LaFleur, who served as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2025 and later became Arizona’s head coach, discussed Will Johnson’s rookie season and explained why Johnson can be especially difficult to handle.
Cardinals reporters noted that LaFleur said Stafford “didn’t like playing against Will Johnson last year.” The reason: Johnson’s unpredictability made him hard to read.
“I was really impressed with Will as a rookie. Obviously, I didn’t study him coming out. I did hear of him as a potential first- or second-round pick within the Rams organization, and there was a lot of admiration for him there. But then having to play him … he is a good player. Sometimes I look at some corners and it doesn’t matter how I feel. I want to know how Stafford feels about him, and I know Stafford felt that he’s a smart, capable player who understands the game,” LaFleur said.
LaFleur explained that Johnson’s ability to change things up made him challenging for an offense to predict.
“When we came out here, he’s a good player, and you saw what Arizona saw in him. You don’t know when he’s going to switch things up and throw a curveball at you. I’m really impressed with him. I think he has a high ceiling,” LaFleur said.
The Rams got a clear look at the matchup in Week 14 of the 2025 season. Los Angeles defeated Arizona 45-17 on December 7, with Puka Nacua producing seven catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. One of those scores came on a 31-yard route against Johnson late in the third quarter.
The play followed an Arizona turnover, with the Rams facing first-and-10 at the Cardinals’ 31-yard line. Nacua lined up outside against Johnson and ran a hitch-and-go double move. Stafford stepped up under light pressure and delivered a slightly underthrown pass down the left sideline. Nacua tracked it through contact, jumped over Johnson, and backpedaled into the end zone.
Nacua later explained that Johnson’s earlier play helped him decide how to run the route.
“Some of the double moves in the past, I’ve rushed them. But on this one, I wanted to sell it well, knowing that Johnson had driven back to the ball for a pass breakup prior to that. I have complete trust in No. 9 [Stafford]. Wherever he puts that ball, I’m like, I have no fear and no doubt that it’s a spot for me, so it always feels good when we connect on those,” Nacua said.
Johnson was the primary coverage defender on Nacua for five routes. Nacua was targeted four times in those situations, catching three passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns.
Johnson had already shown those instincts earlier in his rookie season. Against the Saints in Week 1, he recorded three pass breakups and earned a high coverage grade for the week. He also had an interception wiped out by an illegal contact penalty.
Johnson finished his rookie season with 10 pass breakups in 12 games and 10 starts. His second season has started with another concern, listed as a lower-body injury. LaFleur has said he is progressing well in rehabilitation. Arizona beat writers do not currently expect him to miss the season opener against the Chargers, though practice participation will determine his status.
LaFleur has emphasized why Arizona has been cautious about sharing information publicly.
“I’ll be as transparent as I can, but there’s a team in California listening, and per the rules, we don’t need to say anything this week. It’s a factor for every team. 48 hours is a big window in terms of recovery and rehab,” LaFleur said.
For LaFleur, Johnson’s biggest strength may be the uncertainty he provides an offense.
“You can tell that he just understands ball. You don’t know when he’s going to change up and throw a curveball at you,” LaFleur said.
The evolving evaluations of Johnson’s rookie season and his continued development will be watched closely as he aims to become a key matchup piece for the Cardinals this season.
