Tim Settle Jr., a defensive tackle for the Houston Texans, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defend against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who are expected to play with Mahomes despite his high ankle sprain. Settle pointed out that the Chiefs’ offensive line has “loopholes” that the Texans can exploit.
The Texans’ defense has been impressive this season, leading the NFL in several categories including completion rate allowed, passer rating allowed, and pass breakups. They have a deep defensive line rotation led by edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., who are the only duo in the league with double-digit sacks. The defense also features an elite secondary, led by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who is the reigning AFC defensive player of the week.
Stingley, a former No. 3 overall pick, has career-highs in PBUs, tackles, and tackles for loss. He has also recorded a career-high five interceptions, which is a franchise record for a defensive back. The Texans also have rookie defensive backs Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter, who have been fantastic in their roles. Bullock paces all NFL rookies in interceptions, while Lassiter has allowed the second-lowest completion percentage as the nearest defender this season.
The defense’s ability to pressure quarterbacks has also been a major factor in their success, with a pressure rate of 38.2% that ranks third in the league. The Texans also have a tough stretch coming up, facing the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens in the next two weeks, but with an elite defense, they are confident that they can maintain their current level of performance.
