While it would seem the addition of an Alabama linebacker on the Houston Texans defense would be otherwise redundant, Henry To’oTo’o proved in Week 4 why the team needed to draft him in Round 5.
To’oTo’o generated seven combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup in the Texans’ 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium.
Buy Texans TicketsAccording to Peter King from NBC Sports, To’oTo’o was one of his three defensive players of the week.
Henry To’oTo’o, linebacker, Houston. A ferocious defensive effort that smothered the Steelers for much of the day Sunday was led by this rookie fifth-round pick from Alabama. Pronounced TOE-oh-TOE-oh, by the way. His stats (seven tackles, one for loss, and a pass defended) don’t jump off the page, but you had to see his impact on the game, particularly in the third quarter. With the Steelers down 16-0 and threatening at the Houston 15-yard line on third-and-two, To’oTo’o plastered running back Jaylen Warren behind the line, and he was stopped for a two-yard loss. Pittsburgh settled for a field goal. Next series: Pittsburgh at the Houston eight, first-and-goal, and Kenny Pickett threw for George Pickens in the back of the end zone. To’oTo’o broke it up. Pittsburgh settled for a field goal. Two huge plays in the Texans’ 30-6 win.
Along with Christian Harris, another former Alabama product, the Texans have a duo of young linebackers with dynamic cohesion. Houston limited the Steelers to 225 yards total offense and 12 first downs.
