Houston Texans: 4 scapegoats during ’21 rebuild season

3. David Johnson

When a player is a part of a trade that sends DeAndre Hopkins away from the Houston Texans, and from that point on the franchise began to really crumble, the microscope is going to be focusing on every play made during that player’s tenure.

That is what seems to be reality for running back David Johnson as he was acquired (along with a second-round pick that became Ross Blacklock) for DeAndre Hopkins in a trade that has gone down as the worst trade in franchise history.

There is no argument that at the time the Texans needed a running back, but then general manager Bill O’Brien not only traded the team’s best wide receiver, but one of the very best wide receivers in the entire NFL.

Johnson being chosen as a scapegoat might not be fair to him, but in reality he’s always going to be remembered as being the guy who came to the team when they traded Hopkins.

Plus, there is the fact that Johnson’s numbers with the Texans last season weren’t the best with just 12 games played, totaling 691 yards on 147 rushes. He finished with six rushing touchdowns, while adding 314 yards and two touchdowns receiving on 33 receptions (46 targets).

This year, there will be a lot of competition at running back with the addition of Mark Ingram II and Phillip Lindsay, so the numbers and overall playing time of Johnson could be lower than they were a season ago.

Johnson needs to have his best season in quite some time in ’21. The Texans have made additions on their offensive line with changes at guard and center, so maybe that will help the rushing game of Johnson. If not, many will be looking his direction if the ’21 season isn’t the greatest.