David Johnson did everything right.
The former 2016 All-Pro running back carried 12 times for 128 yards and a touchdown, and also caught three passes for 11 yards and a touchdown. Despite Johnson’s best efforts, the Houston Texans lost 37-31 to the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium in Week 16.
The defense gave up 540 yards total offense to Cincinnati. The pass rush didn’t sack backup quarterback Brandon Allen, who completed 29 passes on 37 attempts for 371 yards and two touchdowns. Even the Texans’ three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Deshaun Watson, sustained a sack-fumble on Houston’s penultimate drive, their best chance to win the game.
All of Johnson’s production was for nought.
“It’s obviously frustrating, because no matter how well I did, you always want the win, man,” Johnson said. “You always want the win in our side. As much as yards I had and what I did successful, we didn’t end up with a win, so it’s tough.”
According to Johnson, who has played in 11 games for Houston, one of his challenges since returning from a Week 9 concussion is to focus on what he can control and not get caught up in his surroundings.
“I’ve been just trying to get my mind right, talking to a professional about how to do my job, worry about what I’m doing, and he’s been doing a great job with me and just trying to control what I can control,” Johnson said.
Johnson and the Texans have one more job to do as they host the Tennessee Titans Sunday at 3:25 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium in Week 17. The Titans will be out for a win in the rematch, but the Texans have a chance to play spoiler and keep Tennessee away from the AFC South title.
