Clowney’s long-awaited return near
Inside linebacker Brian Cushing says this hardworking teammate has made some plays on the practice field that are “eyepopping.”
Safety Quintin Demps calls the same teammate “an animal.”
Running back Chris Polk refers to him as “a monster” and “a beast.”
When the Texans begin the regular season against Kansas City at NRG Stadium, the beast will be unleashed.
Sunday can’t come soon enough for Jadeveon Clowney.
“People said it wasn’t possible,” Clowney said. “I’m so happy to be back. I’m just counting down — five days, three days, two days — to just getting out there and playing. It’s been a long time, and I’m excited.
“I put a lot of hard work in to get back with my teammates. I want to make plays, be accountable, and help us win.”
Teammates impressed
Since he underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee nine months ago this week, it may take Clowney a while to terrorize quarterbacks the way he did at South Carolina, allowing him to be the first pick in the 2014 draft.
But being healthy enough to start the regular-season opener is a testimonial to the exceptional work put in by team doctors, trainers and, of course, Clowney himself.
After returning to practice three weeks ago on a limited basis, he has had an increased workload almost daily. His teammates watch Clowney every day in practice, and they’ve been impressed with his progress and performance.
“He’s phenomenal,” said Polk, who signed as a free agent from Philadelphia and has been watching Clowney for the first time. “I knew he was big (6-6, 265), but I didn’t really know he was that big.
“When I saw him in pads, I was like, ‘I’m glad you’re on our team, because you’re a monster.’ ”
The coaches and players think it’s scary to consider what a healthy and confident Clowney can do as a pass rusher playing with defensive end J.J. Watt.
The defensive backs should reap the benefit of having two ferocious pass rushers pressuring the quarterback.
“Obviously, two great pass rushers make my job a lot easier,” cornerback Johnathan Joseph said. “Playing together and feeding off the energy those guys bring up front, I think we’re really loaded in the front seven.
“I’ve seen a lot of maturation from (Clowney) over the past year, a guy taking his craft seriously. It’s a long rehab process, a tough injury to come back from, but he’s done everything the team asked of him.”
No matter how Clowney plays against the Chiefs, as long as he stays healthy, he’ll improve.
Must play soundly
At some point, perhaps even against Kansas City, Clowney will show that incredible quickness off the ball and the exceptional closing burst to the quarterback.
But Clowney also has to make sure he plays
soundly against the run, and if he’s asked to drop into coverage — which should be kept to a minimum — he must make sure he knows his assignment.
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork has been watching Clowney closely since he left New England and
signed with the Texans. He’s taken a special interest in Clowney as a person as well as a player.
“My little son, little baby brother — he’s everything,” Wilfork said. “He’s a hard worker. A lot of times, we have to talk to him because he’s so eager (and) he wants to play. I told him, ‘There’s steps you have to take.’
“He’s learning. He’s still young (22), but at the same time, he’s the first pick, (and) he wants to be out there with us.
“He’s been working his tail off on the practice field, off the practice field, in the film room — in all the things he’s been through. It shows a lot about the way he’s grown over the year.”
Wilfork gave Clowney some advice that will come in handy against the Chiefs.
“He’s going to get his moment (Sunday),” Wilfork said. “I told him, ‘When you get that moment, just make the best of it.’ ”
His best is all the Texans can ask of Clowney.