Tag: Henry To’oTo’o

Texans defense not willing to overlook Bucs QB Baker Mayfield

The Houston Texans defense considers Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to be a formidable field general.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans defense will face an interesting dilemma when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium on Sunday. Many believe the wide receiver duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will cause havoc for the Texans defenders, and that is not without merit. In seven games this season, the two have combined for 959 yards (Evans-507, Godwin-452) on 71 receptions. Evans is a big-body wide receiver with a huge catch ratio, while Godwin can stretch the field with his speed.

Yet, the one person that the Texans defenders must contain is Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, who took over play-calling duties for Tampa Bay with the retirement of Tom Brady. He helped his team get off to a 3-1 start before they went on their current three-game losing streak. Even though he has yet to be as efficient as of late, Mayfield still can exceed expectations numerous times.

“He can move,” said Texans rookie linebacker Henry To’oTo’o when asked about Mayfield. “He still got it. He still looks like the college Baker Mayfield to me. But he can move, and he knows how to make plays. He knows how to throw the ball, and he knows where to put the ball. He can escape the pocket when he needs to and make plays with his legs. We have to contain him and swarm to the ball, honestly.”

Mayfield will surprise many defenders by being able to manipulate the pocket, but he does some of his best work when he is allowed to set his feet and deliver the ball. Of the 1,600 yards he has thrown this season, 1,506 have come from inside the tackle box, while 94 have been generated when he is outside of it. When he feels pressure, his football instincts heighten, as displayed by his 96.7 passer rating compared to 86.1 when he has a clean pocket.

The Texans’ defenders want to see just how good he performs when the pressure is applied by defensive ends Jonathan Greenard and rookie Will Anderson Jr. Houston has a 31.2% pressure rate through seven games this season and is coming off of a six-sack game against the Carolina Panthers.

“He gets the ball out really fast, and he can escape the pocket really well,” Anderson said about Mayfield. “He doesn’t take many sacks and if you watch the film, he escapes the pocket and people are missing him on sacks. So, we have to be really sound on our technique on bringing him down and attacking the ball.”

Tampa Bay has one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL, leading Mayfield to attempt more passes. Even with the duo of Evans and Godwin, the passing game has looked dismal as he has only had one 300-yard passing game and, at one point this season, had a four-game streak of throwing at least one interception. Anderson is aware that the Texans’ front seven must help out the defensive backs that have to deal with their wide receiver unit, and to do that, they have to apply as much pressure to Mayfield as possible.

“Coach DeMeco [Ryans] always says that ‘Rush and coverage always go together,’” Anderson told the Texans Wire. “If we are doing what we are supposed to do up front, then the DBs [Defensive Backs] will have a really good day. It starts with us having a game plan, a rushing game plan that we have practiced all week. We have to rush together and make him uncomfortable in the pocket.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=601914802]

Houston Texans rookie report cards: C.J. Stroud leads with stellar play

The Houston Texans’ rookie class has turned in some decent grades through the first six weeks of the season.

The bye week is a great time to make assessments.

One area where the Houston Texans have to be pleased with themselves is their rookie draft class. Aside from completely nailing the top pick and landing the franchise’s starting quarterback for years to come, general manager Nick Caserio and assistant director of personnel and college scouting director James Liipfert identified a cast of contributors.

Not only does the Texans class provide competition at certain positions, but the rookies also have shown dependability as game day contributors.

Here is a look at the Texans’ draft class through the first six weeks of the regular season.

Texans LB Henry To’oTo’o earns high praise from NBC Sports’ Peter King

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o managed to get some high praise for his efforts in the 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.

While it would seem the addition of an Alabama linebacker on the Houston Texans defense would be otherwise redundant, Henry To’oTo’o proved in Week 4 why the team needed to draft him in Round 5.

To’oTo’o generated seven combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup in the Texans’ 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium.

According to Peter King from NBC Sports, To’oTo’o was one of his three defensive players of the week.

