Running back Duke Johnson may not have the naked production to warrant a third-round selection (a fourth, if he doesn’t play 10 games). However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t thriving. In Houston, the new Texans running back has proved to be a menace in the red zone.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson is second in the NFL in red zone targets (10) for running backs. He has two touchdown receptions in the red area, too. Both, unlike his naked production (64 touches, 434 scrimmage yards), warrant praise.
Think of Johnson as a slot-receiver out of the backfield. Not because he has traditional slot size (5-9, 210) or that most of his production comes after the catch. No. Johnson is a threat as a pure route-runner.
When Johnson runs routes out of the backfield, the Texans have a mismatch. Often, linebackers are tasked with defending him. Often, that leads to a wide-open receiver. Often, that turns into production in the red zone.
Watch him score a 12-yard red zone touchdown below.
“Duke‘s a good player. He’s a very instinctive guy,” said coach Bill O’Brien on Oct. 14. “He’s been doing a good job for us as a — in the passing game, he’s been doing a good job. ”
Johnson’s corner route out of the backfield has resulted in both of his touchdowns in 2019. He previously did so against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 6 win.
It should be apparent why Johnson scores on those corner routes. He runs them like a receiver, with the quick hips to change direction in a flash and the speed to leave any defender in the dust.
Johnson isn’t easy to handle before the pass or after it. According to Player Profiler, he is third in the NFL in breakaway run rate (8.5%), second in yards per touch (6.8) and tenth in juke rate (29.7%).
Going forward, Carlos Hyde is the lead-back in Houston — that’s undeniable. However, Johnson has his place. It just so happens to be that his place is the most important area of the field.
