Houston Texans Release Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson After Slow Start
The Houston Texans made a surprising decision on September 26, 2023, releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after just three games with the team. This move comes on the heels of a disappointing performance from Gardner-Johnson, who recorded 15 tackles but failed to secure any interceptions or pass breakups during his brief tenure.
In March, the Texans had traded their 2022 first-round pick, Kenyon Green, to the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire Gardner-Johnson. The hope was that he would bolster the secondary, especially given his impressive six interceptions during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in the previous season.
Defensive Struggles Contribute to Release
Despite the high expectations, Gardner-Johnson struggled to adapt to Head Coach DeMeco Ryans’ defensive scheme, which played a significant role in his release. Throughout the first three weeks of the season, the Texans’ secondary has been vulnerable, allowing several big plays that contributed to their winless record of 0-3.
During a press conference on Monday, Ryans acknowledged the communication issues within the secondary, stating, “When you see a big play that happens on our defense, somewhere along the lines, there’s a bust in communication.” The coach emphasized the need for improved communication and adjustments to address these defensive lapses.
Gardner-Johnson’s inability to consistently align with defensive assignments has led to critical mistakes. Team sources indicated that he allowed multiple significant plays in the games, impacting the Texans’ chances of winning. Each of their losses has been by a touchdown or less, underscoring the narrow margins by which they have fallen short.
Key Defensive Breakdowns
In the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Gardner-Johnson was responsible for a crucial 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to tight end Davis Allen, who ran a corner route into the end zone. This defensive miscommunication contributed to a 14-9 loss for Houston.
The following week, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gardner-Johnson again faltered. On the game’s opening drive, he misjudged his coverage, allowing Baker Mayfield to find wide receiver Ryan Miller for a 20-yard touchdown. The Texans narrowly lost that game 20-19.
In a crucial moment during their most recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gardner-Johnson made another significant error. With the score tied at 10-10 late in the fourth quarter, he failed to cover the middle of the field as required, leading to a 46-yard completion that set up a touchdown for the Jaguars. The Texans ultimately lost that game 17-10.
Adding to the complications, sources indicated that Gardner-Johnson’s reluctance to take responsibility for his mistakes has caused friction among teammates. One source described his behavior as “finger pointing” rather than owning up to errors, which has contributed to the team’s challenges on the field.
As the Texans prepare to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, both teams enter the matchup with an 0-3 record in the AFC South. The Texans are hopeful that improved team chemistry and adjustments in their defensive strategy can help them break into the win column.
