Jonathan Greenard didn’t add to his sack total against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9. The second-year defensive end still has 7.0 for the season.
However, Greenard had a hand in one of the Texans’ five takeaways in the 17-9 loss. In the first quarter with 3:42 to go, the former third-rounder from Florida flushed quarterback Jacoby Brissett out of the pocket, who then threw an errant pass that safety Eric Murray picked off.
“He threw up a ball that he probably wishes he didn’t, and then Eric was able to come down with it,” safety Justin Reid said. “Rush and coverage working together, that’s what makes defenses really click.”
Greenard had one quarterback hit to go along with his three combined tackles, tackle for loss, and pass breakup. Although the Texans are 1-8 on the year, Greenard has been one of the bright spots.
“J.G. has been special,” said Reid. “He’s up there in the leaderboards across the league. But this has been a coming out season for him. It’s been fun to watch.”
Through nine weeks, Greenard is tied with Nick Bosa for the ninth-most sacks in the league. The 24-year-old is the team leader for Houston.
Part of what helps Greenard find the focus to contribute is the messaging from Reid.
Said Reid: “I go and tell him every day before the game starts, ‘Go be special today,’ because he has that inside of him. It’s been good for him, it’s been good for the whole team because when he creates that pressure, it gives us opportunities on the back end.”
The Texans will need their rush and coverage to work together when they come out of the bye as they take on the Tennessee Titans Nov. 21 at Nissan Stadium. Houston is 1-1 in the division, and they could find optimism and momentum by toppling the first place team in the AFC South.
