Texans: 3 Bold Predictions Before Training Camp Begins

2. Texans defense will force more turnovers in 2022

Last season, the Houston Texans’ defense forced 17 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries for a total of 25 takeaways, and for the 2022 season, Houston’s defense can do even better.

In ’21, Houston was ninth in the league in interceptions and 19th in fumble recoveries, so even with a defense that didn’t have the best players, and a few changes throughout the season, the unit was still decent in forcing turnovers as they were 12th overall in total turnovers forced.

Houston has worked this offseason to be better on defense with three rookies drafted in Derek Stingley Jr. (cornerback), Jalen Pitre (safety) and Christian Harris (linebacker) who will be difference makers, and more than that, they are talented enough to force turnovers on any given play.

Desmond King II was tied for the team lead in interceptions last season with three, as his ’21 teammate Lonnie Johnson also had three with the Texans, but he’s since moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Christian Kirksey led Houston last season with two fumble recoveries, and with his return on the defense, that’s huge for Houston because the veteran can work with Harris during his rookie season to become an even better player than he was with Alabama.

All that needs to be said is this … with the Texans in their second season with Lovie Smith in charge of the defense, and with the rookie and veteran mix on the roster, don’t be surprised if Houston gains more takeaways with their defense in 2022.