Clowney is in a rush to keep pressure on
HOUSTON — Jadeveon Clowney busted into the Indianapolis Colts’ backfield for a key sack of quarterback Andrew Luck during the Texans’ overtime victory, dominating an overhauled offensive line.
The Texans’ Pro Bowl outside linebacker recorded two sacks, four tackles for losses and scored a touchdown when he pounced on a botched snap during a 37-34 win on Sept. 30 that launched a franchise-record nine-game winning streak.
Luck was sacked a season-high four times, but he managed to pass for 464 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Since that game, the Colts have upgraded their pass protection in a major way.
They’ve allowed just 14 sacks for the season and only five in the past eight games. That included five games in a row without surrendering a sack for the third-longest streak in the NFL since the 1982 season.
When Clowney gives chase to Luck on Sunday at NRG Stadium, he’ll be facing familiar blocking schemes and personnel. And the Colts have traditionally struggled to contain the former top overall pick from South Carolina.
In seven career games against the Colts, Clowney has recorded 4½ sacks and 28 tackles.
“Of course, it’s the division,” Clowney said. “You have to know the guys in your division. I’m sure they know me, too. I know those guys pretty well, but it will be a hard-fought game and we just have to come to play.”
Clowney has a developing repertoire of pass-rushing moves.
Between his speed rush and power moves, including a deceptively strong bull rush, the two-time Pro Bowl selection has manufactured another strong season.
Working in tandem with three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year defensive end J.J. Watt, Clowney ranks second on the Texans behind Watt with seven sacks and 12 tackles for losses.
One year removed from a breakout season with a career-high 9½ sacks, Clowney is hoping to capitalize on his familiarity with the Colts’ blockers.
Clowney is preparing for a physical game against the Colts, including veteran left offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo.
“In the division, a lot of guys know me,” Clowney said. “Some guys play me a little different. They play a little bit different when I play them. In the division, it’s a little rough.
“You play a guy twice a year, you start to notice them a lot more. I’m sure they have something going on over there for this week, but we’ve got something going, too.”
Clowney sacked Luck for a loss of nine yards in the second quarter and a loss of 10 yards in the overtime, setting the stage for a dramatic win and being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Clowney hit Luck four times in that game, playing his best game of the season following a rough start in the first two games after an offseason during which he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.
Clowney and Watt have combined for 18½ sacks, 26 tackles for losses and 35 quarterback hits.
“They’re definitely one of the tougher duos that you face, but then their whole defensive front is very good,” Colts coach Frank Reich said. “They’re certainly two elite pass rushers that present a challenge. So, you certainly have to game plan against that.”
The Colts have made steady improvements this season as Luck has passed for 32 touchdowns. Drafting former Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson has injected the offensive line with a nastiness unseen from this team in years.
The Colts rank first in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed per passing attempt.
“Hopefully, we can get them to give up sacks,” Clowney said. “We’ve been getting a few sacks and a few turnovers the last couple of games and have a good turnover ratio. Hopefully, we can go out here and cause a lot of forced fumbles and Andrew Luck can throw some picks. It’s part of the game plan, just putting pressure on him, making him throw a few or sack him. That’s every week.”