The Houston Texans’ defense has had an up-and-down season to this point, but one contributor, in particular, has quietly put together a very impressive 2022 campaign. Defensive back Jonathan Owens has flown completely under the radar of the national media and has developed into one of the Texans’ most reliable tacklers this season.
He tallied 10 tackles against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9 last Thursday, bringing his total to 68 on the year in what is shaping up to be a particularly prolific season for the fifth-year veteran. On his current pace, Owens would record just over 140 tackles on the season, which would likely rank extraordinarily high on the league’s season leaderboard, especially given his position at defensive back.
Owens has always been known for his rough-nosed style of play from the safety position, but with the advent of rookie Jalen Pitre in the Texans’ secondary this season, it was unclear whether the veteran would maintain his role in the team’s defense. While the up-and-coming talent that Houston possesses on that side of the ball is certainly going to push Owens for snaps in the long term, it would appear that his share of defensive snaps is safe, at least for the time being.
Every defense in the league would benefit from a player as selfless and tenacious as Owens is in pursuit, and the Texans are lucky to have a contributor of his caliber in their secondary as they try to find answers for opposing offenses that might help them secure their second win of the season. The 2022 campaign may be a lost cause relative to Houston’s hopes of getting into the playoffs, but their commitment to improvement ahead of a 2023 season where they intend to rebuild in earnest continues.
As one of the more productive pieces that the team has on their roster, Owens may prove to be a more integral part of the Texans’ long-term outlook than some might think if he can keep up the pace he has set through eight games.