The Houston Texans are the league’s worst team by record as it stands today. This inescapable fact is not a pleasant one, but for some on the team’s roster, it is seen as an opportunity rather than a hindrance.
Defensive lineman Ogbonnia Okoronkwo laid bare his thoughts on the Texans’ recent speight of brutal performances in a Monday press conference where he was asked some tough questions. When a reporter sought insight into his thoughts on Houston’s struggles against the run, Okoronkwo made it clear that opponents are following a similar pattern against the Texans that has led to a high degree of success against their defense.
“It’s a copycat league,” He said. “Teams are going to see what other teams have had success against us and try to imitate those things. I think we just have to go back to practice and just clean a couple things up, get people in the right spots.”
Though his frustration was evident in his comments, Okoronkwo told reporters that he is trying to stay optimistic about the team’s trajectory and do everything he can to ensure that improvement continues through the rest of Houston’s schedule.
“There’s been things that we need to fix,” Okoronkwo explained. “I’m not going to call anybody out or any certain thing out. I like to look more at the positives, what are we doing well and maximizing things like that.”
Remaining positive despite every indication that the Texans are a sinking ship is certainly an admirable undertaking by the veteran defensive lineman and may come in handy ahead of their matchup against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Houston will need every member of their roster to have the same underdog mentality that Okoronkwo demonstrated on Monday.
If they can manage that, maybe the Week 9 mismatch in primetime can be a force for good for the Texans, even if they are likely to be blown out.