Defensive end J.J. Watt and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus are the faces of the Houston Texans’ pass rush, but some younger talent is on the way that could take the baton.
According to safety Justin Reid, defensive end Charles Omenihu and outside linebacker Jacob Martin have been progressing nicely in training camp, and each should provide a big boost to the Texans’ pass rush.
“I’ve seen Charles Omenihu take real big strides this camp,” Reid said. “Usually you see it in guys coming from their first year to their second year making that jump, and I’ve seen that in Charles. I’m excited about it.”
The former 2019 fifth-round pick from Texas collected 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in his rookie year. Omenihu even had a sack-fumble of Patrick Mahomes that was key to preserving Houston’s 31-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6.
Between Omenihu and Martin, who may get to become a newer face quicker would be Martin.
Said Reid: “The guy has a motor that doesn’t stop. I’d even say he’s on his way to being one of those top tier pass rushers because every time he’s in the game he makes an impact.”
The Texans picked up Martin in their trade of Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks. Houston received Martin, edge rusher Barkevious Mingo, and a 2020 third-round pick, which was later used to acquire cornerback Gareon Conley. Martin finished the season with 3.5 sacks while Clowney had 3.0 with his new team.
“You think back to the Buffalo Bills game last year when he had that fumble recovery and the plays he’s made ever since he’s come here from Seattle,” Reid said. “I think that our pass rush has been bolstered, especially behind Coach Weaver. I’m excited about what that’s going to be able to do for us as a defense to be able to make more plays.”
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has new weapons for Houston’s pass rush. If Omenihu and Martin can provide effective pressure on opposing passers, then the Texans defense should be able to recover its reputation as being formidable against quarterbacks.