Emmett Johnson, RB vs Cincinnati 2025

Player: Emmett Johnson, RB (NEB)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 200 lbs
Class: Junior – 2026 Draft Eligible
Opponent: Cincinnati
Year: 2025
Final Stat Line:
25 carries for 108 yards
7 catches for 27 yards

Game Overview

Emmett Johnson delivered a workhorse performance against Cincinnati, showing patience at the line of scrimmage, the ability to follow blocks, and the strength to finish runs through contact. His balance and leg drive allowed him to consistently pick up extra yards after first contact, and he showed utility as a receiving option out of the backfield. Johnson was effective in both shotgun and under-center formations, producing chunk gains by staying disciplined in his reads and decisive in his cuts.

Film Breakdown – Key Plays

#1) 1st & 10 – 10-yard rush (4:47 1Q):

Johnson pressed the mesh point with patience, forcing the linebackers to hesitate just long enough for the interior lane to develop. Once the crease opened, he exploded through with low pad level, maintaining balance through the first contact and churning his legs for additional yardage. This kind of disciplined setup combined with physical finishing turns a standard inside handoff into a momentum-building first down.

#2) 12-yard rush, 3rd & 1 (8:52 2Q)

In a short-yardage situation where power is expected, Johnson showed both creativity and strength. He sidestepped early penetration in the backfield, found the daylight to his right, and kept his legs driving even as defenders latched on. By the time the whistle blew, he’d pushed the pile well past the marker, showcasing his ability to not only convert in must-have downs but also create unexpected chunk gains in tight spaces.

#3) 12-yard rush (4:53 2Q)

On an outside-zone concept, Johnson displayed decisive one-cut running, planting his foot hard and getting vertical immediately to capitalize on a well-sealed lane. His acceleration through the second level and commitment to finishing forward prevented the defense from rallying for a minimal gain. Plays like this highlight why decisive runners thrive in varied blocking schemes — there’s no wasted motion, only efficient yardage.

#4) 17-yard rush (6:44 3Q)

When the initial A-gap lane closed quickly, Johnson processed the change instantly, bouncing outside to the left with urgency. He hit the edge at full speed, picking up the first down before lowering his shoulder into a defensive back at the boundary. This run was a complete package of vision, adaptability, speed, and physical dominance — a play that shows he can turn broken designs into big plays on his own.

#5) 9-yard reception (4:26 2Q)

Lined up wide to the right in the shotgun, Johnson caught a quick out at the line of scrimmage and immediately went to work after the catch. He made the first man miss with a sharp move, stumbled but maintained balance, then fought through multiple tacklers for a near first down. This effort on a simple checkdown illustrates how he squeezes every bit of production out of his touches, providing valuable “hidden” yardage that keeps drives alive.

#6) Dropped pass (6:48 3Q)

On a well-timed play-action out route, Johnson let a catchable ball slip through his hands despite having the separation and clean delivery to make the play. It stood out as the lone blemish in an otherwise highly productive and consistent performance, a small reminder that even the most reliable backs need to maintain focus on every rep.

Conclusion

Johnson’s tape against Cincinnati showed the traits of a dependable chain-mover with the versatility to handle heavy volume and contribute as a receiver. His ability to gain extra yardage after contact stood out, as did his decisiveness when identifying running lanes. The overall showing was that of a physical, consistent producer who can thrive in varied run concepts and remain involved in the passing game.

Overall Impression

A rugged, all-around back who can handle feature-back volume and maintain effectiveness from opening whistle to final snap.