Jalen Pitre knows what he’s been brought in to accomplish.
As soon as coach Lovie Smith took the job in March, an emphasis was placed on how much the Houston Texans secondary would need to improve. They finished 23rd against the pass and 27th in points allowed during the 2021 campaign under David Culley while suffering a multitude of blowouts to the likes of the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals and others.
In an evolving passing league, Houston underscored their desire to make a difference against the passing game during general manager Nick Caserio’s second draft. LSU cornerback Derek Stingley was selected at third overall and Pitre, hailed as a linebacker/safety hybrid from Baylor, was taken at 37th overall.
After three full months on the team and nearing the completion of training camp, the duo is beginning to show flashes of potential greatness together. Pitre is having the best camp of any rookie on the team and has the entire defense buzzing on a daily basis about his future.
Stingley has been slower to onboard but is finally beginning to flash the talent that made him the 3rd overall selection. He had an excellent pass breakup on Wednesday against Brandin Cooks that showed off both his vision and burst for the football
Stingley just perfectly jumped a Brandin Cooks comeback route from Mills, defense absolutely erupted.
He looks great today #WeAreTexans
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) August 10, 2022
After a huge practice from the two rookies, Pitre was asked how he’s enjoyed playing with Stingley and their relationship together. He glowed about his future play with the team’s #1 corner.
“Stingley, you know, he’s great,” Pitre said. “He’s a guy that I lean on when talking about different things that the offense is trying to do. I love playing with him and I love being out there with him. We’re always talking about what we’re about to get and I feel like me and him are going to be great together.”
Pitre on fellow rookie Derek Stingley
“Stingley is great. He’s a guy that I lean on and we talk about things that the offense is trying to do. I love playing with him.”
They’re a promising young duo for the defensive backfield to build on #WeAreTexans
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) August 10, 2022
The two represent a potential foundation for not only the secondary but the entire Houston defense moving forward. The two’s emergence in 2022 should very feasibly generate additional possessions for the offense and new schematic looks for Coach Smith and the defense.
Houston fans can watch Pitre’s debut on Saturday against the New Orleans Saints but may have to wait a little longer for Stingley as the team slowly acclimates him back to full football speed.
There’s no question though: the duo should be worth the wait.
