Tag: Houston Texans turnovers

WATCH: Texans defense practices interception return drill

The Houston Texans defense took part in interception return drills on the eighth day of training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center.

Lovie Smith is a big believer in takeaways.

The Houston Texans’ coach has made it a fundamental part of his Tampa 2 scheme. On the eighth day of training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center, the defense took part in an interception return drill, according to video from Aaron Wilson from the Pro Football Network.

On June 7 during the final week of organized team activities, cornerback Steven Nelson told reporters that the team was “hungry” and were starting to comprehend the significance of takeaways.

“I think we’re starting to understand that takeaways, when you win that turnover battle, that’s a big swing in the game,” said Nelson. “So, whenever we can take the ball away and put the ball back in the offense hands and they score, we score and that’s going to lead to bigger chances to win.”

The Texans weren’t too shabby in the takeaway department in 2021. Despite their 4-13 record, the Texans cultivated 25 extra possessions, tied with the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints for the 10th-most in the NFL. The Texans were the only team with a losing record in the top-10.

 

Did the Texans playing too many good QBs contribute to their paucity of takeaways?

Houston Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel believes one of the reasons their takeaways are so low is due to the number of good QBs they played.

The Houston Texans have eight takeaways through 14 games. If they do not get to 11 takeaways, they will set a new franchise record for fewest takeaways in a season.

One of the reasons the Texans have had a hard time creating turnovers, according to interim coach Romeo Crennel, is that they faced a bevy of good quarterbacks throughout the year who were able to find the soft spots in their zone coverage.

“You have to look at who you have and how you want to use the players that you have,” Crennel said. “I think this year we’re playing a little bit more zone than we used to play. When you play zone there are holes in the zone and they’re able to find those holes. Good quarterbacks particularly are able to find those holes in the zone and they are able to get control of the ball before you can get to them.

“As a result of that, not as many balls get knocked loose or get tipped or get intercepted as a matter of fact. I think that probably that has something to do with it.”

The Texans have three interceptions on the season. Opponents have compiled a 108.9 passer rating against Houston, the highest in the NFL.

There is a case to be made for Patrick Mahomes, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and even Ryan Tannehill looking like All-Pros against Houston’s defense. However, when the defense is unable to procure a takeaway with Kirk Cousins, Mitch Trubisky, or even Baker Mayfield under center, then it underscores a series of issues the Texans have to fix in the offseason with a new coaching staff and new front office.