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Texans defense takes a hit, but must move on
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About the last thing I expected to read today were the words Zac Diles broke his tibia (shin bone) "when Diles kicked himself accidentally while running in a half-speed special teams drill"
Sounds painful and freakish. Just like our season. And past ones.
I hate to see players get hurt, and you always hate to lose a starter, but it happens and you have to move on. Like Coach Kubiak said, this is an opportunity for someone else to step up. Injuries are part of the game and the Texans have been pretty fortunate on that front during the first half of the season [knocking on a pile of wood].
Diles' injury means that special teams standout Kevin Bentley moves up to starter and rookie Xavier Adibi who fought various illnesses and injuries earlier this season will be elevated to the game day 45 man roster. Adibi has appeared in only one game this season (Jacksonville) and has been inactive in the others. Kevis Coley who is currently on the practice squad will likely be elevated to the 53 man roster. At least that's my guess.
Diles won a starting job at Sam linebacker during the offseason, and through eight games he leads the team with 66 tackles, including 47 solo stops. Diles also added his first career interception in Week 4 vs. Indianapolis and his first career sack in Week 7 vs. Detroit a few weeks ago.
I've heard a lot being made about the 'leading tackler' stat, and that's true but Diles plays strong side linebacker and that's a position where you expect a lot of tackles.
Taking nothing away from Zac who is a fine young player, Jay Foreman led the Texans in tackles a few years back. The point is that sometimes, tackle numbers can be a bit misleading. Looking at the bigger picture, Diles is very good in run support and has a nose for the ball, but he still has a lot to learn in the finer art of pass coverage.
If tackling stats are that important, then maybe a better question is why DeMeco Ryans isn't the team's leading tackler. I have some thoughts on that but we'll save that for another day.
Still better questions are those that relate to the frustrations of a Texans defense that's currently ranked 27th in points allowed, 23rd against the run, and 21st in QB sacks.
Hopefully Diles' surgery and recovery go well since he is only 23 years old and could have many good years still ahead of him. Let's hope that's the case.
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