Houston Texans: J.J. Watt ‘just trying to make plays’

The defense of the Houston Texans will go as far as J.J. Watt is able to lead them, so look for 2019 to be another spectacular season.

Here is the story for the 2019 Houston Texans defense, and that story is the unit will only go as far as defensive end J.J. Watt can lead them, as the unit works to add the veterans with some new faces for the upcoming season.

The Texans have not only Watt being the leader of the defense, but they have a leader in Watt that is always looking to improve, and become a better player than he already has been throughout his first eight seasons in the league.

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After two tough seasons where Watt played a combined eight games (2016-17 seasons), last year Watt played in all 16 regular season games and the playoff game. Watt’s regular season numbers included four passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and 16 sacks.

Watt also finished the 2018 season with 61 total tackles (47 solo tackles) with 18 tackles for loss and even 25 QB hits. To say Watt responded strong in his return to the field is for sure an understatement.

That said, Watt still continues to be a player who wants to improve each and every day, and in a recent press conference — with transcripts provided by HoustonTexans.com — Watt spoke to the media about improving as a football player in 2019.

"“There’s always things I can do better. Not coming off of a major injury is going to be a big help. Having an offseason to work, grow and get better. I mean, I’m always looking at the film. Whether it’s the run game, pass rush, whatever it may be – sacks you may have missed and balls you could bat. Just trying to make as many plays as I can and help the team win.”"

This is why all fans of football should be a fan of Watt — Texans fans or otherwise — and that is the work ethic he brings to the franchise and to the NFL itself. He’s a role model for younger fans and fans of any age, plus he’s a player who not only “talks the talk” about making plays and improving, but he goes out on the field and does what he says he’s going to do.

Yes, the Texans have more than a few issues when it comes to their franchise as a whole, but one constant the team has going for them is Watt and his ability to be a playmaker. He’s player who wants to keep getting better even tough he’s one of the best in the business at what he does.

The 2019 season could be a repeat of last season and that would be a good thing, but imagine a more improved Watt, and if that occurs he could be back to his 2014-15 numbers and that would be very scary for the rest of the league.