Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was limited to eight games in 2019 with a torn pectoral.
Perhaps the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was having a down season anyway. He collected just 4.0 sacks and one forced fumble in that span. Maybe his little brother, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt, was becoming the dominant Watt brother.
According to new data from Pro Football Focus, the former 2011 first-round pick from Wisconsin tied Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter for the most 10-plus quarterback pressure games in 2019 with three. What is especially remarkable is that Watt was able to accomplish that feat in just eight games.
If Watt can keep up that high level of pressure, then the other elements of the Texans’ pass rush ought to be able to feast. Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus remains a mainstay of the pass rush, but youngsters Charles Omenihu and Jacob Martin are starting to find their way in the league. Houston could also see a boost from rookies Jonathan Greenard and Ross Blacklock.
