Tag: Christian Kirksey

WATCH: Texans LB Christian Kirksey intercepts Broncos QB Russell Wilson

Houston Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey managed to intercept Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson in the third quarter of Week 2.

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith told John Harris of the Texans Radio Network that he wanted to steal a possession in the third quarter.

Smith was able to get what he wanted when linebacker Christian Kirksey intercepted Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson with 13:47 to go in the third quarter from Empower Field at Mile High.

Kirksey didn’t intercept Wilson as much as he did steal the possession from receiver Courtland Sutton. As Sutton was going to the ground, Kirksey wrested control of the ball and came down with it. Kirksey was down by contact.

The Texans were able to get points off the turnover as kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn hit a 24-yard field goal.

Texans LB coach Miles Smith says Christian Kirksey is a ‘pro’s pro’

Houston Texans linebackers coach Miles Smith has worked with Christian Kirksey up close enough to say that he is a “pro’s pro.”

Houston Texans linebackers coach Miles Smith has seen enough from Christian Kirksey.

The Texans signed the former Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers linebacker to a one-year contract during the 2021 offseason. Kirksey played 13 games (12 starts) and contributed with 93 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. Houston re-signed Kirksey in the 2022 offseason, and his leadership has grown to where he was voted a captain on defense.

Smith told reporters Thursday that Kirksey is a “leader” for their defense and leads by example.

“He’s a ‘pro’s pro’ who attacks it every single day,” said Smith. “When things are not necessarily going the way we want them on the field, he’s always that calm and collected player out there. We tell the linebackers everyday, you don’t want to get too high, you don’t want to get too low. We stay in the middle and we will just continue to just grind day after day. That’s what Kirko (Kirksey) does.

While the Texans complete their rebuild under general manager Nick Caserio and inaugurate the Lovie Smith era, they need players who are able to demonstrate to the younger talent how to carry themselves like pros; how to handle a 17-game slate, which can be about a college season and a half. Kirksey provides the Texans with a veteran who can demonstrate what is necessary.

Said Smith: “He’s not going to be the leader necessarily that’s going to be screaming at people on the field. He leads by example first and I think these are the best type of leaders.”

Kirksey will get a chance to show what he can do to elevate the leadership on defense when the Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium to kickoff the 2022 season.

Meet the 2022 Houston Texans team captains

The Houston Texans named their five team captains. Take a look at the five players who will embody team leadership in 2022.

The Houston Texans named their 2022 team captains. The vote was held on Sept. 5, but coach Lovie Smith revealed the results when he met with reporters Wednesday.

Smith went over the five captains who will represent the Texans’ leadership for the upcoming season. The offense and defense each get two captains while the special teams will have one captain.

“The amount of other teammates that got votes that I could easily have seen in those leadership roles, that’s another step along the way,” Smith said. “As I said, it was good today.”

Here is a look at the five Texans captains.

Houston Texans 2021 takeaway tracker, part 2: Fumbles and Tony Dungy disciples

The Houston Texans were able to cultivate fumbles. How did Lovie Smith’s success compare with the tenets he learned from Tony Dungy?

Is Lovie Smith responsible for the Texans ranking eighth in forced fumbles and 17th in fumble recoveries in 2021?

The 2021 Houston Texans defense marginally improved as Smith took over the reins from rookie defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Playing a simple, fast and “bend but don’t break” style of defense, Smith’s unit was heavily dependent on forcing turnovers to slow down offenses.

Forcing turnovers has an immense impact on the outcome of a game. A 2013 study concluded that teams with more interceptions than their opponent won the game 80% of the time and teams that forced and recovered more fumbles than their opponents won the game 70% of the time.

For a Texans unit that is still lacking in elite talent, they may continue to live or die by the amount of takeaways they generate. This is the second piece in a three-part series intending to discover what exactly Smith has done to improve the units’ takeaways and determine if they are sustainable going forward.

