledges the passage of time—“It doesn’t seem like it was seven years ago”—the memories are vivid, especially with his children marking the milestones of his life. “It’s crazy,” he noted, “when you look at it in the grand scheme of the NFL, it is crazy. But for me, this is just my journey.”
Johnson’s experience has spanned every conceivable quarterback role. He understands that each opportunity carries weight and significance, stating, “Whatever that opportunity is that is presented to you, you’ve got to own it because you’re in that position for a reason.” His perspective on the path to this moment is a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
Preparation Amidst Pressure
As the countdown to Christmas dwindles, Johnson faces the added challenge of preparing for a pivotal game in a short week. He described the upcoming days as “a sleepless one,” but he remains grounded in his familiarity with the team’s system. Having participated in every game this season, he is focused on maximizing his “time on task” to ensure he and his teammates are ready to tackle the Cowboys.
Head coach Dan Quinn’s emphasis on being “intentional” resonates deeply with Johnson. He echoes this philosophy, aiming to approach preparation with a meticulous mindset. “I’m just trying to go through the process and be as intentional with everything as possible so we can go out there and play fast and play well,” he shared.
Johnson’s demeanor is as calm as it is focused. Instead of making grandiose predictions about his performance against the Cowboys, he opts for a humble approach, keeping his head down and staying committed to the task at hand. This week, he is determined to maintain that focus, despite the significant circumstances surrounding his potential start.
As the Commanders gear up for their Christmas showdown, all eyes will be on Johnson—a veteran poised to seize an opportunity that has been years in the making.
