Johnson's a winner
Is there any doubt that Brian Johnson’s a winner?
I can’t see how there can be after Utah’s thrilling 13-10 victory Thursday night.
I’ve heard Ute fans complain about the Ute quarterback all season, despite the Utes’ perfect record. All Johnson has done is lead the Utes to straight 10 victories and 18 of 19 and has orchestrated three last-minute game-winning drives this year — at Air Force, at home against Oregon State and again Thursday night.
Perhaps Johnson has been handcuffed a bit by the Utes’ play-calling. He’s in and out of the game while the Utes try Matt Asiata or Corbin Louks at quarterback and the sometimes the Ute offense appears to be all over the map. Johnson seems to perform better when he gets in a rhythm as he is in the two-minute offense. Also it helps that his protection has improved — just two sacks Thursday — which makes a big difference in his play if he’s not constantly running for his life.
I’m sure fans will continue to bag on Johnson. But after he went 24 for 39 for 230 yards, including 7 of 9 for 80 yards on the game-winning drive Thursday night, they need to start giving him his due.


