There was no real choice, then, but for Johnson to report for the start of Houston’s training camp Friday. As much as he has expressed doubts this offseason about the future of his only NFL team, it’s still a critical, mutually beneficial relationship.
It wasn’t about the money for Johnson. He is signed through 2016, this season earning $6.5 million of the $28 million owed to him over the next three years.
For him, it came down to one thing — rebuilding — and he didn’t want to go through it.
He waited nine seasons for the Texans to break through with AFC South division titles in 2011 and ‘12. He continued to put up his huge numbers (109 catches, 1,407 yards, 5 TDs) in ‘13, but that didn’t keep them from going 2-14, matching their franchise-worst record of ‘05.
For the 33-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler with Hall of Fame credentials, it feels like starting over. He’s seen other venerable long-time pass catchers, such as Tony Gonzalez, leave a rebuilding team for a contending one. But while the idea of following that course was appealing, Johnson is needed more than ever in Houston.
The team is in the process of installing rookie head coach Bill O’Brien’s complex, pass-oriented offense. Other than Johnson, the key receivers are young — No. 2 DeAndre Hopkins and tight ends Garrett Graham and Ryan Griffin. They haven’t found a good solution for a slot receiver, either. The starting quarterback is smart Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he’s still a newcomer.
Johnson has been able to adapt and thrive regardless of scheme, coach, quarterback, complementary receivers or anything else throughout his entire career. Still, he undoubtedly would prefer a ready-made team.
Can the Texans pull off a 2013 Chiefs-like turnaround and go from 2-14 to the playoffs? It can’t be ruled out. Just like Kansas City last season, the Texans have the potential to be anchored by an elite defense with the additions of coordinator Romeo Crennel and No. 1 NFL Draft pick, Jadeveon Clowney. Plus, there’s Arian Foster complementing Johnson. But is it enough?
Houston was keeping Johnson’s contributions — and his contract — in mind with the wholesale changes. The Texans would have taken a hit of about $12 million in dead money if they had dealt him. And on the field, it was necessary to move on from familiar faces such as QB Matt Schaub and coach Gary Kubiak for a shot at a quick rebound.
BROWNS ‘ALARMED’ BY MANZIEL
And so it begins with Johnny Manziel in training camp.
Mary Kay Cabot, ace Browns scribe for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the team is “alarmed” at the recent off-field behavior of the rookie quarterback — so much so it thinks it’s having an adverse effect in the camp battle with Brian Hoyer.
From that infamous photo of Manziel rolling money in the bathroom to all his public partying, the Browns, per Cabot aren’t happy that Manziel’s post-draft actions have been different than his pre-draft words.
It’s hard to read the Browns’ tune with Manziel vs. Hoyer so far. Everyone sees Hoyer having the slight lead going into camp, but then again, coach MIke Pettine has said the competition would be wide open in camp. The initial first-team repetitions, however, have already tipped toward Hoyer.
It’s also not fair to assume Manziel’s competitive drive and overall talent isn’t enough to trump Hoyer. His smarts and athleticism will allow him to catch up fast, even if he isn’t where the Browns think he should be now. A source also told Cabot that Manziel had a good initial camp practice, and that his “hard work” was just beginning.
Manziel spoke more words Friday at training camp, telling reporters (per The Associated Press) he has “made some rookie mistakes” which won’t keep him from winning the starting job.
“There’s some things that I wish I could’ve gone back and done a little differently, but I’m continuing to move forward and trying to represent this organization in a positive manner and a positive light, so just very excited to be back in camp and it’s football 24/7 and that’s what I love doing,” he was quoted as saying. “That’s what I live for and it’s what my job (is), so for me, I’m very excited to be back and can’t wait to get this under way.”
RAVENS SIGN TROUBLED HILL
One day after the Ravens’ Ray Rice was given a mere two-game suspension by the NFL as punishment for knocking his now-wife unconscious, the team is opening its doors to one of the most unruly players in the league.
