With the game on the line Saturday, the Jets’ $72.5 million cornerback was mostly on the opposite side of the field from one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.
Instead of Trumaine Johnson, it was Morris Claiborne trying — unsuccessfully — to stop DeAndre Hopkins from carrying the Texans to a 29-22 win over the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Hopkins had his way on the game-winning drive, catching three passes for 41 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown, and drawing a key holding penalty on Claiborne that helped extend the possession. But the next morning, Jets coach Todd Bowles was not second-guessing his decision to play his cornerbacks on their sides — Johnson on the left and Claiborne on the right — as opposed to keeping Johnson on Hopkins all game.