Houston Texans Spotlight: Johnathan Joseph
Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph (24) and Kareem Johnson (25) celebrate after an incomplete pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC wild card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Greetings Texans Fans!
Today we’re spotlighting the player who makes the defensive line so effective. The enabler of sacks, hurries and bad passes. J.J.! No, not that big guy from Wisconsin, the other JJ on the team, Johnathan Joseph. Many people misunderstand Wade Phillips defense as being a frontal assault meant to overwhelm the opposition. That’s only part of the story. What happens out in coverage dictates the front lines success.
In 2010, the Texans allowed more passing yards(4280) then the offense generated(4144). The same was true of the ground game, 423 for vs 433 against. Teams suffer when the defense is so porous. Bringing in Wade Phillips to revamp the defense was a start, bringing in Jonathon Joseph to seal the deal was genius. The former Cincinnati Bengal recorded 4 INT, which topped the previous years INT leader for the Texans, Troy Nolan who pulled in just 3. As for passing, well the Texans with the help of Joseph managed to hold opponents to an almost 500 yard passing differential of 3506-3035. The run game 2448-1536 was also well ahead of the opposition.
The 2012 campaign saw the rise of Kareem Jackson as an impact player, however Jonathan Joseph’s numbers were less impressive, his season not up to his or the teams standards. This drop off was due not to age, he’s 29, but rather a double sports hernia that he dealt with much of the season. After successful surgery to overcome this, to be frank painfully nagging injury means Johnathan Joseph is once again back to 100% and raring to go.
Bringing in Ed Reed, former Baltimore Raven, to the back field can only help Joseph as the Texans roll into 2013. Look for his number all around to bounce back from 2012 from the word go. Philip Rivers, the Chargers QB has to be very worried about opening night.
Stay Tuned for more Texans Player Spotlight articles as we inch closer to the opening of training camp and the kick off your Houston Texans 2013 season!