Revis Island had a population of one last year with Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson twice putting in solid performances against the Jets’ Pro Bowl cornerback.
In two games last year, Johnson hauled in a combined 11 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown against Darrelle Revis, making him one of the few wide receivers in the NFL to make the league’s top defender look rather ordinary.
“It’s the competition, I love it. With him being arguably one of the best cornerbacks in the league, it’s an opportunity to put myself out there and let the world know that Stevie Johnson is a player in this league,” Johnson told the NFL Network on Tuesday. “It’s a competition thing. I’ve been fortunate to get a few passes on him. I’m working on getting the ‘W’ though.”
The Bills lost both games to the Jets last year, which Johnson said gives the mouthy Jets “the right to say whatever they want to.” Actions can speak as loudly as words, which last season landed Johnson in some hot water.
In the November game at MetLife Stadium last year, Johnson celebrated his touchdown by, among other things, shooting himself in the leg. The celebration was clearly directed at Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who in 2008 accidentally shot himself in the leg with a concealed handgun.
He was flagged 15 yards for the celebration and, days later, fined $10,000 by the NFL. Johnson said he will curtail his celebrations, but don’t expect to see him prim and proper all the time.
“It will be a little bit of both. I worked hard just like everyone else in this league; to get where we are it is tough. We know it’s a long road,” Johnson said. “When I get in the end zone, I’m one of those guys who likes to handle business and have fun. I am still going to have fun but I will definitely tone down those types of celebrations to where I won’t be able to hurt my teammates or myself.”
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
