Charles Omenihu’s snap counts have fluctuated throughout the season, but the Houston Texans defensive end is starting to find more stability in the defensive line rotation.
According to interim coach Romeo Crennel, part of why Omenihu has seen more playing time is because his production has started to be more consistent.
“The thing about Charles, he hasn’t played quite as much because we rotated him in a little bit and some of that depends on what the defensive group we have in the game,” Crennel said. “Then some of it depends on how he plays, how he’s been playing. Early on, I talked to you guys about not doing the things we need to do on a consistent basis. Well, sometimes if you don’t do things consistently the way we need them done, then we don’t give you as many opportunities.”
On the season, Omenihu has collected 2.0 sacks, three combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits through nine games, one of which he started. The lone game Omenihu missed was Week 10’s 10-7 loss to the Cleveland Browns, and it was due to a hamstring strain the week prior that limited him to 10 snaps. The fewest snaps he has played in a complete game was 20 against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4’s 31-23 loss.
“I think Charles has kind of figured out what we need done, how we need it done,” said Crennel. “So, I think that we’re going to see him more and he will continue to have that impact on a quarterback whether it’s hits or hopefully I know for him, he wants to get the guy on the ground. So, he’s going to be working to do that.”
Houston could use consistent production from the former 2019 fifth-round pick as they take on Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions Thursday at 11:30 a.m. CT at Ford Field.