At the halfway point of the 2019 season, Pro Football Focus has the Houston Texans rated highly in multiple categories, including offensive line — which they have historically marked as an issue for the team in last two years.
PFF has the Texans rated in the top-10 in these categories:
- Offense (fifth)
- Pass block (seventh)
- Receiving (fifth)
- Rushing (first)
- Pass rush (eighth)
Houston’s top-five ranking in offense should come as no surprise. With Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and Carlos Hyde leading the way, the Texans are fourth in the NFL in yards per game (395) and ninth in points per game (26.5).
The Texans’ pass-blocking unit has allowed 21 sacks on the year. However, PFF sees it as a much-improved unit, in large part because of new additions, LT Laremy Tunsil and RT Tytus Howard.
Said Austin Gayle:
“The addition of Laremy Tunsil has had a huge impact on the Texans’ offensive line. The 25-year-old left tackle enters Week 9 ranks inside the top-20 in overall grade (75.7) and, more importantly, second in pass-blocking grade (89.9) among all qualifying offensive linemen. Rookie Tytus Howard was also a bright spot for the team before going down with injury, earning 75.0-plus pass-blocking grades in three consecutive games (Weeks 4-6).”
Should receiving be a surprise? A man named “Nuk” does roam the gridiron of Houston after all. It doesn’t hurt that Kenny Stills, Will Fuller (when healthy), Darren Fells and Jordan Akins have been able to supplement his production.
While the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings’ rush offenses may be getting all the glory, PFF sees Houston as the NFL’s best at rushing the ball. Perhaps that is due to their dual-threat quarterback, bludgeoning running back or improved blocking.
As for pass-rush, expect Houston to drop off in that category. With defensive end J.J. Watt down for the season — who led the NFL in QB hits heading into Week 8 (20) — the Texans may struggle to get to the passer consistently.
In all, the analytics are on-board with the Texans. Houston can back PFF up on Sunday, when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
