Houston was a one-man wrecking crew and proved why he is Oakland’s best defensive player. Houston dominated against the run, was an effective pass-rusher, sniffed out screens and had several hustle plays.
Houston is coming into his own as a pass-rusher, and if that keeps up he will be one of the most well-rounded 4-3 defensive ends in football. It's tough not to be impressed with Houston's play when you see him take on three blockers, put a devastating swim move on one of the better left tackles in football and toss aside a right tackle like a rag doll.
Houston is the type of player the Raiders can build their defense around.
Hustle
One thing you love to see from a defensive player is hustle. Defensive linemen are usually so slow that few people expect them to chase a play down from behind and they often get a free pass. Houston needs no free passes because he’s constantly hustling and never gives up on a play.
Against Jacksonville there were many shining examples of Houston’s hustle. Perhaps the greatest example was the play that knocked Maurice Jones-Drew out of the game.
The Jaguars left Houston unblocked because he was the backside lineman and the run was designed to go outside left. Big mistake. Houston flowed down the line and towards Jones-Drew.
Houston never gives up on the play even though Jones-Drew should easily get to the corner, and keeps running down the play.
Miles Burris couldn't make the tackle, but slowed Jones-Drew down enough for Houston and Philip Wheeler to make the stop.
Ano...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
