Bruce Johnson off to a fast start at Giants camp

ALBANY, N.Y. -- I know it’s early (cough, cough, Vince Anderson last year, cough), but second-year corner Bruce Johnson has gotten off to a terrific start to training camp. He starred again this morning with an interception and a few plays on the ball, including a tenacious pass break-up of a ball intended for wide receiver Derek Hagan.

“He’s been good, he’s looked good,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “He’s been spry, he’s guessed well, jumped a couple of routes and looked really good. I was kidding him about his punt return in cover drill yesterday – it wasn’t much. But yeah, he’s done pretty well.”

Johnson seems to be adjusting to the new schemes of defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, who is asking his defensive backs to often play off the ball.

“Well, he’s reading the quarterback,” Coughlin said. “In zone situations, he’s read the quarterback well and really shown an ability to break.”

Johnson said he played a lot of man coverage in his first few seasons in college at Miami. It wasn’t until his last year with the Hurricanes he was asked to play off the ball. The 5-11, 182-pound Johnson, as a smaller, quicker cornerback who isn't built to jam receivers, could benefit greatly from the new scheme.

"I'm just going off instinct," Johnson said.

Johnson played all 16 games last season and made five starts. He had two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown in the Week 2 victory against the Cowboys. Johnson did have a few shaky moments where he struggled to locate the ball, but overall it was an impressive season for the undrafted free agent who was forced to take a ton of extra reps in camp because of injuries at cornerback.

This camp, Johnson is getting the proper amount of reps, so he's more rested. So far, it's showing.

"I feel very comfortable, I feel more relaxed. I'm not out there scrambling all over the place," Johnson said before adding with a grin: "I know how to kind of work it now."



(nj.com)