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The Houston Texans are stacked with stars on the defensive side of the football. Great players in the Texans defense are often overlooked as a result.
The Houston defense was the best in the NFL last year due in large part to its stars taking over games. But the team's best players were so effective because of what the team's unsung heroes brought on a play-by-play basis. One of those players is Tommy Togiai.
Togiai is finally getting his respect in a recent article by NFL.com writer Gennaro Filice. The NFL analyst called Togiai the Texans' most underappreciated player. Here was Filice's reasoning on that claim.
"Houston’s defense is loaded on all three levels, with LB Azeez Al-Shaair becoming the latest standout to sign a top-of-the-market extension, joining edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, as well as cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Amid such a sea of stars, Togiai rarely garners outside attention, but everyone in the building sure appreciates his rugged contributions on the defensive interior. That’s why the whole team showed such glee when Togiai finally got his moment in the sun with a scoop-and-score touchdown that put the cherry on top of Houston’s win over Indianapolis in the regular-season finale.
'To close it out the way he did, getting in the end zone, that's why you saw our entire sideline running down, celebrating with Tommy,' Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said in the postgame press conference. 'Fitting for a guy who just does everything the right way. Everything you ask the guy to do … He's a coach's dream, he's always in the right place, always doing what you ask him to do. And very cool way for him to have that clutch moment and end the game with a touchdown.'"
Houston Texans defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) carries the ball for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Defensive tackles rarely get recognized by those who don't cover or consistently cover their teams. It's usually the Aaron Donald's and Ndamukong Suh's, the interior defensive linemen who wreck games, that receive that kind of attention. Yet Togiai's contributions cannot be glossed over. He sets the foundation for what the Houston defense is able to do.
The Texans will almost certainly have multiple defensive starters end up in the NFL's pro bowl in 2026. The team will probably have players finish in the Top 20 in sacks, interceptions and tackles in the league. Still, it's players like Togiai that make it all possible. He will look to be that consistent force again when the season starts in September.
Continue reading...
The Houston defense was the best in the NFL last year due in large part to its stars taking over games. But the team's best players were so effective because of what the team's unsung heroes brought on a play-by-play basis. One of those players is Tommy Togiai.
Togiai is finally getting his respect in a recent article by NFL.com writer Gennaro Filice. The NFL analyst called Togiai the Texans' most underappreciated player. Here was Filice's reasoning on that claim.
"Houston’s defense is loaded on all three levels, with LB Azeez Al-Shaair becoming the latest standout to sign a top-of-the-market extension, joining edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, as well as cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Amid such a sea of stars, Togiai rarely garners outside attention, but everyone in the building sure appreciates his rugged contributions on the defensive interior. That’s why the whole team showed such glee when Togiai finally got his moment in the sun with a scoop-and-score touchdown that put the cherry on top of Houston’s win over Indianapolis in the regular-season finale.
'To close it out the way he did, getting in the end zone, that's why you saw our entire sideline running down, celebrating with Tommy,' Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said in the postgame press conference. 'Fitting for a guy who just does everything the right way. Everything you ask the guy to do … He's a coach's dream, he's always in the right place, always doing what you ask him to do. And very cool way for him to have that clutch moment and end the game with a touchdown.'"
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Houston Texans defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) carries the ball for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Defensive tackles rarely get recognized by those who don't cover or consistently cover their teams. It's usually the Aaron Donald's and Ndamukong Suh's, the interior defensive linemen who wreck games, that receive that kind of attention. Yet Togiai's contributions cannot be glossed over. He sets the foundation for what the Houston defense is able to do.
The Texans will almost certainly have multiple defensive starters end up in the NFL's pro bowl in 2026. The team will probably have players finish in the Top 20 in sacks, interceptions and tackles in the league. Still, it's players like Togiai that make it all possible. He will look to be that consistent force again when the season starts in September.
Continue reading...
