Unless the Denver and Tennessee secondaries play the respective games of their lives, Andre Johnson will catch one more pass in 2013. When he does, it will be the 100th of the season. Johnson's accomplished that feat four other times in his career, and only Wes Welker has done it five seasons in a career.
As usual, though, Johnson, was nonchalant about the milestone in front of him.
"It's pretty good," Johnson said. "I don't think you really realize it until you're probably finished playing, and you look over your career, and you just see some of the things that you accomplished as a player."
He's sitting on 99 receptions for 1,295 yards this year. If he gets 205 more receiving yards, he'll be the only player to ever amass four seasons with at least 100 or more catches and 1,500 or more yards. He's been prolific throughout his 11-year career with the Texans, but said Wednesday that in retirement will likely be the time he reflects on his accomplishments.
"I think that's when you really realize it," Johnson said. "I think as long as you're still playing you don't really get caught up into it too much."
Throwing him the ball on Sunday at Reliant Stadium will be the quarterback with whom he's experienced his finest days. Matt Schaub will start, because Case Keenum has ligament damage in his
right thumb. And Schaub shared his appreciation for Johnson.
"It's special to watch him every day work, and go out game in and game out, year in and year out, and continue to produce," Schaub said. "I'm just thankful that I've been able to be a small part of that, so I'm looking forward to giving him that 100th catch of this season, and helping him get there."
Johnson had positive things to say about Schaub today as well.
"I think Matt will go out and do a great job for us this week," Johnson said. "I know he's excited about it. He looked good out in practice today."
With four more receptions, Johnson will move past Torry Holt (920) into 14th place on the NFL's all-time catches list. He'll slide into 16th place on the League's all-time receiving yards list if and when he gets 173 yards. Hall of Famer Art Monk (12,721) is in front of him in that spot.
