Tag: taron johnson interception

Bills CB Taron Johnson ties postseason record with 101-yard pick-six vs. Lamar Jackson

Buffalo’s Taron Johnson victimized Lamar Jackson with a 101-yard pick-six, tying an NFL postseason record.

The Bills came into their divisional round game against the Ravens with a very clear plan — play zone against Lamar Jackson, and combine it with pressure.

The plan has worked marvelously so far. Through the end of the third quarter, Jackson completed just 14 of 24 passes for 162 yards, no touchdowns, and one very long interception — a 101-yard pick-six from Bills cornerback Taron Johnson.

The pick-six ties Green Bay’s George Teague for the longest in postseason history — Teague did it against the Lions and quarterback Erik Kramer in a 28-24 win in the wild-card round on January 8, 1994. (Packers fans will remember this as the “Favre-to-Sharpe Game).”

It’s not the first pick six Johnson has this season, and maybe Jackson should have phoned Ben Roethlisberger and asked his advice about avoiding Johnson jumping the route. Because Johnson has a history of doing that and taking it to the house.

Lamar Jackson assumes the risk

You can never assume as a quarterback. Late in the third quarter Lamar Jackson did, and it might end Baltimore’s season.

You can never assume as a quarterback.

On Saturday night in a critical spot Lamar Jackson assumed. It might cost the Baltimore Ravens a trip to the AFC Championship Game.

Trailing 10-3 late in the third quarter the Ravens were on the move. Baltimore faced a crucial 3rd-and-goal inside the Buffalo Bills’ 10-yard line. The offense lined up with Jackson in the shotgun and three receivers to the left. Buffalo showed blitz, but they dropped into a soft zone coverage.

After taking the snap, Jackson looked to hit his tight end over the middle, working away from the leverage of an inside defender. Everything was fine…assuming that Taron Johnson, lurking underneath, would jump the route.

There’s that word again:

Working from a flat zone underneath Johnson gets to the middle of the field, stepping in front of the throw for the interception. Making matters worse, the defender returned the interception the distance, extending Buffalo’s lead.

As you see the replay, you can see why Jackson assumed the path would be clear. Baltimore was running a pair of curl routes in the end zone and the quarterback believed the outside curl would occupy Johnson. But the defender read Jackson’s eyes, and they took him to the football.

And they might take the Bills, now, to the AFC Championship Game.