Houston Texans defensive tackle D.J. Reader is having a season to remember.
In a contract year, the fourth-year former Clemson Tiger has enjoyed compiling a stat line of 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. He is also Pro Football Focus‘ 15th ranked pass-rusher, tallying 12 hurries to go alongside an elite 91.2 grade.
Part of Reader’s success could be due to J.J. Watt, who, at 30 years old, continues to command the attention of whoever he plays. Despite his age and being one 16-game season removed of an injured plagued two seasons, Watt is the sixth most double-teamed edge rusher in the NFL, per ESPN.
With Watt combatting double-teams, Reader has run free in the Texans defense. In doing so, he has earned his fair share of high marks from Houston’s coaching staff.
“He’s played very well. He’s playing at a very high level right now,” said Texans coach Bill O’Brien on Oct. 7th. “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’s hot start to 2019 is aided by Watt giving him opportunities to thrive. However, that shouldn’t discount his productivity. The big (6-3, 327), hard-nosed defensive tackle is taking advantage of those opportunities, in turn, helping the prospects of his financial future and the Texans’ defense.
