Clowney’s strong play continues
BALTIMORE — Jadeveon Clowney busted through the line of scrimmage Monday night, shooting through the centerguard gap with an explosiveness and acceleration unrivaled by few other defensive players.
As Clowney brought down Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco for his career-high ninth sack of the season, the Texans’ Pro Bowl outside linebacker/defensive end demonstrated again why he’s emerged as one of the top defensive players in the game.
Clowney is primed to cash in during the offseason when he could become the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
At 6-5, 270 pounds with 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, Clowney has a unique blend of athleticism, aggressiveness and awareness.
“Clowney’s a $100 million kind of guy,” an NFL executive told the Chronicle. “He’s a special talent. He’s only going to keep getting better, too. His future is extremely bright.”
Clowney has recorded 17 tackles for loss, surpassing his career high established last season when he was named to his first Pro Bowl. He ranks second in the NFL in tackles for losses behind Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones.
Against the Ravens, Clowney had one sack, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in the first half alone.
Clowney has 33 tackles for loss in his past 25 games, Clowney leads all NFL players during that span. For his career, he has 19½ sacks and 44 tackles for loss.
Clowney is under contract through the 2018 season on a $13.8 million team option.
Johnson, Cole return to action Monday
Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson was active for Monday night’s game against his hometown Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium after being cleared under the NFL concussion protocol.
The former first-round draft pick from Wake Forest suffered a head injury a week ago against the Arizona Cardinals but was able to practice this week.
Under NFL rules governing concussion, Johnson passed a mandatory baseline neurological exam in order to be medically eligible to play in this game.
A Clarksville, Md., native, Johnson was an all-state cornerback at River Hill High School near Baltimore.
Meanwhile, rookie inside linebacker Dylan Cole returned from a Grade 2 hamstring strain that sidelined him for four games.
OLB Scarlett suffers foot injury in 1st half
Texans starting outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett injured his foot during the first half Monday night against the Ravens.
Scarlett was having a strong game, recording two tackles for losses. He had four total tackles before leaving the game.
LT Clark hurt; Lamm enters as replacement
Texans veteran left tackle Chris Clark injured his ankle Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens.
Clark was replaced in the lineup by former undrafted free agent Kendall Lamm.
The Texans traded away fourtime Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this season.
Awkward slide forces brief exit by Flacco
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will probably never be known for his sliding skills.
Flacco had such an awkward slide during a first-half scramble that he broke his knee brace. He also tore a hole in his right pants leg.
The Ravens were forced to call a timeout to avoid having to insert former Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett into the game.
Reader providing steady production
Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader provides a big, strong, run-stopping presence in the middle of the Texans’ defense.
The Texans are getting a lot of mileage out of the 6-3, 325-pound former fifth-round draft pick from Clemson.
Reader has been a capable replacement for retired five-time Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork .He qualifies as an upgrade as an interior defensive lineman.
“He does a great job,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s very tough to move on the inside. Great teammate. He’s one of the leaders of the team.”