Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has been known to speak his mind during press conferences. Heading into Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, that statement was accurate once again.
As Houston prepares the travel out west, the Texans will face off against their former quarterback Case Keenum. While many expect the Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to feel the pressure from Denver’s pass rush, Clowney is preparing to return the favor to the Houston Cougar legend.
“Oh, it’s going to happen,” Clowney said. “It’s a part of the game, that’s every week, it’s what we try do, get after quarterbacks. We have another task this week.”
Following his six year career at the University of Houston, Keenum signed an undrafted rookie contract to join the Texans practice squad. As the Texans starter for eight game, he threw for 2,195 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 10 games over the course of two seasons.
“Great player, very smart, knows defenses very well,” Clowney said. “Disguises are going to be very, very big. So, we just have to get ready to play this week. It’ll be a great match-up.”
The Broncos pass rush is one of the most dangerous units in the NFL this season. Collecting 24 total sacks through eight games, Denver currently ranks 2nd in total sacks.
While Houston’s offensive line might have allowed 26 sacks on the season, the Broncos offensive line have seen their fair shares of allowed sacks as well. Ranking 10th in sacks allowed, Denver’s unit has allowed 21 total sacks, just five less than Houston.
“We’ve got to rush at the level of the quarterback, press the pocket, just try to not run by him,” Clowney said.
In eight games, Keenum has completed 184 of 288 passes for 2,110 yards, 11 total touchdowns and 10 interceptions. With Houston needing a much needed win before their bye week, the pass rush can’t allow their feelings and respect for their former teammate distract them from making plays.
This is the next game on our schedule so it’s very, very big,” Clowney said. “They’re all getting big now. It’s November football. It’s when they all really, really start counting and you know where you’re at, so we need this game to give us a lead in our division.”
