Predicting Andre Johnson’s 2015 Season

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It seemed almost too good to be true on the evening of March 11, when it had been announced that the Indianapolis Colts had signed seven-time pro-bowl receiver Andre Johnson to a three-year, $21-million dollar contract. The thought of Johnson catching passes from Andrew Luck had previously been something that Colts fans could only dream of.

Well it’s a reality now, and at 33 years of age, the question is clear: how much can Johnson exactly provide for the Colts in 2015?

Jun 9, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) catches a pass during minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, Johnson proved to everyone that he is still capable of putting up decent numbers despite inconsistent quarterback play with 936 yards on 85 receptions. While these aren’t considered eye-popping numbers for Johnson’s standards, it is also worth noting that last year Johnson saw a lesser role on the team and had three different quarterbacks throwing him the ball throughout the course of the season.

That won’t be a problem for Johnson this year with his new team; however, as Luck appears to be rather eager to have Johnson as a weapon and has played in all 48 games of his NFL career thus far (knock on wood).

The addition of Johnson adds yet another weapon to a team with a deadly passing attack. Expect to see Johnson take most of the team’s workload in the passing game this year and serve as a mentor to the younger receivers. Johnson’s veteran presence on the receiving unit replaces the void that had been left when the team released longtime Colt Reggie Wayne just days before signing Johnson.

Look for Johnson to be the Colts No. 1 receiver for 2015 followed by deep-threat T.Y. Hilton. In terms of stats, it is not far-fetched that Johnson could have at least 1,000 yards on the season and a decent amount of touchdowns (assuming he can stay healthy all season long).

Johnson may not be the deep-threat receiver that he was in the earlier portions of his career but even at his age, there is no reason to believe that he can’t still be a valuable weapon for Luck this upcoming season and put up quality numbers.

Before the offseason had started, the Colts offense was touted as one of the best offenses in the league. Now, the team’s passing attack has gotten even deadlier with the addition of Johnson, proving the point that the rich do in fact get richer.

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