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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sub Qb Leads Jaguars By 49ers

Associated Press

The Jacksonville Jaguars gave every indication they’ll hold together in the absence of injured Mark Brunell, and Rob Johnson gave plenty of signs he’ll be a more than capable fill-in at quarterback.

Johnson, making his first start in Brunell’s place, threw for three touchdowns and led another scoring drive as the Jaguars beat the turnover-plagued San Francisco 49ers 28-20 in an exhibition game Monday night.

Johnson, a third-year pro from Southern California who has appeared in nine NFL games - eight in the preseason, - completed 11 of 13 passes, including the last nine straight. He passed for 226 yards while playing into the third quarter.

Keenan McCardell helped settle Johnson into the job, catching five passes for 127 yards, including a 34-yarder for a touchdown and a 23-yarder that set up a touchdown run by Natrone Means. Johnson also had scoring passes of 20 yards to Jimmy Smith and 14 yards to James Stewart.

The showing was an encouraging development for Jacksonville (3-0), shaken last week by the knee injury to Brunell, who will need about eight weeks of rehabilitation.

That means Johnson, the only backup not to take a snap last season, will be the starter for the first five or six regular-season games.