There is nothing like the presence of Justin Houston. Yes, he showed up for the mandatory mini-camp the Kansas City Chiefs are holding on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, as did every other player the team has under contract including 90 players in all, but it’s the presence of Houston that is most exciting. To clear one thing up before going any further, Justin Houston “feels great”… his own words, and that means trouble for the rest of the NFL. if you somehow haven’t seen this graphic from Pro Football Focus, take a peek,
Only one edge defender in the NFL has generated pressure at a higher rate than Brandon Graham since 2013. pic.twitter.com/euRzqZD86a
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 14, 2017
The past two seasons have been anything but “normal” and seeing his knee bend backwards and following that up with ACL surgery but not being able to contribute until week 11 in 2016 has kept Houston sidelined. As I sat and watched Houston in his LIVE presser following practice yesterday, I was hit with the idea that it’s been two long years since he has felt… well.. normal.
I just so happened to watch the complete week 12 game the Chiefs had in Denver on Tuesday afternoon (yes, retirement agrees with me) when Tyreek Hill bobbled the ball as he scored a TD in regulation… and Demetrius Harris caught an unlikely pass for a two-point conversion to tie the game… and Cairo Santos ricocheted a FG off of the goal post for an overtime win… oh… and of course… Justin Houston set up a Candy Store — selling sweet treats by the grocery sack size — in the Denver backfield, including three sacks and a 2-point safety… and more… to his credit.
Justin Houston in Week 12 against Denver.
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 12, 2017
There are enough fans that would like to say that Houston’s presence the rest of the season was inconsequential but watching him talk in his presser convinced me… HE’S BAAAACK! What has me so “convinced” you ask? It’s not just what Houston said, but the low and self-assured tone he said it in,
“I feel great now. Last year I couldn’t even run at this time so it’s night and day difference. I feel great. To be able to just get up and go without even thinking about it.”
Justin Houston was asked about where he’d been working out and said,
Justin Houston on where he was during OTA’s: “In Atlanta. Working out.” Last Yr.? “Same thing I was hurt.” 22 sack year? “Same thing.”
— Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) June 13, 2017
In case some of you have forgotten just how stunning Justin Houston can be for a right-tackle to handle, here’s a reminder:
.@JHouston50 goes one-arm stab & “shot puts” the OL for the sack. Hand placement, leverage & extension! #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/G6rzGPOu74
— DLineVids (@DLineVids) June 13, 2017
I’m sure there are fans tired of playing the “what if” game but, what if JH returns to form (I like his chances a whole lot more now than I did 24 hours ago)… and what if Dee Ford becomes that force opposite JH… and what if Chris Jones, Eric Berry, Marcus Peters and DJ all have Pro Bowl seasons…………… I like the what ifs of this team more than any other team in recent memory.
Especially on defense.
Especially with the presence of Justin Houston.
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