The former Chief played his best game of the season in a return home, and was rewarded as the best defensive player of the week in the league.
Justin Houston was brought in to help the Colts pass rush. They needed someone who they could count on to deliver consistent pass rush. He was supposed to pair with Jabaal Sheard as defensive ends who could get to the passer and collapse the pocket. But it hadn’t really worked so far.
It worked this week, as Houston had his best game as a Colt in his return to Arrowhead. Houston had 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a sack in the game. His constant pressure forced Patrick Mahomes to escape the pocket to try to make something happen.
Houston was a big reason why the Colts were able to upset the Chiefs 19-13. this is the type of player that the Colts thought they were getting when they signed him to a two-year deal in the offseason. This is the type of production they need out of him,
The Colts especially need Houston to produce while the rest of the defense is banged up. Malik Hooker still probably won’t be ready after the bye week. Tyquan Lewis might not either. While they should get back Darius Leonard and Clayton Geathers, pressure from the front line is always welcome.
Expect Houston to play a little better than he has in the first five games. As of now, he only has two sacks, including the one from this week. He needs to be better if this team wants to continue to progress into the contenders they know they can be.