The Houston Texans’ defense may only rank 18th in total yards allowed through Week 6, but certain individuals on the front line have excelled at times this season.
In Pro Football Focus’ latest rankings, they have graded the Top 25 Pass Rushers in the NFL through Week 6, and there is some good news for Texans fans.
In fourth spot is none other than three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt. The 30-year-old may only have four sacks and one forced fumble so far this year, but these stats simply do not do him justice.
According to PFF: “His 39 total pressures when lined up on the edge are tied for the most in the NFL through six weeks.”
Despite being so consistently double-teamed by offenses, Watt is still proving to be a major thorn in the side of NFL offensive line, and the extra attention he is being afforded has allowed other, like our next player, to shine.
In 15th place is defensive tackle D.J. Reader. The former fifth-round pick is having a career year in what is the last of his rookie deal. His overall grade of 91.2 by PFF is exceptional and his play certainly justifies this.
According to PFF: “Reader was always a good run defender, but he has taken a big step forward as a pass-rusher so far this season. From 142 pass-rushing snaps in 2019, he has generated three sacks, a hit and 12 hurries.”
Reader is a big part of why this defense ranks eighth in rushing yards allowed so far this year, as his presence and athleticism in the middle prove an issue for rushing offenses.
The added pressure he has been able to put on opposing quarterbacks this year alongside the likes of Watt, rookie Charles Omenihu, and veteran Whitney Mercilus, who himself is having an excellent year, is exactly why the team leads the NFL in forced fumbles through Week 6 with 10.
Come the end of this season, don’t be at all surprised if both of these players, and potentially a few of their defensive colleagues make their way to the Pro Bowl or All-Pro lineups.
