Elam potentially fires up Johnson with most recent comments.
Baltimore Ravens star Matt Elam has claimed that Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is “pretty old” ahead of their clash on Monday night.
The rookie had previously been purely complimentary of his opposite number in the build-up to the game, describing him as “big, fast, athletic, unstoppable, freak,” in a previous interview.
However, he changed tact on Wednesday as he was asked how best to cover the 28-year-old who has amassed a club record 9,184 yards receiving and 67 touchdowns in less than seven years and is rightfully regarded as one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.
“He’s pretty old, so I don’t know how physical he’ll be,” Elam said, according to ESPN.
“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.”
Elam is six years younger that his rival, but is seven inches shorter in height and 25 pounds lighter and will undoubtedly face a tough time of limiting his influence along with his Detroit team-mates.
Linebacker Terrell Suggs was arguably more respectful in his assessment of Johnson’s ability, who conceded that it will take all 11 guys to keep ‘Megatron’ and the Lions quiet on Monday.
While Baltimore are looking to make it four consecutive wins as they continue to put pressure on the Cincinnati Bengals at the top of the AFC North, the Lions are currently tied with the Chicago Bears on 7-6 at the top of the NFC North, with the latter heading to Cleveland to face the Browns this weekend.
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