Houston Texans: Evaluating 2017 defense, 2018 outlook by position

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 09: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans talks with owner Bob McNair during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Kansas City Chiefs won 30-0. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 09: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans talks with owner Bob McNair during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Kansas City Chiefs won 30-0. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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The Texans defense was not what we’ve come to expect in 2017. They succumbed to injuries and poor performance across the board. With a return to health and additions in key places, this defense could once again return to prominence in 2018.

It might be beating a dead horse at this point, but gaining Watt and Mercilus back next year will be the biggest boon to this unit. When two of the team’s best play makers go out, it’s hard to overcome. Let alone those two play makers being your biggest source of pass rushing presence for best 4+ years.

Adding a couple starters in the secondary will go a long way to improving the all-around pass defense. Beyond that, depth pieces are needed across the board, with defensive line being the lone exception.

With Crennel back as defensive coordinator, we should see the Texans climb back into the top five for team defense. I have full confidence in him and the front office to turn this unit back around and once again be a strength for the Houston Texans.