The Houston Texans are facing a significant challenge at linebacker ahead of their upcoming game, with injuries threatening to deplete the position. Last week against the New England Patriots, starting linebacker Henry To'oTo'o sustained a concussion and remains in concussion protocol, unable to practice this week. Adding to the concern, Azeez Al-Shaair exited the same game with a knee injury, briefly returned, but ultimately left the field again and has yet to practice. Christian Harris, who has been on injured reserve with a calf injury since the start of the season, remains sidelined and is not yet practicing. These setbacks pose a tough test for head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke, especially given the Texans' defensive scheme.
The Texans run a 4-2-5 defensive alignment, which places an extra defensive back on the field and only two linebackers for most snaps. The scheme’s reliance on just two linebackers puts more strain on depth, especially when compared to the typical 4-3 defense that carries seven linebackers instead of six. There were hopes the Texans would get back emerging young star linebacker Christian Harris from IR soon, but fans are still left in the dark about when he will return from his calf injury. With two starters potentially missing, Ryans will have to adjust his strategy to mitigate the impact of these injuries.
Next Men Up: Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen
The first and most straightforward approach is for Ryans to lean on his depth and insert the next men up. Veteran Neville Hewitt is the likely candidate to fill in for Azeez Al-Shaair. Hewitt, who stepped up admirably last week in Al-Shaair's absence, has a strong track record as a tackler and a solid presence in both the run game and coverage. With his extensive experience, he brings reliability and a steady hand to a defense in need of leadership.
For Henry To'oTo'o’s replacement, Jake Hansen is expected to step in. Hansen, an undrafted player from Illinois who’s been with the team for three years, has earned praise from DeMeco Ryans. Ryans has taken a special liking to Hansen, often showing support for undrafted players who get overlooked, much like he has for Azeez Al-Shaair who was also undrafted. Hansen has had time to learn the system, and his familiarity with Ryans' defense gives him an advantage. The opportunity to contribute could be a pivotal moment in his development.
Leaning on Jalen Pitre’s Versatility
Another way to alleviate the linebacker shortage is to lean more heavily on Jalen Pitre. While listed as a "nickel corner" in the Texans' defense, Pitre’s role is more akin to a hybrid linebacker. This "star" position he occupies allows him to cover slot receivers and tight ends effectively in shorter areas, using his physicality to disrupt plays. The position also takes advantage of Pitre's run-stopping ability, a strength he demonstrated during his time at Baylor. With his versatility, Pitre can help fill the void left by injured linebackers, particularly in run defense, while still covering pass-catchers.
Utilizing Rookie Jamal Hill in Passing Situations
A more situational approach could involve using rookie linebacker Jamal Hill in known passing downs. Hill, a sixth-round pick out of Oregon, has primarily contributed on special teams but possesses exceptional speed and athleticism that could be useful in coverage. Although he’s still learning the defensive scheme and working on his physicality, Hill’s traits make him an intriguing option for passing situations. Deploying him selectively could provide the Texans with a boost in coverage, especially if the starting linebackers remain unavailable.
Exploring the "Big Dime" Package
An alternative strategy the Texans have already employed is the "big dime" package. In this setup, the defense essentially operates with a 4-1-6 alignment—four defensive linemen, one linebacker, and six defensive backs, including four safeties. The personnel typically features Eric Murray and rookie Calen Bullock at high safety, Jalen Pitre in the nickel role, and Jimmie Ward shifting between high safety and the box. This package gives the Texans flexibility against the pass, utilizing safeties in place of linebackers to cover more ground and disrupt passing lanes.
However, this approach comes with its risks, especially against a run-heavy opponent. The Packers, who the Texans will face next, rank second in the league in rushing yards per game. Their feature back, Josh Jacobs, is among the best in the NFL at breaking tackles. Asking safeties to essentially function as linebackers against Jacobs could be a dangerous proposition, particularly on early downs. Even then, with Jimmie Ward on the injury report and currently questionable for the game, this option may not be available.
Balancing Defensive Creativity with Risk
For DeMeco Ryans, the task is to balance creativity and defensive adjustments with the risks posed by the injuries. Playing the next men up—Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen—appears to be the safest and most conventional approach. Incorporating Jalen Pitre in a more prominent role, deploying Jamal Hill on passing downs, and using the "big dime" package strategically can all help cover up the linebacker shortages without drastically compromising the defense's integrity.
Ultimately, the Texans' ability to navigate these injuries could have significant implications for their defense's performance and the outcome of the upcoming game. With uncertainty surrounding the availability of key players, Ryans' adjustments and the readiness of his reserves will be crucial to maintaining a strong defensive showing.
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