As a rookie, Jalen Pitre took the Houston Texans’ defense by storm, leading the team in both interceptions and tackles.
In his season season, there was a slump. Under DeMeco Ryans’ man-heavy scheme, Pitre took a step back. He didn’t record a turnover and his missed tackle rate went up.
Entering Year 3, Pitre wants to live up to his billing as a former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Daniel Jones provided that opportunity Saturday afternoon at NRG Stadium.
The New York Giants quarterback made an ill-advised throw during the first quarter when Texans defensive end Derek Barnett provided pressure up the middle. Looking to avoid the safety, Jones heaved a pass toward tight end Theo Johnson, hoping it would land at his feet.
TURN US UP 5️⃣
📺: ABC13 pic.twitter.com/wUK9HiYGM7
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 17, 2024
Instead, it landed in Pitre’s hand at the Giants’ 6-yard line. After that, it was a foot race to the end zone for a touchdown as the Texans secured a 28-10 victory.
“Big shout out to DB (Barnett),” Pitre told reporters postgame. “Pressure on the quarterback, he let it go, and thank God that I was right there, and like y’all seen, grabbed it scored. That was a blessing, for sure.”
While the interception won’t count toward his stat line since it’s the preseason, it’s a sign of Pitre’s progress heading into a pivotal year. After an underwhelming season deep in coverage, Houston elected to move Pitre closer to the line of scrimmage as the team’s starting slot defender.
It’s a similar position to the STAR role he played at Baylor en route to becoming a second-round pick in 2022. Slot defenders must handle both shifty receivers inside and big-bodied tight ends with the capability of overpowering smaller defenders for substantial gains.
Pitre, who played over 500 snaps in the slot during his final season with the Bears, didn’t miss against the 6-foot-6 Johnson. He was one of five players to come away with a turnover in Saturday’s contest.
“You get the ball three times, you win,” cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who picked off Jones in the second quarter, said postgame. “That’s what we did.”
Pitre’s role remains somewhat of a mystery entering the final week of training camp. He’s taken reps in the nickel position, but when Houston moves to a base three linebacker set, he’s back at safety opposite Jimmie Ward.
The Texans might plan on using Pitre as a chess piece in 2024. Depending on the formation, he’ll shift either to the backend or near the line of scrimmage. When down low, Eric Murray and third-round pick Calen Bullock will likely take over as the last line of defense.
There’s continuity in the secondary this fall. Ward is back at safety. Stingley is healthy and looking to build off his five-interception campaign entering Year 3. While a rookie, Kamari Lassiter has locked down the No. 2 corner spot after an impressive summer.
#Texans nickel Jalen Pitre @JalenPitre1 on his pick six @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/JR87elV4yj
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 17, 2024
Pitre believes that a sign of progress in eliminating big plays, a drastic issue from Houston’s top 10 defense from a season ago.
“We’ve been growing in a lot of different ways, on and off the field,” he said. “I think it’s going to do nothing but help us as we move forward. It’s great camaraderie in that room right now.”
