Houston Texans: 5 Takeaways from loss vs. New Orleans Saints

4. Whitney Mercilus came to play in Week 1

Being he’s in a contract year — and considering that his role has changed a bit on the Houston Texans’ defense for 2019 — Whitney Mercilus was a standout on a Texans defense that didn’t stand up in the final drive of the game against the New Orleans Saints.

Mercilus had a heck of a game and did put some pressure on the New Orleans offense with one sack of Drew Brees, plus Mercilus also intercepted the future Hall of Fame quarterback as well, which was his first career interception.

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle quoted Mercilus on his first-career interception following the game:

"“It was cool,” Mercilus said of the interception. “We didn’t allow them to score. It was great. It was a three-man rush. I undercut the route and picked it off. I knew Brees was going to hit the back because it seemed like it was free. I knew it was the first one ever.”"

For all that did go wrong with the Houston defense as the game progressed — they allowed 30 points in the final three quarters — Mercilus was a big part of keeping the Saints scoreless in the first quarter.

Seeing Mercilus being able to play a more aggressive role in Week 1 is a plus for the Texans, and it brings hope that the defense will improve and play better than they did in the second half against the Saints. This is just a start for Mercilus, and expect more great things from him during his contract season.