Mark Lane, the managing editor of Texans Wire, gave his thoughts on Watt’s potential contribution.
Like “Beast Mode,” J.J. Watt’s return is one of transcendent talent. For the Houston Texans, his return will be more impactful than that of the Seattle Seahawks and Marshawn Lynch.
Watt’s return could not have come at a better time. The Texans’ pass-rush, since his injury in Week 8, has lacked to the point of league-worst category. That doesn’t show in their 5-2 record since.
In the seven games Houston has played since Watt’s torn pectoral, the Texans have recorded 12 sacks, with most of those coming due to good coverage rather than pure pass-rush.
According to Pro Football Reference, the Texans have the league’s second-worst pressure (18.3%) and hurry (7.1%) rate, just ahead of the Miami Dolphins. They are doing so despite blitzing at the NFL’s 10th-highest rate (32.7%). Take out the games Watt played, and they are worse than the hapless Dolphins.
Watt should help change that to some degree. Though perhaps not 100%, his impact on the pass-rush should be profound. Before his injury, No. 99 rated as Pro Football Focus’ third-best edge defender, grading out at 89.6. He tallied four sacks and 21 QB hits before his injury.
Watt gives the Texans a boost in the department where they needed it most. In turn, Houston’s chances to go all the way are skyrocketing.