The first piece examined the Texans 17 interceptions (eighth most in NFL) and concluded that Smith’s schematics were responsible for just three interceptions all season.

Evidence was also found pointing towards Houston not being able to sustain their impressive interceptions, unless the coaching staff adapts and gets out of their comfort zone.

The next category of takeaways to analyze are fumbles, which can be even more volatile and difficult to predict than interceptions. That being said, interesting patterns emerge when analyzing specific defenses, similar to the style Smith has the Texans running.

WATCH: Texans LB Christian Kirksey sacks Rams QB John Wolford

Houston Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey sacked Los Angeles Rams quarterback John Wolford in the second preseason game.

The Houston Texans defense may feature some blitzing after all.

With 13:24 to go in the first quarter of the Texans’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, linebacker Christian Kirksey came through the middle on a blitz to drop quarterback John Wolford for a 5-yard loss on first-and-10 from the Rams’ 32-yard line.

Kirksey did not record a sack with the Texans last season as he had 93 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. The last time Kirksey had a regular season sack was in 2020 when he had 2.0 sacks with the Green Bay Packers.

Texans coach Lovie Smith says LB Neville Hewitt ‘knows his role’

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith says that LB Neville Hewitt is well aware of his role in the 2022 linebacking corps.

Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith knows linebackers.

The 64-year-old got his start in the NFL coaching linebackers for Tony Dungy as part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-2000. Smith worked with an eventual Hall-of-Famer in Derrick Brooks, who was one of the catalytic forces in the Tampa 2 scheme.

With the Chicago Bears from 2004-12, where Smith was coach in his own right, the defense featured All-Pros in Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher.

Smith appreciates what Neville Hewitt has brought to the linebacking corps and has a role in mind for the 29-year-old from Marshall.

“I love everything he’s done since he got here,” Smith told reporters after the sixth day of training camp Friday at Houston Methodist Training Center. “He knows his role. He’s going to back up Christian Kirksey. As you watch practice just about every day he’s out there, he’s one of the guys that’s bought into.”

Hewitt spent his time last season working hard in the film room to pickup on traits and tendencies of opponents. The classroom work paid off as he had 10 combined tackles on just 28 defensive snaps against the Miami Dolphins in the Week 9 loss, 17-9 at Hard Rock Stadium.

The former Dolphins 2015 undrafted free agent is working on another dimension to his game that is incumbent upon all defenders in Smith’s system: cultivating takeaways.

Said Smith: “Defensive football is like getting the ball back. You see him punch it. It seems like he’s punched the ball out just about every day, but he’s a valuable backup for us. Will be in the mix as we go through.”

Hewitt played in 17 games for Houston last year, starting in five of them. The 6-2, 234-pound linebacker generated 60 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit for the Texans in 2021.

Texans LB Christian Kirksey says Garret Wallow has taken a leap

Houston Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey says that second-year linebacker Garret Wallow has progressed in his development.

The Houston Texans’ five-man 2021 draft class was about acquiring talent that could provide competition at their respective positions.

With the Texans picking fifth-round linebacker Garret Wallow from TCU, Houston was looking for a defender who could meld well into then-defensive coordinator Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 scheme.

With the Texans promoting Smith to coach in Feb. 2022, he isn’t the only one who has taken another step. According to linebacker Christian Kirksey, Wallow is also making strides in his development.

“Garret, that’s my guy,” Kirksey told reporters after the first day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “I call him ‘Gary’ just for fun. It’s a little inside joke. But he’s a high motor. He’s smart. He can play any of the three linebacker positions and he just has that high motor where he’s going to go make a play and he can go do it all day.”

Wallow generated 23 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and 1.0 sack through 17 games, two of which he started. The former Horned Frog played 286 special teams snaps compared to 180 on defense.

That may change if Wallow’s progress can translate to the gridiron.

