There is no joy in saying Johnathan Joseph is getting old.
The two-time Pro Bowler is a stalwart of this Houston Texans defense and essentially another coach on the field for this young unit, but while the 35-year-old former Cincinnati Bengal is continuing to deliver on the field despite father time, his age seems to be catching up with him.
Since the arrivals of former first-round cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Vernon Hargreaves earlier this season, Joseph’s playing time has been declining especially of late. Throw into the mix rookie Lonnie Johnson and former Denver Bronco Bradley Roby, and suddenly the future for Joseph as a starter in this Texans defense looks less likely.
A consummate professional and consistency embodied, Joseph still has 13 defended passes and an interception on the year despite his age. And while he logged both an interception and a defended pass during their recent 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, these came during just six defensive snaps in total for the night, a decline which has been rapid the prevailing trend the latter half of this season.
Having started just 10 games so far this season and with a Pro Football Focus grade of 64.7, both categories reflect new lows for the Texans captain since just his third NFL season way back in 2008.
What’s next?
So what could be next for the veteran? First of all, do not rule out a return next season. Just because his role in this team of late is declining, doesn’t mean they don’t want him around next year. An experienced voice like his in the locker room is greatly valued by Bill O’Brien, and Joseph is still an effective player.
Should the Texans re-sign the soon to be free agent Roby and focus on their younger defensive backs, that will leave Joseph with two options.
A player of his experience and production should find a short-term deal elsewhere in the league. But, the other option seems more likely: coach Joseph.
The Texans players and coaching staff alike have a great deal of respect for the 14-year veteran and it would be wise to keep him around. He has a great mind for the game, is an excellent leader, and will be a good coach in this league sooner or later. O’Brien likes to keep these sorts of former players around, take Andre Johnson, T.J. Yates, and Brian Cushing for example.
Not to mention the fact he and his family have been settled in Houston since 2011, and the chances of Joseph sticking around seem decent.
Focusing on 2019
For now, however, Joseph remains healthy, productive, and in my opinion, someone who should be at the very least considered for the Hall of Fame in years to come.
The Texans head into Week 17 knowing the playoffs are on their way, giving Joseph another chance to showcase his unrelenting consistency in one of the game’s most physically demanding positions, on the big stage.
.jpg?w=600)
