Denico Autry Suspended Six Games: A Blow to the Texans’ Defense

Hold on to your hats, Texans fans! The news came out today: veteran defensive end Denico Autry has been suspended for the first six games of the 2023 season. The suspension, handed down by the NFL, stems from a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

Autry’s suspension is a significant blow to the Houston Texans’ defense, which is already facing a challenging rebuilding process. The 32-year-old veteran has been a key contributor since joining the team in 2020, providing leadership and a steady presence on the defensive line.

The Impact on the Field

Autry’s absence will be keenly felt in the trenches. In the 2022 season, he recorded 4.5 sacks, 25 tackles, and a forced fumble. He’s a versatile player capable of lining up both inside and outside, giving the Texans’ defensive coordinator flexibility in his schemes.

Here’s a look at the numbers that highlight Autry’s importance:

• 2022 Sack Percentage: 7.2% (ranked 14th among defensive ends with at least 300 pass rush snaps)

• 2022 Run Stop Percentage: 11.4% (ranked 27th among defensive ends with at least 300 pass rush snaps)

• 2022 Pressure Rate: 15.9% (ranked 23rd among defensive ends with at least 300 pass rush snaps)

These figures clearly demonstrate Autry’s impact on both the run and pass game. His absence will undoubtedly leave a void, one that the Texans will have to fill quickly to avoid further struggles on defense.

The Texans’ Defensive Depth

The Texans are not without options to fill the void left by Autry’s suspension. They boast a young and talented defensive line, including players like:

• Jonathan Greenard: A promising young edge rusher who is coming off an injury-plagued 2022 season. Greenard will be given the opportunity to step up and fill Autry’s role.

• Jerry Hughes: A seasoned veteran who brings experience and leadership to the unit. Hughes can provide stability and mentorship to the younger players on the line.

• Christian Harris: A rookie linebacker who showed flashes of brilliance in his first season. Harris can contribute to the run defense and potentially provide some pass rush ability.

The Texans will also be looking to develop other players on the defensive line, including:

• Thomas Booker: A promising rookie who can provide depth and versatility.

• Roy Lopez: A veteran who can provide run-stuffing ability and valuable leadership.

While these players have the potential to fill Autry’s shoes, it is unlikely that any single player can replicate his impact. The Texans’ defense will need to rely on collective effort and improved play from the entire unit to compensate for Autry’s absence.

Looking Ahead

The suspension will undoubtedly be a hurdle for the Texans’ defense. However, this challenge can also present an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talent.

The Texans’ coaching staff has a history of developing young talent. This experience, combined with the potential of the players mentioned above, gives fans reason for optimism.

While the absence of Denico Autry is significant, it’s important to remember that the Texans are still in a rebuild. This suspension could be a catalyst for other players to step up and make a statement.

The future of the Texans’ defense will be determined by how effectively they address this challenge. Will the young players step up and fill the void left by Autry? Will the coaching staff find a way to maximize the potential of the players on the roster? The next six games will provide a glimpse into the answers to these crucial questions.

Keywords: Denico Autry, Houston Texans, NFL, suspension, performance-enhancing drugs, defense, defensive line, Jonathan Greenard, Jerry Hughes, Christian Harris, Thomas Booker, Roy Lopez, rebuild, impact, statistics, analysis, opportunity