Texans RB David Johnson says it did not take offense long to learn the playbook

The Houston Texans will undoubtedly have a new look offense in 2021.

Whether it is the fiasco with Deshaun Watson, Pep Hamilton coming in as the passing game coordinator, or a bunch of new personnel learning what remains of offensive coordinator Tim Kelly’s system, the reality is the offense will take some processing.

According to former 2016 All-Pro running back David Johnson, who enters his second season with the Texans, the transition has been somewhat smooth due to the experience many of the new players are bringing with them.

“I think the biggest thing is since we’re such a veteran-led team, I think we figured out the playbook really fast together,” Johnson said. “I think that’s what’s good for us is that it won’t take us so long to play together and play as a cohesive team, especially on offense, because we have so many veterans, and we all know how to be professionals.”

Johnson is in a crowded backfield with Phillip Lindsay and Mark Ingram, two Pro Bowlers, vying for snaps. That isn’t to mention Scottie Phillips, Dontrell Hilliard, Darius Jackson, Buddy Howell, and Rex Burkhead.

Johnson says the backfield has been professional about the workload being divvied up.

Said Johnson: “We all know how to work together because we all — the NFL, the plays are pretty similar. It’s just the terminology, and once you figure that out, you play well together.”

The Texans kickoff the preseason Saturday night against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.