Same face, different place: It’s no secret that Andre Johnson will be the focal point of most defenses the Texans face this season. So when the offensive coaches were formulating their strategy this off-season, they looked into ways they could make it as difficult as possible for the opposition to defend No.80.
The result, at least this far into training camp, has been an attack featuring Johnson in constant motion. Wherever he lines up in the beginning of a play, chances are he won’t be there at the time of the snap. To make it harder for teams to double team Johnson, offensive coordinator Chris Palmer changed the wide receiver’s position.
“We went into the off-season with the thought that we were going to move Andre to the Z position, which is on tight end side,” Palmer said. “The first two years he played the X wide receiver, which is a single receiver side. Now that gives us the ability, with him off the line of scrimmage, to move him and put him in different spots. He’s adjusted very well in the spring and he’s doing a good job.”
Johnson, the Texans’ lone Pro Bowler in 2004, is noticeably more confident entering his third year. Palmer has seen his fair share of prodigies in 15 seasons of NFL coaching. As far as he is concerned, Johnson shouldn’t have any trouble with his new role in the offense.
“Here’s a guy who got 975 yards his first year, was an All-Pro his second year and now, with the ability to move him around, will make it more difficult for the defense to zero in on him,” Palmer said. “The sky is the limit for this guy. He’s a very talented individual and we expect him to have a big year.”
This should help him this year. I agree with his athletic ability he should be moving around more. The more positions he knows the more dangerous he can become.
bagobonez wrote:I still don't see him jumping into the top 5 until David Carr becomes better and the Titans start throwing at the goal line more often.
Was he traded recently?
Personally, I wish the Texans front office did their job in getting a viable second WR to help Johnson succeed instead of laying it all on him to learn a new role in the offense.
Cornbread Maxwell wrote:Still have to have him slightly overrated in fantasy right now. 1150 and 6 last yr and he's pushing top 5 WRs? Nah - I'll pass.
Agreed. He's very talented and is a great WR but people are drafting him around where the top five guys are going. I just don't see him producing that much to warrant being picked right after Holt and Harrison. In a dynasty league maybe, but anything else and I'll pass.
Cornbread Maxwell wrote:Still have to have him slightly overrated in fantasy right now. 1150 and 6 last yr and he's pushing top 5 WRs? Nah - I'll pass.
As much as I like AJ, I have to agree. Not because of his talent..he has top 5 talent...but because of his surrounding support group--or lack of one.
Isn't there something about WR in their third year. They tend to do real well. I've never even seen the dude play but I'll be keeping my eye on him this season.
Roster: 12 Team League
QB: Palmer, Plummer
RB: S. Alexander, J. Lewis, J Jones, S Jackson, Gado
WR: Mason, R Williams, Engram, Chatman, Ferguson
TE: Witten
DEF: Jax
K: Stover
jmo wrote:Isn't there something about WR in their third year. They tend to do real well. I've never even seen the dude play but I'll be keeping my eye on him this season.
WRs typically increase their production level in their 3rd year. Most logically it seems to be related to how tough it is to adjust to NFL level of play, and the learning curve WRs endure.
AJ is not going to be top 5, but top 10 is possible. Its not so much Carr that's holding him back, but Carr's O-line. I think they may very well have the worst pass protection in the entire league.
Cafe Home
Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy Basketball
Fantasy Hockey
by Calyxes » Mon Aug 01, 2005 12:54 am 
