Calvin Johnson knows he’s pushing 30. He also knows that he’s still the best receiver in the NFL.
Johnson’s Lions have Baltimore up next on their schedule, and Ravens rookie safety Matt Elam caused a bit of a stir in the lead-up to the game when he called the Detroit wideout, who turned 28 in September, “pretty old.”
“I don’t know how physical he’ll be,” Elam said. “He’s a big guy, but he’s older. I guess when they get older they’re not going to be as physical, you know what I’m saying? We’re going to have to be physical, make him uncomfortable.”
Those comments did not rattle Megatron, however, who reportedly laughed them off when speaking with the Baltimore media on Thursday.
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Johnson, now in his seventh season, has collected 1,351 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking second in the NFL in both categories. His streak of three consecutive 100-yard receiving efforts was snapped Sunday during a snow-covered loss to Philadelphia.
Baltimore has struggled to defend big-play offenses this year, giving up an NFL-leading 16 plays of 40 or more yards. Johnson was quick to remind reporters that this is not the big, bad Ravens defense of years past.
“Nothing extraordinary,” he said, referring to Elam and fellow Ravens safety James Ihedigbo. “Those are definitely guys we can make plays on.
“[Elam] can talk all he wants,” Johnson added. “He plays back. I don’t see him every play unless I run past him.”
