Danno

Moss Point's Tom Johnson seeks new position with Saints

By GARY ESTWICK — Special to the Sun Herald


METAIRIE -- Moss Point native Tom Johnson spent his first two seasons with the Saints securing his role as a contributor, a defensive tackle that could be relied on to come off the bench and make plays.Johnson said this week he's ready for a new position in the Saints' new defense, and he's ready for his role to expand."I want to be a starter over here," Johnson said. "That's just what it is. I feel like as long as I come out and do me, and continue to grind, it's going to happen."I've been here two years now. The only person holding me back is me."His goal this summer is to earn a starting job in Rob Ryan's new 3-4 defense where he is slotted to play right defensive end.

...The defense's switch from a 4-3 scheme, Johnson said, will allow him to showcase more of his pass-rushing skills. He won't miss the double teams he faced when he played nose tackle. Instead, he plans to relish the one-on-one pass rushing opportunities he'll get against guards from the right side.

"Last year, I had two sacks. This year, I'm looking for six sacks," he said. "Last year, I had 30 tackles. This year, I'm looking for at least 35-40 tackles. I've got a couple of number; they're not really jumping off the board or anything, but that's the goal, and I'm trying to exceed that as the season progresses."So far, Johnson said he and his defensive teammates have taking a liking to Ryan, who replaced Steve Spagnuolo after one horrific season as Saints defensive coordinator. The Saints allowed 7,042 yards during the 2012 regular season, setting a NFL record in futility.

Jordan led the Saints with eight sacks. Smith was second (six).Ryan has served as defensive coordinator for Dallas, Cleveland and Oakland. Last season, he mentored a Cowboys unit which despite a rash of injuries improved from 23rd in the NFL in team defense to 14th."Man, everything about that man is exciting," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to the season. He comes with an energy. There's an energy in his confidence.


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