Fansided

Every NFL team’s biggest X-Factor in 2019

By Kevin Parvizi

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts – Justin Houston

Although he’s no longer one of the NFL’s elite edge rushers, Justin Houston is a huge upgrade for the Indianapolis Colts and could play a critical role for one of the AFC’s best teams. The Colts exceeded all expectations in Frank Reich’s first season, and the future is bright for a team stocked with young talent on defense. Oh, and having one of the best quarterbacks in the world in Andrew Luck doesn’t hurt either.

Indianapolis probably surprised most fans when they finished as the NFL’s 10th best defense in terms of points allowed, but they could be even better next season. Darius Leonard, Kenny Moore, and Malik Hooker are three of the best young defensive players in the league; all three will likely take another big leap forward in 2019.

Houston is the defense’s X-Factor as a big-name free agent signing. A cap casualty by the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston looks like the Colts best edge rusher, even at the age of 30. While Denico Autry blew up for nine sacks as an interior pass rusher and Jabaal Sheard and Kemoko Turay had 13 QB hits apiece last season, the Colts needed to make a significant upgrade off the edge.

Last season, Houston showed he still has plenty in the tank with nine sacks, five fumbles forced, and three fumbles recovered. Even maintaining that production would be huge for the Colts, but if Houston can outproduce those numbers with better injury luck, the Colts defense could be in business.

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