DE Jacob Martin ‘super excited’ to be back with the Texans

DE Jacob Martin spent 2022 with the Denver Broncos and New York Jets. However, the sixth-year pro is glad to be back with the Houston Texans.

HOUSTON — Any person who lives or has visited Houston, Texas, within the last three months knows it is hot.

Very hot. Some would describe it as scorching.

The news stations around the city have repeatedly warned about doing any physical activities outside if you can help it, and if you do, please proceed with caution to not over-exert yourself and have a heat stroke.

Houston Texans defensive end Jacob Martin must not watch the news, as he has constantly pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion in this Texas heat at training camp to prove to head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke that general manager Nick Caserio made the right decision by bringing him back to the team for a second run.

During the offseason, Martin signed a one-year deal with the team after he became a free agent when the Denver Broncos released him in May. His first stint with the Texans came in 2019 when he was part of a trade package between Houston and Seattle Seahawks for former edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

In Martin’s 45 games (15 starts) played with the Texans, he recorded 10.5 sacks. He became an unrestricted free agent after the 2021 season and signed a three-year deal with the New York Jets that lasted less than four months before he was traded to the Denver Broncos.

The atmosphere was very opaque around NRG Stadium back in 2020, with fan favorite and All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins being traded to the Arizona Cardinals by former head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien. It didn’t get any better heading into the next season, with all of the attention in camp and throughout the season revolving around a once-franchise player with an off-field scandal.

“It has truly been an amazing experience to be back,” said Martin after practice. “To see that the culture has grown since I was here previously. They are bringing good people on. Just in the building, with great energy there is a huge change of energy in the building. I am super excited and truly appreciative of the opportunity to be brought back.”

With rookie edge rusher Will Anderson, whom the Texans traded up to get with the third overall pick in this year’s draft, being added to a competitive defensive end group that consists of Jerry Hughes and Jonathan Greenard, Martin knows that every rep he receives will be valuable.

“We are out here competing every day,” Martin said about his position group. “The goal is not to have any drop-off, no matter what group is in there.”

The six-year veteran has shown over the years a skill set that has impressed coaches, including Ryans and Burke, during training camp, which is his uncanny ability to get off the line of scrimmage quickly as soon as the ball is snapped and cause havoc for the offensive lineman.

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is one who has noticed every time Martin is on the opposite side of the ball. His constant ability to pressure the pocket with his speed rush makes Stroud account for him coming off the edge. On consecutive plays during one team drill Stroud had to maneuver to avoid being sacked by Martin.

“I have played a lot of football over the years,” said Martin about his approach. “I guess I just have a feeling; I feel when the ball is going to be snapped. It is almost like a tension in the air, and I have gotten pretty good at predicting that.”

Martin will have a chance during the preseason to show that he deserves to be a part of the defensive rotation when the regular season starts. That journey begins Thursday when the Texans play the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

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

Texans DE Will Anderson says he prefers playing with his hand in the dirt

Houston Texans DE Will Anderson may have played standup as a pass rusher in college, but he much prefers to play with his hand in the dirt.

One of the perceptions surrounding Will Anderson during the pre-draft process was his usage as a standup pass rusher.

The two-time Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year accumulated 34.5 sacks in his three seasons at Alabama. While a portion of these sacks were generated as an outside linebacker, Anderson clarified he played as a down lineman, and much prefers it.

“Yeah, in high school, and even at Alabama, I always played with my hand in the dirt,” Anderson told reporters Monday after training camp practice. “In high school, I was predominantly a defensive end. I didn’t play outside linebacker until I got to Alabama. My last couple of years at Alabama, I played true defensive end really. So, putting my hand in the dirt wasn’t hard at all.”

The Texans’ new defensive scheme under coach DeMeco Ryans requires a 4-3 front, which means the edge defenders will have their hands in the dirt as part of a three-point stance.

Anderson feels much at home in the three-point.

Said Anderson: “I wanted to get back to that anyway. I feel like that’s my baby, and I can have more fun doing that part, so it’s really been a big blessing just to be here and be a part of this system.”

The Texans ran a 4-3 front the past two seasons under coaches David Culley and Lovie Smith. From 2011-20, the Texans ran a 3-4 scheme between coaches Gary Kubiak and Bill O’Brien. From 2006-10, Kubiak turned Houston over to a 4-3 scheme after Dom Capers started out the franchise running a 3-4 from 2002-05.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1416]

DeMeco Ryans may be able to get more out of Texans’ existing talent

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans was able to tap into Charles Omenihu’s potential. Perhaps he could do the same with Houston’s existing talent.

