Michael Johnson’s long night

This might have been the final preseason game but it was a full night for several players, including defensive hybrid Michael Johnson. Johnson is being groomed to move from defensive end to linebacker but injuries to Robert Geathers, Jonathan Fanene, Carlos Dunlap and Frostee Rucker put Johnson into the starting lineup and kept him there the entire game. “At linebacker you have to be really good with your eyes,” said Johnson. “Plays unfold differently when you’re standing up back there as opposed to having your hand on the ground.” Johnson was credited with three tackles and one quarterback hit for the game. “Being multiple allows us to do a lot of stuff,” said Johnson. “I just want to continue to work on the things that make us good. We need to keep getting better.” Many backups got extended playing time with the injuries. Pat Sims, Clinton McDonald, Orien Harris and rookie Geno Atkins all played the final three quarters. McDonald and Atkins were each credited with five tackles.