The Texans lost Mario Williams to the Bills via free agency, but they still expect to have an improved pass rush this coming season. Houston finished the 2011 season with a team-record 44 sacks despite the season-ending injury suffered by Williams. Phillips is confident because players like Brooks Reed, J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith all have a year of experience in his system. The Texans have also reloaded the position by drafting Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus and Nebraska's Jared Crick. "They're all really good players," Phillips said. "We can be awfully strong."