Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus is a pleasant surprise for the Houston Texans’ early stages of the 2019 season.
After recording a strip-sack, recovered by the Jacksonville Jaguars, in the first-half, Mercilus got another one in the third quarter. His teammate, defensive end J.J. Watt, made sure Houston recovered the ball; in turn, forcing the first turnover of the day.
Mercilus’ sack-fumble got the Texans in the red zone. Actually failing to punch in the ball three times, Deshaun Watson ran the ball in on fourth-and-goal for Houston’s first touchdown of the game.
Mercilus, on the other hand, is filling in well as Houston’s secondary pass-rusher. Over a game and three-quarters games, he’s racked up three sacks and two turnovers; a pick against Drew Brees and the forced fumble on Minshew.
In an offensive struggle, Mercilus’ forced turnover was a turning point that may define the game; if the offense can hold up.
