Despite 14 losses, a new coaching regime and competition at the quarterback spot, the Texans are not devoid of leaders. *Their *leader, head coach Bill O'Brien, said so on Thursday afternoon.
"I would say we have pretty good leadership on this football team," O'Brien said. "I think on both sides of the ball, special teams."
The new man in charge then proceeded to check off a list of players ranging from 15-year veteran
punter Shane Lechler, to second-year safety D.J. Swearinger. The obvious names like defensive end J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing, who have been captains the last couple seasons were included. But so were the corner tandem of Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson, linebacker Brooks Reed, as well as offensive linemen Duane Brown and Chris Myers.
Most interesting, and at the same time, not surprising at all, was the franchise's greatest player.
"Obviously Andre Johnson, when he decides to come back," O'Brien said.
Johnson has been absent from the team's first three OTAs, which are voluntary. O'Brien spoke earlier in the week about his "ton of respect" for the perennial Pro Bowler, and how the team would "love to have him here right now, but that's up to him."
Johnson finished 2013 with 109 catches and 1,407 yards receiving.
