The Houston Texans’ biggest weakness on offense remains the interior offensive line.
That might be the selling point for Vegas since it’s the Kansas City Chiefs’ top defensive strength.
Chris Jones is waiting at Arrowhead Stadium for his chance to take down C.J. Stroud as the Texans finish their preparation for Saturday’s game.
He already has five sacks on the year and is looking to double his total against Houston’s front five.
While the defense must be prepared to slow down Patrick Mahomes, DeMeco Ryans knows his team is in trouble if it can’t stop the two-time All-Pro defensive tackle.
DeMeco Ryans said the Texans have to always know where Chris Jones is at all times and notes he lines up all over the defensive line. It’s about as highly as he’s spoken about an opposing player.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) December 17, 2024
“Make sure you know where ’95’ is at all times,” Ryans said Tuesday. “Chris is an outstanding player, size, strength, pass rusher ability. Not only inside, he lines up outside, can get in on the edge as well, does a great job of batting passes down. He just totally impacts the game for them, and you see why he has been a dominant defensive tackle in this league. His pure will, strength, everything about him. He is just a great player.”
‘People have tried a lot of things against him. None of them have worked. He’s that good’ #Texans OC Bobby Slowik on blocking strategy against #Chiefs Chris ‘Stone Cold’ Jones @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/AadIoGApIo
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 18, 2024
Jones, 30, might not have the same sack totals as his breakout 2022 campaign, but his versatility makes him almost impossible to prepare for. This season, most of his success has come on the edge when attacking quarterbacks.
All five of his sacks have come aligned at the edge. When lined up at defensive tackle, he’s been winning against the run, totaling 11 QB hits and seven tackles for loss.
“No one can fall asleep on ’95,’” Ryans said. “You have to make sure you are aware. You have to go challenge him and you have to go compete. That is what this game is about and that is what I am most excited about, they have really good players, they have good players. Let’s put the ball down, compete and see what happens.”
Tytus Howard on the Houston Texans heading to Kansas City against the Chiefs this weekend.
He was pretty humble about two years ago at guard against Chris Jones when he had an excellent game. pic.twitter.com/ywSTHULBy5
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) December 18, 2024
The Texans offensive line has allowed 45 sacks this season, though only 17 have come off the edge. The rest comes from the interior, which could be better improved now with Tytus Howard shifted to guard.
Howard, who played Jones during his rookie season when the Texans took on Kansas City in the AFC Divisional Round, remembers how violent the do-it-all defensive lineman is when given his chance to strike.
“You gotta lock him down,” Howard said. “It’s the same thing. He’s a good player. I gotta go out there and do what I can do. I’m confident in what I can do so, gotta go out there and have a good game.”
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.