A lofty comparison
In the first two games of his pro career, James Houston has logged just 17 defensive snaps. But in those limited opportunities, he’s proven to be a dynamic pass rusher, registering three sacks. Only first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson has more for the Lions this season.
Houston’s most recent effort, dropping Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence just before halftime, came on a unique rush move, where he took a skip step after the snap, before accelerating and bending around the blocker on Lawrence’s blindside. Glenn was asked what he called the rush move, and he referenced the nickname Houston picked up in college.
“The Problem,” Glenn said.
The coordinator said he’s seen Houston working on that move on the practice field and it successfully translated to game day. But, Glenn also continued to preach patience with the young, pass-rushing prodigy.
“Again, we want to bring that player along slowly and let him continue to get his confidence the way he is right now,” Glenn said.
Right now, the undersized Houston is being used almost exclusively in passing situations. Asked if he could see Houston developing into a three-down player, capable of handling 40 to 50 snaps at some point in the future, Glenn didn’t dismiss it, comparing Houston to veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue.
“Same player, you just have to really understand how to utilize him,” Glenn said. “That just comes from what’s your scheme? What are you willing to change to have that player be a part of what you’re doing? …So the thing is, we know exactly what we want to do with that player. We just want to make sure we’re careful with him to make sure he continues to rise with the way he is right now.”
Ngakoue, a third-round pick in 2016, spent his first four seasons in Jacksonville, with Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash serving as defensive coordinator. Ngakoue has 64 career sacks, but had his best season under Wash, racking up 12 sacks and an impressive 84 quarterback pressures in 2017, earning Pro Bowl honors that year.
