Yesterday, the Colts announced they signed Justin Houston to a 2-year deal. In doing so, they improved an already improved defense while bringing back key pieces to the team.
Chris Ballard is helping the Colts win another title by addressing the pass-rush position, which was a much lacking position last season for the Colts – and a big reason why they lost in the AFC Divisional game to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Frank Reich now has another weapon on defense to help get to the quarterback and making the secondary’s job easier. The last 8 seasons Houston has played in Kansas City for the team that drafted him in the third-round in 2011. He’s totaled 362 total tackles and 78.5 sacks. Last season he had 9 sacks and 37 tackles along with 5 forced fumbles and 1 interception. In 2014, Houston gained 22 sacks, nearly breaking the 22.5 record the retired Michael Strahan still owns.
In a welcome interview with Colts.com, Justin Houston talked about what you can expect from him on the Colts:
"I definitely like to work, and I’m all about working, but I like to have a good time. Expect me to pass-rush, that’s one thing I can promise you……..I will put pressure on the quarterback."
He then talked about why he signed with the Colts:
"Just meeting with everybody, the coaches – a lot of coaches – and the honesty. A lot of bright guys here. Chris Ballard, he’s a great guy. I know him from Kansas City. Robert Mathis, I’ve known him for a while and he’s another guy I’m excited to work with. Just a good group of guys. I think I’m going to enjoy my time here. I’m just excited to be with them."
The Colts were a few pieces away from winning the Divisional game and the Championship game last year to face the Rams in the Super Bowl. Justin Houston helps an already much-improved defense become just a little bit better while getting a former all-pro and someone who can still get 10-15 sacks in a season. Chris Ballard is playing smart ball with the $101 million in cap room the Colts had this year and is seemingly playing for the long haul with the Colts.
The Colts just recently resigned Clayton Geathers – presumably putting an end to the Eric Berry signing I predicted – and Pierre Desir – a key defensive piece Frank Reich and crew have developed – along with Margus Hunt – another cornerstone player who helped the team go from worst to 11th ranked defense in 2018.
I still stand by my prediction the Colts will improve their offense by trading for Nelson Agholor and drafting a skill position player in the first-round.
The Colts also met with Jay Ajayi. He didn’t sign a contract yet, but talks will continue.