Houston Texans defensive end DeMarcus Walker endorsed the new defense for 2021.
The Texans brought in Lovie Smith to convert from a 3-4 scheme, which they run since 2011, to a Tampa 2 scheme, which provides for defensive linemen to get upfield to harass the passer while stopping the run along the way.
Walker says that he likes the technique of the Tampa 2 and “just letting it go.”
“Sort of taking the handcuffs off me and just letting me do certain actions,” said Walker. “It’s a little different when you’re in an attack style defense (instead of) these last two years playing a read defense.”
Walker played a read defense with the Denver Broncos under coach Vic Fangio, who also deployed a 3-4 scheme.
Walker appreciates the approach Smith brings as a defensive coordinator.
Said Walker: “He’s bringing like a different approach that I haven’t seen in a long time. Hey, he’s letting the talent flourish, and that’s the type of coach I want.”
Smith doesn’t just turn the defensive linemen loose without any instructions. According to Walker, Smith is “very detailed.”
“He coaches everybody up, (he’ll) call everybody out,” Walker said. “The small things that you could just tell, just from his college background, you could tell he’s bringing it to the league.”