The Texans are playing good defense despite losing the reigning defensive player of the year, J.J. Watt, to a season-ending back injury. One of the reasons for that is the emergence of Jadeveon Clowney.
After turning in an injury-plagued and disappointing first two seasons, the 2014 first overall draft pick has played very well in Year 3, and Chargers coach Mike McCoy says that as he prepares to face the Texans on Sunday, figuring out how to block Clowney is a huge part of the game plan.
“I think every play you look at, you have to know where he is,” McCoy said, via the Houston Chronicle. “Every time you walk out of the huddle, where is number 90 lined up? He’s very productive and destructive in all areas of the game. I think he’s a very talented player. Everyone has always known that since he’s come out. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the business. But you see the way he has played this year, he can change a game in a hurry. He’s a special player.”
Clowney is pleased that this year he’s focusing on football, rather than rehabbing injuries.
“I’m just happy to be staying on the field,” Clowney said. “That’s the biggest thing for me is just to stay on the field. You do that and everything else will take care of itself. I don’t have to worry about my game right now, just staying out there.”
Two and a half years after he was a first overall pick, Clowney looks like one.