Texans S Jalen Pitre Explains 'Always Evolving' Football IQ

Ahead of his sophomore season, Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre believes his knowledge for the game has been one of his biggest improvements of the off-season.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans could have one of the league's most improved secondaries in 2023. General manager Nick Caserio added veterans Shaquill Griffin and Jimmie Ward as free agents, while second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. hopes for a breakout season following a subpar rookie campaign.

At the forefront of the Texans' promising secondary, however, is safety Jalen Pitre. The budding second-year star would have possibly been a Pro Bowler in his first season had Houston won more than three games. The lack of acknowledgment has Seattle Seahawks' Julian Love believing that Pitre is the most underrated defensive back in the league. 

Pitre's goal entering training camp is to build upon the success he experienced in 2022. And during the first few days of OTAs, Pitre said his knowledge of the game may have been his most significant improvement.

"You're never complete in your knowledge about the game," Pitre said. "It's always evolving, and you always learn new things. Just leadership. I want to be a guy that the team could use in hard times. I'm just trying to step up in that role." 

Pitre had an impressive first season by leading Houston in total tackles (147) and interceptions (five). 

During the Texans' 27-14 defeat to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 4, Pitre became the second rookie in franchise history to post 15 or more tackles — joining coach DeMeco Ryans in 2006. Pitre finished with a game-high 16 tackles. His biggest play of the day was an interception of Deshaun Watson in the first quarter. 

Pitre proved during his rookie season that he has the talent to become the Texans' most productive defensive back going forward. But with his improved knowledge and understanding of the game, Pitre could also establish himself as one of the NFL's best safeties. 

"I feel like I developed good patience throughout the year," Pitre said. "It's also one of those things that you could never perfect. So I'm trying to build on that and trying to just slow my eyes down, and that will allow me to play faster and make those plays that need to be made."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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