Houston Texans: Whitney Mercilus Seizes Distinct AFC Honors

Well here were are Houston Texans fans.

Good news just keeps pouring out of Kirby Drive!

Aside from the Texans first playoff berth in two years, they have another award to add to a mantle that’s starting to crowd slightly.

For the first time in his career, linebacker Whitney Mercilus took home the AFC Defensive Player of the Month award for his outstanding play as of late.

Jadeveon Clowney has been in-and-out with the various maladies that he has encountered this season but when the Texans have had to turn to Mercilus to fill the void, he has answered that call and has done so wonderfully.

It may be a bit too early to make this assertion but the Texans made a great call in signing Mercilus to a considerable four-year, $26 million extension this past off season.

I remember there were occasions were I’d wondered if he’d still be on the roster from one season to the next but I have to cut him some slack — he was still young and was learning the game.

I think it also helps that Romeo Crennel has inserted Mercilus to where he’ll be the most effective with his skill set, which is ultimately what his job is.

He is certainly a HUGE factor in terms of the Texans’ turnaround on defense this season and there appears that there will be no stopping of his momentum.

Sure, he’ll have bad games here and there but there’s no doubt he’s going to lay it all on the line when he takes the field.

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When you’re overshadowed by arguably the greatest defensive player of this era in J.J. Watt, it’s sometimes tough rise above that level.

But Mercilus has and he will continue to do so.

His numbers for the month of December are off the charts!

He had 17 tackles (10 solo), 5.5 sacks for 23.5 yards, seven quarterback hits, three tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and one pass defensed.

He just passed the Ninja (Antonio Smith) in terms of total career sacks in Texans history with him now being third on the all-time list with 27 of those.

This is only the beginning for Mercilus and the best is yet to come for this guy.

Next: The Emergence Of Whitney Mercilus

So let’s sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Mercilus, 25, had 12.0 sacks, 32 tackles (18 assists), two fumble recoveries, two passes defensed and one forced fumble with an appearance in all 16 games (11 starts) for 2015.

Go Texans.