OT Rankin gets quick initiation
In his second NFL game, rookie struggles to prevent QB pressures.
HOUSTON — Houston rookie Martinas Rankin got into his blocking stance at left tackle with his legs and arms moving in unison as he tried to wall off Tennessee pass rusher Harold Landry.
Things didn’t go according to plan.
Landry showed off a powerful combination of speed and strength on a rip move as he busted into the Texans’ backfield Sunday to chase quarterback Deshaun Watson into the waiting arms of defensive end Jurrell Casey for a sack.
Later during the Texans’ 20-17 loss, Landry used the same move to turn Rankin’s shoulder pads and barreled into the pocket to crush Watson on third down as he threw incomplete to wide receiver Will Fuller.
It was just Rankin’s second NFL game and his first start. Tasked with protecting Watson’s blind
side, the third-round draft pick from Mississippi State is playing one of the most pivotal positions in the league.
Rankin had his moments as a run blocker, shoving around defenders for a productive Texans ground game. But it was a mixed bag in pass protection as he surrendered at least six pressures and was flagged once for holding.
“It’s tough, but I have to continue to come in and be better,” he said. “That’s my No. 1 thing. That’s all I can think about for the last 24 hours is be better tomorrow, be better today, continue to progress, continue to learn, continue to play my game.”
The Texans were forced to put Rankin in the starting lineup after right tackle Seantrel Henderson broke his ankle in Week 1, underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve.
The injury triggered a line shuffle, with Julie’n Davenport moving to right tackle from the left side and Rankin joining the first-team offense during the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots. He allowed one sack in that game.
Through two games, Watson has been sacked seven times and hit 21 times overall.
The Texans like Rankin’s upside, but the 6-foot-5, 315-pounder is a work in progress as he learns on the job after missing the majority of the preseason and offseason with a foot injury, sustained during a rookie minicamp, that required surgery.
“No doubt, there’s no substitute for experience,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “There were times where he really did a good job. He was blocking on an island, blocking (Derrick) Morgan, (Brian) Orakpo, and he really did a nice job.
“Then there’s other times where it’s got to get better, and he knows that. He’s a really mature guy. It’s hard to play left tackle in this league. He’ll continue to improve. He’s a very hardworking guy.”
It’s been only two games, but Rankin has displayed a lot of potential despite his growing pains.
“It’s early in the season, and he’s a rookie,” said Davenport, who had struggles of his own and was flagged twice for false starts. “He’s got to learn, and experience is everything.
“Playing against certain guys, he’ll start to get a feel for the game and start to get a better feel for technique. It’s just learning for him and me as well. We’re all learning.”
Rankin was an All-Southeastern Conference selection after transferring to Mississippi State from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
He was a two-year starter at left tackle but suffered a high ankle sprain against Auburn and toughed it out all season. If not for the injury, he would have been able to work out for more NFL teams, and that might have led to a higher draft position.