In an offseason that's been pretty wild even by typical NFL standards, one of the best defensive linemen in recent memory signing to play alongside the league's current consensus best defensive player has flown a bit under the radar. I speak, of course, of Vince Wilfork joining J.J. Watt on the Houston Texans' defensive line, a move that isn't likely to have much long-term effect but should pay significant short-term dividends for Houston next season.
Wilfork spent the first 11 years of his career with the New England Patriots, and upon his release Bill Belichick called Wilfork the best defensive lineman he'd ever coached. Wilfork bookended his New England career with two Super Bowl wins, making five Pro Bowls in between. Playing the nose in New England's increasingly multiple defense, Wilfork ate up blockers for a living. There were few more familiar sights when watching the Patriots defense than that of Wilfork occupying two blockers in the middle of the field, or else knifing through them to drop a runner in the backfield.
His durability was also a virtue; prior to suffering a season-ending injury four games into the 2013 season, Wilfork had missed just six games in nine years. He returned from the injury to suit up for all 19 games New England played in its run to the Super Bowl in 2014. Again, he soaked up blockers, he dropped running backs and he -- along with others line linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower -- held that Patriots run defense together. It wasn't a Peak Wilfork season, but it was a good one. He showed that even at 33, he's still got something left in the tank.
His salary, though, made it untenable for the Patriots to bring him back, and Belichick elected to cut him in the offseason. New England's loss is Houston's gain. Sticking Wilfork in the middle of their line next to the inhuman Watt should prove a nightmare for opposing runners. Watt already needs to be accounted for with multiple blockers. With Wilfork occupying another one or even two, all of sudden there aren't enough bodies left to prevent linebackers and safeties from making quick and easy tackles.
Watt's own reaction to the Wilfork signing is one not likely to be shared by Texans opponents.
haha
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 16, 2015
A defensive front of Watt, Wilfork and Jared Crick, with Brian Cushing behind them and last year's No. 1 overall pick, Jadeveon Clowney, flying around the outside, is no laughing matter. Houston's defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel, is familiar with Wilfork from his day's as a Belichick assistant, and should put everyone in a position to succeed. Even while missing Clowney for the majority of last season, Houston was able to piece together the NFL's sixth-best defense, mostly on the strength of Watt's incredible play. Adding another force up front should only make them more difficult to deal with.
