For the Texans, the potential is there.
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (80) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
“The potential is there. We just have to go out there and just perform like we know how to perform.” – Andre Johnson when asked about the mood in the locker room. Andre has had a tough year, first watching the implosion of the Texans after 2013, a whole new staff come in and a revamping of the system. A tough pill for a man whose one dream is not records, for which Andre is breaking practically every game, but to stand on that stage and hold in his hands the Lombardi Trophy. One of the reasons Texans fans are fans is the lack of ego and drama on this team. Andre Johnson is a big reason for this.
Yes, he had his disagreement with where the team was and was going prior to the start of the year. However he’s been all in since his quiet protest ended. He sees potential, he knows the goal of winning is not that far off the mark. Dallas, who barely beat the Texans stomped the World Champion Seattle Seahawks Sunday. Indianapolis beat the Texans by less then a touchdown. Unlike last season where the team seemed lost and inept this year it’s merely honing what Bill O’Brien is trying to do.
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To that end, the Texans need to play offense all four quarters. The slow starts are killing this team and tiring out the defense. For Johnson, the answer is simple “The key is just getting that first first down. When that happens, we normally get into a rhythm. When we get into a rhythm and go fast with our offense, we’re able to put up points.” And that’s one thing the Texans have failed miserably to do. Through six games, the Texans are scoreless outside of the 14 points put up against the winless Raiders. Not really something to brag about.
Defensively the Texans have another big problem. Good quarterbacks hammer them with the deep pass. When asked if miscommunication is a factor in the secondary giving up the long pass corner back A.J. Bouye had this to say “Probably a little bit. You know, most of the time it’s just communication. Sometimes it’s just we’re leaving our assignment trying to make a play and help somebody else, and we’ve just got to stay disciplined.” That really tells you how aggressive this defense is trying to be. Aggressive play is good, it’s why the Texans have such a high rater of turn over so far this season. However it’s also why the are 31st in the league against passes 40 yards down the field. Behind just the Atlanta Falcons.
The Texans have a nice break to be ready for the Steelers, under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. Time for Bill O’Brien and the coaches to figure out how to get the offense going early and the defense to stop Ben Rothlisburger from airing it out and beating the Texans deep. They can do it. Andre Johnson believes, and so should you.
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*Quotes provided courtesy of the Houston Texans PR Department.