The Texans back is a threat running out of the backfield, but is also solid in pass protection and he can also run routes -- intermediate and deep ones.
Johnson's versatility could provide a spark for the Texans in their wild card matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday at NRG Stadium.
Fans and media have wondered why Johnson isn't used more in the passing game, but Texans coaches change the strategy according to the opponent.
The Bills play a lot of man-to-man defense, especially on third down, and Johnson said his skill set should allow the Texans to exploit mismatches with linebackers and safeties.
Houston did not start off well in this area, though. The Texans gave up 18 sacks in the first four games of the season, but just seven in the next five games.
Still, the Texans could use Johnson for more than pass-blocking.
He is tied for 10th among running backs in receiving yards per target (6.6 yards). Only four of those running backs ranking ahead of Johnson are in the playoffs (Vikings' Dalvin Cook, Eagles' Miles Sanders, Packers' Aaron Jones and Patriots' James White).
Johnson has 44 catches for 410 yards and three touchdowns this season. He's the first Texans running back with 40 catches since Arian Foster in 2012.
"You're able to attack the defense in a lot of different levels, no doubt about it," head coach Bill O'Brien said. "You can attack somebody deep, you can mid-range them and then with (tight ends Darren) Fells and Jordan Akins or Jordan Thomas and then Duke and Carlos (Hyde) – Carlos has caught some passes out of the backfield too – you have the ability to attack the defense at all levels. You're going to have to do that with Buffalo because they're good at all levels. You're going to have to earn everything that you get with Buffalo."