2015 Redskins’ Training Camp Battles
By jonfox
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jeron Johnson (23) encourages the crowd in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Jeron Johnson vs Duke Ihenacho/Phillip Thomas
Johnson has a big link with McCloughan: he signed him away from Seattle and McCloughan was working for Seattle in their front office when they drafted him. Also, he’s the kind of player that McCloughan loves: a tough, strong player with good skills and work ethic.
He goes into camp/preseason as the presumptive starter at strong safety. However, he’s not guaranteed of the job, he’ll have to fend off challenges from holdovers Phillip Thomas and Duke Ihenacho.
The challenge Johnson has is that he’s never been an established starter and was the swing backup safety in Seattle. It does speak volumes that Seattle wanted to hold on to Johnson for that role and for injury insurance on Kam Chancellor, but there’s always a big difference between playing behind two greats(or any greats) and being asked to start.
Realistically, Ihenacho is the only one who could unseat Johnson. He made 13 starts for the AFC champion Denver Broncos in 2013 and probably would have started for the Redskins in 2014 if he hadn’t gotten injured. In order for him to unseat Johnson he needs Johnson to open the door for him.
Odds of the starter being unseated by week 1: 20%
Next: Bashaud Breeland vs DeAngelo Hall