Colts Know Texans All-Pro Pass Rusher J.J. Watt All Too Well
Houston Texans All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt made his NFL debut against the Indianapolis Colts in 2011, so they quickly became aware of needing to account for No. 99 on every play.
In 13 career starts counting last year’s AFC playoffs, Watt has amassed 12 sacks, three forced fumbles and 13 passes defended against the Colts. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year enjoyed one of his best games against his AFC South Division rival in 2012 with 10 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defended.
Watt, in his ninth season, is a constant in an ever-changing NFL where rosters change dramatically in a short time span.
When the Colts (3-2) host the Texans (4-2) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium to decide who will be in first place in the AFC South Division, Colts right tackle Braden Smith will draw the unenviable assignment of blocking Watt on most plays.
As a rookie, Smith gave up three sacks to Watt in three starts last season, but it’s worth noting that the elite pass rusher didn’t have a sack in the Colts’ 21-7 AFC playoff victory at Houston in January.
The more times a player sees someone like Watt, he develops an understanding of what’s required to get the job done. But that doesn’t make Sunday any easier for the understated Smith.
“He’s obviously a great player,” Smith said Wednesday. “I don’t know how many years he’s been playing now, but he continues to show up year after year. You’ve always got to bring your A game.
“In your division, you get a better feel for guys. But it works both ways. We’re both familiar. It just comes down to playing your roles, playing good technique and getting after it.”
The one time the Texans beat the Colts last year was in Indianapolis, where Watt had two sacks and forced two fumbles, including one recovered by teammate Jadeveon Clowney for a touchdown.
Clowney has since been traded to Seattle, but Watt is still the ring leader for a formidable pass rush. He has four sacks and one forced fumble. Concentrate too much on No. 99 and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus can make impact plays. He has a team-high five sacks and four forced fumbles.
“The thing about them is they’ve got a good defense all around,” said Colts ninth-year left tackle Anthony Castonzo. “In order for any guy on a team to make plays the way that he does, you have to have other guys on the team that kind of allow you to do that.”
The Colts offensive line has been the foundation for this team’s success. In addition to paving the way for a fourth-ranked rushing attack at 142 yards per game, the Colts have allowed just six sacks, which is tied for second fewest in the league.
The Texans are tied for 12th with 16 sacks, but don’t let the numbers fool you. Watt is still one of the best game-wreckers.
“I mean he’s such a unique player,” said Colts second-year head coach Frank Reich. “What makes him unique is he’s just so versatile and he’s so smart.
“Maybe he reminds me of (Hall of Famer) Bruce Smith, a guy who I played with (for the Buffalo Bills). He doesn’t have the edge speed that Bruce had, but has the elusiveness. When you watch J.J., he’s so tough to block. We know about his pass-rush ability, but in the run game he is tough to block because he’s got this swim move and he’s very disruptive and elusive. When I played with Bruce Smith, he was the same way.”
The Texans rank eighth in run defense at just 88 yards allowed per game.
While Watt presents a most formidable challenge, the Colts have actually faired well against him in terms of outcomes with a 9-4 record. And as the familiar refrain goes for offensive linemen, each week presents a tough challenge from a talented pass rusher.
“Obviously he’s a great player,” Smith said, “but at the end of the day, everybody’s really good.”
