Texan's D.J. Swearinger Needs To Get Serious

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger (36) laughs during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

D.J.Swearinger’s Twitter handle is @Jungleboi_Swagg which he has had since his days at South Carolina. That swag and his hard hitting kamikaze style of play at South Carolina should have told Texans quite a bit about the young safety.

Swearinger will never be accused of lacking confidence. He’ll never be accused of being the strong, silent type. He’ll never be accused of loafing or taking plays off, most likely. He goes hard and all out on every play. That style of play drew the attention of scouts and general managers and continues to draw attention from coaches.

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Robert Hughes (39) is tackled by Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger (36) during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This week’s opponent, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin just this week commented on Swearinger. Tomlin was quoted via Pro Football Talk saying, “I really admire the way he plays. He plays with a great deal of heart and passion. He is consistently physical.”

It’s particularly interesting that Tomlin commented on Swearinger given that the player that is somewhat similar to what Swearinger’s ceiling is Troy Polamalu, who has been a long time Steelers standout. Polamalu also known for his fearless kamikaze style of play and has turned that style into an art form, jumping snap counts and leaping over the offense line along with numerous big hits down field.

The potential is there for Swearinger as is the attitude and athleticism, but it’s time for Swearinger to become a complete player. He has at times struggled in pass coverage. This is likely never going to be a strength for Swearinger.

But Swearinger needs to be able at least cover tight ends and running backs or risk getting pigeon holed as an in the box safety only, much like former Texans Bernard Pollard. Pollard has had a decent career but has been let go by 3 NFL teams. Why? Teams like his hard hitting approach but they quickly learn that he is such a liability in coverage that they are start looking for someone better just as the Texans attempted to do.

Oct 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a completed pass to wide receiver Dez Bryant (not picture) while being hit by Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) in overtime at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Houston 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Swearinger also must learn to wrap up. This is not high school ball, this is not even SEC football, where Swearinger was able to just hit and hit and keep on hitting and guys went down. This is the NFL and this is the best of the best. If players Swearinger’s size don’t wrap up on tackles, the defender bounces off and they end up missing a lot of tackles, as Swearinger has.

Swearinger has made some big plays. He has forced several fumbles this season and he has picked some up and returned them as well. But there have also been a number of plays where Swearinger ended up NOT making a tackle and giving up a big first down because he was too busy trying to strip the ball or he simply hit the offensive player too high and bounced off.

Pro Football Focus’ year to date grade on Swearinger is currently a net minus 4.9. That’s the 4th worse grade among ALL Texans defensive players. He has graded out negatively on rush defense and pass defense. The below average pass defense , we expect. The rush defense has to change and the tackling is the problem. Only Swearinger’s pass rush brings his grade up slightly as he has come on several blitzes.

Texan’s D.J. Swearinger Needs To Get Serious

By Travis Oquin | Oct 19, 2014