Johnson's numbers are case for Kubiak

No wonder Andre Johnson doesn't want Gary Kubiak fired.

Last week, in a video for Chron.com, Johnson made an impassioned plea for Kubiak to return. He listed the reasons he believes Kubiak should be back.

These weren't the reasons, but check them out. And remember, Matt Schaub haters — somebody has to be throwing Johnson the ball.

This statistic blows me away: Since the merger in 1970, Jerry Rice leads all receivers with 15 games in which he had at least 10 catches and 100 yards. Rice played in 303 games and is acknowledged as the greatest receiver in NFL history.

In second place, one game behind Rice, is another receiver destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Marvin Harrison had 14 games with at least 10 catches and 100 yards. He played in 190 games.

Tied for third with 13 is Tim Brown, another receiver who'll be enshrined in Canton, Ohio. He played in 255 games.

Can you guess who is tied with Brown for third on the all-time list? Yep, Andre Johnson. And he's played in just 99 games.

Think about that for a second: Rice, Harrison, Brown, Johnson — common names but uncommon receivers.

Matching Jerry
Speaking of Rice (who should be a unanimous, first-ballot selection for the Hall of Fame in February), he's the only receiver since 1970 to lead the NFL in yards in back-to-back seasons.

Johnson has an opportunity to match him. He led the league with 115 catches for 1,575 yards last season. Johnson has 81 receptions for a league-best 1,237 yards this season.

Here's another reason Johnson likes things just the way they are: In 54 games under Kubiak, Johnson averages a league-best 89.1 yards a game. The closest to him during that three-year period is Larry Fitzgerald (84.9).

This is Johnson's seventh season. He's coming off the 30th 100-yard game of his exceptional career. He's had 21 of those games under Kubiak, and the Texans are 14-7 in those games.

NFC beast
Johnson tortures just about every team he goes against, including the NFC. In 25 games against the NFC, he averages 91.8 yards. Next is Chad Ochocinco with 83.3.

Johnson burned Seattle with 11 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans finish their NFC schedule with Sunday's game at St. Louis. There's no telling what Johnson will accomplish against the Rams.

Too bad the Texans don't play in the NFC, huh? If they beat the 1-12 Rams, they'll be 3-1 against the NFC for the third consecutive season. Maybe the team can apply to leave the AFC South for an NFC division other than the East.

I never get tired of writing statistics that demonstrate Johnson's greatness. And if we ever take that greatness for granted, all we have to do is to check out how he compares to the greatest receivers of all time.

Brothers in arms
One reason Johnson has excelled is because he and Schaub have developed such a good rapport on and off the field. And they've started every game together for the first time.

Schaub ranks in the top six in attempts (third), completions (second), percentage (second), yards (fourth), touchdowns (fifth) and rating (sixth). He has seven 300-yard games. Only Peyton Manning has more (eight).

Johnson and Schaub are one of the best combinations in the league, and they've done it with a running game that's been almost non-existent.
The Texans rank eighth in offense, including fourth in passing. Imagine how good the offense will be next season, when Schaub and Johnson have a healthy Owen Daniels, a big-time rookie running back and a new starter or two on the line.

Click here to order Andre Johnson’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chron.com)