AFC South: Biggest question for each team in 2020

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 12: Defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans works out prior to the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 12: Defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans works out prior to the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
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Houston Texans (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Houston Texans (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Houston Texans: Can new DC Anthony Weaver have an immediate impact?

While the defensive unit of the Houston Texans still has its share of big names, the truth is that this group has not performed all that well the past two seasons. Yes, Bill O’Brien’s club has managed to win back-to-back division titles. In 2018, the team became just the sixth in NFL history to overcome and 0-3 start and reach the playoffs.

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Most of the issues have seemingly come in the secondary, where the Texans had been ranked 28th and 29th in the league, respectively, the past two years. And in 2019, only four clubs in the league allowed more total yards than O’Brien’s club.

Hence the major move made by the organization earlier this year (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter), defensive line coach Anthony Weaver was promoted to defensive coordinator and takes over for longtime NFL coach Romeo Crennel.

Despite reaching the playoffs this past season, the Texans actually allowed more points (385) than they scored (378). O’Brien addressed the safety position in a big way in free agency and Houston used its first two picks in April’s draft on defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (2-TCU) and linebacker Jonathan Greenard (3-Florida). The club can’t afford to be subpar on this side of the ball once again.