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The Houston Texans had a conundrum at inside linebacker when they lost Benardrick McKinney to a shoulder injury after Week 4.
However, the former 2015 undrafted free agent from West Georgia has stepped up to the occasion and filled in for the two-time Pro Bowler.
“I think the biggest thing is keeping going what they’ve been doing around here,” Adams said. “They’ve kind of had a model of just being fast and physical. Despite the size difference or whatever it may be, I wanted to be that same kind of guy with those guys. Playing fast, playing instinctual, playing physical and just enjoying the game at the same time.”
Through two starts in place of McKinney, Adams has produced 20 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, a quarterback hit, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.
The most important aspect of Adams fitting into his starting role is developing chemistry with fellow inside linebacker Zach Cunnigham.
“I kind of have been around the guys for a minute so I kind of know how everybody maneuvers in that room,” said Adams. “It’s cool just working with Zach, just being around him and how he plays, how instinctual and how physical he plays sometimes. That kind of motivates me.”
Adams even shared that he tries to learn from his teammates at all levels, not just leaders on the team.
Said Adams: “For me, I have no ego in anything I do. When I’m with those guys, whether it be B-Mac, Zach, Dylan Cole, P.K. (Peter Kalambayi), I’m always trying to learn things from them. So, if I see them doing something well or doing something impressive, I want to replicate that. That’s kind of how I better my game. Being around those guys has allowed me to amplify my playing as well.”
The Texans could use amplified play from Adams, who seeks to effectively replace an impact player in the front seven.