Andre Johnson silencing critics with production

HOUSTON—In the Texans’ first five games, receiver Andre Johnson caught 17 passes for 283 yards. He heard and read criticism that he was slowing down at 31, that hamstring injuries last season and a groin injury in preseason had taken a toll, and he couldn’t run the way he used to.

Johnson has turned those jeers into cheers over the last three games in which he’s caught 25 passes for 279 yards.

In the last two victories over Baltimore and Buffalo, Johnson has 17 receptions for 204 yards. Of those 17 receptions, 12 have produced first downs.

Johnson says he feels better than he did in camp and at the start of the season. Coach Gary Kubiak takes it easy on him in practice, preferring to save Johnson’s best for games.

Basically, Johnson says he’s getting more opportunities, and he’s taking advantage of them. Johnson usually attracts double coverage. Corners play on or off coverage, and there’s usually a safety over the top. If the defense is playing one safety, he’ll shift to Johnson’s side. Unless it’s a gifted cornerback like Antonio Cromartie of the New York Jets, defensive coordinators seldom put one player on Johnson.

In the victory over the Bills, Johnson caught eight passes for 118 yards. It was the 40th 10-yard game of his career. He’s played a key role in the Texans’ 7-1 record that’s the best in the AFC.

Johnson’s on a pace for 84 catches for 1,124 yards but only four touchdowns. His two touchdown receptions are three fewer than tight end Owen Daniels’ team-leading five. The one thing quarterback Matt Schaub has to do better over the second half is to get the ball to his best receiver in the red zone.


(sportingnews.com)