Texans' LB Denzel Perryman Has DeMeco Ryans 'Fired Up'
The Houston Texans signed former Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman on a one-year deal on March 22, hoping to add a tackling machine to their defense.
Perryman had the sixth-most tackles (154) in the NFL in 2021, earning Pro Bowl honors. In 2022, Perryman recorded 83 tackles and two interceptions but played in just 12 games due to injury. His 14 tackles for loss last season were tied for the 16th-most in the league.
Despite his short time in Houston thus far, the 30-year-old has already gained the respect of Texans coach DeMeco Ryans.
"I’m fired up to work with him," Ryans said. "He’s been a pleasure to have, great energy. [You] feel the leadership, what he brings to our entire team, and it’s been fun to work with him. I’m excited to see him come to training camp."
The linebacker position is in Ryans' blood, as he lined up there for the Texans from 2006-2011 and the Eagles from 2012-2014. Ryans was a two-time Pro Bowler and the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Perryman recognized Ryans' passion for defense in June.
"Just having that mindset, I mean it’s a defensive mindset and he’s a players’ coach, I can say that," Perryman said. "And he’s been in the same seats that we’ve been in. Literally in the same seats we’ve been in. But, just having a players’ coach in general, I feel like that’s great for the locker room and for the team itself.”
Perryman is expected to spend Sundays alongside Christian Kirksey and Christian Harris. Kirksey finished with 124 tackles last season, while Harris had 74 in 12 games (11 starts). Linebackers Cory Littleton and rookie Henry To'oTo'o are also solid depth pieces that could see time on the gridiron this season.
Perryman was on a great pace in 2022 to have similar Pro Bowl numbers from the year prior, but injuries got in the way. If he plays a full season under Ryans' linebacker/defensive system, don't be surprised if he gets some Pro Bowl votes.
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