They announced Friday that they’ve signed former Giants safety Will Hill. Hill was cut by the Giants in May after violating the league’s substance abuse policy for a third time. He appealed and lost a six-game suspension.
“If we need it, Will will provide depth in the middle of the season,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said, according to the Baltimore Sun.
But do they need it that badly? Badly enough to overlook Hill’s insistence on smoking marijuana, despite the work-related consequences?
He was suspended in college at Florida for testing positive for marijuana, and entered the draft early. He was suspended from the Giants four games in 2012 for using a performance-enhancing drug, and four more in 2013 for marijuana. He’ll miss six games this season. He’s talented, yes, but he’s also unreliable and self-destructive. His actions indicate he cares little about his own success, not to mention the team’s.
This from his former Giants teammate, Antrell Rolle, in June: “Will knew the situation he put the Giants in and he forced their hand. For him to keep moving himself in the wrong direction, it’s not a good thing.”
Still, perhaps the 115 career tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles in two seasons were too much for the Ravens to overlook.
And maybe they dismissed his other off-field issue. He reportedly trashed the house he was renting in New Jersey, causing $15,000 in damages. He and his buddies left the house infested with maggots, holes in the wall, dog feces from his four pit bulls and more.
“If this is your job and you’re willing to jeopardize your job for some other reason, then perhaps you don’t have your mind and priorities where they should be in the first place,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said upon releasing Hill.
So, what do the Ravens see that Coughlin and the Giants did not? Every coach feels like he can fix a player, somehow redeem him and succeed where others could not. That coach could be John Harbaugh.
But as of today, it looks like a puzzling signing, at best. On the heels of the Rice public relations debacle, it looks even worse.
RAVENS SUPPORTING RICE
Within the Baltimore Ravens organization, running back Ray Rice is respected and admired not only for his play, but as a man. It’s hard to imagine that their appreciation for Rice was not a factor in commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to limit Rice’s suspension to just two games.
Kevin Byrne, the team’s senior vice president of public relations, wrote a blog on Friday, effusively praising Rice. Byrne attempted to cast light on the brokenness Rice has felt since punching his fiance’, now wife, until she was unconscious, then dragging her out of an elevator.
“I’ve been trying to come in the building and work out when no one is here,” Rice told Byrne one morning when Byrne spotted him lifting weights alone, and in the dark. “I’m not sure anyone wants to see me. I’m so sorry, and I’m embarrassed. And, I don’t want to make any of the women feel uncomfortable.”
His remorse — and I dare not judge its sincerity — doesn’t change the facts.
Someone he loved felt the fury of his fists. It doesn’t matter what prompted the incident. It could have been jealousy, drunkenness, or a white hot temper. Furthermore, Rice could be generous, kind and a wonderful teammate. He’s also a man who used all his strength and might to knock a woman out.
The Ravens, of course, are not justifying his actions. But they are defending the NFL’s handling of the case. Team owner Steve Biscotti, as told to Byrne:
“How sad we all are that he tarnished his image. No one outside, I’ve learned, can understand how we look at these guys as our sons and close friends as opposed to just employees.
“I saw that clearly when we lost the AFC championship at New England (at the end of the 2011 season). I had friends tell me, ‘You must hate Lee Evans or Billy Cundiff. They cost you a trip to the Super Bowl.’ It was the opposite — we felt for Lee and Billy. I wished that they’d get another chance. I felt the need to protect them like I would one of my sons. It’s not like that in my other businesses.
“Don’t we all have days or moments or periods in our life we regret? Ray showed great character for the six years I’ve known him. He has shown remorse after a bad incident. It was out of character. I don’t think now is the time to abandon him. You say we are a Ravens’ family. I’ve come to believe that.”
It may not be time to abandon him. It was time, however, to punish him severely, and that didn’t happen.
Contributors: Vinnie Iyer, Rana L. Cash
