Vrabel huge fan of Mercilus
Texans veteran outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus’ development since arriving at a career crossroads early in his NFL career is something Titans coach Mike Vrabel has been proud to watch.
A former New England Patriots All-Pro outside linebacker, Vrabel played a major hands-on role in Mercilus’ development. Vrabel was Mercilus’ position coach and later his defensive coordinator before being hired by the Titans.
Under Vrabel’s tutelage, Mercilus emerged as a more consistent performer.
“I think he’s showed a toughness and a grit that allowed him to improve, allowed him to take coaching and take it to the next level and understand and improve on the things that maybe he needed to work on,” Vrabel said. “He’s an unbelievable person, and I think a very good player. I always enjoyed coaching him and his willingness to learn and improve was something that I’ll always appreciate.”
In the final year of a four-year, $26 million contract, Mercilus ranks third in franchise history behind J.J. Watt and Mario Williams with 48 career sacks. He’s third with 62 career tackles for losses, second with 101 quarterback hits and second with 13 forced fumbles. That includes 5½ sacks and four forced fumbles this season.
Mercilus counts Vrabel as a major influence.
“(He helped me in) understanding the game much more as far as understanding my opponents, as far as what they like to run schematically out of different personnel, things of that nature, understanding what we do well,” Mercilus said. “He really helped me in that regard as far as elevating my mental game.”
Titans’ Henry expects to play
Tennessee running back Derrick Henry is questionable for Sunday’s AFC South showdown with the Texans.
Henry has not practiced all week with a sore left hamstring that limited him in the Titans’ 42-21 win over the Oakland Raiders last week despite him
Fuller feels good about returning
Although Texans wide receiver Will Fuller is officially questionable on the injury report, his outlook is positive.
Barring any unexpected setbacks, Fuller is expected to return from a strained hamstring Sunday for a pivotal AFC South game against Tennessee. He missed the Texans’ loss to the Broncos, the fourth game he has sat out due to the leg injury.
“I’m feeling good,” Fuller said. “Yep, I needed a week, I think. It’s going good.”
Crennel praises Martin’s hustle
When the Texans traded Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, outside linebacker Jacob Martin was part of the compensation package as they unloaded the former top overall pick to Seattle.
Martin has been the best part of the trade so far for the Texans, who also picked up a 2020 thirdround draft choice and reserve linebacker Barkevious Mingo in exchange for Clowney, a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Over the past three games, Martin has recorded at least one sack per game and has a careerhigh 3½ sacks overall.
“He brings some playmaking ability off the edge and some speed,” Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said. “He hustles. He’s competitive. You want guys like that.”