2018 Justin Houston Appreciation Post

There's a lot of talk about whether #50 should still be a Chief in 2019 or not. Everyone has taken a side, and there's justification for taking either one. He is being overpaid, which is a fact when basing it off of statistical production. He also is still a great overall OLB and was at least the 3rd most important defender in 2018 for KC. He does have a worrisome injury history, but hasn't had a problem with his knee since 2016, the only hangup the past 2 seasons was the hamstring issue that kept him out of 4 games last year before he finished strong through the rest of the schedule. Either side you take, I'm here to simply show appreciation for Justin Houston's 2018 season, and point out the couple times he was the difference for the Chiefs in a victory.

Pass Rush

In his 2nd game back from the hamstring issue, he causes a fumble that temporarily gave the Chiefs a 4 point lead in the 4th quarter. 

Derek Carr wouldn't mind the Chiefs cutting Houston.

Run Defense

The one aspect of Houston's game that's hard to question is his play against the run as an edge defender. 

Enjoy the George Kittle vs. Justin Houston mini battle.

Kittle gets the best of him here, and 50 still gets a strip sack.

Part 3 of the mini battle on the far right.

#77 is All-Pro LT Andrew Whitworth

Coming across the formation for a run stop

Clutch Plays

Only up 6 and on the wrong side of the momentum with 12 minutes to go, the Chiefs needed a big play. JHou takes it into his own hands with a great INT. It led to the game sealing TD drive. 

Game tied. 44 seconds left. Ravens still had a chance with a timeout and only 25 yards to get into field goal range. A perfectly executed blitz gives 50 the opportunity to make the play, and he delivers. Butker missed the ensuing field goal, but it denied Baltimore a chance to win it in regulation. 

Justin was a big contributor in the first Chiefs home playoff win in 25 years. A batted down pass, a fumble recovery, and 2 sacks, including this one on a crucial 3rd down late in the 3rd quarter. 

Justin Houston is the best pass rusher Kansas City's had since Derrick Thomas (no disrespect to Tamba) and should be remembered fondly by Chiefs fans if the decision is to cut him. I'm hoping for a restructure.