The past two seasons for the Houston Texans weren’t just brutal in the standings, but also across their roster.

Houston truly didn’t have any answers at some positions and sought a platoon of veterans as a stopgap, as was the case in 2021 at running back. The Texans also were unable to help younger talent meet their potential, as was the case with former 2019 second-round defensive back Lonnie Johnson and 2019 fifth-round defensive end Charles Omenihu.

While Omenihu exists as an example of how the Texans squandered talent, he also represents what new coach DeMeco Ryans may be able to do with untapped pieces. Consider Omenihu spent the past 32 games, including six playoff games, with the San Francisco 49ers since 2021, all of which time Ryans was the defensive coordinator.

According to Braxton Howard from Pro Football Focus, Omenihu finished as their No. 8 on their list of edge defenders in pressures on true pass sets. This is a list wherein Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa were at the top, and Omenihu finished ahead of Maxx Crosby and Matthew Judon.

Omenihu had a strong year in San Francisco, which led him to sign with the reigning Super Bowl champs this offseason. On true pass sets, Omenihu totaled 35 quarterback hurries — tied for third with Haason Reddick and Josh Allen. He posted a career-high 62 total pressures in 2022, including seven sacks.

After being traded mid-season in 2021 from Houston to San Francisco, Omenihu continued to have a solid impact. He displayed an 82.3 pass-rush grade in 2021 and put up a 75.6 pass-rush grade last season. To this point, Omenihu has been more of a rotational pass rusher. In Kansas City, he will have a relatively clear path to start on the edge.

While the Texans undoubtedly have a premier edge rusher for the future in Will Anderson, defensive end Jonathan Greenard has yet to turn in a good season. Jerry Hughes is also optimistic about the attacking scheme Ryans is deploying as it favors the defensive line.

The Texans may have had the right pieces all along; it just took the right coach to cultivate the production.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1416]

Texans DE Jerry Hughes still productive as 7-tech pass rusher

Houston Texans defensive end Jerry Hughes is one of the best 7-tech pass rushers according to the Touchdown Wire.

The Houston Texans are undoubtedly getting younger at edge rusher with the drafting of No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson. However, the club still believes they have an effective defensive end in Jerry Hughes, and the tape may prove it.

According to Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar from the Touchdown Wire, who studied edge rushers in various techniques from the 0-tech to the wide-9, the best rusher using the 7-tech is none other than Hughes.

The same positive attributes that apply to 6-tech rushers basically apply to 7-techs, and here, we have to point to Jerry Hughes, the veteran pass-rusher who amassed seven solo sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 17 quarterback hurries in the 7-tech position, to the tight end’s outside shoulder. Hughes was a stalwart in this role because he’s able to combine speed and bend around the edge with power moves to foil the best left tackles. Here, against the Eagles in Week 9, left tackle Jordan Mailata got a taste of what that looked like.

On the year, Hughes generated 9.0 sacks. It was the first time since J.J. Watt’s 16.0 sacks in 2018 that a Texans defender had come close to reaching the double-digit mark.

Despite how Hughes was used in former coach Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 scheme, the former Sugar Land Stephen F. Austin High School product will be part of an attacking front with new coach DeMeco Ryans.

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

Texans sign rookie DE Will Anderson

The Houston Texans signed No. 3 overall DE Will Anderson to a standard rookie contract.

The Houston Texans locked up one of their twin first-round picks.

The Texans announced Friday they have signed defensive end Will Anderson to a standard four-year rookie contract.

According to Aaron Wilson from KPRC-TV, the deal is fully guaranteed at $35,212,818 and comes with a fifth-year option — standard among all first-rounder contracts since 2010. Anderson’s deal also includes a $22.609 million signing bonus.

The Texans picked Anderson with the No. 3 overall selection in April’s draft. The former two-time Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year is expected to bring an aggressive pass rush off the edge for Houston in first-year coach DeMeco Ryans’ attacking defensive scheme.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1416]

DE Jerry Hughes predicts Texans will be ‘more violent’ on defense

Houston Texans defensive end Jerry Hughes believes the defense will be “more violent” in 2023 under new coach DeMeco Ryans.

