Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has been showing up the past two games.
The former Los Angeles Rams defensive end has played exactly 36 defensive snaps in each of the past four games. However, the Houston Texans’ defensive end has provided 2.0 sacks, a tackle for loss, three quarterback hits, and seven combined tackles in the past two games.
Shortly before cornerback Tremon Smith got his second interception of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Okoronkwo worked his way around the edge to tap the ball out of Prescott’s grasp, earning his second sack of the year, and doing it against a top flight unit that leads the NFL with the fewest with 16.
Texans defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire met with reporters Thursday and elaborated on what Okoronkwo, 27, brings to the edge defense.
“Ogbo (Okoronkwo) is just — he’s energy, pure energy,” said Cesaire. “If you look at him, he’s always got a smile on his face. He loves the game. You can tell he really loves the game. The way he rushes, the way he attacks the line of scrimmage.”
Okoronkwo has 33 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks, and a pass breakup in his 13 games with Houston, four of which he has started.
“He’s not the biggest guy on the field, but he’s got the biggest heart,” Cesaire said of the Alief Taylor product. “He’s a guy that you trust and rely on each play.”
Okoronkwo will have another chance to chase around an athletic quarterback in Week 15 as the Texans take on the Kansas City Chiefs led by Patrick Mahomes. Kickoff is at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from NRG Stadium.