Said Kirksey: “You could see the leap from year one to year two in his confidence level. Also you could see what he’s been doing in the weight room and on the field, just how his body is transitioning. He’s put a lot of work in the offseason. So, I’m excited for him this year.

The Texans also drafted a linebacker in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL draft in Alabama’s Christian Harris. With the Texans trending towards a younger linebacking corps, Wallow may emerge as one of the leaders by example of the unit.

Texans linebacker unit listed second to last in Pro Football Focus rankings

The Houston Texans linebacker unit ranks No. 31 overall in the latest Pro Football Focus linebacking corps rankings.

The Houston Texans may not have a Pro Bowler in their linebacking corps as they did when Benardrick McKinney was on the team, but the club apparently has gotten worse in the years following.

According to Seth Galina from Pro Football Focus, the Texans’ linebacking unit ranks No. 31 in the NFL. Only the Atlanta Falcons have a worse linebacking corps than Houston.

Much of this unit’s potential lies with third-round rookie Christian Harris, who managed 34 run stops at Alabama in 2021 (tied for 36th among 374 qualifying FBS linebackers). Christian Kirksey has not had a season of note since 2016 with the Browns, yet he projects as a starter in this defense once again.

The evaluation leaves out Kamu Grugier-Hill, who led the team with 108 combined tackles in 2021 through all 14 of his starts. The 6-2, 230-pound linebacker also provided 3.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, three pass breakups, and an interception.

It would be one thing if Grugier-Hill was allowed to walk in free agency during the offseason. However, the Texans brought back the former New England Patriots 2016 sixth-round pick from Eastern Illinois on an another one-year contract.

Part of Grugier-Hill remaining with the Texans is the chance to grow as a leader.

“I think for me just stepping into that leadership role more this year,” Grugier-Hill told reporters on April 12. “I think last year was more of a prove it that I can be here, and this is what I want to do, kind of my spot. Now this year is kind of turning into a leadership role, helping the organization win. Last year was our foundation and we didn’t win too many games so this year the emphasize I think is winning.”

The Texans’ linebacking corps may not be anywhere near the top-10 in the NFL, but it certainly can’t be second to last — not with Grugier-Hill still on the roster.

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Why Texans fans shouldn’t be afraid to buy the LB Garret Wallow hype

Second-year linebacker Garret Wallow has been earning rave reviews from key figures inside the Houston Texans. Fans need not be hesitant.

Since leaving TCU, linebacker Garret Wallow has faced an uphill battle towards making an impact at the next level in the NFL.

After his departure from the Horned Frogs as a senior, his NFL Draft profile read as follows (NFL.com)

“Inside linebacker known for his work ethic, leadership and production for the Horned Frogs. He clearly has the mindset and athletic talent to go hunt for the football. That said, he’s not as strong as teams would like when taking on blocks and he’s not very instinctive as an open-field tackler. If Wallow can improve his fundamentals as a finisher, it could go a long way in determining his NFL future. He can run and has special teams potential, but his tape was a little disappointing as a third-down linebacker, which could hurt his stock. Wallow should find a home on Day 3 of the draft: Average back-up or special teamers”

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio took Wallow during his controversial first draft with the 170th overall pick. The fifth rounder, along with fellow Day 3 pick and sixth-rounder Roy Lopez, composed the part of Houston’s draft where fans were left to wonder exactly what kind of impact could be expected.

The Texans had traded three selections to move up for their chosen linebacker. What was it that Wallow had to offer in Houston? Entering a desperate 2021 campaign, hope was all most could muster.

Fast forward one year later and the change is staggering. Hope has truly turned into expectations. Lopez is projected as the starting 1-technique defensive tackle and Wallow appears to be one of the biggest stars in camp.

After starting just two games in 2021 and finishing his rookie year with 23 combined tackles per Pro Football Reference, Wallow has been the talk of the coaching staff. The team has praised him from essentially every corner imaginable. His teammates, especially the older veterans, are extremely complimentary of his work ethic and drive on the field, especially Christian Kirksey.

