Texans LB Garret Wallow has shown improvement this offseason

Houston Texans linebacker Garret Wallow spoke to the media on Sunday about how he’s improved from last season.

Going into his second NFL season, Houston Texans linebacker Garret Wallow has put in a lot of hard work this offseason, and he’s looking to make a difference for the defense in 2022, one year after being a fifth-round selection out of TCU.

Wallow played in all 17 games last season, making two starts as a rookie. In that 2021 season, Wallow totaled one sack, 23 total tackles (15 solo), two tackles for loss and one QB hit. He played in 16 percent of the snaps on defense, which was 180 defensive plays during his rookie season. He also played in 63 percent of special teams plays, which equaled 286 plays last season.

As for the upcoming ’22 season, the hope for Wallow is all of his hard work has paid off and he can get to play more on the defensive side of the ball. Also for Wallow, he spoke to the Houston media (with comments provided by HoustonTexans.com) about the ’22 season and where he feels improvement has been added to his game:

"“I would just say, mentally on the field, just being a lot quicker, reading things a lot quicker and that comes with being in the system for a second year. Physically, working with Mike (Eubanks) all season and the whole strength staff has helped me change my body around and just help me get in better shape for year.”"

Seeing that Wallow feels he’ll be a better player mentally is great to see from the linebacker, because the mental part of football is of great importance, and knowing he feels better about making reads quicker, or just being more comfortable with Lovie Smith’s defense, gives the defense and Texans fans hope for a better ’22 season.

Texans LB Wallow has been working to be a better overall player in 2022

Wallow said he also has been putting in more work to “change his body around” this offseason, so when the preseason arrives this week, it will be not only exciting that football is back, but seeing some of the improvement against an opponent during live action by Wallow is something to look forward to watching.

Wallow has an opportunity to get way more snaps this season in Smith’s defense, and maybe he can even become a starter as an outside linebacker?

Houston must have believed in his abilities to draft him to their rebuilding roster last year, and even more than that, they must believe he’s put in the work necessary to not just be on the roster in ’22, but make more of an impact for the defense.

Wallow in his press conference even spoke about the competition at linebacker:

"“There’s a lot of great guys in the room, great competition going on right now. The main thing is just coming in every day for everybody and just being consistent and just let everything take care of itself.”"

Wallow is saying all the right things this preseason during training camp, and it is evident he’s put in a lot of work and time into becoming a better player for the Texans. When the Texans host the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, Aug. 13 at NRG Stadium, that is when Houston will be able to see some of the improvements that will make Wallow a better player and help the team have a better defense this season.