The Houston Texans can climb back to top of the AFC South with win

4 of 4

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 07: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

The defensive line will lead the charge

Without a doubt, the Houston Texans defensive line/edge rushers is the best unit on the team. After missing all but eight games the past two years, JJ Watt has returned with a vengeance. He’s tied for the league lead, with his brother TJ, in sacks with six of them. Which is on pace for nearly 20 sacks which would be his third of his career.

JJ has also already tied a career-high for forced fumbles with four. He’s also continued to be able to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage. He is also on pace for 22+ tackles of loss. It’s safe to say that the two time defensive player of the year is finally, officially back. However, JJ isn’t the only that’s balling out in this unit.

Jadeveon Clowney appears to be on his way to a career year after a slow start. He’s currently on pace to reach double-digit sacks for the first time in his career and could potentially set a new career high in tackles for loss as well. He scored his second career touchdown already as well.

More from House of Houston

Behind these two studs, DJ Reader has continued with his usual dominance in the middle against the run and pushing the pocket in the passing game. Angelo Blackson, Brandon Dunn, and Christian Covington have also been pretty solid depth pieces as well.

The lone man that the team really needs to see leaps and bounds of improvement from is Whitney Mercilus. He has yet to record a sack this season but has been trending in the right direction in recent weeks and has been right there multiple times notching a few hurries and QB hits.

If Mercilus can get up to speed with the rest of this unit, I can’t even imagine how dominant this unit could be. These guys will lead this defense and team to the AFC South lead and eventually, the AFC South title.

Five theories that explain Bill O'Brien's ineptitude. dark. Next

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

Home/Houston Texans