The Houston Texans defense was going against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense captained by quarterback Jameis Winston that would be feast and famine, not one or the other. Because of how wide open Winston is, second in the NFL with 30 touchdown passes and first in the NFL in interceptions entering Week 16, the Texans were going to get their opportunities.
defensive line
The pass rush wasn’t as prolific as the defensive line didn’t sack Winston. Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus managed 2.0 while nose tackle Brandon Dunn notched 1.0 himself. The run game also got going with 106 yards and a touchdown produced on 21 carries. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader had three tackles and a quarterback hit. Rookie defensive end Charles Omenihu had an illegal chop block on Justin Reid’s interception return that would have given Houston back-to-back pick-sixes to start the game. Angelo Blackson added three tackles, and Omenihu managed a pass breakup.