When most Houston Texans fans talk about the team getting their first victory of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, rookie running back Dameon Pierce’s name will come up first. His spectacular 20-yard run, breaking at least five tackles, put the Texans in a position to take the lead over the Jags late in the fourth quarter.
Some will rave over rookie defensive back Derek Stingley’s awareness in the red zone to come up with the first interception of his career and prevent Jacksonville from scoring.
“Des King was pretty good on yesterday,” said Houston Texans HC Lovie Smith on Monday about the play of defensive back Desmond King who helped the Texans get their first victory of the 2022 NFL season against Jacksonville. #WeAreTexans #Sarge @blaqbadger14 @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/SCC0AWT9Cc
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) October 12, 2022
While those two plays will stand out during the Texans film study, one player watching that same film will probably hear his name called a lot for having an impact in the 13-6 victory over Jacksonville.
Cornerback Desmond King was vital to the Texans’ defense on Sunday, making plays all over the field. His awareness and presence in the second quarter helped Houston get the ball back after he broke up a pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence on a fourth down.
“Overall play Desmond King is just hard to beat,” said Texans coach Lovie Smith. “He had an interception, big third down stops, tackles. Desmond is a smart football player that knows our defense. He’s one of the guys that has been around here from start to finish. As a punt returner, he does an awful lot for our team behind the scenes.
“It’s about, as a defensive player, when you get in position, do you make the play? Our guys get a pursuit grade on when you run to the ball, technique grade, but when you’re at the point of attack, what happens? Percentage, what happens? Des King was pretty good yesterday.”
King recorded the eighth interception of his career after picking off quarterback Trevor Lawrence at the end of the game and returning it for 29 yards. He also had three passes defended on the afternoon, which is tied for his career best.
