The Houston Texans have had a pass rusher step up with Jadeveon Clowney in Seattle, and it is a familiar face in outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
The 29-year-old has produced a team-high 3.0 sacks through the first two games, and coach Bill O’Brien isn’t too surprised by it. Rather, he knows what the determining factor is for Mercilus to sustain his level of production.
“I think every year is different,” O’Brien told reporters Wednesday. “I think there were times relative to his usage and things like that — more of that had to do maybe with his health and things like that. I think, knock on wood, he’s feeling good, his body feels good and he’s playing at a high level.”
Along with Mercilus’ 3.0 sacks, he has also notched two forced fumbles and an interception.
“Whitney has been a very productive player for us over the years,” O’Brien said. “He’s been a guy that really is just known for doing his job. He just does a good job of setting the edge in the running game and then rushing the passer. I think the big thing for Whitney has always been health. If he can stay healthy and be out on the field, he’ll make a lot of good plays.”
The Texans will need Mercilus to continue to make good plays for them as they take on the Los Angeles Chargers at 3:25 p.m. CT Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park. With a 1-1 start to the season and a narrow victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were starting a rookie quarterback, the Texans will need to collect a win over a Pro Bowl, playoff-winning quarterback such as Philip Rivers that gives confidence to the trajectory of the season. Getting off the .500 fence and starting a win streak is part of the key to taking the next step in January.
