Texans Slowly Building One of the Best Defenses in the League

The Houston Texans have been gradually constructing one of the premier defensive units in the league, despite being without several key players during a recent preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Notably, the Texans' defense, recognized as the league's top unit in 2025, managed to limit the Raiders to just 277.2 total yards per game.

Many of the Texans' star defenders, including Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Derek Stingley Jr., observed from the sidelines as younger players stepped up to the plate. Notably, fourth-round rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown, showcasing the depth behind the established stars.

Additionally, second-round rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald recorded an impressive 11-yard sack of Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, highlighting the defensive tackle position's improvement. The Texans' draft pick of McDonald, considered one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, indicates a strategic focus on bolstering the defensive line.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Ty Robinson, known for his size and strength, is also making an impression in the preseason. With these emerging talents and the leadership of Anderson, Hunter, and Stingley Jr., the Texans could potentially field an even more formidable defense than in previous seasons. However, a single preseason performance should not be the basis for significant conclusions.