Since joining the Houston Texans in 2019, Laremy Tunsil has been to four Pro Bowls.
He’s been one of the top pass protectors in four different offensive schemes.
He’s also proven why he’s worth every cent of his three-year, $75 million extension as the blindside blocker for C.J. Stroud one year into the new era of Texans’ football.
But is the veteran left tackle Houston’s most essential player for success? According to Bleacher Report, his health could determine if the Texans can make a run for New Orleans in February or underachieve entering Year 2 under DeMeco Ryans.
“Houston needs Tunsil to quickly get into midseason form, stay on the field and play like the dependable starter he has been in the past,” writes B/R’s Kristopher Knox. “Otherwise, the Texans may be forced to thrust rookie second-round pick Blake Fisher into the lineup, which would be far less than ideal.”
Fisher, a two-year starter at Notre Dame, is expected to be a long-term answer at right tackle, but might not be ready to start in Year 1. He’s shown upside in practice but was often overpowered in Saturday’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants when asked to face off against Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns.
Tunsil, 30, is coming off a down season after allowing five sacks. He remains one of the top left tackles in the sport and could be cashing in on a new deal with a solid season at hand.
One area he must show improvements in is run blocking. Houston struggled to move the ball on the ground last season, ranking 23rd overall in rushing offense. It’s been the glaring issue in training camp on the left side without Tunsil in the starting lineup. Running backs Dameon Pierce and Cam Akers have combined for 67 yards on 23 carries.
Tunsil, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in February, is back at practice. He likely won’t play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams and that’s fine since Houston would rather have him ready for Week 1’s matchup against AFC South rival Indianapolis.
Houston has a roster built to win a Super Bowl should Stroud build off his Offensive Rookie of the Year success. That starts with having ample protection against the pass rush.
Do you know how water takes up over 70 percent of the world? Tunsil solves 70 percent of the pass protection problem for Houston in what could be one of the best seasons in franchise history.