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10 NFL players who are regression candidates in 2020

By Nicholas McGee

Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans, #22 (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans, #22 (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Justin Houston #99 of the Indianapolis Colts sits on the bench during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Justin Houston #99 of the Indianapolis Colts sits on the bench during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

player. 46. Indianapolis Colts. Justin Houston. DE. 5. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Houston is seemingly an ageless wonder. Following his release by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Indianapolis Colts signed Houston and he promptly recorded 11 sacks, his most since a phenomenal 2014 campaign that saw him put up 22 for the Chiefs.

Even at 31, Houston would appear to be in an excellent situation to enjoy another double-digit sack year, with the Colts striking a significant trade this offseason to land one of the league’s top interior defensive linemen in DeForest Buckner.

However, Houston is entering the last year of his contract and the writing looks to be on the wall when it comes to his future with the Colts. In 2019 the Colts spent second-round picks on pass rushers Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu and both figure to see more playing time as Indianapolis looks to solidify its future at the edge position.

The attention Buckner commands undoubtedly will create more openings for the Colts’ outside pass rushers, but Houston’s opportunities to take advantages of those chances are likely to be fewer.

Indeed, Houston should not expect to play over 65 percent of the defensive snaps as he did last year. He is still an impactful pass rusher but, if he does have fewer snaps on which to demonstrate his ability, Houston’s sack numbers should come back down to earth in 2020.

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