Texans have already cut safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, three games into the 2024 season. There’s no doubt that the player struggled in the sustained period leading up to this decision. In March, they were acquired by trade from the Philadelphia Eagles for left guard Kenyon Green, a 2022 first-round selection. Gardner-Johnson is coming off an excellent season, totaling six interceptions on the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season. His performance in Houston was underwhelming.
When Gardner-Johnson joined the Texans, he came with lofty expectations, fueled by his All-Pro, seven-interception campaign in Philadelphia. He nevertheless had some major growing pains adjusting to head coach DeMeco Ryans’ 3-4 defensive scheme. During his short time on the field, Gardner-Johnson was credited with 15 tackles while adding no interceptions and no pass-breakups. His lack of ability to blend into the scheme led to a few explosive plays that burned the Texans secondary.
In the Texans’ most recent matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gardner-Johnson excelled in covering the deep right half of the field. He played his role flawlessly as the outside cornerback in the Cover-2 defense. He overthrew a pretty simple 10-yard in-breaking route to wide receiver Sterling Shepard. This error resulted in a wide-open deep half, letting Ryan Miller score a TD.
The safety’s woes were not limited to just that game. At the most important part of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it was 10-10 late in the fourth quarter. Gardner-Johnson’s misjudgment of his assignment a play that might decide the game. He jumped an out-breaking route by Parker Washington, leaving the middle of the field vulnerable and allowing a crucial play that contributed to the Jaguars’ victory.
Ryans even admitted to having some communication breakdowns within his secondary — which included Gardner-Johnson.
“When you see a big play that happens on our defense, somewhere along the lines, there’s a bust in communication,” said Ryans.
The Texans’ defensive issues have been on display all season and came to head on Sunday against the Dolphins. The only losses they have suffered all season have been by seven points or less. More than ever before, this has highlighted the importance of each play and player to their collective success. The early release of Gardner-Johnson is a strong indication of the team’s resolve to fix their toxic defensive issues and lackluster play.
“It all starts with communication, and it hasn’t been as crisp as it needs to be. We see that. We have to make some adjustments there to make sure we get it corrected.”
Gardner-Johnson wrapped up his college career at Louisville before entering the NFL Draft. Loeffler’s time with the Houston Texans was short-lived. Many still continue to pin their hopes on a radiant future career in front of them.
Gardner-Johnson finished his college career at Louisville before being drafted into the NFL. His time with the Texans will now be remembered as a short-lived chapter in what many hope will still be a promising career.
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