With the completion of the offensive side of the ball, we switch to the defensive line in our training camp previews for the Indianapolis Colts, taking a look at the biggest acquisition of the offseason.
Name: Justin Houston
Position: DE
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 270
Age: 30
Year Drafted: 2011 (third round—KC)
Background
A third-round pick out of Georgia, Houston spent the first eight years of his career with the Chiefs working as one of their best pass rushers. Over that time, Houston recorded 78.5 career sacks and 96 tackles.
Houston’s best season as a pro came in 2014 when he earned his first and only selection as a First-Team All-Pro. He finished the season with 22.0 sacks and 23 tackles for loss.
In 2018, Houston played in 12 games (12 starts) recording 9.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss and 12 quarterback hits.
2019 Outlook
With a desire to improve a pass rush that was solid yet inconsistent in 2018, the Colts signed Houston to a two-year deal. The veteran is expected to step right into a starting role on the defensive line but one that will be much different than Kansas City.
With the Colts playing with a more aggressive front, Houston will only have to worry about his job as a pass rusher. He won’t have to drop into coverage nearly as much as he did with the Chiefs, which could help him stay on the field.
The Colts will use a rotation on the defensive line, but Houston is expected to play roughly 60% of the snaps each week as long as he’s healthy.
Bottom Line
The Colts are hoping the pass rush will take a step forward in 2019 entering the second year under coordinator Matt Eberflus, but they are also hoping Houston has a big say in that development.
