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.

Creating havoc has been a major issue, as they rarely disrupt the opponent's backfield. Ball security hasn't been a concern for their opponents, as this defense generates very few takeaways.

4
Total Sacks
1
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (1 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 struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
0.8/g
Turnovers
POOR
0.2/g
Aggression
POOR
0.5/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
0.8
POOR
They disrupt the offense 0.8 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
0.2
POOR
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.2 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
0.5
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 0.5 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

Surging
6.0 PPG(Last 3)
They are allowing -11.4 fewer points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Houston Texans defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
LB
Azeez Al-Shaair
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Denico Autry
Defensive End
QuestionableJan 14
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Kamari Lassiter
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 14
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Sheldon Rankins
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableJan 14
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Ajani Carter
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJan 11
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Mario Edwards Jr.
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 16
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Folorunso Fatukasi
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveOct 4
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Kyonte Hamilton
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveAug 2
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Jake Hansen
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 25
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DT
Kurt Hinish
Defensive Tackle
OutJul 24
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Tim Settle Jr.
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 5
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Jaylin Smith
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
M.J. Stewart
Safety
Injured ReserveNov 13
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Jimmie Ward
Safety
OutNov 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Kaevon Merriweather
Safety
OutJan 8
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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