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Ex-Cards receiver now helping 49ers
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Bryant Johnson
Bryant Johnson is off and running with his new team.
Johnson, who played five years for the Cardinals, is a starting receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, who open the season against Johnson’s old team on Sunday.
Because of injury problems, Johnson played only in the 49ers’ final preseason game, when he caught three balls.
“I believe he strengthens us as far as having a guy that’s played in the league, which is real important,” 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. “And he’s a disciplined route runner.”
Cards cornerback Eric Green said, “Bryant is definitely a deep threat. He runs great routes. He’s a fundamentally sound receiver. He’s going to be a challenge.”
Johnson was the Cardinals’ No. 3 receiver; his spot may be filled on a week-to-week basis by such players as Steve Breaston, Early Doucet and Jerheme Urban.
MAKE MINE CHOCOLATE
Green, like all defensive players, is glad the bland, “vanilla” preseason defensive approaches can be set aside for more aggressive packages.
“It’s exciting, especially as a corner. When you play basic coverage, it’s tough for corners because you’re one-on-one. You’re by yourself all day,” he said. “You’re not getting much pressure because you’re not blitzing that much. Now we got the full package in. This is when it gets fun.”
This means “lots” of interceptions and fumbles, Green said. “All good things.”
OPENING-GAME STUNNER
Though it has nothing to do with football, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has an opening-game memory as a player that’s hard to top.
Playing for Atlanta, the Falcons opened one year at Tampa Bay.
Whisenhunt happened to be standing near singer Laura Branigan, who was singing the national anthem.
“She actually lip-synched it. I was stunned,” he said. “I was standing right beside her … It shocked me.”
EXTRA POINT
Center Al Johnson and nose tackle Gabe Watson continue to work out on the side as they come back from knee surgery. They almost certainly won’t play Sunday.
Also working out on the side is nose tackle Alan Branch, who has a sore ankle. The Cardinals hope he’ll be available to back up veteran Bryan Robinson. Otherwise, the backup would be Kenny Iwebema, a rookie defensive end.
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