Everyone wants to know what Detroit Lions’ edge rusher James Houston is going to look like in year three. He had a huge rookie season with eight sacks and looked like someone that could be a big part of the Lions’ defense in the near future.
Then year two came along and there were suddenly questions about whether or not Houston could be someone that could get on the field and stay on the field. Part of the problem was a limited move set. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said last summer that Houston had developed some new moves, but we never got to see them because he went down in Week 2 and didn’t come back till the NFC Championship game.
On Saturday we talked with Houston about the moves and where he’s at with them.
Yeah they still coming. You still got to work on them you know what I’m saying? You never stop working. So I’m working on them every day trying to figure out what’s going to work the best for me and what I can still work on to get better at.”
Part of the work that Houston has put in recently was working at the BT Jordan pass rush retreat with guys like Brian Burns, Montez Sweat, Von Miller, potential future Lion Matthew Judon and more.
“I took away so much man, there was so much knowledge there. So many years, so many sacks there. It was just great, great to go out there and compete with those guys, too. And just kind of, you know, measure yourself a little bit. I got to talk to everybody, man pick their brain about how they see the game, little tips and tricks that they have, you know, over the years. And so it was a really good experience.”
The spot is open for the taking right now, Houston is the lead dog at the SAM linebacker spot, but he still has to fully earn the job and earlier in the week the Lions’ coaching staff said they were still looking to see more.