Henry To’oTo’o, linebacker, Houston. A ferocious defensive effort that smothered the Steelers for much of the day Sunday was led by this rookie fifth-round pick from Alabama. Pronounced TOE-oh-TOE-oh, by the way. His stats (seven tackles, one for loss, and a pass defended) don’t jump off the page, but you had to see his impact on the game, particularly in the third quarter. With the Steelers down 16-0 and threatening at the Houston 15-yard line on third-and-two, To’oTo’o plastered running back Jaylen Warren behind the line, and he was stopped for a two-yard loss. Pittsburgh settled for a field goal. Next series: Pittsburgh at the Houston eight, first-and-goal, and Kenny Pickett threw for George Pickens in the back of the end zone. To’oTo’o broke it up. Pittsburgh settled for a field goal. Two huge plays in the Texans’ 30-6 win.

Along with Christian Harris, another former Alabama product, the Texans have a duo of young linebackers with dynamic cohesion. Houston limited the Steelers to 225 yards total offense and 12 first downs.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=46914089]

Texans’ linebacking corps still seeking to find stride

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Houston Texans linebacking corps is still working on forming cohesion.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans defense prepared all week for Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. The defense sought to stop the No. 4 overall pick from using his legs as a weapon, and force Richardson more in the pocket, challenging him to win through the air.

The formula looked good on paper, but on the gridiron, Richardson burned Houston on scoring runs of 18 and 15 to give the Colts a 14-0 first quarter lead.

While Richardson left the game with a concussion in the second quarter, the Texans hardly found an advantage. Backup Gardner Minshew’s veteran presence steadied the Colts to a 31-20 win in Week 2 at NRG Stadium.

One of the many factors that led to the Texans’ demise was the play of their linebacker corps, who found themselves continuously taking bad angles on run plays and being in the wrong spots while in pass coverage.

“For the linebacker corps, for me, we have to coach them better,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It wasn’t good enough, and from start to finish, we have to do a much better job when it comes to just being where we’re supposed to be in coverage, when it comes to tackling in the hole — like, it has to be much better for us to play good defense.”

Veteran Denzel Perryman led the group with eight tackles, while rookie Henry To’o To’o (seven) and second-year player Christian Harris (one) finished with the same amount combined. The former Alabama duo also had difficulty in pass coverage as the trio was targeted nine times, and the Colts were successful on every pass attempt for 51 yards. To’o To’o played the most snaps (46) behind Perryman (56), while Harris finished with 21.

“Yeah, with the linebackers, we’ve moved a couple guys around,” said Ryans about the limited snaps for Harris on Sunday. “We’ve seen Henry get some snaps. We’ve got Christian in getting snaps. There’s been a little rotation of both of those guys, but we’re just looking for all those guys to be consistent with what they’re given. Own the reps that you have and do the best that you can do with those.”

Houston allowed 236 yards rushing in the first two games, which is unsuitable for a team that was ranked last in the NFL in rushing defense in 2022. In back-to-back weeks, multiple missed tackles and blown assignments will cause many to wonder if the Texans’ defense is slipping back into some of the old habits that plagued them last season.

“Definitely recognize things a lot quicker by formation,” rookie linebacker Henty To’o To’o said about the mistakes he noticed in the game on Sunday during film study. “It will give me that extra step of knowing when I can take off or when I can shoot a gap. I think tackling as a whole defense. We have to do a better job of tackling and no extra yardage on the back end.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1365]

Texans LB Henry To’oTo’o earned praise for performance against the Patriots

Houston Texans fifth-round linebacker Henry To’oTo’o managed to draw praise from coaches following the 20-9 win over the New England Patriots.

HOUSTON — Now that the dust has settled, all the evaluations of the Houston Texans’ first preseason game against the New England Patriots are done. Rookie linebacker Henry To’oTo’o let the rest of the NFL see what most of the media members and fans have noticed during training camp, and that is his constant evolution of learning the game and applying it on the field.

“Henry did a great job, but again I think Henry has built up that foundation in practice,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke told the media on Saturday about To’oTo’o’s performance. “He’s been out here working the same, and it was nice to see him make a couple of plays and tackles and just being around the ball a little bit. He has a couple of things to work on to. It was a good step for him; hopefully, he keeps progressing this week.”

The former Alabama linebacker only played 16 snaps against New England but made the most of his limited time by recording five tackles. To’oTo’o was able to use the knowledge he gained during training camp from being around his head coach DeMeco Ryans, a former NFL linebacker early in the game when he was able to stop a Patriots drive early in the second quarter, making an open field tackle on running back Pierre Strong Jr. who tried to slip into the flats on third and two.

