Mercilus embracing his new defensive role
Linebacker hopeful versatility pays off during contract year
It was a different — and difficult — season last year for Texans veteran outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
Mercilus adapted relatively smoothly into a vastly different role than previous seasons, one in which he wasn’t featured as a pass rusher.
He was tasked with relatively unfamiliar responsibilities, including being asked to drop back into pass coverage.
Mercilus’ production dropped. He recorded 39 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles in the 16 games he played with nine starts. He also was assigned to play fewer snaps than in previous years when he emerged as the primary pass rusher for the Texans when J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney were sidelined with injuries.
“Yeah, it was a new adjustment for me: understanding and dropping back into pass coverage, helping out there with the route combinations that were there and jumbling around in my head,” Mercilus said. “This time around, I’m better prepared and able to get the look that I need to do in my drops and understand the route combinations. I’m embracing it.
“It’s pretty cool to display that I can do more things than rush the passer. The coaches ask me to do a lot.”
This marks a pivotal year for Mercilus professionally. He’s entering the final year of a four-year, $26 million contract and is due a $5.75 million base salary.
Ideally, Mercilus would like to continue his career with the Texans, the team that drafted him in the first round in 2012 out of Illinois.
“Of course,” Mercilus said. “Once we cross that road, we will. Right now, I’m just focusing on having the most stellar season that I can.”
One reason the Texans have asked more from Mercilus is because he was capable of handling those duties.
At 6-4, 258 pounds, Mercilus is big, strong, fast and smart. He’s experienced enough to wield his tools as a pass rusher, run stopper and operate in coverage in short to intermediate areas.
“I think so,” Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said. “If a guy has versatility, we try to use that versatility and put him in different places and attack the offense in different ways.
“So I think that he gives us that capability. I love Whitney. I’m glad we’ve got him.”
Another reason behind Mercilus’ altered role has been his health.
When he tore his pectoral muscle during the 2017 season, he underwent surgery and it ended his year after five games and one sack.
When Mercilus returned last year, he nursed a sore hamstring during the preseason and got off to a slow start.
Mercilus combined for 19½ sacks in 2015 and 2016. He has 42½ career sacks and nine forced fumbles in seven NFL seasons.
“I hope to get as many sacks as I can, as many tackles and help this team win, help a lot of young bucks come along, too,” Mercilus said. “I want to be more of a leader for the team vocally.”
Mercilus is one of the longesttenured Texans and one of the most active players in the community. The Akron, Ohio native will turn 29 on July 21.
Mercilus’ younger teammates make it a point of treating him as an elder.
“Yeah, people in the locker room actually remind me all the time,” Mercilus said. “They say, ‘Man, it feels like you’ve been here for 10 years, you’re kind of like a fossil.
“The thing is, I think about it all the time. It’s been a blessing to be here for so long.”