What if the Rockets played football? Here’s what the defense would look like

Tonight, the Dallas Cowboys take the field and face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to kick off the NFL season.

And while this has absolutely nothing to do with Houston Rockets basketball, we figured this week we’d construct a football team featuring Rockets.

Earlier this week, we revealed our starting 11 on offense, and today, we switch over to the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive Line - Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, Dikembe Mutombo, Elvin Hayes

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Just imagine these guys on the defensive line. They wouldn’t need to even rush the quarterback. Just put your hands up and block the vision of the quarterback.

Linebackers - Gerald Green, Ron Artest, Shane Battier

Linebackers are supposed to evoke fear in their opponents, and that’s exactly what Green, Artest and Battier do. And look, Gerald Green is already fitting in.

Cornerbacks - Aaron Brooks, Goran Dragic

Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Two defensive-minded guards can keep up with the receivers and Brooks and Dragic have proven that they can be one step ahead of their opponent, a key attribute for the cornerback position.

Safeties - Chris Paul, Jae’Sean Tate

Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images

Chris Paul would play like the Earl Thomas of the defense as the secondary’s vocal leader, while Jae’Sean Tate would be the Kam Chancellor, giving out the biggest hits. That’s a lethal combination.

What do you think Red Nation? Who is your starting XI on defense? Chime off in the comments below!