Joseph: Boasting like Hilton ‘for clowns’
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has made himself quite comfortable at NRG Stadium over the years.
Hilton caught nine passes for 199 yards during a 24-21 victory on Dec. 9 at the home of the Texans. Afterward, Hilton called NRG his “second home.”
The remarks from Hilton, who has 76 career receptions for 1,445 yards and nine touchdowns against the Texans heading into a Saturday playoff game at NRG Stadium, didn’t sit well with veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
“Nah, man, that’s for clowns,” Joseph said. “That’s for TV. That’s what they do. You put something in their face, anybody can say it.”
In two games against the Texans this season, Hilton has totaled 13 receptions and 314 yards. And he hasn’t been shy about pointing out his individual dominance.
“Sounds good — it’s easily said,” Joseph said. “I could easily say that, too. We could call the division our division since I’ve been here, last five out of eight years. It’s not our first rodeo, so we’ll be ready.”
Receiver Coutee has ‘a shot’ to play
Texans rookie wide receiver
Keke Coutee is “trending in the right direction” toward being back for Saturday’s playoff game after missing the past five games with a recurring hamstring injury
Texans coach Bill O’Brien characterized Coutee as a gametime decision, but the fact the fourth-round draft pick from Texas Tech has been a full participant in practice is a positive indicator about his status. Coutee is listed as questionable on the injury report.
“I think he’s got a shot,” O’Brien said. “He’s been practicing for a couple weeks now, so we’ll see. I think it will be closer to game time for us to make that decision.”
Because of three separate hamstring injuries, Coutee has played in only six games with two starts. He has 28 receptions for 287 yards and one touchdown.
If Coutee is finally back, O’Brien expects a lot out of him.
“Production, no doubt,” he said.
Fairbairn earns monthly honor
Ka’imi Fairbairn’s accuracy and distance were recognized Thursday when the Texans kicker was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December.
Fairbairn made all 13 fieldgoal attempts and 12 extra points for 51 points overall.
“It was a great honor, obviously,” Fairbairn said. “I wish a lot of other guys got credit for the award. It’s special, but we have a lot more work to do, and we want to win the award at the end of this month.”
Fairbairn had the secondmost made field goals in the NFL in the month and the second-most points scored. He also had 17 touchbacks on kickoffs and hit two 53-yard kicks.
Fairbairn led the NFL this season with 150 points and a franchise-record 37 field goals.
“I’m not sure why he didn’t make the Pro Bowl,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “I have no idea, but whatever. Ka’imi’s done a great job. He’s a very valuable guy on our team. He’s one of our best players. He can
Players recognized with local awards
The Houston chapter of the Professional Football Writers of America released several annual awards Thursday for the Texans.
The winners include safety
Tyrann Mathieu, who was named the Media Good Guy for his cooperation, insight and candor. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was named the Most Valuable Player.
All-Pro wide receiver
DeAndre Hopkins was named the Offensive Player of the Year.
Defensive end J.J. Watt ,a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was named Defensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
Safety Andre Hal, a lymphoma survivor, was named Most Inspirational.
Rookie Reid grew throughout season
The development of rookie safety Justin Reid has provided major dividends for the Texans’ defense.
A third-round draft pick from Stanford, the younger brother of Carolina Panthers safety Eric
Reid has displayed a lot of maturity and range and a hardhitting style during his first NFL season.
Starting opposite former Arizona Cardinals All-Pro safety
Tyrann Mathieu, Reid has recorded 81 tackles, three interceptions (including one returned 101 yards for a touchdown), two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
“There’s been a lot of growth throughout the year,” Reid said. “I almost feel like a different player, especially learning so much from the veteran players around me and the coaching staff. Just absorbing the NFL.”