Houston Texans safety Reed Blankenship isn’t just showing up for practice, he’s making it clear he wants to be a major voice on that defense right from the jump. The guy came in looking to be a communicator, and it sounds like he wasted no time getting loud. He recalled a play in OTAs where he started checking to something, and even though linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had to correct him, Blankenship saw it as a win: “Okay, there you have a communicator.” That’s not just talk, that’s a dude who wants to be on the same page, working in unison, and getting everyone lined up. You gotta love that energy early in the season!
“Follower Before a Leader” But Still Setting the Tone
Blankenship isn’t just about barking orders, though. He’s got a real nuanced take on leadership. He says he’s always lived by being a follower before a leader, which is a smart approach when you’re the new guy, even with a captain’s experience in Philly. He was fortunate to learn from vets like Darius Slay Jr. and Marcus Epps, and he’s bringing that same desire to watch and learn in Houston. He knows better than to come in and try to “step on people’s toes,” even if he had success with the Eagles. Every organization, every player, is different. He’s not here to say, “We did this a different way, we need to do this because it worked here.” Instead, it’s all about being smooth, communicating, staying on the same page, and, most importantly, enjoying football and having fun. That kind of self-awareness and focus on team cohesion is massive when you’re building something new, you know?
His Style? Up Close And Physical
When it comes to how he actually plays, Blankenship is all about physicality. He likes to be “up close,” not necessarily “in the trenches,” but definitely “close to the trenches.” He’s a physical player, and he sees a lot of himself in fellow safety Jalen Pitre. Blankenship, joking about being a “bigger person than ‘JP’,” genuinely respects Pitre’s game. He watches Pitre on tape daily, seeing how he flies around, playing way bigger than he actually is. For Blankenship, Pitre is truly a student of the game, passionate about what he does. That kind of mutual respect and learning within the defensive back room is huge. It sounds like they’re pushing each other to be even more physical, which can only be a good thing for that Texans secondary. And it’s not just about the safeties, either. Blankenship highlighted the benefits of having cornerbacks who can do more than just cover. He feels every position has its special part, and thinking a corner is “just there to cover” is a mistake. That kind of collective defensive mindset? It’s exciting.
What’s next for Blankenship and the Texans as this early season unfolds? With joint practices against the Las Vegas Raiders on the horizon, we’ll get to see how his communication and physical style translate against another team. His ability to be that voice and bring that physicality will be key in solidifying the Texans’ defense as they gear up for the regular season. This guy is ready to make an impact, and it’s going to be fun to watch him try to get everyone lined up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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