Joseph, Jackson lead Texans' secondary by example

During the free agency era, cornerbacks playing together for four consecutive seasons seems like an eternity.

Since Johnathan Joseph was signed by the Texans as a free agent from Cincinnati in 2011 and was paired with Kareem Jackson in the starting lineup, there has been a revolving door for safeties.

Yet over the last four seasons, guess what defense has allowed the lowest completion percentage and the third-fewest passing yards in the NFL. With Jackson and Joseph as the constants in the secondary, opponents have completed only 56.2 percent of their passes and averaged 213.2 yards passing against the Texans.

"It shows how hard we work," Jackson said Thursday. "Our job is to perform to the best of our ability, give up as few yards as we can, and help the team win."

Behind Jackson and Joseph this season are safeties Kendrick Lewis and D.J. Swearinger.

Others who have started at safety since Jackson and Joseph teamed up were Glover Quin, Danieal Manning, Shiloh Keo and Ed Reed.

"You see 24 (Joseph), you see 25 (Jackson), and they're always together, laughing and joking around," Swearinger said. "When they get on the field, they make plays. They're two great guys to be around."

Jackson and Joseph also make sure other defensive backs are kept in line.

"If you're around them doing something crazy, they're going to notice it," Swearinger said. "Anything going on, Jack and Jill are going to know it."

Jackson, the first-round pick in 2010 who is starting for a fifth consecutive season, is in the last year of his contract.

"I've been fortunate to play with (cornerback) Leon Hall (in Cincinnati) for (five) years and Kareem for four years," Joseph said. "Having a great guy on the other side of you makes your job a lot easier.

"We know this is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league, and we have to hold up our end of the bargain every week. We have a good friendship on and off the field. It's an interchangeable league, though, and people come and go."

Eye on the future

Joseph was quick to point out he hopes to continue playing with Jackson for a few more years.

"I agree with him," Jackson said. "Playing with Johnathan has been great for my career. I've learned a lot from him. I'd definitely love to be here and keep playing with Johnathan."

General manager Rick Smith said he has "every intention" of keeping Jackson.

"I believe in those guys," coach Bill O'Brien said. "They're competitive. They're good leaders. They've played well.

"They communicate well with each other. They communicate well with the rest of the secondary. I'd describe them as really good professional football players."

The teaming of Jackson and Joseph coincided with the transformation of the defense.

After the Texans were 30th in defense in 2010, including 32nd against the pass, Wade Phillips was hired as defensive coordinator. He switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4.

Smith then drafted defensive end J.J. Watt in the first round and outside linebacker Brooks Reed in the second and signed Manning as a free agent to start at safety. Plus, outside linebacker Connor Barwin was healthy after spending the 2010 season on injured reserve.

In 2011, the Texans improved from 30th to second in defense and won the AFC South for the first time.

Watt adds to mix

Defense starts up front. The low completion percentage with Jackson and Joseph coincided with a Watt-led statistic that began his rookie year.

Since Watt joined the Texans, they have led the NFL with 383 quarterback hits. Starting in 2011, when they had a league-high 112, they have ranked first or second each year. This season, they have 56 quarterback hits - second to Detroit's 57.

When the Texans host Philadelphia on Sunday, Watt will go after quarterback Nick Foles, whose receivers will try to beat Jackson and Joseph.

"We all take pride in our job," Jackson said. "We hold ourselves accountable and try to play to a (high) standard."