Is Jadeveon Clowney a bust for the Texans, or just unlucky?
Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Clowney is still questionable for the Browns game. He was set to replace the Texans 2013 first round pick, Whitney Mercilus at outside linebacker. Partially due to Mercilus playing below expectations last season. However, with a new scheme, coach and now threat of losing his job Mercilus has come on strong and played very well. That leaves the Texans having to ask is Clowney worth the trouble at this point?
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He’s been injured, sick, recovering for surgery from most of the season. The few times he has played he’s not been all that impressive. Sure, he had a few plays in the Redskins game, but since then? Clowney needs to get back on the ball. As per the Houston Chronicle, Warren Sapp had some harsh words for Mr. Clowney. “We play a kid’s game and get a king’s ransom,” Sapp said. “People expect when you tell the world you’re going to be the number one pick and come in to be all that you can be. … You’re disappointing us and you’re wearing out your coaches and everybody down in Houston.
“Do you not see Justin James Watt? Why would you not want to be his sidekick? We’re not even asking you to be the man – we’re asking you to be the man next to the man. So at least show up for the Texans and play on Sunday, please. It’s a real big deal.”
Sapp is right. Clowney has a responsibility to show up, be a professional. Lesser players who put for 110% effort are going to be making the big bucks and he’ll be selling used cars in three years if he doesn’t wake up. The NFL’s history is littered with broken careers of players who got there and failed to embrace the opportunity before them. Vince Young, Jamarcus Russel, Brady Quinn, Ryan Leif. Everyone of them came out of college with big records, big hopes and big expectations. Sure, all quarterbacks, but all share something in common, they failed.
Is it fair to say Jadeveon Clowney will be remembered as just another NFL bust? Too soon for that. He could just be suffering a string of truly unfortunate moments, a lapse in judgment in a most public and inopportune time. However, the onus is on Clowney to prove that he is worth the time, the effort and the honor of being drafted first in the NFL. No one’s demanding he be the next J.J. Watt, however he needs to be the best Jadeveon Clowney possible. That’s something no ones seen since he left college, including himself.
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