The Houston Texans had to rely on their rookies amid the 27-25 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon at TIAA Bank Field.
With outside linebackers Whitney Mercilus and Jacob Martin on the COVID-19 reserve and unavailable, and then Brennan Scarlett getting knocked out of the game with an arm injury, third-round rookie Jonathan Greenard saw a generous share of snaps. Greenard collected three combined tackles for the Texans.
Second-round defensive tackle Ross Blacklock was able to tally a solo tackle for the Texans as they limited Jacksonville to 115 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries.
Defensive end J.J. Watt won’t get a chance to see how well Blacklock and Greenard were able to do as he was playing the game alongside them, but hopes their good work will be evident on the film.
Overall, Watt is pleased the rookies were able to contribute to a win, Houston’s second of the season.
“We got the win, so obviously they played well enough for that,” said Watt. “I know that it’s very valuable to get those guys on film, to get those guys reps, for them to watch and learn and grow from, so no matter how they played, it’s good for the growth and that process.”
Watt, who collected his 100th career sack in the win, anticipates showing the rookies pointers in their game when they do review the film as a group.
“I‘m looking forward to watching the film and being able to go over it with them and help them grow.”
The Texans will need their rookies to continue taking steps in their development as Houston is on a mission to refurbish their 2-6 record and get back to .500. Chairman and CEO Cal McNair did not trade any players at the deadline to acquire draft picks because he believes in the 2020 version. It will take the rookies playing at a higher level to make good on McNair’s belief.
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