Taron Johnson, a cornerback the Raiders acquired this offseason, will face his former team, the Buffalo Bills, when they visit Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. Johnson says it will be a bit odd to play against the team he helped build into a perennial contender over the last seven years.
Johnson was part of the 2018 draft class that included quarterback Josh Allen and was a part-time starter on defense for a Bills team that finished 6-10 in 2018, suffering losses including a 47-3 defeat at Baltimore and a 41-9 home loss to the Chicago Bears. Despite that, the Bills made the postseason in each of Johnson’s next seven seasons in Buffalo.
Johnson says he believes the Raiders are on the right path to becoming a contender, stating, 'Honestly, I think we’re on the right path. I truly do.' He adds that the team has the talent on offense and defense but needs to come together and fix the details to get over the hump.
The Raiders suffered a 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots, a game in which defensive coordinator Rob Leonard said they got their 'butts whooped.' Johnson acknowledges the setback but says it has reminded the team of the work ahead, echoing coach Klint Kubiak’s call for intentional, bite-sized improvements.
Defensive tackle Adam Butler said the team needs to break things down and do a deep dive honestly, while Kubiak emphasized focusing on achievable daily goals rather than trying to accomplish too much at once. Johnson was brought in by the Raiders to be a leader and show younger players what it takes to reach a championship level.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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