Houston Texans defensive end Jerry Hughes can already see the changes to the defense.

New coach DeMeco Ryans spent the entire offseason program from April 3’s voluntary workouts to June 14’s mandatory minicamp laying down the foundation of his scheme he ran with as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator the past two seasons.

Hughes spent his first season with the Texans under then-coach Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2. Although the former Sugar Land Stephen F. Austin product was able to lead Houston with 9.0 sacks last year, the focus of the defense was different.

“We’re not trying to run around blocks anymore,” Hughes said. “It’s moreso attacking. We got to be defenders, we got to be the aggressor. I think that’s what a lot of guys were excited to get back to, is kind of football, in my mind.”

Not only has the defensive philosophy changed for Houston, but the Texans have added younger personnel with rookie defensive end Will Anderson, fifth-round linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, and the continuous ascension of second-year safety Jalen Pitre. Houston also signed defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, linebacker Denzel Perryman, and safety Jimmie Ward in free agency.

Hughes has also noticed the defense is “probably faster.”

Said Hughes: “Guys are running around making plays. They have been with our strength staff here who has done a tremendous job of keeping everyone healthy. With that added element, guys are moving a lot faster.”

A faster scheme with an attacking scheme should lead to a different on-field profile for Houston in 2023.

“I think you’re see a lot more violent defense, guys that are flying around the ball,” said Hughes. “We got 11 hats coming after you. It’s going to be something that a lot of people are going to be excited to see. I know I am. I know the guys on defense are. We’ve just been perfecting it for these past couple of months. It’s going to be really exciting.”

The Texans were tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles for the fifth-most takeaways last season with 27. However, Houston gave up the third-most total yards in 2022 with 6,452.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1362]

DE Jerry Hughes still feels young, credits the Texans’ training, nutrition staffs

Houston Texans DE Jerry Hughes is entering his 14th NFL season, but credits the training and nutrition staffs for being able to keep up.

Jerry Hughes doesn’t know how he is able to do it.

The 34-year-old defensive end was able to move about and keep pace with his younger teammates at Houston Texans mandatory minicamp June 13-14. Despite the heat, Hughes was able to glide on the playing surface at Houston Methodist Training Center.

“God is good,” Hughes said. “But still able to kind of move around with these young guys in this heat. It’s been quite a blessing.”

Longevity in the NFL isn’t as much luck as it is being able to take care of one’s body, and Hughes recognizes the Texans provide the resources to extend, not just his career, but the quality.

One of the key pieces is nutrition led by director of team wellness Ladd Harris and implemented by assistant director of performance nutrition Jacob Mertins and performance nutrition coordinator Amy Johnson.

“I mean, we got a really good staff here,” said Hughes. “What they do as far as in the kitchen, getting us to refuel our bodies, they’re always giving us every bit of information we can to take as far as what to put in it.”

Sports medicine is led by director of Texans health Geoff Kaplan with Roland Ramirez serving as director of player care and sports medicine.

“The training staff, they do a fantastic job of any kind of bumps, bruises, tight muscles, whatever you name, they can work it out and fix it for you,” Hughes said. “I lean heavy on them because we got one of the best staffs here in the NFL. When you got that in-house, it’s hard to kind of miss game days. That’s really what you want to optimize.”

The former Indianapolis Colts 2010 first-round pick led Houston with 9.0 sacks through 17 games last year, 16 of which he started.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1416]

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says Will Anderson ‘takes coaching really well’

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says that No. 3 overall defensive end Will Anderson has responded favorably to coaching.

The Houston Texans have made a serious commitment to Will Anderson since Day 1.

General manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans pulled the trigger on a draft day trade that saw Houston forfeit multiple draft picks, including a future 2024 first round pick, to move up for the defensive end. It was a compensation that was lauded nationally as an overpay for a non-quarterback. For the Texans, it was simply a sign of belief in a player that checked all the boxes for what they wanted to build moving forward.

Almost two months since the conclusion of the draft, Anderson has done nothing but reward the coaching staff for their faith thus far into the offseason.

“Will has been great throughout camp,” Ryans told reporters Tuesday after mandatory minicamp. “One thing about Will, he’s been the same guy who we thought we were getting when we drafted him, right? He’s been on it every single day. When it comes to just the effort, the tenacity that he plays with, the energy, everything about him, he’s been that and more.”

