Lack of energy was not a problem for the Houston Texans’ defense for most of last season.
However, it was a problem in their preseason debut against the Los Angeles Chargers. While there were a few flashes from some players, the team as a whole looked sluggish and got blown out in a 27-7 loss.
While he did not play in last week’s game, All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. sent a message to the defense after that performance and is focused on making sure they come out with more energy in their next preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders this coming Thursday.
“I talked to the defense after the game and I was like, ‘That wasn’t our standard. You never need somebody else to get you motivated for a game. For a lot of you guys, that was your first time taking the NFL field,’” Anderson said. “They responded the right way. Those are the type of guys that we have in the locker room to respond the right way. To know I have to look myself in the mirror, my brother’s are counting on me. It starts with the leaders on the team, just as us, because we should have better energy as well. It’s not just those guys, but all of us as a collective. I thought we did a really good job of bringing the energy today and so far throughout camp.”
Thursday’s game against the Raiders will be a good opportunity for the Texans defense to impose their will and put their physical and dominating mentality on full display since they will be facing rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who saw his first preseason action last week against the Arizona Cardinals.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Will Anderson Jr. on defensive performance in preason: ‘That wasn’t our standard’
Reporting by Ariana Pensy, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ariana Pensy, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
