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Houston Texans vs Giants: Wk 3: Three guys that will destroy Eli Manning

By Brian K. Patterson

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys hits Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys hits Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 18: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers is tripped up by Duke Ejiofor #53 of the Houston Texans as he runs with the ball after a reception in the first quarter during a preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 18: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers is tripped up by Duke Ejiofor #53 of the Houston Texans as he runs with the ball after a reception in the first quarter during a preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Player #2:  Duke Ejiofor

Yes, you’re damn right that I said it.  Duke Ejiofor will be the first guy that will be able to get to Manning this Sunday. Yes, I know Jadeveon Clowney is expected to play this Sunday after being sidelined with back and elbow injuries last week against the Titans.

But the Giants are already game-planning for Clowney and I don’t think they believe the Houston Texans are going to unleash their secret weapon in Ejiofor.

Ejiofor, a rookie selected in the 6th round out of Wake Forest, could be one of general manager Brian Gaine’s best draft decisions considering the early returns that this guy has made so far on the season.

We didn’t necessarily need another pass rusher but Gaine went out and got one.  Duke should’ve likely been selected much earlier in the draft but because of injury concerns, teams allowed him to fall into the Houston Texans‘ lap. So far, the new-and-improved Texans‘ training staff (they cleaned house this past off season) is doing a great job of ensuring that he stays healthy.

I’m certainly glad he did because Whitney Mercilus is ghosting big-time on the defensive line and Duke’s terrific insurance in case it’s a slow-go for Mercilus to recover from previous pectoral and hamstring injuries.

Also. Bill O'Brien is coaching himself into the hot seat. light

I can’t add Mercilus to this list because I do believe he’s going to need a few more games before he’s back to the fierce pass-rusher that we know.

But any way, Ejiofor had a terrific preseason and was a healthy “scratch” in Week 1 against the New England Patriots.  But his coming-out party started this past Sunday against Titans and we’ve all been invited.

Not only that, but Duke also has immense value on special teams as he always seems to be at the ready to spot the ball, get to it and destroy whatever player is trying to carry it someplace out on the gridiron on returns.

His 2018 PFF grades are:  defense (58.0), run block (45.1), tackling (71.2) and pass rush (80.9).

Duke also forced two pressures last week in his debut — one sack (the first of his pro career) and one hurry off Blaine Gabbert.  He also has one tackle and one run stop to his credit.

With Clowney back in the fold, I certainly hope that Duke is active but I have a feeling he will be because of his versatility that could be used in trying to help this team get their first win on the season.

We’ll have to see.

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