When J.J. Watt was injured in Week 8 and out for the remainder of the 2019 season, the overall play of the Houston Texans defense took a big hit. Before his injury, Watt had collected 24 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and three pass deflections. Watt was injured in Week 8 when they Texans defeated the Oakland Raiders by a 27-24 score, in which Watt suffered a pectoral injury.
Since the tackle for loss of Raiders running back Josh Jacobs — the play where Watt suffered his injury — the run defense hasn’t looked the same, and it hasn’t been close as the rush defense has gradually declined.