Defensive Line
Here’s another group that has really been set back by injuries. That said, they’ve actually done some nice things at times this season. The sack totals aren’t there, but they’ve made quarterbacks uncomfortable all year and have done a pretty nice job in the middle of clogging holes and forcing running backs to bounce outside…unfortunately, that has led to a lot of big runs for opposing offenses. Derek Barnett has been oh-so-close to what seems like 100 sacks, but he’ll need to make those plays the rest of the way if this team is going to finish strong. Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle have shown that they will be a dynamic duo in the middle for years to come, and guys like LaTroy Lewis, Corey Vereen, Kendal Vickers, Owen Williams and Danny O’Brien have all done a nice job in forming a solid rotation. They haven’t been as dynamic as some had hoped, but they haven’t been the weak link of this defense.
Grades:
Daniel: C
Houston: C+
Reed: C
Average Grade: C
