Houston Texans: Terrence Brooks with INT vs. Buccaneers

The Houston Texans gained an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half.

The addition of Terrence Brooks to the Houston Texans defense paid off on Saturday night with the member of the secondary gaining and interception against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the quarterback wasn’t Tom Brady.

Brooks’ interception around the 8:00 mark of the second quarter came against backup quarterback and former first-round selection Blaine Gabbert. The preseason interception adds to the success Brooks has had at times this summer, as he also had an interception last Saturday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

Below is the interception by Brooks as the Texans recovered from a tough outing when Brady was on the field:

The diving catch by Brooks was an excellent read on the second-and-20 play, as he sneaked up past the receiver and made the outstanding catch while diving toward the ground. He was even able to get up and make a short return effort as well.

Houston Texans: Terrence Brooks signed with team this offseason

In March 2021, Brooks inked a one-year contract for $2 million, as he was one of a handful of players Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio gave a one-year contract to. Brooks previously played for the New England Patriots, so he and Caserio have a past together with the current Texans GM being a past member of the Patriots front office.

Brooks not only previously played for the Patriots (2019-20), but he’s also suited up for the Baltimore Ravens (2014-15), Philadelphia Eagles (2016), New York Jets (2017-18) and New England the past two seasons.

On the depth chart Brooks is the second free safety listed, only behind Justin Reid who in this same preseason game had some kicking duties, including a touchback to begin the game.

Brooks might not be the starter in ’21, but he’s going to contribute to the Houston Texans defense this season. Brooks has 11 career passes defensed, four career interceptions (with his last one coming in 2019) and 72 career solo tackles in 94 career regular-season games.

This signing was a solid choice by Caserio, and thus far this preseason Brooks has made the new Houston Texans general manager look very smart.

Now time will only tell if Brooks can turn his preseason success into a positive for the regular season, as the Texans will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 12 at NRG Stadium in Houston.