With Bradley Roby sidelined for a month (hamstring) and fellow Johnathan Joseph missing Week 6 (hamstring), the Houston Texans are shallow at the cornerback position.
Second-round pick Lonnie Johnson is now the No. 1 cornerback in the Texans secondary — if Joseph remains out for Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Though he has had his rookie moments, the Kentucky product has spurned compliments from the Texans staff.
“Lonnie played aggressive [on Sunday],” said Texans coach Bill O’Brien on Monday. “Lonnie is a guy that gets better and better every week, and that’s what he has to do. The rookies have to just keep improving every week.”
Johnson guarded multiple receivers on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. While he slipped up a few times, he played them physically for the most part, which is expected out of a 6-3 corner known for his press-man skills coming into the NFL.
“This is another big challenge this week,” O’Brien continued. “Watch the film, there’s a lot to correct, technique-wise. Overall in the secondary, just using our feet better and maybe being less handsy.”
Johnson has a tough task in Week 7: guard the Colts’ passing offense highlighted by speedy wideout T.Y. Hilton. To do his best, his technique will have to improve while keeping that aggressive nature at the forefront.
