Matt Burke Emphasizes Defensive Improvements Ahead of Texans' Matchup With Chargers

The Houston Texans are looking to get their season back on track following a disappointing first half, and defensive coordinator Matt Burke knows his unit has plenty of areas that need improvement.

At 2-5, Houston has struggled to consistently put together complete defensive performances after entering the year as one of the most highly touted units in the league. While the talent is there, missed tackles, explosive plays and an inability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses have contributed to the team's struggles.

Speaking with the media Thursday, Burke addressed several of those concerns while discussing what the Texans have emphasized during their bye week ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 0-7 Los Angeles Chargers.

One of the biggest areas of focus has been tackling. Houston has struggled to consistently wrap up and bring down opposing ball carriers, and Burke acknowledged that getting back to the fundamentals has been a priority throughout the week.

"I don't know," Burke said when asked why the team's tackling has regressed this season. "Similar answer if you could say this is happening. Same guys. Biggest thing to me is closing space."

Burke also discussed the adjustments being made during practice, including additional tackling drills designed to help the defense clean up some of their issues.

"Putting an emphasis on it, almost like a break it down to the basics," Burke said. "Had another circuit today, change things to get different results hopefully we see the fruits of our labors on Sunday."

The Texans have also struggled to limit explosive plays, something Burke said the coaching staff has spent time evaluating during the bye week. While missed tackles against the run has been a concern, he stressed that there isn't necessarily one issue responsible for the defense's struggles.

Houston could receive a significant boost with the return of Jalen Pitre, who gives Burke a a solidified playmaker in the slot.

Burke praised Pitre's ability to contribute in multiple roles, highlighting his versatility against both the run and pass while also mentioning his ability as a blitzer.

"Weapon for all those reasons, can match up, can do base, nickel, we can do a lot more with him for his ability in run game and pass game, good blitzer, whole list of things JP brings to the table, his energy and his speed, it's contagious as well, nice to have another element as well," Burke said.

Burke also addressed the Texans' approach to playing coverage on the perimeter, explaining that the coaching staff wants to see more disruption from the cornerback room regardless of whether they are playing press or off coverage.

"We want to be more disruptive on perimeter," Burke said. "All of the techniques we deploy, can still be disruptive either way. Not an easy position to play. We try to keep things fluid. Emphasis on us being more disruptive."

With the Chargers coming to town, Houston has an opportunity to put some of those adjustments on display. Despite Los Angeles entering the matchup winless, Burke isn't interested in comparing the two situations and taking this game lightly.

"I've never believed in matching someone else's desperation," Burke said. "We're desperate to get back on track."

The Texans have plenty of work ahead of them, but the bye week provided an opportunity to address some of the defensive problems that have followed them throughout the season. Now, Burke and his unit will have to show that those adjustments can translate into better results on Sunday.