The emergence of Texans outside linebacker John Simon as a productive pass rusher and run-stopper began last season.

The former Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Baltimore Ravens fourth-round draft pick parlayed his strength, instincts and athleticism into a career-high five sacks and 53 tackles.

Simon is off to a fast start this season as he's started every game and has recorded 15 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and one forced fumble.

"I just worked all-around during the offseason, trying to work on run game, pass game, everything I can," Simon said. "I work on pass coverage, all of those things. So far, I'm off to a decent start and I just have to keep it going."

Simon is one of the strongest players on the roster having bench pressed 500 pounds. The gritty, 6-1, 250-pound native of Youngstown, Ohio, played for Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel at Ohio State and was characterized as one of Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer's favorite players he's ever coached, including former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow.

Simon is hoping the Texans' defense gets back on track after a 27-0 loss to the New England Patriots in which they only sacked rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett once. The Texans have 10 sacks for the season heading into Sunday's home game against the Tennessee Titans.

"I think we're just working together as a team and changing things up and trying not to do the same thing on third down," Simon said. "In the first two games at least, that was giving the offenses a bit of trouble. I don't think we gave ourselves enough chances on third down last Thursday and it came back to bite us.

"The Titans have got a great offense, another tough offense. We're definitely going to have to play better than we did last week."