Houston Texans

Texans pleased with Clowney's progress so far

Published Sep. 22, 2015 12:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

Despite a disappointing 0-2 start to the season, Jadeveon Clowney has given the Houston Texans a big reason for optimism.

Clowney, who missed most of his rookie season with injuries, deflected two passes in Houston's 24-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The linebacker also recorded two tackles. His six tackles thus far nearly matches the seven he totaled in four games of action last season.

The top overall pick in the 2014 draft, Clowney underwent microfracture surgery on his knee in December.

"I think the more he plays, the better he’ll get, I really do,” Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said, per the Houston Chronicle. “I think that his play count will go up each week. The more that he’s in there, the more that it helps our team and the better he’ll get. Because basically you’re looking at a guy that’s still in his rookie year, from a playing standpoint.

“He’s shown us the signs of what we expect out of him, chasing the ball down, pressuring the quarterback, taking on blocks in the running game. I think the more experience he gets, the better he’ll get.

Clowney started Sunday's game against the Panthers and played 49 snaps.

(h/t Houston Chronicle)