Houston Texans: If…And…But for 2015

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) for a safety during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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The defense continues to have that opportunistic touch. And it was the ability to create turnovers this past season that made the Texans a bit more respectable in terms of wins and losses.

In 2013, Houston had a problem pressuring opponents into their own self-destruction. In other words, the Texans managed a mere 11 takeaways in 16 games, the lowest total in the league. Their NFL-low seven interceptions were one less than Seattle’s Richard Sherman.

This past season, thanks in part to defensive coordinator and NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, no team was better at taking away the football as the Texans forced a league-high and team-record 34 turnovers. Their 20 interceptions were nearly triple the amount from the previous year and their 14 fumble recoveries were tied with the Jaguars for the most in the NFL.

But all is not great here and the defense must improve in two key areas. While Watt totaled an amazing 20.5 sacks, the rest of the team managed only 17.5 sacks. Performers such as Whitney Mercilus and (hopefully) 2014 first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney must be bigger factors in 2015. And in the case of Clowney, he must make an impact period.

Finally, Houston needs to be more consistent against the run. The addition of nose tackle Vince Wilfork should help Crennel’s unit improve last year’s performance in which the club was a so-so 10th in the NFL in rushing defense, not great for a club that utilizes the 3-4.

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