Houston Texans vs. Saints: Defensive impressions

Jadeveon Clowney

The much maligned Jadeveon Clowney showed up this weekend against the Saints. The third-year linebacker made his teammates look smart after they came to his aid following the bashing he got from the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain about his injury history.

He finished the night with two tackles and one sack, but his impact was much bigger than this. A third and eight play early in the game saw Clowney deliver amazing pressure on Brees. It wasn’t enough to stop the play as Brees got the pass off and was roughed by linebacker John Simon, but it was great to see such burst from the oft-injured Clowney.

He then later set the edge on a run play and kept his blocker from getting to the second level. This play freed up his teammates to come in and stuff the runner. He also drew a hold on left tackle Andrus Peat, who struggled all night with Clowney.

Following the play where he freed things up for his teammates, Clowney shoved Peat backwards with ease and took Brees down for the sack. It set up a third-and long and cornerback Kevin Johnson then destroyed a screen pass to Ingram.

Quintin Demps

Safety Quintin Demps is making a strong case to be the starting safety opposite Andre Hal. On the Saints first drive Brees hit receiver Brandon Coleman on a nice route deep for a sure first down.

Coleman found a soft spot where Cushing wasn’t deep enough and Demps was facing the outside receiver. Once the ball was in the air Demps adjusted and delivered a huge hit as soon as Coleman was hauling the pass in.

The shot jarred the ball loose, and was originally ruled a fumble which Hal recovered. After review it was deemed an incomplete pass and Houston got the ball on a punt anyway.

Next: More Individual Performances