Jaguars DC reveals the secret behind Antonio Johnson's late-season turnaround

After an impressive rookie season, the Jacksonville Jaguars expected defensive back Antonio Johnson to take the next step in 2024. However, he regressed and even appeared to be on the fringe earlier this year. However, the former Texas A&M has turned the corner and has gone on to become a key cog in the secondary.

Johnson has been one of the best safeties in the NFL in recent weeks. This led defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile to talk about the reason for his impressive play in the second half of the season.

Antonio Johnson has had no trouble playing different roles for the Jaguars

Heading into the Broncos game, Anthony Campanile heaped praise on Antonio Johnson, citing the work he's put in as the reason for his success this season.

"I think Antonio, a lot of that is just repetition, it really is," Campanile told the local media (1:01 mark). "I mean, he's gotten so many reps now at doing what we're doing, and I think he's very, very comfortable, but he's also, like I said last week, he's playing a lot of roles for us. So he's playing nickel, playing safety, playing some dime, moving around a lot, and I think he's doing a lot of the things that he does well."

Campanile continued, "So he's got, I think, a ton of confidence right now, and I think that's a big difference for him as well. But he's put in the work. So yeah, he's in here working, doing extra every day. So he deserves it. I'm happy for him."

Johnson started the season behind Andrew Wingard and Eric Murray on the depth chart. However, injuries pressed him into action, and he's made the most of his playing time.

In fact, he's taken on a significant role despite the fact that Dewey and Murray remain the starters. His three interceptions rank second on the team, and his Pro Football Focus overall grade of 88.3 is the second-best among safeties in the NFL.

The Jaguars have a keeper in Antonio Johnson

What's surprising about Antonio Johnson's recent success is that he left much to be desired last year and appeared to be in danger of being a roster cut before the 2025 season. But as Anthony Campanile noted, the East St. Louis, Illinois, native has put in the work to bounce back and is showcasing the versatility that made him a collegiate star.

Back at Texas A&M, Johnson played multiple roles on defense, and that versatility has carried over with the Jaguars. Looking back, it's a bit shocking that he managed to slide to the fifth round in 2023.

Anthony Campanile has done a great job of steering the Jaguars defense and getting the most out of his players. Antonio Johnson's recent success is proof of the impact he's had in his first season as a coordinator.