Few defensive players have been as demoralizing to offenses in recent memory than Justin Houston. The now-Colt and former Chief spent years wrecking AFC West offensive lines, and hopes to do the same in the AFC South.
It is fair to question whether Houston can have the same level of impact in Indianapolis, a team without defensive tackle Chris Jones — one of the top three players at his position in the league. Jones may be even more impressive in person than his 15.5 sacks last year are on paper.
Lining up next to a player like that has certain advantages.
Colts reporter Stephen Holder of The Athletic, though, thinks Houston will pick up right where he left off, totaling double-digit sacks this season.
From Holder:
First, there’s the fact that Houston is going to play a role, unlike the one he fulfilled in Kansas City. He is going to enjoy some premium rush opportunities. The Colts aren’t fiddling around with Houston dropping into zone coverages or similar tricks – tasks he often performed with the Chiefs as an outside linebacker. Here, Houston is a defensive end, end of story.
The other reason for this conclusion is it’s my belief that quarterbacks are going to have to hold the ball a split-second longer than they wish against this Colts defense. That’s what will enable Houston to get home and apply pressure.
For any defense to be successful, the front and back ends need to work in unison and compliment each other. Holder reported this has looked to be the case during Colts offseason workouts.
Houston certainly will be one of the beneficiaries.
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