“Knowing what down it is, the possibilities of something happening, and just communicating that over and over again,” To’oTo’o said after the game on Thursday about his awareness. “So I think that was the biggest thing for me being out there and knowing this can happen and that can happen, and ultimately, that leads us to make the plays.”

That mindset made him a priority for the Texans when he was available in the later rounds of the 2023 NFL draft.

“We are seeing the same stuff we have seen when he was coming out of college,” said Texans linebackers coach Chris Kiffin. “The instincts he has for the ball and the feel for the game, those are things you can’t really coach. Getting comfortable in the system and on game day, just cutting it loose, and that is what he did on his first couple of snaps.

“In the run game, he saw it and triggered fast; in the passing game, he has a great feel. It was really good to see; he still has a long way to go, but for him to get that first one under his belt and feel good about it and feel good going into the next one.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=601915565]

C.J. Stroud dull in preseason opener, Texans top Patriots 20-9

Rookie QB C.J. Stroud was underwhelming in his preseason debut, but the Houston Texans nevertheless beat the New England Patriots 20-9.

C.J. Stroud was lackluster in his preseason debut, but the Houston Texans still dominated the New England Patriots 20-9 Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.

The No. 2 overall pick played two series for Houston, completing 2-of-4 for 13 yards and an interception while taking a sack.

Spelling Stroud was third-year Davis Mills, who completed nine passes on 12 attempts for 99 yards and a touchdown. With 12 seconds remaining until halftime, Mills connected with rookie receiver Tank Dell to push Houston ahead 7-3.

Case Keenum took over for Mills with 11:58 to go in the third quarter. The 35-year-old went 9-14 for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Dell led all receivers with five catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. On his lone score, the third-round pick bobbled the initial contact with the ball while lying on his back in the front left corner of the end zone. Despite two Patriots in the area, Dell managed to catch the ball on the second attempt for his first preseason score.

Dameon Pierce did not play, which led Devin Singletary to take first-team reps at running back. The former Buffalo Bills starter carried five times for 14 yards. Mike Boone led the Texans with four carries for 25 yards.

Fifth-round linebacker Henry To’oTo’o collected five combined tackles to lead the team. Linebacker Denzel Perryman had four combined tackles and 1.0 sack. Defensive end Chase Winovich and defensive tackle Kurt Hinish also collected a sack apiece.

Houston limited the Patriots to 164 yards total offense while tallying 265. The Texans went 7-15 on third down while New England went 3-12. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans’ squad also won the penalty battle as they incurred three penalties for 30 yards compared to five for 41 for New England.

The Texans go home to host the Miami Dolphins Aug. 19 at NRG Stadium after a week of joint training camp practices.

The Patriots go on the road to take on the Green Bay Packers Aug. 19 at Lambeau Field.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1703]

Texans LB Henry To’oTo’o says Christian Harris was his ‘best friend’ at Alabama

Houston Texans rookie linebacker Henry To’oTo’o says he and Christian Harris were very close at Alabama.

The Houston Texans have been collecting Alabama linebackers. In 2022, Houston drafted Christian Harris in Round 3. In April, the Texans took Henry To’oTo’o in the fifth round.

With Harris and To’oTo’o going in successive years, it’s safe to say they knew each other well playing for the Crimson Tide under coach Nick Saban. However, Harris and To’oTo’o were more than enforcers in the linebacking corps.

“Chris is my dog,” To’oTo’o told reporters Aug. 4 after training camp practice. “If you all didn’t know, Christian was my best friend in college, so we went together, ate food together, went out and do stuff after the games together, play games together — so being able to play with him side-by-side, get some reps out there with him again feels great.”

The last season To’oTo’o and Harris were together was 2021 when Alabama made it as far as the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Georgia got the better of the Crimson Tide, 33-18 inside Lucas Oil Stadium. That season saw Harris generate 80 combined tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. To’oTo’o produced 111 combined tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.

With To’oTo’o and Harris together again in Houston — playing for a former Alabama linebacker no less in coach DeMeco Ryans — the game is their livelihood; it’s a business, and it behooves the team to have the same brotherly love, not just between two former Tide, but with the entire corps.

Said To’oTo’o: “Just kind of building that chemistry, but not with only him, but with our whole entire linebacker group. We’ve got a great group of guys in there, and we all work our tails off every single day to become ultimately the best linebacker group in the NFL.”

