HOUSTON – The healthy return of hard-hitting nickel Jalen Pitre provides more than a hammer for the Texans’ defense.
His unique skill set as a hybrid defensive player is hard to find, and extremely difficult to replace.
Now, Pitre returns from a concussion that sidelined him for three games. And the Texans get back Pitre for their top-ranked defense in time for pivotal AFC South showdown against the division-leading Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Pitre, a Stafford graduate signed to a three-year, $42.6 million contract extension in the offseason that included $29.156 million guaranteed, gives a 6-5 team a big boost in the playoff hunt from a strategy standpoint.
“Jalen, he opens our playbook up, the full playbook,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We can do a lot of different things with Jalen. Everybody sees he’s been a dynamic playmaker for us. Whether it’s in the run game or the passing game. The kid flies around, he plays with his hair on fire.
“I love watching him play the game of football because he does it in such a relentless way, and he’s going to be in position to make a ton of plays. We know offenses have to have awareness for JP and where he is at all times, because he’s that type of impact player for us.”
Pitre has intercepted three passes in eight games this season, recording 46 tackles, three for losses and five passes defensed.
Pitre has allowed 22 completions on 31 targets for 247 yards and no touchdowns, for an 11th-best defensive back opposing passer rating of 54.8. During Pitre’s absence, the Texans allowed an average of 76.2 passer rating in the past three games.
Missing the past three games was tough on Pitre. He was itching to play again.
“It felt like it was a year in itself, but I’m excited to get back out there with the guys and just contribute to some more winning,” Pitre said. “It’s really harder watching. I was at the crib for the games and it’s like, I can’t even do nothing after it because I’m thinking about plays and like the most recent game when we played on Thursday night, couldn’t go to sleep after, heart was beating so bad. It’s harder, man. I see what the fans go through now. I’m thankful to just be back and get back out there.”
Pitre was diagnosed with a concussion a day after a loss to the Denver Broncos.
“It took a little bit of time,” Pitre said. “As a competitor, you never wanna believe some of the things. But, yeah, I noticed there was something up. So, I let the training staff know and then we got everything taken care of.”
This is a significant game for the Texans.
And Pitre’s presence could allow them to slow down playmakers that include quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Jonathan Taylor, tight end Tyler Warren and receivers Michael Pittman, Josh Downs and Alec Pierce.
“He’s done a great job this year,” Pitre said of Jones. “He’s been very consistent. He’s making sure that he’s seeing the right things and making the right throws. Jonathan Taylor, big runs, having explosive plays. Great tight end, does a lot of good things, can block as well. We’re looking forward to the matchup and we know it’s gonna be a good one. We understand the magnitude of this game.”
Pitre’s $13 million annual average, negotiated by veteran agents Trey Robinson and Marlon Moore of Athelite, briefly made him the highest paid nickel in the NFL before Chicago Bears slot corner Kyler Gordon eclipsed his deal with a $13. 3 million average compensation two days later.
The Texans love what Pitre does for the defense and were happy to reward him with a new deal.
“Jalen represents everything you wanted in a player, and in a person,”Ryans said. “He is consistent, hard working, very dedicated to putting the team first and doing whatever it takes for the team to be successful. He’s been an outstanding young man to work with. So, I am fired up for Jalen.
“Jalen was truly a impact player for us. When he was on the field he was all over the place, causing havoc, and we expect to see the same for a long time. So, I’m excited for Jalen, happy for him. It is a cool example of a guy who puts his head down, works hard, and does things the right way and he is rewarded for it. That is the beauty in this game and the NFL, what is provides for you and your family. Jalen is a representative of everything you can ask for.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com .
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