Andre Johnson Injury: How Critical Is Star WR vs. Jags Defense?

With a huge matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars coming up this Sunday, the Texans must do everything possible to get Andre Johnson back on the field. 

Now of course, if he cannot play, then he cannot play. Injuries are part of the game. 

However, if he is cleared to play, head coach Gary Kubiak should not take a cautious approach. The Texans' offense is in need of Johnson. 

Yes, the Texans looked very good against the Titans without Johnson due to RB Arian Foster's huge game, but it will be a much more difficult task against the Jaguars' defense. 

Jacksonville is in the top 10 in the NFL in both passing and rushing defense, and eighth in scoring defense. 

For some perspective, Tennessee is 15th against the pass and 24th against the run. 

As bad as the Jaguars' offense has been (dead last in passing offense), it is impressive how well this defense has performed. 

Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert is not able to stay on the field for very long, which means this defense is on the field a lot more often than most other defenses. Jacksonville is just 15th in time of possession in the NFL. 

Against the Ravens, the Jaguars' defense looked fantastic. 

RB Ray Rice and the Ravens could not manage a first down until 10 minutes into the third quarter. 

QB Joe Flacco was constantly under pressure and was sacked three times. 

This defense really had a breakout game and can slow down the Texans, however, if Houston is able to get Johnson back, it changes many things.  

First, it means CB Rashean Mathis will be on Johnson all game. Also, safeties Dwight Lowery and Dawan Landry will have to stay back and respect the deep threat Johnson poses. 

This opens up the field for TE Owen Daniels to operate and for Foster to see less tacklers up in the box. 

The Texans' offense is more dynamic and explosive with Johnson playing. There is no doubt about that. 

Without Johnson, players like LB Paul Posluszny and LB Daryl Smith will be able to focus their attention on Foster, and their safeties will be able to creep up without a fearful deep threat. 

Landry is a good tackler (he has 42 tackles this season) and can be disruptive in the rushing attack without a legitimate passing attack. 

Mathis will be able to shut down any deep threat Jacoby Jones and/or Kevin Walter represent, which allows the two safeties to worry less about the deep ball. 

This shortens the field for Houston, which hurts the Texans' versatile playbook. 

I still think the Texans have a good chance to win without Johnson. however, I would have a better feeling seeing No. 80 suited up and playing.