2014 has not been the year of Andre Johnson. Following a dreadful 2-14 season for the Houston Texans, Johnson vented his frustration publicly, questioning whether Houston was "still the place" for him. There was plenty of talk that the veteran receiver would hold out of training camp in order to pressure the Texans into a trade, causing teammates like Arian Foster to plead for him to return on social media.
Andre Johnson sounds unhappy
If you have a spare island, please inform the Texans receiver.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Ultimately, Johnson reported to camp, and it seemed the worst of his malaise had passed. The Texans opened the season 3-1 with Johnson leading the team in receiving in each of those wins.
The optimism around Houston didn't last much longer, however, as the Texans dropped four of their next five games including three in a row by seven points or fewer. Now the talk around town is whether new head coach Bill O'Brien will bench struggling starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for Ryan Mallett. O'Brien has also had to swat down reports that the team is dissatisfied with first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney and his many missed games thus far this season. All of this apparently has gotten to Johnson, who seems like he'd rather be any place but Houston, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle:
"I just need to go to like an island or something," Johnson said.
Asked about Eagles cornerback Cary Williams' postgame comments that Johnson appeared disengaged Sunday, the receiver said he was doing what he normally does during a game.
"I'm trying to help the team win," Johnson said. "But I only can do what I can do. I can't control everything. I only can control what I can. That's it. I can't block. I can't cover guys. I can't throw the ball. All I can do is run routes and try to get open and catch the ball."
It’s hard to say Johnson isn’t doing his part. Following Sunday’s game against the Eagles, the receiver is on pace for 85 catches on 146 targets, and over 1,000 yards. That’s solid production for any player, especially a 33-year-old veteran. But as Johnson says, he can’t help the team stop opposing offenses or pick up a blitzing linebacker. All he can do is get open and hope Fitzpatrick or whoever is under center can get him the ball. As for Cary Williams’ comments, O’Brien stood by his player, saying that Johnson is focused and playing hard.
Though the Texans avoided having to part with Johnson this offseason, the question quickly becomes whether they should keep him around after the year. Johnson has two years left on his deal and will cost over $16 million against the cap. The team saves nearly $9 million if they release him after 2014. On the other hand, Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins have formed one of the best receiver duos in the NFL. Retaining that advantage could be vital for the Texans if they do finally bring in a potential franchise quarterback this offseason.
See More:
