Houston Texans positional breakdown: Defensive line
By Randy Gurzi
As we quickly approach the start of training camp, we break down the Houston Texans roster by position, this time with the defensive line
With the draft in the rearview mirror and mini-camps getting under way, the 2016 NFL season feels closer than ever. For fans of the Houston Texans, there’s plenty of reason to be excited about the start of this coming season.
To help us all get in the spirit, we will begin to break down the 2016 version of your Texans, and today the defensive linemen get their turn in the spotlight.
More from Toro Times
- Houston Texans: Can Sean Payton really be the next head coach?
- Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12
- Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
- Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
- Houston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith
The Houston Texans employ a three-man defensive line where, outside of defensive end J.J. Watt, not much credit is given for the hard work they do.
MUST READ: Houston Texans WR Breakdown
The main goal of most of the players who rotate in for defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel are charged with taking up blockers with their massive strength. Doing so clears the way for the more athletic pass rushing outside linebackers and playmaking inside linebackers to hit the ball carrier.
It all starts up front and this unit will look pretty similar to last season, with the exception of one starter who has moved on. Defensive end Jared Crick decided to join his former coordinator Wade Phillips and former head coach Gary Kubiak, who just recently won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos.
So let’s check who will replace Crick and who else will set the tone for the Houston Texans defense.
Next: The heart of the team