The Houston Texans had a massive question mark hit them after Week 8’s win over the Oakland Raiders when J.J. Watt tore his pectoral muscle and would be lost for the season.
Houston didn’t have the benefit of the bye week to regroup; they had to get on an eight-hour overseas flight and head to London to complete their season series with the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.
Given how quickly the Texans had to cobble together some solutions, defensive line coach Anthony Weaver is pleased with the results from the 26-3 win.
“I think [the defensive line] handled it well,” Weaver told reporters on Nov. 5 during the Texans’ bye week. “You know, obviously you don’t replace a J.J. Watt, but we’re not getting any sympathy cards from anybody. It’s up to everybody to just do their job, be committed to the plan and I think they’ve done that.”
One player who has stepped to be a catalyst for the defensive line is D.J. Reader. The defensive tackle notched two combined tackles in 34 snaps as part of the Texans’ effort to limit running back Leonard Fournette to 11 carries for 40 yards.
“It’s truly a testament to his work ethic,” Weaver said. “He’s put the time in, whether that’s off the field, working on his body, eating right. Then on the field, you’ve seen the results. I’m so proud of D.J. and the progress he’s made throughout. He’s reaping the benefits of it now.”
The Texans have seven more games on the schedule and can’t rest on the laurels of a good performance against Jacksonville. Weaver is confident his team is ready to finish the season strong.
“We’ll play good team defense,” said Weaver. “There’s no question about that.”
The Texans travel to Baltimore after their bye to take on the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
