Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is reportedly expected to see more snaps this week against the Carolina Panthers, according to Houston Chronicle reporter Aaron Wilson.
The Texans lost to the Kansas City Chiefs this past Sunday, 27-20. Houston's defense was expected to be dominant this season, with players like J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing, Vince Wilfork and Clowney. The former number one pick in the draft, Clowney had to sit out most of his rookie year and needed microfracture surgery on his knee.
Clowney is mostly remembered for a huge hit he put on a Michigan running back, but in college he was a dominant force to be feared. In three seasons at South Carolina, Clowney recorded 24 sacks. Clowney's increased play could truly turn the Texans defense into one of the best in the league.
It remains to be seen what type of player he will be following the microfracture surgery, but if he is even close to what he was before, he should become an impact player. Watt had two sacks this weekend against the Chiefs, and Clowney's increased role could open up holes for the NFL's top defensive lineman, Watt.
With a pass rush of Watt, Cushing, Wilfork and now Clowney, opposing quarterbacks will have to get the ball out in a hurry. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will likely have his eyes focused on Watt, but if Clowney gets going too, then Newton will likely be feeling the pressure. The front seven of Houston could be the best in the league, but Clowney is a huge part of that, and that depends on his play.
