Mercilus hitting his stride
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus remembers what it was like to experience his first training camp with the Texans.
It was 2012, and Mercilus was a rookie, a firstround draft choice playing for coach Gary Kubiak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Now, entering his sixth season and playing for coach Bill O’Brien and defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, Mercilus has sympathy for rookies in a similar situation. He tries to help as much as he can because it’s part of providing leadership.
“No doubt,” he said after practice Thursday. “I was there at one point, deer in the headlights pretty much, didn’t know what to do, just trying to make my way.
“Of course, going into Year 6, being more of a seasoned vet, I can actually draw (from that rookie experience), put my knowledge to use, and give guys a little tip here and there.”
One player who should benefit from Mercilus’ advice is Brennan Scarlett, the second-year outside linebacker who was undrafted out of Stanford last year.
Scarlett is the leading candidate to replace John Simon (Indianapolis) opposite Mercilus.
“He’s been doing great as far as making plays,” Mercilus said. “I know you guys saw him in the pre-
One of the better outside linebackers in the NFL is in position to have a big year By John McClain
season (of 2016) making plays on the quarterback (and) making plays in the backfield.”
Mercilus sees a lot of improvement in Scarlett, who’s 6-4, 260 and smart and works hard, according to his coaches.
“I’d say being more of a student of the game, understanding what he can do, watching his matchups and understanding his ability against his opponents,” Mercilus said. “(I’m) really impressed with him. He’s awesome, honestly, as far as being a young player in the league.
“He’s improving his technique, run (defense) and playing the pass as well. So he’s got a lot of room to grow. He’s still young and still has a lot of years to thrive for sure.”
Last season, Mercilus played a significant role on a defense that finished No. 1 in the NFL. The goal is to be even better this season. The way to do that is to allow fewer yards and points and force more turnovers.
Dominant defense
The Texans could have the best defensive line and front seven in the league.
With the return of end J.J. Watt to go with Mercilus and end Jadeveon Clowney, the pass rush could be dominant.
Their teammates and coaches — not to mention their fans — are excited about what they might be able to achieve when applying pressure on the passer.
“I think it’s awesome, of course,” Mercilus said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that are very versatile. We can give a whole lot of different matchups, load one side or have guys dropping, rushing — things like that.
“I think it’s going to be special, but we’ve got to be able to do it again this year.”
Mercilus, 6-4, 265, has developed into one of the better outside linebackers in the league. He can play the run, rush the passer and drop into coverage when necessary.
Still, playing the right side in a 3-4, his primary job is to get the quarterback.
In his last two seasons — counting the playoffs — Mercilus has registered 25½ sacks.
In 2016, Mercilus had 7½ sacks and added three more in two playoff games. In 2015, he recorded 12 sacks and had three more in one playoff game.
Goals in mind
Mercilus has set goals for himself.
“Every year,” he said about setting goals. “Get better individually, make more plays on the quarterback, make more plays on the ball, and just be more of a student of the game as well.”
It’s early in camp, and on this cool, rainy morning at The Greenbrier, Mercilus is thinking about what the team can accomplish working in much better weather than Houston’s at this time of the year.
“This is lovely,” he said, looking at mountains that surround the practice fields. “It feels like 60 compared to Houston. Instead of being in survival mode, we get a chance to get come out here, focus on our job and get better.”