Photo credit: Bill Greene | Boston Globe
The 2012 New Orleans Saints defense has prepared for the missing players due to suspensions from Bounty Gate. However, they may not have prepared for injuries of two of their starting cornerbacks before the regular season starts. But, one player has benefited so far from an early injured DB corps and his name is Marquis Johnson.
Johnson, heading into his third year in the NFL, played for the St. Louis Rams the past two seasons. The 2010 7th round draft pick out of Alabama saw limited playing time with the Rams due to injuries, but ironically had his best game against the Saints last season with four tackles and a forced fumble. He had an impressive preseason game vs. the New England Patriots in which he recorded five tackles, two pass break-ups, and an interception.
The hopeful Saints starter took time out to sit with me and answer a few questions.
LTSB: How are you adjusting so far to the New Orleans Saints defense?
MJ: Well, I came from St. Louis, so I actually know the Saints defense. That’s one of my advantages about being a part of this defense. The same guy who drafted me brought me here, so if anything I’m helping them and fine-tuning what I already know.
LTSB: Do feel that you have an advantage coming from a Spagnuolo coached team to now having him as your defensive coordinator?
MJ: Well, the obvious speaks the obvious. But at the same time, I’m still a back-up and I’m willing to accept any role that I have here. I thank Spags for the opportunity to prove myself once again, knowing that I’ve been hurt the past couple of years. Really, it’s not so much knowing the defense that’s the issue, as it is staying healthy.
LTSB: What was your injury?
MJ: I had a micro-fracture in my left knee and I had a left shoulder injury. And at the end of the season last year was my spleen. I fell on a cleat in the Seattle Seahawks game. So, I’m just happy for the opportunity.
LTSB: What veteran would you say you have learned the most from thus far, and why?
MJ: Probably Jabari Greer. He’s next to me in the locker room. My dad’s only 39 and he reminds me of my dad. When I first got here, he took me over to Frenchman St. because he could tell I wasn’t much of a club guy. I love the live music scene there. He’s really been through a lot, and tells me a lot of stories about his kids. He’s a true veteran and you can learn a lot from him.
LTSB: Tell me how the overall morale of the team has been going into training camp after the roller coaster offseason they’ve had.
MJ: I think it’s a matter of proving a point, of being able to still be successful, despite Sean Payton not being the Head Coach– just handling adversity. And you know, while everybody is shooting us down, and the target is on us to not do well, which I don’t really know why. If you look at the facts, the team overall is probably better than it ever has been as far as the personnel on the team. So, we just gotta come together and prove that we can make it and still be Who Dat Nation.
LTSB: Ok, so you do feel that the team is adjusting well without your current Head Coach?
MJ: Sean is an offensive guy. He’s not on defense. So from a defensive standpoint, the defensive coordinator is our head coach, in my eyes. In St. Louis Spags was a D-coordinator at heart, so he was with us all the time. On defense, that isn’t going to affect us. As far as the offense? They have Brees and the O-coordinator, who probably had one of the better stretches when Peyton went down with the leg [injury]. They know what they’re doing and I’m not worried about them at all.
LTSB: I want to commend you for what you plan to do community-wise. Tell us a little bit about your non-profit organization and what you plan to do in the city while you’re here.
MJ: “Quis for Kids” basically started from me being around a lot of kids when I was growing up. I got my degree in family counseling, and as a part of that I took a lot of hours of child psychology. I realized that from the ages of 3-5, kids like to stay inside and play with things that light up such as ipads, iphones, etc. Also, growing up I went through abuse from 3-15. I went through hardships with school. I realized that kids can be lazy and may need a role model who is physically active to keep them active, and be there if they need someone to talk to. I have a lot to offer the kids and I can reach them on a personal level.
LTSB: Very nice. So you’ve been here long enough, what’s your favorite New Orleans food so far?
MJ: Probably the shrimp etouffee. I’m not a spicy guy, so it’s not necessarily too spicy, but still has my seafood in it. But in general since I’ve been here, I’ve probably eaten Hibachi like once a week. I love Hibachi grills. Arigatou, you know, thank you in Japanese. {laughs} that’s my favorite food.
LTSB: What’s your final score prediction of the upcoming November 3 Alabama vs. LSU game?
MJ: 21-14, Alabama
Johnson will have his next opportunity to prove himself tonight at 7 pm CT when the Saints (1-1) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) for a pre-season matchup.
If you would like to know a little more about Johnson you can “like” his Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/quis2425 or follow his personal Twitter page at @Gquis2425. For bookings or speaking engagements you can contact his publicist, Keshia Caldwell, at divastatingpr@gmail.com and follow her Twitter page at @DivaStatingPR for updates on Johnson.
