@Browns
The Texans have traded for Browns running back Duke Johnson.
The #Texans traded a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft that can become a third-rounder to the #Browns for Duke Johnson, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 8, 2019
The Texans had just Lamar Miller on the roster who had significant NFL carries. Johnson was unhappy and had made it clear he would like to play for another team. The compensation is minimal when you consider Johnson is a solid compliment to Miller and under contract for two seasons after this.
Johnson accounted for 630 total yards and three touchdowns last year for the Browns. He averaged five yards per carry and nine yards per reception. Johnson had 47 catches last year while the Texans had 50 catches from all their running backs. In fact, Johnson would have been behind DeAndre Hopkins in receptions on the team last year.
🚨 Duke Johnson heads to Houston!
Johnson's career receiving grade (90.9) ranks fifth among running backs with at least 100 targets dating back to 2015. https://t.co/qHSmqjjMq8
— PFF (@PFF) August 8, 2019
Johnson also ranks 2nd in forced missed tackles per reception (0.34), 7th in yards per route run (1.73) and 4th in percentage of receptions resulting in a first down or touchdown (44.0%). pic.twitter.com/XxCHQnBRvT
— PFF (@PFF) August 8, 2019
Duke Johnson the past two seasons combined (played all 32 games) in RB receiving rankings:
Yards - 5th
Targets - 6th
Receptions - 6th
Touchdowns - 9th
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) August 8, 2019
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
_______________
Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code SPORTSMAP at checkout. Get your tickets now!