The Houston Texans are bringing the heat in 2019. Under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, their defense is blitzing at an extremely high-rate; precisely, 36.7% — a massive increase from 2018, when they were doing so at a 24.9% clip.
Why are the Texans blitzing at a high rate?
“I think some of that is what you would consider a blitz. When you just bring one linebacker, that’s a dog. We kind of look at that different things, but it’s a pretty interesting question,” answered coach Bill O’Brien on Wednesday. “Everything is week to week. It’s all dependent on what we think is the best way to attack the [offense], and sometimes those plans have worked pretty well and other times they haven’t.”
Despite Houston’s increased willingness to blitz — only five teams do it more than them — they haven’t been consistent at getting to the passer. The Texans’ hurry rate of 7.5% is 29th in the NFL; their 19.7% pressure rate is 25th; their 16 sacks is 17th.
“We’ve got to be more consistent in whatever we do, in all three phases,” O’Brien continued, “but even in the blitz game because the blitz game involves a lot of communication and making sure that you don’t cut guys loose, maybe that blitzer is coming and he’s supposed to peel off on a back or peel off on a tight end. So, we’ve got to really improve in everything that we do in those areas.”
The Texans’ pass-rush, without Jadeveon Clowney, has slowed down from their incendiary start to the season. Though not a reeling unit by any means, their reliance on the blitz is warranted without their firepower they once possessed.
Expect for the Texans to continue to blitz throughout the season. However, “it’s still something we have to be better at,” as O’Brien closed out the question on Wednesday.
