Houston Texans: 5 offseason needs in 2020

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans calls out a play from the line of scrimmage in the first half during the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images /

3. Find more pass rush

In the club’s first eight outings this past season, star defensive end J.J. Watt totaled 24 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries while knocking down three passes. As previously mentioned, the nine-year veteran and five-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro missed the second half of the regular season but then returned for the playoffs.

Despite his absence in those eight contests, Watt still finished second on the team with those aforementioned four quarterback traps. Linebacker Whitney Mercilus would lead the team with 7.5 sacks, basically a quarter of the team total of 31 QB traps.

Only five teams in the league finished with fewer sacks than the Texans this past season. So it was any wonder that Bill O’Brien’s squad finished 29th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game and a disappointing 33 scores through the air.

This offseason to date, the team has not addressed the pass rush via free agency. Of course, a healthy Watt also makes all the difference in the world considering in 2018 he played in all 16 contests and finished with 16 sacks and seven forced fumbles. It will also be interesting to see what spin new coordinator Anthony Weaver –

Houston’s defensive line coach for four seasons – puts on the entire unit. In any case, the club needs to generate a lot more heat on a consistent basis if the secondary is going to have a fighter’s chance.

Next: No. 2

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