The rookie coach pointed out that Anderson has fine-tuned his technique with defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire.

“He takes coaching really well,” said Ryans. “Doc has done a really good job of working with him, honing in on just those small fine details of his game. Will has done a great job of absorbing coaching and being able to take it to the field and apply it. It’s been cool to watch.”

Anderson comes from Alabama as one of the most statistically dominant edge rushers in recent college football history. He joins a Houston pass rush that desperately needed a boost after often failing to attack the quarterback in 2022 and a new scheme from Ryans that requires strong defensive line play.

Anderson’s coachability and potential success this upcoming season could help others on the defensive line such as Jerry Hughes and Jonathan Greenard face easier matchups from down to down. If Anderson can make quarterback uncomfortable there’s a good chance that talented members of the defensive secondary such as Derek Stingley and Jalen Pitre take a major step forward.

Nobody will know just how good Anderson is until the team starts playing full contact later this summer. However, the early returns and the early approval from Ryans and even franchise legend J.J. Watt have to sound phenomenal to Houston fans.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1362]

DE Will Anderson is bringing energy to the Texans’ defense

Rookie defensive end Will Anderson is hyping up his Houston Texans teammates with his energy.

Will Anderson was a bonafide stud at Alabama, and if the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans didn’t have clear needs at quarterback, he likely would’ve been the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Instead, Houston was able to secure his talent with the third-overall selection, and to hear coaches and teammates tell it at the Texans’ organized team activities press conferences, Anderson is making a great first impression.

Coach DeMeco Ryans went out of his way to praise the rookie edge rusher in comments made on Tuesday, telling reporters that he sees dominant traits in Anderson.

“It’s not just defense; it’s every position for us,” Ryans said. “I’m looking for guys who want to compete, guys who want to help us win. Defensive line, we want guys who are explosive, guys who are physical, guys who can set the edge, guys who can get after the quarterback. That’s what we’re looking for. Either side, it doesn’t matter which side you play on, that’s what we’re looking for out of all of our defensive ends.”

Second-year safety Jalen Pitre chimed in on Anderson’s drive to the effect that Ryans described, making it clear that Houston’s newest defensive star has a motor that should serve the Texans well next season.

“Yeah, [he is] another guy that plays with his hair on fire, a guy that is excited about the game of football and loves to do what he [does],” Pitre said of Anderson. “He made a play in OTAs today, and he had a celebration. So it’s a guy that’s used to just making plays. I love to be around that type of energy.”

While fans will have to wait for training camp to see Anderson put on a show in person, the descriptions of his talent from Ryans and Pitre serve to foreshadow great things to come from the young pass rusher.

Watch for his star to continue rising through the rest of the offseason and for the hype around his ability to gain some serious traction once the Texans face opponents in the preseason this summer.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1362]

What has the biggest adjustment been for Texans DE Will Anderson?

Houston Texans rookie defensive end Will Anderson talked about what his biggest adjustment has been since joining the team.

Will Anderson was at the top of college football after the 2022 season.

The Alabama defensive end collected two Bronko Nagurski Trophies, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lott Trophy, two SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was a two-time first-team All-American. It is no surprise Anderson went No. 3 overall to the Houston Texans — and that they traded up from No. 12 to take him.

While Anderson left the college ranks on top, he is starting at the bottom in the NFL, even with his lofty draft status with Houston.

Anderson clarified what makes the pro game different from the college game when meeting with reporters on May 13 during minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center.

“With the NFL everything it’s more detailed,” Anderson said. “Like it’s a lot more sacrifices to make to understand and grasp everything the coaches are telling you to do, the playbook, everything like that.”

In college, there was also the structure of classes and eligibility obligations wherein football was compartmentalized. In the NFL, football is all Anderson has to do, which means the 21-year-old has to build his own structure on how to use his time efficiently.

“The difference from college to now is you have so much more free time, so you have to find a routine and get that routine and know what you’re going to do at this time, this time,” said Anderson. “Everything is just detail, you know what I’m saying?”

When Anderson is working on the game, the one aspect that proves challenging is the terminology.

Said Anderson: “The biggest thing is learning the language, the verbiage, and understanding what they want and just understanding that. So that’s just kind of been the biggest adjustment right now.”

Starting jobs aren’t handed out at minicamp as the weekend is spent getting rookies acclimated and ready to join the veterans for the team’s offseason workouts.

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