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According to NFL.com’s Next Generation Stats, Indianapolis Colts veteran pass rusher Justin Houston excelled on third downs in generating pass pressure this past season—being among the league’s best:
Three players finished among the top 5 in 2019 in total QB pressures and pressure rate on 3rd down:
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) May 19, 2020
• Aaron Donald, Rams
• Justin Houston, Colts
• Kenny Clark, Packers
Benson Mayowa (Raiders) & Sam Hubbard (Bengals) generated pressure at a higher rate, but had less volume. pic.twitter.com/7AdEIkd0sW
That’s pretty elite company for Houston—which includes 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year and 5x First-Team All-Pro Aaron Donald, as well as 2019 Pro Bowler Kenny Clark.
The 31 year old veteran pass rusher was a stalwart for the Colts during his debut season in Indianapolis, recording 44 tackles, a team-high 11.0 sacks, 60 total QB pressures, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries in all 16 starts during 2019.
He was recently named to the ‘NFL’s Most Underappreciated Team’.
Per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Houston was their 12th best graded edge defender this past season with a +87.1 grade overall—including a +81.9 pass rushing grade.
Entering the final season of a 2-year, $23 million deal he signed last March, Houston is poised for another strong—even double-digit sack campaign for the Colts, with new acquisition, All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and 2nd-year pass rusher Kemoko Turay rejoining him—and freeing up some of the overall attention (and potential double teams).