New Defensive Staff, Playbook Changes For Houston Texans in 2009?

Scribe Written on May 23, 2009

HOUSTON - DECEMBER 14: Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans throws a pass over defensive tackle Amobi Okoye #91 of the Houston Texans on December 14, 2008 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans have a new defensive staff for 2009 and could have changes in their defensive playbook.

Frank Bush Sr. replaces Richard Smith as defensive coordinator. Smith was fired at the end of last season after the Texans went 8-8.

David Gibbs is the new defensive backs coach. Gibbs replaces Jon Hoke who was fired at the end of the season. Bill Kollar takes over coaching the defensive line after Jethro Franklin was fired.

Last season the Texans were 27thin points allowed averaging 24.6 per game. Houstonwas 22nd in total yards allowed, 17th in passing yards allowed, 23rd in rushing yards allowed, 27thin sacks, 21st in interceptions and 16th in fumble recoveries.

Houston only had three defensive categories last season that they ranked in the top half of the league: fumble recoveries, forced fumbles and tackles.

The change that could be in the Texans playbook is more blitzing. This could help the Texans stop more runs in the backfield and get more pressure on the opposing quarterback. By getting in the backfield and pressuring the quarterback it can force their opponents into longer yardage situations.

Houston has a strong defensive end with Mario Williams who made his first Pro Bowl last season. Additionally, the Texans strengthened their defensive line in the off-season by adding Antonio Smith and Shaun Cody.

Smith had 41 tackles, three and a half sacks and two forced fumbles last season for the Arizona Cardinals. Cody had 36 tackles for the Detroit Lions last season.

The Texans can expect Travis Johnson and Amobi Okoye to continue to develop into stronger defensive players.

Another change in the playbook could be more defensive back sets. For the Texans to blitz more they are going to need to be able to cover opposing receivers better.

Houston did not make many changes to their secondary. They drafted Brice McCain from Utah and Glover Quinn from New Mexico. The Texans can expect Dunta Robinson, Fred Bennett and Jacque Reeves to be the leaders in the secondary.

If the Texans blitz more and have better coverage, fans can expect to see more wins in the win column and bigger achievement at the end of 2009.

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written on May 23, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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