Harris had 74 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, 1.0 sack, an interception, forced fumble, and five pass breakups through 12 games as a rookie, 11 of which he started. The Texans are hopeful To’oTo’o can match or exceed such expectations.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1365]

Texans LB Denzel Perryman mentoring Henry To’oTo’o

Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman says that he has taken rookie Henry To’oTo’o under his wing the same way the Chargers did for him in 2015.

Denzel Perryman is the cunning veteran entering his ninth season. Henry To’oTo’o is the fifth-round rookie. Learning should be a one-way street.

However, the linebacker duo actually has been helping one another adapt to new coach DeMeco Ryans’ scheme throughout Houston Texans training camp.

“We’re both learning from each other, man,” Perryman told reporters Aug. 4. “That’s what I can say, and I’m just doing what the older guys did when I first got into the league.”

When Perryman entered the league with the San Diego Chargers as a 2015 second-round pick, inside linebackers Manti Te’o and Kavell Conner along with outside linebacker Melvin Ingram helped the rookie adapt to defensive coordinator John Pagano’s 3-4 scheme. Perryman finished with 73 combined tackles — third-most on the team — through 14 games, nine of which he started.

Perryman is showing To’oTo’o the pro game, but the former Alabama product is demonstrating a proficiency in adaptation.

Said Perryman: “I’d say they’re not rookies, man. This new wave of kids — I call them kids now because I’m a little older now — but just the new wave, man, just the generation, man. It just felt different. It felt different in general.”

Given great defense is a team effort, the Texans are hopeful such shared learning will help Houston turn around their fortunes in 2023.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1365]

Texans DC Matt Burke relays how ‘coachable’ LB Henry To’oTo’o actually is

Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke appreciates the “coachable” nature of rookie linebacker Henry To’oTo’o.

Henry To’oTo’o has drawn interest from Houston Texans fans.

Could it be To’oTo’o comes from a top defensive school in Alabama? Could it be his new coach is a former Alabama linebacker? Could it be To’oTo’o has a former Alabama linebacker teammate on the roster in Christian Harris?

Whether or not the attention is warranted for a fifth-round linebacker is subject for discussion; the reality is To’oTo’o has a slice of the spotlight.

Matt Burke fielded an inquiry regarding To’oTo’o on Aug. 1 after training camp practice, and the defensive coordinator encapsulated how To’oTo’o is acclimating to the pro game.

“He’s a kid that practices with a purpose, he’s really coachable,” Burke said. “I don’t think he makes a lot of carry-over mistakes. If he sees something, he corrects it. He kind of gets it done the next day.””

Burke relayed a story of how To’oTo’o was short on a play during July 31’s practice session, and the coaches chided the linebacker for his error.

“We kind of got on him a little bit and got back and forth, and he literally got the same play like the second half of practice and nailed it,” said Burke. “So, to see that from him where he’s really taking the coaching and sort of applying it to the field. Every time he makes a mistake, he’s kind of correcting it and moving on. So, it’s been cool to see that progress from him.”

One of Ryans’ positions of strength is linebacker having developed Fred Warner into an All-Pro during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1365]

Texans LB Christian Harris says Henry To’oTo’o is ‘grasping the playbook’

Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris says his former Alabama teammate, LB Henry To’oTo’o, is “grasping the playbook.”

The Houston Texans have borrowed from Alabama’s cupboard to stock their defense the past two NFL drafts.

Houston picked linebacker Christian Harris in Round 3 in 2022, and then took two former Crimson Tide defenders in 2023 with first-round defensive end Will Anderson and fifth-round linebacker Henry To’oTo’o.

With an Alabama reunion in the linebacking corps, Harris knows what To’oTo’o can bring to the unit.

“He’s a great player, smart player, grasping the playbook” Harris told reporters June 13 at mandatory minicamp.

Harris and To’oTo’o were teammates for a season at Alabama in 2021. The 6-2, 225-pound linebacker generated 111 combined tackles, 4.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup through 15 games in his penultimate season at Alabama.

As To’oTo’o transitions to the NFL, Harris is able to ascertain how his former college teammate is picking up the pro game.

Said Harris: “He’s coming to work every day just like he should be. I mean, of course we’re all helping him with it. He’s doing a great job right now.”

In 2021, Harris generated 80 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles through 15 games. If the Texans are able to get Harris and To’oTo’o to play at a high level in tandem, it should add another dimension to the defense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=46914089]