Just like the title sound. Rookie wide receiver and kick/punt returner Antonio Brown was assigned the task of emulating All Pro running back Chris Johnson this week in practice. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s defense will have its hands full trying to slow down the Titans’ electrifying back.
It’s an interesting choice by head coach Mike Tomlin and LeBeau. Brown didn’t dress like weekend against the Falcons, but both Brown and Johnson are roughly the same build – Johnson is 5-11, 195 pounds; Brown is 5’10, 185 pounds. Even though the two may look more or less alike (minus the gnarly dreads of course) It’s of course not so easy to replicate the vision and world-class speed Johnson possesses. Brown is doing his best impersonation though:
“Coach (Mike Tomlin) picked me out of everybody on the team to play (Titans running back) Chris Johnson,” Brown said Wednesday after practice. “I’m going to take the initiative to give the defense a good look and get them prepared.”
Brown is clearly excited about the opportunity … any opportunity, to contribute during his rookie year. It’s quite possible that Brown will dress this coming Sunday as a wide receiver and return option due to a quadricep injury keeping fellow rookie Emmanuel Sanders out of practice all week.
“I’m preparing every week for what coach has in store for me and hopefully the opportunity will present itself,” Brown said.