Houston Texans Defense Good, Not Great

When a team consistently ranks in the bottom of the NFL in team defense, as the Houston Texans have done, it’s easy to get excited when the defense is ranked #1 in total yards. A closer look at the Texans defensive numbers and opponents reveal that while their defense is ranked #1 in total yards, it’s only a good defense, not a great defense.

Top 5 Defense in Passing and Rushing
The Texans are 6-3, atop the AFC Central, and boast the #1 ranked defense in the NFL. They’ve achieved victories of 18, 10, and 34 points and their defense, for the entire season, has allowed only 157 total points.

The Houston Texans defense is ranked #2 in passing defense, and #4 in rushing defense, which all sound great – until you consider their opponents.

Opponents Combined Record of 32-43
The Texans have faced teams with a combined record of 32-43, and are 1-2 against teams above .500 this year. Looking at the offenses that the Texans have played, four of the Texans wins came against teams ranked 27th or worse in yards per game, with only four teams 16th or better. Against those four teams, the Texans are 1-3.

What Does it Mean?
This implies several things about the 2011 Houston Texans.

First it implies that they play a weak schedule. A weak schedule, fortunately for the Texans, does not mean a thing in the NFL. All the Texans have to do is beat the teams on their schedule, and they will undoubtedly make the playoffs.

Second it implies that their defense, may be benefiting from the soft schedule. If you play enough bad teams, with enough bad offenses, your defense may appear better than it really is. Not to take anything away from Wade Phillips, but would the Texans defense really be ranked #1 if the Texans were facing teams with better records? If you look at their record this year – the answer would be a resounding no.

The reality is the Houston Texans have a tremendous opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history because of a soft schedule, a Manning-less Colts, and defense that is good, but not great.

Resources Consulted:

NFL.com 2011 Total Yards Defense

NFL.com 2011 Total Offense

NFL.com 2011 Total Passing Defense

NFL.com 2011 Total Rushing Defense

ESPN.com Houston Texans Season Schedule

Houston Texans.com Season Schedule


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