The Houston Texans’ defense — as they run a 3-4 — depends on creating pressure from the inside; whether it be against the pass or run. Luckily, nose tackle D.J. Reader is doing just that.
Through five games, Reader has a career-high 2.5 sacks, 19 combined tackles, four tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus dubs him as an elite defender too, giving him a 91.1 grade — higher than Aaron Donald.
Coach Bill O’Brien is looking past the stat sheet. Reader is bringing the Texans some juice.
“He’s playing at a very high level right now,” O’Brien told reporters Monday. “He’s doing a great job against the run with his technique, his footwork, his pad level, his hand usage, his footwork, and then he’s rushing the passer. He’s giving us some juice up inside and he’s playing very well.”
Reader is in the last year of his rookie contract. Considering how much juice he is bringing, O’Brien and Co. should be looking to extending him before he hits the open market in free agency.
