Houston Texans' Jonathan Greenard Believes Team is 'Buying into the System'

Houston Texans edge rusher Jonathan Greenard details the team's differences from last year.

Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard had one of the best games of his career in Sunday's dominant 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he led the defense with two sacks, three quarterback hits and tackles for loss.

Greenard has been with Houston since they drafted him in 2020, meaning he's fully endured their three-year skid at the bottom of the league. The former third-round pick struggled last season, but also missed half of it due to injury. He revealed what he changed this year during Monday's press conference, as he's already tallied more sacks in just four games.

"The difference this year from the last is that now I just let the plays come to me instead of trying to do too much," Greenard said. "Years prior, I felt like I was out there trying to do too much. Now we have a huge supporting cast everywhere. Going out with the wrong intention, not only bites you, but the whole team as well. We're just buying into the system, displaying it and I'm happy for us."

Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) reacts after making a tackle during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The 26-year-old explained that he hasn't been used to a winning stigma on the Texans yet. 

However, he believes that the younger players who are still coming off triumphant college careers like quarterback C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) and second-year running back Dameon Pierce (Florida) "understand what winning looks like and takes," and are bringing it to Houston.

Nevertheless, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans was very successful with the San Francisco 49ers the past couple of seasons as their defensive coordinator, but also when he played in Houston/the NFL from 2006-2015. Greenard included Ryans in the winning culture conversation as well.

"It resonates with us a lot easier because we understand it's not a facade and he's gonna tell us straight," Greenard said. Everybody across the board wants to win and we're tired of having the stigma that Texans usually have. We're well-rounded, ready and guys are buying into it."