5 Houston Texans mid-season surprises from 2018 season

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JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 21: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates following a fumble recovery during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 21, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

4. Everyone, welcome Tyrann Mathieu to the mix

Watching the level of play cornerback Tyrann Mathieu has brought to the Houston Texans this season has been a surprise. Seeing the level the Texans defense is at this season makes them a must-watch and feared defense when they are all on the same wavelength, and a big reason is “the honey badger.”

Mathieu has made some big-time clutch plays this season with two interceptions and two sacks, making him a refreshing surprise brought to the Texans via free agency. Another part of the defense he’s improved is not many quarterbacks want to challenge him on a consistent basis, giving others on the Texans defense a chance to step up, which they have.

One of those players has been Kareem Jackson, as he’s gained two interceptions and 10 passes defensed. The arrival of Mathieu has been surprising not for his talent, but for how much better he’s made the Houston defense in such a short amount of time in just nine games this 2018 NFL season.

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