Coaches have been equally excited about his potential. Special team’s coordinator Frank Ross noted that Wallow has become a fixture of the special teams unit. Other coaches have noted he’s able to play the weak side, strong side, and middle linebacker position in head coach Lovie Smith’s base 4-3 defense.

“He’s done a great job. Guys like him have taken the reins as far as special teams, heavy core-four roles. He’s done a great job with that and excited to see where he comes into camp in shape, and gets ready to roll for his second full year.”

As if the train wasn’t moving full-steam ahead, Nick Caserio truly threw gas on the fire yesterday on Sports Radio 610 when he went out of the way to compliment his first linebacker selection. He called him the most improved player on the team. Even for a general manager that enjoys interacting with the press, the comment was poignant and offered some key insight to how Houston views their linebacker.

This leaves fans of the Texans to wonder what exactly fair expectations during year two are for Wallow. The answer might be one that is stunningly simple.

Houston should just enjoy the process. Simply celebrate the success of a young man who is clearly becoming a big part of the team’s culture.

Draft picks made on Day 3 are often ones that you are hoping still make the team during their second year. The idea that the Texans may have found a full time starting linebacker, especially with a clear need this year at the strong side linebacker spot, would be incredible. Even if Houston only has someone who’s going to help lead and captain their special teams unit would be a massive win from where Wallow was once projected.

It appears that Caserio has hit another draft homerun from a 2021 class that is majorly outperforming expectations. Wallow’s presence and preached improvement from everyone around him have the potential to serve as the proverbial cherry on top.

Winning teams in the NFL have strong special teams units, it appears Wallow is ready to elevate the Texans in that level. Strong supporting linebacker play is massively important for rookies and it appears Wallow could be in a position to help the onboarding of 2022 third-round pick Christian Harris. The strong side linebacker has huge responsibilities against the run and it’s possible Wallow helps Houston improve from their league-worst run stopping unit.

Whatever it is, fans should be very excited to see what comes to fruition in camp. It just wasn’t something that ever could have been expected after his selection in the fifth-round last year. Everyone will have to wait a few more weeks but all of Houston will know soon enough just how fair the high praises are for the second year linebacker.

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Texans LB Garret Wallow displaying veteran maturity entering second season

Houston Texans linebacker Garret Wallow is showing signs of a mature veteran as he enters his second season in the NFL.

The goal of the Houston Texans’ 2021 draft, which featured a small, five-man draft class with the first selection coming in Round 3, was to foment as much competition as possible.

The selection of TCU linebacker Garret Wallow with the No. 170 overall pick in Round 5 was to provide youth and competition to the linebacking corps.

According to linebacker Christian Kirksey, Wallow has been developing slowly throughout the offseason and has demonstrated a veteran understanding about the game.

“I mean, he’s only a year two, but he seems like he’s been in the league for five, six years,” Kirksey told reporters June 1 after organized team activities at Houston Methodist Training Center. “He’s very smart. He picks up the game fast. He plays fast. He can play any linebacker position on the field, whether it’s Mike, Will or Sam. He can plug himself in and be of impact on this defense, so I’m very proud to see where he’s came.”

Wallow started in two of his 17 games played for Houston as a rookie, collecting 23 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, and 1.0 sack. The 6-2, 230-pound linebacker predominantly saw his snaps on special teams with 286 compared to 180 on defense.

Kirksey, who played in 13 games for Houston in 2021, believes that Wallow will be able to capitalize on his rookie season.

“I thought he had an extremely good rookie year, came in there and made plays when his number was called, and this year he’s definitely taking those strides,” said Kirksey. “He’s definitely working. He showed me some of his off-season routines and workouts that he was doing, and just say that he was working his butt off, so, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him this season.”

The Texans have another young linebacker joining the ranks in third-round pick Christian Harris from Alabama.

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