The Houston Texans defense is missing something.
Despite the fact coach Lovie Smith preaches takeaways and aggressively getting upfield, it seems opposing offenses are getting the better of the Texans. Houston is seventh in the NFL with 3,185 yards surrendered and the Texans are tied with the New York Giants for the second-most yards per carry given up with 5.5.
Cornerback Tavierre Thomas spent the first eight weeks of the season on injured reserve. Now that the 26-year-old is on the field, he is able to see where some of the problems are on defense.
“Physicality and running to the ball,” Thomas identified to reporters on Nov. 8. “No loafs. Just run to the ball, be all over the field and play physical. When other guys see you doing that, they want to do it.”
The Texans are second in the NFL with 57 missed tackles. Only the Jacksonville Jaguars have more, but not by much with 58.
“So, hopefully that lights a spark for everybody else, and we just go from there and get these wins,” Thomas said.
The Texans will be tested with their physicality and running to the ball as they face the New York Giants Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from MetLife Stadium. New York features one of the best running backs of 2022 in Saquon Barkley, who has 779 rushing yards and averages 4.8 yards per carry.