Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – Every NFL player gets a “Welcome to the NFL” moment during their rookie year. Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Will Johnson had a major one last week vs. the Los Angeles Rams and wide receiver Puke Nacua. The Pro Bowler recorded the second-most receiving yards in his career (167) and his first ever two-touchdown game, both of which with Johnson as the closest defender.
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The outing could be demoralizing for a young cornerback like Johnson. However, when speaking to the media this week, he is ready for redemption this Sunday vs. the Houston Texans.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) catches a pass during warmups before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Johnson mentality for Week 15:
“I’m confident in myself,” Johnson said. “The plays that I got beat on last game, you’ve seen me make before throughout the season. It’s a week-to-week game. You’ve got to continue to pick your battles, and then you got to win your battles.”
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The good news for Arizona is that it will be facing the 17th-best passing offense, instead of the 3rd-best last game. Despite the better matchup for the Cardinals, it won’t be easy for Johnson and the secondary. Wide receiver Nico Collins is on pace for his third-straight 1000-yard season and has been the saving grace for the Texans passing game.
The 6’4 wide receiver will have the length advantage against Johnson and is one of the best route runners in the league. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will need to try to protect the secondary to not allow a repeat performance from last week like Nacua. Rallis and the defense will want to limit explosive plays from getting Houston comfortable in Week 15.
Sunday will be a huge indicator of the type of player Johnson is, and how he responds to being punched in the mouth.
Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett in major trouble vs. Texans in Week 15
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
