The consensus appears that Eddie Johnson was impressive during Saturday’s job interview.
Whether that’s enough for Johnson to unseat incumbent Louie Sakoda as a punter and kicker with the Saskatchewan Roughriders has yet to be determined. Johnson handled the punting and kickoff duties in Saturday’s 40-20 loss to the host Calgary Stampeders.
“We’ll talk about that as we go through (Sunday) and (today),” said Riders head coach Ken Miller, who had referred to each CFL game as a job interview prior to Saturday’s game. “Then we’ll make a decision.”
Johnson averaged 42.2 yards on six punts. He recorded a 68.3-yard average on four kickoffs. Those are respectable numbers considering it was Johnson’s first game since July 1, 2009, when he was with the Toronto Argonauts. Johnson had earned the tryout because the Riders were unhappy with Sakoda’s performance in Saskatchewan’s 24-20 win over the Edmonton Eskimos on July 17.
“In terms of punting, Eddie had a very good game,” said special teams co-ordinator Jim Daley. “He had a great get-off time and his average was good. His ball placement on all punts — with the exception of one — was exactly where we wanted. We were improved and in some degree satisfied with his punt game. He has more potential in his leg than a 42-yard average.
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“His kickoff average brought us to about the seven-yard line, which is good. But his placement was off. That’s something that takes a few days or a game or two to get sharp.”
Daley said it would require further evaluation before making a decision between the two.
“We just haven’t had a chance to talk about it,” said Daley. “I thought Eddie’s performance was good and I thought Louie’s was good before the Edmonton game. At some point Coach (Ken) Miller and GM Brendan Taman will talk about how we go forward.”
Johnson dislocated his right shoulder in the regular-season opener for the Argos last year while tackling Hamilton Tiger-Cats returner Trey Smith on the opening kickoff. Johnson finished the game but was on the injured list for the remainder of the season. He was released on May 10.
Johnson was working as a bartender in Laguna Beach, Calif., when he received the call from the Riders.
“The first play was unique because I felt that I had a lot of juice in me,” said Johnson, who signed Thursday with the Riders. “I went from bartending and having people yelling their drink order to cheering for you. It’s a little more of an intense environment.”
Johnson may have suffered feelings of deja vu during Saturday’s opening kickoff. That’s when Calgary returner Deon Murphy broke free on a 50-yard return and Johnson was among the final two players back on the coverage team. Johnson attempted to tackle Murphy but eventually forced him into the arms of Omarr Morgan.
“I did have flashbacks to when I dislocated my shoulder,” Johnson said. “All you try to do in those situations is just get in his way. I’m definitely not used to tackling people.”
Johnson now awaits a decision by the coaching staff in regards to his future with the team.
“It’s up to the coaches so I don’t think about all of that,” said Johnson. “I just try to do my thing and try to get into a rhythm. I still felt like I was a little off. I had problems turning over some punts that should have gone further. My leg swing just wasn’t there.”
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