In the modern NFL, the lifetime at certain positions can be short. This statement holds true for guys who – year in and year out – grow accustomed to the wear and tear, the double-teams, and the schemes designed specifically to eliminate their playmaking ability. Since the early 2000’s, Andre Johnson has single-handedly carried the Houston Texans receiving attack on his back. He is probably the only reason Matt Schaub was able to keep his starting job for as long as he did. Johnson was a freak for years, eclipsing the 1,000-yard receiving plateau an impressive 7 times, and coming within less than 100 yards an additional two times. Eventually though, that wear and tear eats at a player. That, in tandem with age and contract terms, forces teams to reevaluate players and decide whether or not it is time to move on.
This was exactly the situation that presented itself this offseason between Johnson and the Texans. The organization wanted to cut ties and get out from under the hefty tab of an aging player while Johnson wanted a fresh start somewhere where he felt appreciated. He wanted to be where he felt like he was still a viable and dangerous weapon. Most importantly though, he wanted to play for a team that had a shot at a championship.
Enter the Indianapolis Colts.
Chuck Pagano and company are betting that not only is there still a little bit left in the tank for the nearly 34-year old veteran, but that he can return to the monster form of only a few seasons ago. After seeing his superstar status fade down the stretch in Houston, where he was basically relegated to a “possession” guy, and then almost phased out completely as the team prepared to trade or release him, Johnson still came within 80 yards of another 1,000-yard season. Now in a new home, and for the first time in his career having a franchise-caliber quarterback who many consider to be the new young face and future of the NFL throwing the ball to him, my early bet is that he will be primed for a career revival in Indy. It can’t hurt that the Colts are flush with offensive weapons; teams won’t be able to simply stack the box on Johnson’s side of the field to try and eliminate his catches. It also helps that Luck is accurate, has a strong arm, and possesses scrambling ability that gives his wideouts time to create some separation. Even if Johnson has slowed down a step or two, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him explode over the 1,000-yard hurdle once again.
I was confident that this would be the case, and I’ve been preaching it since the Colts signed him. And now the news coming out of camp simply strengthens my argument. ESPN beat writer Mike Wells is reporting that it was “pretty obvious” that the new Colt will be a “significant part” of the offense moving forward, and that, as Wells notes, “he should clearly be considered the number 2 receiving option behind T.Y. Hilton.” So keep this in mind on draft day. Johnson looks like a strong WR2, and with a legitimate cast of talent around him, don’t be surprised if you see numbers more reminiscent of the Andre Johnson of old.
Main Photo:
