Photos: D-Line in 2009

DT Amobi Okoye (91) gets after a Patriots ball carrier.

DE Antonio Smith (94) gets to the quarterback in the win over Miami.

DE Mario Williams (90) sacks the quarterback in the win over the Seahawks.

DT Jeff Zgonina during the win at Saint Louis.

DE Connor Barwin battles to get to the quarterback in the win at Cincinnati.

Rookie DE Connor Barwin notched the first sack of his career in the win over the Bengals.

DT Jeff Zgonina (92) celebrates a sack in the win over the 49ers with DT Amobi Okoye (91).

DE Antonio Smith (94) at work in the win at Tennessee.

DE Mario Williams (90) rushing the passer against the Titans.

DE Antonio Smith (94) strips the ball in the win over the Titans.

The Texans defensive line had a lot to jump for in 2009, helping the defense as a whole improve to 13th best in the NFL. Here, DE Mario WIlliams (90) and DT Amobi Okoye (91) celebrate Williams' sack in the win over the Seahawks.