Amid injuries to Bradley Roby and Johnathan Joseph, rookie cornerback Lonnie Johnson is in a place to step up and solidify himself as the future of the Houston Texans secondary.
First, Johnson has to get past his rookie mistakes. However, he isn’t going to be one to tell you that. The 22-year-old cornerback isn’t trying to play like a rookie, therefore, avoiding those mistakes that he has made.
“I’m not trying to play like a rookie,” Johnson said on Monday when asked what he can bring to the team. “Just go out there and play to my potential. Just go out there and do what I can to help this team win when my number [is] called. Just go out there and play.”
For the season, Johnson has 18 combined tackles and three pass deflections while starting four games. The 6-3, 214-pound corner knows what can make him an effective player.
“I’m 6-3, I’m a big person,” said Johnson. “That’s why these guys brought me in for. Just, I can do multiple things, versatile.”
The towering Johnson will have to be devoid of his rookie-ness on Sunday when he plays the Indianapolis Colts. Their top option, T.Y. Hilton, has historically scorched the Texans offense; Johnson should be looking to change that.
