Yardbarker
x
Best and Worst Graded Texans Defensive Players vs. Chiefs
Jan 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Neville Hewitt (43) celebrates after a sack against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans secured a playoff spot after claiming the AFC South crown in Week 15 but they quickly had to turn their attention to the best team in the league, the Kansas City Chiefs, in their primetime Saturday Week 16 matchup.

Unfortunately for the Texans, things didn't quite go according to plan as the offense struggled for much of the day to put points on the board, and the defense, who is without numerous key players due to injury or suspension but usually one of the more dominant units in the league, failed to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense.

Mahomes was just sacked once on the day, and despite probably not being 100% after suffering an ankle injury just a week prior, he looked like his normal self as the Chiefs ran plenty of plays for rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy. The Chiefs' offense was efficient and the Texans' normally stout defense disappeared, but they will look to get back on track in Week 17 against another formidable opponent in the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

Here is how the Houston Texans defensive players graded out in their 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Highest Graded:

1. MLB Neville Hewitt

PFF Grade: 88.6

2. CB Kamari Lassiter

PFF Grade: 78.2

3. DE Denico Autry

PFF Grade: 77.6

4. DT Mario Edwards Jr.

PFF Grade: 70.9

5. MLB Henry To'oTo'o

PFF Grade: 69.5

Lowest Graded:

1. DT Kurt Hinish

PFF Grade: 41.1

2. DE Derek Barnett

PFF Grade: 45.5

3. LB Christian Harris

PFF Grade: 46.6

4. CB Myles Bryant

PFF Grade: 47.7

5. FS Calen Bullock

PFF Grade: 49.2

This article first appeared on Houston Texans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!