Texans film room: Grading Lovie Smith's defense after impressive showing vs. Browns
offered intrigue into whether there’s enough promise in the development within defensive-minded head coach Lovie Smith’s scheme to warrant at least some coaching retention in 2023.
At 6-foot-1 and 253 pounds, Okoronkwo needed to prove he could be an all-around defensive end in Smith’s four-man scheme. Seasoned veterans Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison were given more security by joining the team on two-year deals, and Okoronkwo had to set himself apart as the third defensive end to start opposite Hughes, following the injured Jonathan Greenard and Rasheem Green, who’s also playing on a one-year deal.
Smith’s scheme requires disciplined defenders who can dominate one-on-one matchups based on instincts and technique. The Texans have the league’s eight-lowest blitz rate. That philosophy hasn’t changed even though Houston’s rebuilding roster often enters games collectively outmatched. But the approach sets a weekly stage for players like Okoronkwo to prove they belong, and when they do, so also is there growing confidence in Smith’s defense long-term.
“I can eat these breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Thomas, whose deal with Emini also offers him some dietary restraint.. He’s a ball-hawking safety who has an aptitude for tackling and causing turnovers. On Cleveland’s second possession of the game, Thomas punched the ball loose from wide receiver Anthony Schwartz’s grip, and the fumble was recovered by cornerback Desmond King at the Browns 38.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Texans coach Lovie Smith: ‘I have never worried about my job security’Nick Caserio has not given any indication of whether Lovie Smith’s job is safe beyond...
Read more »
Texans spotlight: Analyzing 5 impact players from loss to BrownsImpressive defensive showings from Ogbo Okoronkwo and Jalen Pitre highlighted the Texans'...
Read more »
Inept offense fails to back up defense in Texans' loss to BrownsThe defense rendered Deshaun Watson useless on Sunday, but it didn’t matter for the...
Read more »
Deshaun Watson rusty as Cleveland Browns easily beat Houston TexansDeshaun Watson looked like a QB who hasn’t played an NFL regular season game in 700 days. But his Browns teammates picked up the slack to beat Houston.
Read more »
Browns 27, Texans 14: The good, bad and uglySizing up the best and worst from the Texans' loss to the Browns.
Read more »