Reading the coverage of the Houston Texans...
We'll start today with the weekly observations post from John Harris of HoustonTexans.com. This week he had 22. He wrote about sharing moments after a first career win with Case Keenum and Ryan Mallett this season. He also wrote quite a bit about the Texans' defensive front, including these two items.
4. DT Jerrell Powe made a brilliant play early in the first half. C Jeremy Zuttah attempted to cut block the former Ole Miss Rebel. Powe gave a little bit of ground, used his hands to put Zuttah into the turf and then pursued to help on a tackle for no gain. That was teaching tape worthy, just perfectly played.
5. It was comforting to have OLB Whitney Mercilus back in the lineup. If there’s a player that’s truly emerged throughout the year, it’s Mercilus. He continues to play the run much better and has rushed the quarterback effectively. He’s still not completely comfortable playing in space but he’s much more adept out in open area than he’d been. His hustle and effort were evident when he ran down Ravens QB Joe Flacco to prevent a first down at a key point in the first half.
Can't forget the offensive line, either:
10. Tyson Clabo and Duane Brown held Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil sackless. Repeat that sentence five times and get back to me.
Sean Pendergast of the Houston Press gives his winners and losers from Sunday. He leads in with a note about the blitz-happy Texans' defense yesterday and the improvements around Keenum. Related: I'm learning a lot of hunting terminology this week.
Three players who are set to become free agents this year had big games on Sunday: Cornerback Kareem Jackson, linebacker Brooks Reed and offensive tackle Derek Newton. It will make for some tough decision-making for the Texans' front office this offseason, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
