The Houston Texans took a blow to their secondary during the 36-7 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 14.
Third-year safety Justin Reid, who has been almost an older veteran on the back end due to his seniority with the Texans, was lost for the final three games with a hand injury.
Now that the Texans will have to rely more on second-year defensive back Lonnie Johnson and third-year undrafted free agent A.J. Moore, safety Eric Murray thinks the communication has to improve to make up for the loss of Reid.
“I think as a defense we have to communicate,” said Murray, who has 66 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. “Communication was a big part of what Justin did and what he brought to the team.”
There were other aspects to the defense Reid brought that the Texans will have to compensate for in other areas, and it could start with Murray himself.
Said Murray: “Just personally, Justin was a good physical player in the run game and a good cover guy, so just being able to add to the physicality as an enforcer back there and still be able to do my job in coverage. I think that’s what I would have to do personally.”
The Texans get their first shot to roll without Reid in the secondary for the first time this season as they complete their season series with the Indianapolis Colts Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts beat the Texans 26-20 in Week 13 at NRG Stadium. Houston hopes to avoid getting swept by their AFC South rivals, who have not completed a season sweep in the series since 2017.