The Houston Texans defense is dominating the NFL. Through Week 11, they allow just 258.1 yards per game. The unit leads the league in multiple defensive categories. This dominance is shocking given the team’s offensive struggles.
Oregon State basketball falls to Evansville in Paradise Jam, 73-69
Bruins unbeaten in 7 of last 10, faces tough Kings challenge after McAvoy injury
🔥 Quick Facts:
- 258.1 yards allowed per game ranks first in the entire NFL.
- 16.3 points allowed per game leads all league defenses through Week 11.
- Danielle Hunter has 9.0 sacks and Will Anderson Jr. has 8.0 sacks.
- The Texans rank first in three-and-out percentage and passing defense.
- Derek Stingley Jr. leads the group as a shutdown cornerback.
What Happened: A Historic Defensive Turnaround
The Houston Texans entered the 2025 season with lofty defensive expectations yet faced early criticism. Through Week 11, they’ve answered with elite performance. The defense allows 258.1 yards per game, best in football.
NBA Cup standings: Raptors, Bucks, Lakers, Timberwolves lead undefeated teams
F1 academy drivers: Pin clinches title with Las Vegas thriller on final race day
Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has built something special this year. His unit excels in pressure situations. The pass rush duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. terrorizes opposing quarterbacks.
According to Pro Football Focus, Will Anderson Jr. earned a 91.6 pass rush grade, ranking fourth overall. He leads the NFL with a 27.4% win rate on pass routes. Meanwhile, Hunter delivers five sacks in just the last two weeks.
Why This Matters: Carrying a Struggling Offense
The Texans opened 0-3 despite having the league’s best defense. This paradox highlights offensive struggles. Yet the defense keeps them competitive weekly. Their elite performance offers hope for playoff positioning.
Fans wonder if the Texans can remain AFC South contenders. A strong finish depends entirely on this defense. The unit makes opponents one-dimensional, forcing quick incompletions. This pressure creates turnovers and field position advantages.
The defense also protects a young offense still learning head coach adjustments. C.J. Stroud gets extra time when defenses operate flawlessly. Every stop prevents compound offensive mistakes from sinking the season.
Why The Defense Dominates: Star Power and System Excellence
Will Anderson Jr. anchors the edge rush with explosive athleticism. Standing 6-3, he generates constant pressure. Danielle Hunter brings twenty-plus years of experience hunting quarterbacks.
| Defensive Metric | Texans Ranking | Stat (Through Week 11) |
| Points Allowed | 1st | 16.3 per game |
| Total Yards Allowed | 1st | 258.1 per game |
| Pass Yards Allowed | 3rd | 171 per game |
| Rush Yards Allowed | 3rd | 87.1 per game |
| Third Down Defense | 1st | 34.4% conversion |
The secondary led by Derek Stingley Jr. plays lockdown coverage. Stingley ranks among top cornerbacks league-wide. Safety Jalen Pitre anchors the back end before recent injury setbacks.
The defensive line combines elite athleticism with film study. Edge rushers time snap counts perfectly. Interior defenders collapse pockets from gaps. This coordinated approach limits explosive plays.
What To Watch For: Can They Sustain Excellence?
- Injury updates on C.J. Stroud and Jalen Pitre after Thursday night.
- Whether the offense scores enough for wins moving forward.
- Will Anderson Jr. awards and end-of-season accolades continuing.
- Playoff positioning despite the slow offensive start story.
- Defense projections if teams begin adapting schemes week-to-week.
Can The Texans’ Elite Defense Carry Them to Playoffs?
The Texans face a tough path as the AFC South continues. Yet their defense alone keeps games winnable. Most teams would trade their offense for this defensive production.
Houston hosts the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. The game pits elite defenses against each other. The Bills bring Josh Allen, one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
This clash tests whether the Texans defense can dominate primetime. A win here elevates their playoff hopes meaningfully. A loss compounds frustration given the defensive excellence on display. Either way, the defense proves this team belongs in postseason conversation.
Sources
- NFL.com – Official weekly defensive rankings and player statistics.
- Fox Sports – Comprehensive 2025 NFL defense rankings and analysis.
- Pro Football Focus – Advanced pass rush grades and pressure metrics.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.