Houston Texans

Houston Texans Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Houston Texans defense utilizes a 4-3 Swarm base scheme under defensive coordinator Matt Burke. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Houston Texans Defense?

It's been a stellar 2025 season for the Houston Texans, who have consistently shut down offenses to earn the #2 ranking in points allowed. In fact, they are allowing 5.6 fewer points per game than the league average, stifling opposing offenses.

In the AFC South, they are setting the standard, ranking above the Jacksonville Jaguars (#8), Indianapolis Colts (#21) and Tennessee Titans (#28) in points allowed per game.

A nightmare for opposing coordinators, this defense excels at blowing up plays and creating negative yardage. Turnovers come in bunches for this group, which has proven to be an elite unit at forcing mistakes.

47
Total Sacks
19
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is elite compared to the league median, while their secondary is highly opportunistic (19 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Leading the charge in 2025 is Dylan Horton, tallying 26 tackles and 0.5 sacks on the season. Another bright spot in 2025 has been Henry To'oTo'o, who has chipped in with 95 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

What is the Houston Texans defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Matt Burke

The Houston Texans defense runs a 4-3 Swarm under coordinator Matt Burke.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Swarm
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

DeMeco Ryans' defense swarms. Fast 4-3.

Key Principles

SwarmStuntsSpeed

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Houston Texans Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

🔥 This unit excels at creating negative plays. Expect a high weekly floor due to their sack and turnover potential.
Havoc Rate
ELITE
11.5/g
Turnovers
ELITE
1.9/g
Aggression
GOOD
5.4/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
11.5
ELITE
They disrupt the offense 11.5 times per game. This constant pressure forces bad throws and negative plays.
Ball Production
1.9
ELITE
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.9 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
5.4
GOOD
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 5.4 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Houston Texans defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Sliding
22.3 PPG(Last 3)
They are allowing +5.0 more points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Houston Texans defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Mar 1, 2026
LB
Azeez Al-Shaair
Linebacker
QuestionableFeb 11
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Ajani Carter
Cornerback
QuestionableFeb 12
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Mario Edwards Jr.
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableFeb 12
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Folorunso Fatukasi
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableFeb 12
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Kyonte Hamilton
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableFeb 12
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Jake Hansen
Linebacker
QuestionableFeb 12
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DT
Kurt Hinish
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableFeb 12
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Tim Settle Jr.
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableFeb 12
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Jaylin Smith
Cornerback
QuestionableFeb 12
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
M.J. Stewart
Safety
QuestionableFeb 12
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Jimmie Ward
Safety
QuestionableFeb 12
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
New Orleans Saints defense

View Team Analysis →

Pittsburgh Steelers defense

View Team Analysis →

Indianapolis Colts defense

View Team Analysis →

New York Jets defense

View Team Analysis →