After he missed the Texans’ playoff loss to the Chiefs because of a foot injury, Jadeveon Clowney said that his goal was to return to health and dominate the league in 2016.
His performance in Sunday’s victory over the Bears might not have reached everyone’s definition of dominant, but it was certainly impactful. Clowney had a sack, three quarterback hits and two tackles for losses in the 23-14 win.
“He’s doing what we thought he would do when he’s healthy,” Texans owner Bob McNair said, via the Houston Chronicle. “He is healthy now, and you see the way he played. He’s having fun, he’s enjoying it. His teammates are pleased to have him out there on the field with them. He’s going to be fun to watch.”
Clowney played most of the game with his hand on the ground as a defensive end, something that may continue to be his lot given how well it worked out. The injury history remains a concern, but Sunday’s results showed why the Texans haven’t given up hope that the first overall pick from 2014 will work out for the best.