Four days after allowing seven sacks to the Baltimore Ravens, the Houston Texans offensive line must protect against another defense capable of getting to the passer.
The Indianapolis Colts defense, coached by coordinator Matt Eberflus, has amassed 25 sacks in 10 games. Defensive end Justin Houston counts for eight of those sacks, a team-leading digit, nearly triple of second-place.
Houston, 30, is a known commodity. Before landing in Indianapolis in 2019, he spent eight seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the process, he recorded four Pro-Bowl appearances and one first-team All-Pro nod — given in 2014 for tallying the second-most sacks in any NFL season (22).
“He’s a dynamic pass rusher. He’s strong. He’s had a lot of years production in this league,” said Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly on Tuesday. “He definitely has a wide arsenal of pass rush moves and he isn’t afraid to use them. So, our guys, both tackles are going to see him and it’s a big challenge for them.”
The last time Houston faced the Texans — Week 7 — he amassed two sacks, four quarterback hits and a pair of tackles for loss. He has 3.5 sacks on Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in two games played against him. Houston has never lost to the Texans.
Watson is all too aware of what type of talent Houston is to deal with.
“He’s a veteran guy that’s played a lot of football and understands different skillsets and different techniques to use in different situations,” said Watson on Tuesday. “He’s definitely a guy that you have to respect, and we definitely do that. He’s a great football player.”
The Texans offensive line is looking for a rebound game after Sunday’s atrocious performance. To do so, they must keep their eyes peeled for Houston, No. 99. Or else, he will — as he’s done throughout his nine-year career (86.5 sacks) — get to the passer.
