Detroit superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson’s shadow will loom larger on this game in London.
After appearing on the cover of the John Madden video game, the player some call Megatron has a large following in the United Kingdom.
The former Sandy Creek High and Georgia Tech standout has been slowed this season by a high ankle sprain. He returned to practice Wednesday after missing the past two games.
If Johnson can play, Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant will be the X-factor as his primary defender. Trufant will get plenty of safety help, as was the custom when the Falcons faced Johnson in the past.
“We are preparing as if he’s going to play,” Falcons defensive end Osi Umenyiora said. “He is one of the top receivers in the league. He presents a big challenge for us.”
Johnson, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, has 22 catches for 348 yards and two touchdowns this season.
The Falcons may need their best all-around effort of the season against Johnson and the Lions.
Trufant and safeties Dwight Lowery and Kemal Ishmael could get some help from the pass rush, which showed signs of life last week against Baltimore.
The Falcons have been prone to suffer what they call “miscommunications” in the secondary. Others call them blown coverages that have left receivers streaking down the field wide open.
They can’t afford to have any “miscommunications” against Johnson and his quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“We going to have to put some pressure on (Stafford) and be good on the back end because he can still make that deep throw,” linebacker Paul Worrilow said.
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