How big of a loss is J.J. Watt to the Houston Texans?

In one word -- gargantuan. Let's run through his history:

Before Watt's arrival in Houston, the Texans had never made the playoffs and had the fifth-worst record in the NFL. Since his arrival in 2011, the Texans have won three division titles and two playoff games. Their record of 44-39 since 2011 is tied with the Colts for the best in the AFC South.

Watt has been one of the most impactful defensive lineman since his rookie season in 2011. He leads all defensive linemen in tackles (379), sacks (76) and pass breakups (44), and ranks third in forced fumbles (15). He has started all 83 games since entering the NFL, matching Connor Barwin for the longest active streak for a defensive end.

Since Watt got to Houston in 2011, the Texans have sacked the QB on 6.9 percent of dropbacks with Watt in the game and held opponents to a 47.8 Total QBR. With Watt on the sideline, opponents have a 54.9 Total QBR and the Texans' sack rate drops to 4.3 percent (which would be last in the NFL in that span).

Watt had 74.5 sacks in his first five seasons from 2011 to '15. Only Hall of Famer Reggie White had more (81). Watt is the first player with 20 sacks in two different seasons since sacks became official in 1982 (20.5 in 2012, 20.5 in 2014).

Watt has disrupted 121 dropbacks in his career (ones in which he recorded a sack, interception, defended pass or batted pass), the most in the NFL since 2011 by a wide margin. Justin Houston ranks second with 79.

All that said, Watt has only eight tackles through the first three games of this season, the fewest of his career. His five quarterback hits and 1½ sacks are his fewest through the first three games of a season since his rookie campaign.

And now after injuring his back, we know he won't be adding another AP Defensive Player of the Year award to his credit. He has won three, tied for most all time with one of the most powerful defensive players in NFL history, Lawrence Taylor.