The Indianapolis Colts brought in veteran defensive end Justin Houston during the offseason to help improve the pass rush, but he’s had a major impact in another area as well.
As the Colts have gone through rebuilding the roster, the front seven has become extremely young—especially when it comes to the defensive ends.
So while Houston has been applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks, he’s also helping out the young group of Colts edge rushers.
“Man, it’s hard to overstate the impact that he has had on and off the field. He’s got great leadership qualities, said Frank Reich. “He’s a student of the game and he’s a good teacher. I just think guys have responded to his leadership, but yet he still has come into it real humbly learning and becoming part of our team and part of our culture. I can’t say enough about what he is doing.”
The Colts have seen some early returns with the pass rush to open the season. Despite not recording a sack in a Week 3, they have 8.0 sacks on the season and appear to be getting more consistent with their pressure.
Houston has has a heavy hand in that as he has been one of the top defensive ends when it comes to pressure rate through the first three weeks of the season.
Houston has been a fixture for the Colts, constantly playing the most snaps among a young defensive end room that includes Al-Quadin Muhammad, Kemoko Turay and second-round pick Ben Banogu.
The Colts will continue to monitor the development of the younger defensive ends—an area that Houston should continue to play a role in.
