Reports on Wednesday indicated the Houston Texans fired Bill O'Brien in part because the former head coach and general manager was feuding with star defensive tackle J.J. Watt.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year refused to speak much on the situation during practice. However, Watt suggested it was unacceptable for the team to be 0-4 with a star like Deshaun Watson under center:
“When you have the talent that we have, especially at the quarterback position, you can't be 0-4,” Watt said, via Aaron Reiss of The Athletic.
Watt added he does not have personal animosity towards the exiting Texans head coach, saying “The one thing I will say about Bill O’Brien is he always stood up for his players,” per James Palmer of NFL Network.
However, Watt also indicated he is looking forward to a fresh start.
O'Brien is said to have got into an argument with Watt in addition to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and other members of the organization.
The skirmishes eventually led to a player revolt, and O'Brien was fired on Monday. Now, the Texans will entrust Romeo Crennel with interim head coaching duties.
For his part, Watt has 2.0 sacks, 13 combined tackles and five quarterback hits through the first four games. But the defense as a whole has struggled.
Houston ranks 27th in points against and 22nd in total yards allowed. The Texans have also been getting pounded into the ground, ranking dead last in the NFL in terms of rushing yards allowed.
Watt and the rest of the Houston defense will have to make strides if the Texans hope to climb back into the playoff hunt.
Follow Us
Subscribe