In his first NFL start, Alexander Johnson played like a linebacker out to make up for lost time.
Johnson, 27, earned the game ball from Broncos coach Vic Fangio after a dominating performance in the win over the Chargers last Sunday. He racked up eight tackles (five solo), defended two passes and intercepted Philip Rivers in the end zone to key a bounce-back performance by the Broncos’ defense.
The showing earned Johnson an extended opportunity at inside linebacker, even as starter Josey Jewell returns from a hamstring injury Sunday against Tennessee.