The Texans defense was supposed to be good.Some even saidthey had the potential to be legendary. Well they were wrong.
They were wrong after week one,after week twoand pretty much through the first half of the season.
Good news, Texans fans, things have changed!
After being embarrassed by the Miami Dolphins, DC Romeo Crennel and company had to make changes. Free agent signingRahim Moorewasn’t doing anything positive andWhitney Merciluswas playing out of position. Those were just two of the several changes that have brought a new spunk on the defensive side of the ball.
WithMooreinactive over the last two games, safetiesEddie PleasantandAndre Halhave been manning centerfield and have done a much better job taking angles to make tackles. The big plays have been eliminated over the last two weeks against the Titans and Bengals.
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WithJadeveon Clowneyhurt, Mercilus has been inserted back into his normal position, rushing the passer from the edge. He’s excelled there (not shockingly), racking up 3.5 sacks and 7 tackles for a loss in the last two games. It will be up to Crennel to figure out ways to get Mercilus, Clowney, andJ.J. Wattrushing the passer when all three are healthy and on the field.
The Texans cornerbacks have also played much better, even withoutKareem Jacksonseeing the field. The front office brought backCharles James, the Hard Knocks star, and James has looked good on the field, making plays both in the running and passing game.Johnathan JosephandKevin Johnsonhave also limited the big plays and continue to have key pass-breakups.
The two inside linebackers have also upped their performances.Brian Cushinghas improved his tackling and is pursuing on every play.Benardrick McKinneyappears to be improving on a weekly basis and led the team with nine tackles against the Bengals.
Like Rahim Moore, free agent signingVince Wilforkhad also done little through the first seven games of the season. Since then, the Texans have been using Wilfork much less, keeping him in the game on running situations and givingBrandon DunnandChristian Covingtonmore snaps on other downs.
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The Titans aren’t an offensive powerhouse but the Bengals had steamrolled through other defenses in the first half of the season. Yet, the Texans defense only allowed two field goals against each opponent.
10 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss in the last two games. This is the turnaround Crennel and the Texans sorely needed to flip the script in Houston.
Things aren’t going to get easier this year with high-powered offenses like the Saints and Patriots still on the schedule, but there’s still hope.
The defense has been lights out the last two weeks and this style of play will go a long way in turning around the sentiment of the fanbase and the aroma around Kirby.
Click herefor all the latest on the Houston Texans.
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