Jonathan Greenard Sees 'Talented, Productive' Texans’ Defensive Line

Jonathan Greenard believes the improvements made to the Houston Texans defensive front will leave the position group talented and productive in 2023.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans' defense has been the most impressive group eight days into training camp. The secondary may have been the most productive, given that the third level has accounted for six of the defensive's nine takeaways.

The defensive line has not added to the number of turnovers. But Jonathan Greenard has seen major improvements, which has him keen in 2023.

"It could be a talented, productive group," Greenard said. "I think we’ve got all aspects of rushers and all aspects of players in general. Overall, with this attacking front, and how DeMeco [Ryans] wants us, how [Matt] Burke wants us, I think we can do a lot of things. Sky’s the limit, for sure." 

The defensive line has made plays against the offense each day at the Houston Methodist Training Center.

They have recorded multiple sacks during 11-on-11 play. Friday morning, rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr. made one of the most outstanding plays by recording a strip sack on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Greenard has been a consistent disruptor on the defensive front. But the third-year lineman, with the rest of the D-line corps, has showcased signs of progress in their run defense. 

The Texans have given up a league average of 156.2 yards on the ground over the last two seasons. In 2022, five running backs rushed for over 100 yards — all resulting in a loss for Houston.

"If we’re going to be an attack front like we’ve talked about and have guys coming off the rock and trying to rush, people are going to throw screens to slow us down," Burke said. 

"Those guys have to then turn and put their foot in the ground and come out and sort of make people pay for trying to throw screens on us. So, it’s kind of just part of the philosophy of how we play." 

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