Mike Nolan is still being tight-lipped as to his starter at split end on Sunday, but you have to think veteran Bryant Johnson will get the nod to play against his former teammate. Johnson twice today said he has to be wary of "o.d.ing on emotion" when he faces the Cardinals. Try not to o.d. on excitement as you read a few excerpts from what he had to say today ...
Is this a game that you circle on your calendar?
"No, you look at it just like any other game. The thing you have to be careful about going into a situation like this is o.d.ing on your emotions. I'm here now. I'm not there anymore and I'm taking the approach (that) they're an opponent now.
Do you feel good about how you left Arizona?
"Yeah. I felt pretty good. I thought I was able to make the most of the situation I was in, and I was happy about that."
When you were drafted, did you expect it would turn out like it did?
"I won't say it was disappointing. I'll just say it was something I had to deal with. I had no control over who they were going to draft and the type of decisions they make. All I can do is try to be the best football player I can possibly be."
Have you been waiting for any opportunity to show you can be a No. 1-caliber receiver?
"I wouldn't say I've been waiting for it. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity that's given to me. It's a whole lot more than the opportunity I've had in Arizona."
Is this the best possible situation given who the offensive coordinator is?
"Yeah, that's the reason I came here. I felt as though this was the best fit for me."
Have you gotten enough work with J.T. O'Sullivan?
Out there on the field, we go through everything with all of our quarterbacks. We don't single anyone out. So, we've got a lot of work with everyone."
What are your impressions of J.T?
"J.T., uh, seems to take leadership in the huddle. He's comfortable in the offense, which he was in last year last year in Detroit with coach Martz. We're definitely looking for him to continue to progress."
What do you think you're capable of in this offense?
"Just to be another playmaker. If you look at our offense, we have tons of playmakers on this offense. Just to be another playmaker who can create mismatches out there with the defense."
Given your one-year contract, are you looking at this year as an opportunity to showcase your skills to the rest of the league?
"I'm just looking to be productive. I'm in a great situation. And I couldn't ask for anything more."
-- Matt Barrows
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