New WR Johnson getting used to Rivers' speedy Chargers offense
Stevie Johnson said he excitedly searched the Internet for Philip Rivers highlight tapes when he found out he’d be a Charger.
He should've pressed fast-forward on a few of those videos to get a sense of the speed his new quarterback likes to play at.
“It’s a challenge, and I think every competitor likes a challenge," the receiver said of his new team's speedy pace. "That’s what I’ve been thrown into learning a whole new playbook, and then going at the speed the Chargers are going at."
San Diego's tempo can take some getting used to -- even for a veteran like Johnson. Rivers and head coach Mike McCoy run an offense predicated on fast reads and quick throws. Receivers have to be on Rivers' page or risk ruining his rhythm.
Johnson is just learning what an in-the-zone Rivers looks like. And the receiver can't wait to step in and be a part of that offense come September.
"It kind of took me by surprise because I haven’t seen stuff like that," said Johnson. "The passes that he’s thrown and we’ve completed, it’s like, I’m in the middle of the play and looking like (wow), he put that ball there. It’s a challenge, and I feel like once we get it, we should be unstoppable."