Houston Texans: 5 Ways to Rationalize Johnathan Joseph Extension
Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Joseph Can Still Play
Let’s start with the obvious, and that’s the fact that he’s still an above-average starting cornerback in this league, because I’ve seen some people knocking him in tweets.
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Yes, Indianapolis Colts star wideout T.Y. Hilton will burn him up on his day, but that’s also because it’s a mis-match to pit a 31-year-old CB against one of the most explosive weapons in the game, especially if the slow-footed Kendrick Lewis is the one masquerading as a free safety. The Texans now have a fully legit coverage FS in Rahim Moore, which can help hide some of Joseph’s declining speed if he does have to face a top-notch deep threat like Hilton.
Now that he’s 31, Joseph’s declining physical skills have caused him to be burned more often, as he allowed four touchdowns and 12 yards per reception last season, according to Pro Football Focus, but he was also capable of playing tight coverage with just a 58.1% completion percentage allowed.
No longer a shutdown corner, Joseph is merely a solid, savvy veteran corner at this stage of his career, but he’s still good enough to be a safe No. 2 CB for the Texans. That will be his role next season with K-Jax operating as the No. 1 guy and the rookie Johnson playing inside.
He was targeted quite often last season when he was out there, as PFF had him with the least amount of snaps in coverage per target. That’s troubling, but the fact that he allowed a completion percentage of 58.1% makes things easier to swallow. Joseph is a player with the arrow squarely pointing downwards, but at least he’s still more than capable of holding up. He’s also still able to make plays on the ball, as he moved his 10+ PD streak to four seasons by defending 11 passes last year.
Next: Erase 2017