After missing the game on Sunday, Jadeveon Clowney has played just two games for the Houston Texans two months into his NFL career. His inactivity bred reports of the team being frustrated with Clowney, but Texans head coach Bill O'Brien denied any strained relationship with the team's first-round pick.
Bill O’Brien: No one with Texans is frustrated with Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney has just two tackles after two months with the Houston Texans, but head coach Bill O’Brien isn’t frustrated.
Christian Petersen
Despite just two tackles and no sacks for the first overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, O’Brien said it’s been a series of “bad luck” that has plagued Clowney. The outside linebacker suffered a knee injury in Week 1 and missed Week 9 due to the flu after returning in Week 8.
O'Brien told reporters on Sunday that he isn't worried about Clowney being able to get on the field and eventually produce for the team (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk):
“I think the world of Jadeveon Clowney. I don’t think there’s anyone here that’s frustrated with [him]. He and I speak every day, multiple times per day, text messages, phone calls, just like I do with all the rookies, and hopefully he’ll be ready to go. It’s a big adjustment, it’s a whole lot different playing in this league than it is in college, and it’s an adjustment for all those guys. He’s working hard to get over the hump and get back on the field.”
The Texans have the NFL’s 28th-ranked defense and are 29th in pass defense. While the Houston defense ranks 17th in sacks, it could certainly use additional pressure to help out its secondary, which was the purpose of adding a premier pass rusher like Clowney.
Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr and St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald have produced as rookies, combining for seven sacks, as have many other 2014 first-round draft picks. Barring a setback in practice, Clowney is expected to be ready to return for the Texans' next game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11 after a Week 10 bye.
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