The Houston Texans have built a defense that can beat teams in multiple ways. Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter give them two physical outside corners, while Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre provide range and versatility behind them.
Want to attack the middle? Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o give DeMeco Ryans a physical linebacker combination. Most importantly, Houston can create pressure without needing to blitz constantly because of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Anderson had 12 sacks in 2025, while Hunter recorded 15, giving the duo 27 sacks by themselves. The Texans officially signed Jadeveon Clowney in August as a rotational piece, giving Ryans another experienced pass rusher.
The Texans also added veteran safety Reed Blankenship for the back end. Moreover, the two-year defensive jump tells the story. In 2024, they ranked sixth in total yards with 372 points and 5,355 yards allowed, while Houston ranked first in total defense and second in points allowed with 295 points and 4,713 yards allowed.
General manager Nick Caserio can be credited for adding Kayden McDonald and also extending Anderson, keeping the centerpiece of the defense in Houston long term.
The Texans’ Defense Can Carry Them Only So Far
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The Texans finished 2025 with 404 points, 5,559 total yards, 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions. They ranked 13th in scoring, 18th in total offense and 14th in passing yards. Houston weren’t held back by their defense. They were held back by an offense that couldn’t consistently match it.
C.J. Stroud has to get the offense moving again. His 2025 total passing yardage was well below his rookie mark of 4,108 yards. The goal for Stroud should be to take advantage of the defense instead of asking the defense to rescue him.
The Texans have added pieces to make Stroud’s job easier. Nico Collins remains the centerpiece of the passing game, David Montgomery gives them another established option in the backfield and Woody Marks is there as a part of the running back picture.
Injuries have made the offensive situation harder, putting pressure on Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel to absorb more responsibility early. The ultimate picture is simple; Houston spent the last two seasons building the NFL’s defensive nightmare. In 2026, the offense has to prove it can keep up.
