Juwan Johnson’s role in the New Orleans Saints’ offense has often been overlooked, but he has the potential to be a significant playmaker in 2024. His recovery from foot surgery, announced in June, could greatly influence the Saints’ season, either positively or negatively.
Johnson’s impact is clear from the 2023 season’s matchups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 4, with Johnson sidelined due to a calf injury, the Saints lost 26-9. Derek Carr struggled, completing 62% of his passes for just 127 yards, and the offense was out of sync.
In Week 17, the Saints won 23-13 with Johnson’s help. He caught eight passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a reliable target for Carr, who improved significantly from Week 4 by completing 75% of his passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. This turnaround highlights Johnson’s importance to the Saints’ offense.
Johnson’s resurgence in the final four games of the 2023 season was crucial to the team’s success, as they went 3-1 during that stretch. He accumulated 216 receiving yards in those games, a significant increase compared to the 152 yards he had in the first nine games. His enhanced role made Carr more comfortable and efficient.
Johnson is also vital for moving the chains. In the Week 17 game, he recorded seven first downs, demonstrating his ability to extend drives. Over the final four games, he provided 15 total first downs for the Saints.
If Johnson fully recovers from his surgery, he is expected to play a key role in the Saints’ offense in 2024, making his health and performance a crucial factor for the team’s success.
