Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh defended former first-round selection Quentin Johnston after the team's first training camp practice, citing how the wide receiver had gotten stronger and sharper this offseason.
Well, Johnston certainly wasn't going to let his coach down after that.
This Quentin Johnston catch drew the most cheers today.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) July 25, 2024
If you’re wondering why Deane Leonard is backing off in coverage here: Harbaugh told the DBs to tone back their aggressiveness after playing too physicality on day 1.
pic.twitter.com/LcwUBTDhqd
Johnston winning vertically against 4.39-40 corner Deane Leonard is impressive. As the above tweet from Kris Rhim states, defensive backs are not trying to get physical and contest every catch. The rules also apply to wide receivers, so Johnston would not be allowed to jump up and high point the football in this scenario. Still, the touchdown reception is promising. Touchdowns are good, right?
The solid performance (more information to follow with detailed training camp reports) follows a day where Johnston caught three passes on two out routes and one dig route. No one is ready to say this signals a true second-year turnaround, but so far so good for a wide receiver trying to break away from the bust label.
