SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The Texans surrendered the sixth-most points per game in the NFL last season (26.6), a crushing rate produced partly by giving up the league's second-most yards per play (5.9). The franchise addressed significant needs at cornerback and safety in the offseason, which should help improve the defense, but the Texans will be relying on veterans at other positions to improve in their second year in Lovie Smith's system.
Here is a position breakdown:
Defensive line
Smith's defenses don't blitz often. It's tough to say his fourman front will create substantially more pressure this season without substantial additions. The Texans shouldn't regress. They locked down three-tech tackle Maliek Collins, the line's central player, with a two-year contract extension. Jonathan Greenard can build on an eight-sack season if he remains healthy and is more efficient as a pass rusher. Roy Lopez can be a sturdier nose tackle in his second season. Beyond that, the Texans' pass rush mostly falls on 34-year-old veterans Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison and unproven youth in Ogbo Okoronkwo and Rasheem Green.
Active roster: Mario Addison, Thomas Booker, Maliek Collins, Michael Dwumfour, Rasheem Green, Jonathan Greenard, Kurt Hinish, Jerry Hughes, Roy Lopez, Ogbo Okornkow.
Linebacker
The Texans gave up the fifth-most yards per carry (4.6) in 2021. The defensive line also shares some blame. And as with the D-line, Houston is counting on its improvement at linebacker to come from veterans playing in their second year in the scheme. Christian Kirksey and Kamu GrugierHill could be disruptive backfield forces at time in 2021, but the Texans will miss having a potential matchup winner in third-round rookie Christian Harris, whose range would have been useful against Colts All-Pro Jonathan Taylor, who totaled 288 rushing yards and four touchdowns against the Texans last year. Harris will spend at least four games on injured reserve with a softtissue hamstring injury.
Active roster: Blake Cashman, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Jake Hansen, Neville Hewitt, Christian Kirksey, Jalen ReevesMaybin, Garret Wallow.
Cornerback
Derek Stingley Jr. instantly improves the defense's productivity. The No. 3 overall pick gives the Texans security against elite receivers. Smith can create game plans at other positions knowing there won't often be blown coverages on the perimeter. Steven Nelson, a solid veteran, gives Houston a reliable No. 2 corner. This is easily the most improved unit
on the team. Smith said the Texans couldn't play the type of football they wanted until they got better at corner, and they did. Desmond King, a career nickel corner, now returns to his original position. The franchise surrendered the third-highest rate of explosive pass plays in 2021. That should significantly decrease.
Active roster: Desmond King, Steven Nelson, Derek
Stingley Jr., Tremon Smith, Isaac Yiadom.
Safety
Selecting Jalen Pitre No. 37 overall might prove Houston's most astute draft-day decision in general manager Nick Caserio's tenure so far. Pitre swiftly won a starting job in training camp and showcased his ballhawking ability with two tackles for loss in the preseason.
Quarterbacks have tested him in coverage so far, which Indy's Matt Ryan will likely try again, but once Pitre's pro knowledge matches his uncanny instincts, he could be a dangerous defender. Smith values defensive backs who can play both free and strong safety, and if Jonathan Owens can continue his ascension from practice squad player to starter, this position group could be sneaky good this season.
Active roster: Eric Murray, Jalen Pitre, M.J. Stewart, Jonathan Owens.
Special teams
This is the only Texans unit that didn't undergo a significant change. All eyes are on kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn to have a consistent season in 2022.
His leg strength is unquestionable. He broke franchise and stadium records last year with a 61-yard field goal against the Seahawks. But he missed three extra-point attempts and two field goals between 40 and 49 yards. The margin of error with this team is tiny. It needs all the points it can get. Jon Weeks enters his 13th season at long snapper, and Cam Johnston, whose 36 punts inside the 20-yard line led the AFC, has two seasons remaining on his contract.
Active roster: