Clowney interception sparks Texans defense in playoff win
Jadeveon Clowney’s juggling interception set the tone for a terrific defensive performance by the Houston Texans in a 27-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders in an AFC wild-card game Saturday.
Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft, tipped the football with both hands before grabbing his first NFL pick. That set up Lamar Miller’s 4-yard touchdown run, putting AFC South champion Houston ahead 10-0 less than 10 minutes into the opening game of the postseason.
With MVP contender Derek Carr out with a broken leg, and backup Matt McGloin sidelined by a shoulder injury, third-stringer Connor Cook was the first QB to make his initial NFL start in the playoffs. He looked overwhelmed at times against the league’s No. 1 defense, finishing 18 for 45 for 161 yards, three interceptions and one touchdown pass.
Brock Osweiler, Houston’s much-criticized quarterback, threw for one TD and ran for another.
.@clownejd is a monster. #ClowneyComin https://t.co/vpmq4mFWNi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 7, 2017
Reminder: Jadeveon Clowney is only 23 years old. He's turning into an absolute beast.
— Matt Connolly (@MattatTheState) January 7, 2017
Brad Lawing in Houston to see his son Will Lawing coach and to watch former player and #1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney play. pic.twitter.com/WPAfO9b6yE
— Wayne Parris (@wparriscpa) January 7, 2017
Jadeveon Clowney and the Houston Texans are moving on to the next round. https://t.co/PjsTBYQPQe
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 8, 2017
This story was originally published January 7, 2017 at 8:45 PM with the headline "Clowney interception sparks Texans defense in playoff win."