Cunningham quietly racks up big numbers

The way that Texans inside linebacker Zach Cunningham has instinctively flowed to the football has allowed him to pile up tackles all season.

Although Pro Bowl recognition eluded Cunningham as he was named as an alternate to the annual NFL all-star game, few running backs have been able to escape the former second-round draft pick.

Cunningham leads the AFC with a career-high 133 tackles, ranking him third in the NFL in tackles. He was arguably the Texans’ biggest snub for the Pro Bowl.

“I’ve definitely been having a good season,” Cunningham said. “It’s been fun to play with the guys on defense I’m playing with.”

Known for his reticence and low-key personality, Cunningham prefers to simply do his job, not discuss the nuances of football.

“It definitely means a lot to me,” he said. “I’ve never been a big accolade guy myself. I’ve never really focused on that part of it. That’s never been me. I let my actions speak for themselves.”

In the third year of his rookie contract, the Alabama native acknowledged that he does appreciate how opponents have paid him respect with their complimentary words after games.

Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was expansive about Cunningham’s skills. Big, fast and strong, Cunningham finds the football quickly and is a sound tackler.

“He has really good ability, he has instincts, he has a knack for knowing when to go behind the block, when to go over top of the block and when to take on the block,” Crennel said. “He can do all of those very well and has been doing it very well, and that gets him to the football. Not every linebacker has those type of instincts. Some linebackers have to take a guy on because they don’t have the ability to go behind or go over the top, but Zach has the ability to do it all.

“What that does is that causes the lineman who’s blocking him some indecision: ‘Is this guy going to go behind me, is he going to go over the top or is he going to hit me in the earhole?’ You don’t know which one you’re going to get, but Zach has that instinct to make the right move.”

Hopkins, McKinney, Martin sidelined

Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins didn’t practice Thursday due to an illness.

Meanwhile, outside linebacker Jacob Martin didn’t practice again due to a knee injury. If Martin is out, the Texans would be playing without one of their top pass rushers on a defense that struggles to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Inside linebacker Benardrick

McKinnney remains under the NFL concussion protocol and didn’t practice. If McKinney is out, the Texans could use safety Jahleel Addae at linebacker next to Zach Cunningham.

Buccaneers’ bargain Barrett ‘a problem’

When Shaq Barrett was a free agent last spring, he didn’t have a ton of options.

The outside linebacker had a two-year contract offer from the

Cincinnati Bengals taken away due to medical concerns about an old shoulder injury.

So, the former Broncos undrafted free agent signed a oneyear, $4 million contract with the Buccaneers.

Barrett has emerged as one of the biggest bargains and most dangerous pass rushers in the game.

During a breakout season, Barrett leads the NFL with 16½ sacks and has tied the Buccaneers’ single-season franchise record set by Warren Sapp.

Heading into Saturday’s road game, the Texans are extremely cognizant of Barrett’s abilities

“He’s a very difficult guy to handle,” Texans coach Bill

O’Brien said. “He’s got really good athletic ability. His skillset is similar to Von Miller’s .He can bend, he can rush, he can get around the corner really fast.

“Very explosive, very, very good athlete, uses his hands really well. He’s an excellent player. Yeah, he’s a problem.”

Blackson honored for special teams play

Texans defensive end Angelo Blackson was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Blackson blocked a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter against the Titans that was recovered by safety A.J. Moore.

“That’s just one of those things that comes with it and that’s OK with me,” Blackson said of the honor. “I enjoy it and I’ll try to do it again.”

This was Blackson’s first blocked field goal in the NFL and the Texans’ first since Jared Crick blocked a field goal in 2015 against the Panthers.

Blackson, a former Titans draft pick, has a history of blocking kicks at Auburn.

“Definitely brought back some memories to be able to get a block,” Blackson said. “It’s just kind of one of those things where you get off on the ball and we’re taught three steps and get your hands up.”