The Houston Texans will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Texans come off a tough Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos, holding a 3-5 record, giving the Jaguars, who are 5-3 after securing a victory in their Week 9 matchup against the New York Jets, an edge in this AFC South divisional matchup. But what’s turning the headlines is the Texans’ defense this season.

Texans legend JJ Watt, now serving as a CBS commentator, offered incisive analysis of their defensive capabilities. Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, highlighted how “every single level of the defense just wants to hit people.”

He further highlighted the aggressive mentality that runs in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ system, “…leading tackers, Kamari Lasser, quarterback on the edge. They just fly around from every level. Today, they’re missing Jalen Pitre, who’s a big miss for them. Deille Hunter called him a missile in our meeting on Friday.”

The Texans’ defense is facing a key challenge with the absence of safety Jalen Pitre, who suffered a concussion during Week 9’s loss to Denver and was ruled out for Week 10 against Jacksonville. Pitre has recorded 46 tackles and three interceptions in 2025 so far. His absence forces backup Alijah Huzzie to assume starting duties at nickel cornerback.

JJ Watt further analyzed the defense’s flexibility at the line of scrimmage, generating pressure with just four defensive linemen while maintaining disciplined coverage in the secondary. “The defense is just, at the front level, they can get after you with four, so you can cover on the back end, but those cover guys on the back end can also run man-to-man all day long,” Watt explained.

The Houston Texans are ranked among the NFL’s top-scoring defenses, allowing approximately 15.1 points per game through Week 9, placing them near the very top of the league in this category. Their total yards allowed per game stands at 267.4 yards, also ranking them within the top tier of NFL defenses.

Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter, selected in the 2024 second round (42nd overall), has become a cornerstone of Houston’s secondary. Through nine games in 2025, Lassiter has accumulated 54 total tackles (36 solo) and two interceptions. His nickname among teammates, “The Locksmith,” reflects his ability to shut down opponents’ receiving weapons.

The pass-rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is another positive component for Houston. Through eight games in 2025, Hunter has recorded 4.0 sacks and 20 total tackles. Meanwhile, Anderson Jr. has recorded 6.0 sacks on 24 total tackles.

The aggressive nature of the Texans’ defense has produced positive results, yet it has also placed linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in the crosshairs of NFL disciplinary authorities with alarming regularity.

Texans’ aggressive defense draws league scrutiny

On Saturday, November 8, the NFL announced another fine against Azeez Al-Shaair, assessing $17,389 for a hit on defenseless player J.K. Dobbins during the fourth quarter of Houston’s Week 9 loss to Denver. The play occurred on a pass attempt resulting in a two-yard loss and notably drew no flag from on-field officials.​

Al-Shaair had also faced a three-game suspension in December 2024. The reason? An “illegal hit” on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was sliding to end a scramble when Al-Shaair struck him in the head and neck area with a forearm blow. Lawrence was concussed on the play, forcing him to leave the game on a cart and undergo immediate medical evaluation.

Al-Shaair’s fine history extends well beyond the 2024-2025 season. He accumulated 13 personal fouls and seven fines from 2020 through December 2024, establishing a pattern that the league office views seriously when assessing future infractions. Since his suspension ended and he returned to action, Al-Shaair has been fined three more times.

In addition to the Dobbins hit, he was fined $20,555 for illegal helmet use during a playoff victory over the Chargers and $17,389 for a hit to the head of Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward in Week 4. An unflagged blow that drew league office scrutiny days later.​

The pattern reveals an inherent tension within the Texans’ defensive identity. DeMeco Ryans has built a scheme predicated on physicality and an attacking mentality.

As the Texans prepare to face the Jaguars in Week 10, all eyes will be on how Houston manages to avoid further fines or suspensions that could question their gameplay.