Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Stevie Johnson has kept close tabs on his former team since last playing in Western New York since 2013.
The former Bills wide receiver is highly optimistic about Buffalo's chances for success this upcoming season, despite an up-and-down start to the 2023 preseason with a win over the Indianapolis Colts followed by a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
LISTEN LIVE TO WGR:
Even after Buffalo's loss this past Saturday that saw the offense sputter for most of the contest, Johnson feels the starters will be ready for Week 1 against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11.
"It ain't no problem at all, to be honest," said Johnson on Monday during an in-studio appearance on the "Jeremy White Show" on WGR. "We go hard at practice, we're locked in on what we need to do, and we're probably preparing for Week 1 right now."
While some may want to see Saturday's preseason loss to the Steelers as a "wake up call," Johnson doesn't want to hear any of that reasoning.
"We've got a great team. It's not like teams in the past," Johnson said with Jeremy White and Nate Geary. "Don't be chill at all. Come out and be aggressive, be demons... that's what I am really looking for. I'm not looking for anything other than what I'm seeing on the field."
When it comes to one particular player he's looking forward to watching the most once the regular season starts, Johnson is excited to see what Year 2 in the NFL brings for running back James Cook.
"His spaceship is definitely going to the moon. I ain't going to go as far to say he's going to land there right now, but you're going see another level of James Cook," he said. "We've seen him in the SEC, how he evolved and became who he is. We're going to see that being implemented a bit more with his comfort. Being able to play in a professional league with other star-powered guys, I think he will find his way with our coaching staff."
In addition to advocating his back to school drive with Kaiir Elam on Monday, Johnson also discussed his upcoming children's book series featuring former teammate, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. His previous book, "Freddy J. Makes his Play" featured former Bills running back Fred Jackson.
Hear more from Johnson's appearance during the "Jeremy White Show" available in the player below:
