'We've Got to Be Disciplined!' Houston Texans Linebacker Henry To'oto'o Looks For Balance in 'Aggressive' Defense
The Houston Texans suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but there is a lot of young talent to be excited about in "The Bayou City," including rookie linebacker Henry To'oto'o.
The Texans defense had a mental lapse late in the game where it fell for a hard count from Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder, jumping offsides and giving the Falcons some free yards in the process. Despite this, Sunday's game was a defensive battle from start to finish, and the rookie acknowledged on Monday that in close games like this, little mistakes can be the difference between a win and a loss.
"That's just discipline," To'oto'o said. "We've got to be disciplined. We've got to know a hard count's coming. They want to get free yardage and get momentum going for them, and it worked. Big shoutout to them, but we've got to be more disciplined on defense. They were struggling and trying to get free yardage, and it worked."
Oct 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Texans safety Grayland Arnold (25) and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (39) cause Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (81) to fumble the ball recovery by the Texans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
So, is this young linebacker saying that maybe the Texans should "pump the brakes" on his side of the ball to ensure that mistakes like this don't happen? After all, if they are a little less aggressive in that situation, maybe the Falcons don't benefit from the penalty.
"Oh, no, no, no; we're 'attack football,' regardless," To'oto'o said. "If we jump offsides or have PI, no matter what penalty, we're aggressive, regardless."
The aggression and "attack" mentality has paid off for To'oto'o so far in his first NFL season, putting up 39 total tackles, 12 of which came on Sunday against the Falcons.
This week, To'oto'o and the Texans' defense will have their work cut out for them as they play host to running back Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints. Can this mindset help keep this elite talent at bay?
Kickoff between the two is set for 12 p.m. CT on FOX.
