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.