yahoo
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has become the latest prominent figure to sing the praises of rookie running back Emmett Johnson. Bieniemy's admiration comes on the heels of a standout performance by Johnson against the Denver Broncos, a game that also prompted superfan Eric Stonestreet to launch a Rookie of the Week campaign for the young player.
Despite Bieniemy's well-known dislike for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the team Johnson played for in college, the coach couldn't help but gush over the rookie's approach to the game. "Emmett works," Bieniemy said. "He does not take anything for granted. It ain't by chance that he's had success when called upon, because you talk about a kid that does not take anything for granted. He goes out there and he works — whatever you ask him to do, he's gonna try to excel at it."
Bieniemy further noted that Johnson possesses the mental and physical attitude that coaches desire in all players, which is significant praise for a rookie joining a championship-caliber organization. Selected by the Chiefs in the fifth round of this year's draft, Johnson had seen limited action in the Kansas City offense before his explosive outing against Denver, where he racked up 128 yards on five receptions, including a 73-yard touchdown.
Key Analysis
Johnson's hard work behind the scenes appears to be paying off, and he is expected to see more touches moving forward. Even with wide receiver Rashee Rice back in the lineup, the Chiefs are in dire need of an offensive spark during their current two-game losing streak. Johnson will aim to provide that spark once again when Kansas City faces the struggling New York Jets in Week 9.
Originally reported by yahoo.