The Indianapolis Colts had to be thrilled when veteran defensive end Justin Houston hit the market and they were able to snag who would wind up being their best pass rusher for the 2019 season.
Though the pass rush as a whole was up and down, as has been the case in recent seasons, Houston was a consistent force for the Colts from the edge. He led the team with 11.0 sacks, his most since the 2014 season. It was also the third-most in the AFC.
Even with that type of production, Colts head coach Frank Reich believes there is room for more.
“Yeah, we got everything and then some. And 11 sacks is a really good year — one of his better years in his recent years. And I just think there’s still a lot left in the tank. I think he’s in the best shape of his life,” Reich told Matt Taylor of Colts.com. “I think as he learns the system, as we continue to develop as a team — one of the things you know as far as sacks, the better we get as a team and start playing with a lead, it gives the defensive line more of an opportunity to get sacks, when the other team’s trying to come from behind. So if he’s getting 11 sacks on a team with a 7-9 (record), that shows you there’s still a lot left there; a lot of production still there.”
Even at the age of 30, Houston had one of the best seasons of his career. The 11.0 sacks were the second-highest since he entered the NFL in 2011 as a first-round pick.
Given that the Colts run more of a gap-shooting scheme and not one predicated on dropping in coverage (like he did in Kansas City), Houston was able to focus solely on getting after the quarterback. He also dropped down to playing around 65% of the snaps, rather than the full workload he had with the Chiefs.
The Colts have to improve their pass rush this offseason, but they should feel comfortable with the 30-year-old Houston leading the way.