It goes without saying that the Houston Texans endured quite the injury-riddle 2017 campaign. However, there is a newfound sense of optimism going into the 2018 NFL season.
At the center of their resurgence is defensive end J.J. Watt. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, defensive line coach Anthony Weaver feels Watt will be able to return to elite form this season:
“I expect to see the same J.J. Watt we’ve gotten used to seeing,” Weaver said. “Obviously, he’s dedicated his time right now to rehab and getting his body right, but he’s always the first one in and the last one to leave when it comes to that. The expectations are always high and I think the moment that they’re not, you don’t know J.J. Watt.”
Weaver's comments are indicative of what the Texans organization has said ever since Watt went down with a broken leg last season. Needless to say, there is good reason for them to be hopeful.
There is no question that a healthy Watt is arguably the best defensive player in the league. He proved as much to start his career after accumulating four trips to the Pro Bowl and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Unfortunately, his career has since been derailed by injuries over the past couple of years.
After not missing a single game in his first five seasons, Watt has now played in just eight games over the last two seasons. That said, Houston may have to temper their expectations for when he is finally ready to take the field.
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